Family Fun in Southeast Michigan in February 2016 {Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint and Lansing Areas}

Sure, February is the month of LOVE. But it’s also a month chock full of some awesome things for families around Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint and Lansing. I’m pretty stoked to check out some of this fun. Plan an adventure today!

{Or, if you are in need of a date night instead, be sure to check out my BIG list of ideas here, too!}

Family Fun in Southeast Michigan in February 2016

February 2 — Groundhog Day with Michigan’s Official Groundhog, Woody, at the Howell Nature Center {Howell} — Get your spring forecast straight from Woody, Michigan’s Official Groundhog! The Howell Conference & Nature Center will host a special celebration starting at 7:45 a.m., with the long-awaited prediction coming at 8:15 a.m. sharp. FREE.

February 5 — FREE admission to Cranbrook Institute of Science After 5 p.m. {Bloomfield Hills} — Free admission courtesy of the MASCO Corporation Foundation, The Café and Observatory are open, and planetarium and bat shows are offered at an additional charge.

February 6 — Kid’s Workshop at Home Depot {Nationwide} – Make Valentines mailbox for FREE at Home Depot.  Hands-on workshops are designed for children ages 5 – 12 and take place between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Advance registration encouraged {link above}.

February 6 — Chocolate Extravaganza {Chelsea} — This family-friendly event offers chocolate and Valentine-themed treats and activities in more than 30 local shops, restaurants, galleries and cafes. 10 a.m. – 5p.m. FREE to attend.

February 6, 13, 20, 27 — FREE Day at the Flint Institute of Art {Flint} — This museum is FREE to visit every Saturday thanks to First Merit Bank.

February 6 — Families at The Broad {East Lansing} — Visit this East Lansing modern art museum from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. for hands-on activities and a family guided tour at 1 p.m. FREE thanks to Farm Bureau.

February 6 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michael’s to make a Cupid’s Arrow Valentine. Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included.

February 6-7 — Wild Winter at the Detroit Zoo {Royal Oak} — This family event has music, zookeeper talks, games and crafts, plus an African drum lesson and stories by Kenyan naturalist David Gakure. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free with zoo admission, which is $14/adults, $10/kids 2-14 and seniors, free for kids under 2. $6/parking.

February 6-7 — Enchanted Princess Ball {Warren} – The Enchanted Princess Ball is a theatrical performance that transports children into a magical fairytale world. Awaiting your arrival will be: Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Sleeping Beauty and more. Tickets are $22.50.

February 7 — FREE Day at Flint Children’s Museum {Flint} — General admission to the museum is FREE this day, thanks to Kohl’s Cares. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

February 8 — Bug House Open House at MSU {East Lansing} — Visit MSU’s Bug House to see, touch and even hold creepy crawlers. In addition to viewing the pinned displays, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with a whole room of insects, including walking sticks and tarantulas. FREE.

February 8 — Macy’s 2nd Mondays at The Henry Ford {Dearborn} — Introduce your preschool children to the wonders of The Henry Ford — all before nap time {10 a.m. – noon}. Storytelling, live entertainment and dozens of hands-on activities related to some of the museum’s most memorable artifacts. February’s theme is “Drive your imagination.” FREE for kids, adults can get 25 percent off their tickets with this coupon.

February 9 — Little Critters at Howell Nature Center {Howell} — Children explore wildlife biology through songs, stories, crafts and more. This month it’s Woody, Michigan’s official groundhog. Two sessions available: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $6 per child/adult pair Pre-registration is required, call 517-546-0249 to save a spot.

February 12-14 — Meridian Winter Blast {Detroit} — Visit Campus Martius Park for ice sculptures, a 200-foot snow slide, 50+ musical acts, dog-sledding and ice-skating demonstrations, snow shoeing, marshmallow roasting and more! Entry cost: 3 canned food items, 1 children’s book, or $2 to be donated to Matrix Human Services to help those in need.

February 12-14 — Downtown Utica Ice Festival {Utica} — Ice sculptures, children’s activities, carriage rides, and more. See the entire schedule at the link above. FREE.

February 13 — Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic {Nationwide} — Make a picture holder for Valentine’s Day! Workshop takes place at 10 a.m. and advance registration encouraged {link above}. FREE.

February 13 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michael’s to make a Valentine dreamcatcher. Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included.

February 13 — Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School at Michigan Theatre {Ann Arbor} — From bus rules to band-aids, carpools to cookies, Junie B. and friends deliver the definitive word on surviving school and thriving in style. With a jillion tips, tricks and trip-ups, Junie B. shows us all how school is sometimes scary, sometimes super-fun, and ALWAYS something to sing about. Recommended for grades K – 5. Tickets are $12.

February 14 — FREE admission to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History {Detroit} — Enter for FREE thanks to Ford Motor Company. {Perfect for teaching about African-American History Month!}

February 18 — Fairy Tea at Crazy Wisdom Book Store {Ann Arbor} — Children, ages 2-8, and their families are welcome for tea and cookies served by real fairies! Celebrate with enchanting fairies as they serve tea, treats, and magic. 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. events. Registration is required. $11/person. {Babies 18 months and younger are free.}

February 20 — Lunar New Year Festival {Howell} — This event will celebrate the Lunar New Year and will feature Asian cuisine, culture, art and games and a Dragon 5K, all while promoting local businesses. Most activities are FREE.

February 26-28 — Michigan Nordic Fire Festival {Charlotte} — Grab your helmet and axe and come enjoy this winter festival featuring music, fire performers, cardboard long ship races, archery and kid’s activities like face painting, Viking mask design and more. FREE.

February 27 — Peter Rabbit Tales at The Wharton Center {East Lansing} — Celebrate Beatrix Potter’s 150th birthday year with Enchantment Theatre Co.’s Peter Rabbit Tales. Using fantastic masks, whimsical puppets, gorgeous scenery and original music, the magical world of Beatrix Potter comes to life onstage! Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny escape from Mr. McGregor, outfox Mr. Tod, and rescue the Flopsy Bunnies from the badger, Tommy Brock. Visit for free interactive educational activities prior to the show. Recommended for ages 3-9. Tickets are $12.

February 27 — Brick Bash Public LEGO Exhibition {Ann Arbor} — Brick Bash is a public LEGO-building exhibition for all ages. See amazing creations made out of LEGO. Trains, cities, robots, vehicles, construction equipment, and more. Build anything you want at the huge tables covered with LEGO and Bionicle parts, even a separate Duplo play area for the little ones. Tickets are $5 per person, with a $20 family maximum.

February 27 — Monster Jam at Ford Field {Detroit} — Monster Jam stars the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam Trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and repping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through. 7 p.m. show. Tickets range from $10-$57.

February 27-28 — LEGO®Palooza at Impression 5 Science Center {Lansing} — This fundraising event takes over the Science Center for the weekend with tons of special LEGO-themed activities, challenges, and more. Let your imagination take form on the 3D LEGO wall, create your own masterpieces in the free-build area, test your engineering skills to build the fastest car or most stable boat, be a part of an awesome photo-op, and much more. Event registration is not required but highly recommended.  Tickets are $17 for non-member kids, age 1 and under and adults are free.

NOTE: There are daddy/daughter and mother/son dances in nearly every community. Search for one in your community and make a fun memory together!

COMING UP: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan will be opening to the public on March 25. Stay tuned for details and a sneak peek!

What do you have planned for the month? Drop ideas and I will do my best to add them!