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

Ahhhhh, May. It’s one of my favorite months of the year for many reasons — the flowers peeking out, the smell of fresh-cut grass, and the return of many farmer’s markets are just a few. Luckily, there is plenty to do with kids this month too. Check out my list of ideas below and give me a shout if I’ve missed your favorites!

Family Fun in May 2016 in Southeast Michigan

April 30 – May 1 — Faerie Day Festival at Heavenly Scent Herb Farm {Fenton} — Visit this beautiful farm for fun with fairies! Story telling, dancers, workshops and more. $1/person for entry.

April 30 – May 1 — Victorian Days {Grand Ledge} — Salute the Victorian era with a ball, maypole dance, high tea, Civil War encampment, riverboat rides, carriage rides, period craft demonstrations and more. FREE entry, some activities have a fee.

April 30 – May 1, May 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 — FREE Dinosaur Tours at the University of Michigan Natural History Museum {Ann Arbor} — Visit the museum at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for a free, 30-minute docent-led tour of the dinosaur exhibits. Sign up on the day of the tour. Limited to 15 people. Sponsored by U-M Credit Union.

April 30 – May 1, May 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 — Family Tour at the Detroit Institute of Arts {Detroit} — Visit the museum on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 & 3 p.m. for a guided tour of select galleries or explore family and kid-friendly galleries. Free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, otherwise $12.50 for adults, $6 for youth {ages 6-12} and 5 and under are free.

May 1 — Listen To Your Mother Show {Detroit} — This show is full of storytellers sharing tales of motherhood. Perfect for a girl’s day! Learn more at this post.

May 3-4 — FREE LEGO® Mini Model Build {LEGO Stores Nationwide} — Visit your local LEGO Store to learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home – for free! May’s project is a LEGO Hedgehog. Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. One per child. Event is open to children ages 6-14 only. FREE.

May 5 — Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic {Nationwide} — Bring your kids to Lowe’s to build a chalkboard planter kit! Workshop takes place at 10 a.m. and advance registration encouraged {link above}. FREE.

May 5-8 — Spring Fling Fest {Mason} — Visit Mason to experience a 5K run, a craft show on the courthouse square, pie sale, duck race and much more. FREE.

May 6 — Free Admission to Cranbrook Institute of Science {Bloomfield Hills} — Visit after 5 p.m. the first Friday of every month, courtesy of the MASCO Corporation, for FREE.

May 6 — Touch a Truck at Drake Sports {West Bloomfield} — From 6-9 p.m., kids can get a firsthand look at police, fire, construction, trash and all the really cool work vehicles we see every day, but don’t get the chance to touch. Several food trucks will also be on site. $5/car.

May 6 — Discover the D Hometown Tourist Day {Detroit} — Stop by Campus Martius Park to learn about area attractions and events. Representatives from local hotels, restaurants and attractions will be on hand to provide information and coupons. This event is hosted by the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. FREE.

May 7-8, May 14-15 — Day Out With Thomas at Greenfield Village {Dearborn} — This fun-filled event offers little engineers and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy a day of activities including arts & crafts, storytelling and more. Advance tickets recommended. Ticket prices: Seniors {62+}: $35.25, adults {age 13-61}: $37.75, youth {age 5-12}: $31.50, child {age 1-4}: $11.75. Parking is $6 per vehicle. {I wrote about our experience here!}

May 7 — Families at The Broad {East Lansing} — Visit this East Lansing modern art museum from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for hands-on activities and a family guided tour at 1 p.m. FREE thanks to Farm Bureau.

May 7 — Touch-A-Truck {Ypsilanti} — Young children are invited to explore everything from fire trucks to book mobiles and families have the opportunity to learn about resources in the community and engage in fun games and activities. FREE thanks to The Rotary Club of Ann Arbor.

May 7 — Koi Transfer at Belle Isle {Detroit} — Bring the family and a 5-gallon bucket to help transfer the koi from their winter home inside the Aquarium to the outdoor lily pond. The event begins at 10 a.m., but come early! All ages are welcome. FREE.

May 7 — Marshall from Paw Patrol at Great Baraboo {Clinton Township} — Come in for lunch on a Saturday and Marshall from Paw Patrol will be here to meet with kids, take pictures, and hang out while they eat. FREE {but you have to pay for lunch}!

May 7 — Home Depot Kids Workshop {Nationwide} — Come learn how to build an Angry Bird House. This FREE hands-on workshops is designed for children ages 5 – 12, and is held from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Register online in advance.

May 7 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Drop into a Michael’s Craft Store and take home a completed project! Just $2 per child for 30 minutes of creative craft fun, including supplies. 10 a.m. – noon. Ages 3 and up. This day’s project is paper flowers.

May 7, 14, 21, 28 — FREE Day at the Flint Institute of Art {Flint} — This museum is FREE to visit every Saturday thanks to First Merit Bank.

May 7 — Walk for Wildlife//Tree House Grand Opening at Howell Nature Center {Howell} — Learn more about this fun event at this post.

May 8 — HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

May 8 — FREE Entry for Moms at Impression 5 {Lansing} — All moms receive FREE admission on Mother’s Day!

May 8 — Final Day for Sloan Museum’s Water’s Extreme Adventure {Flint} — Make sure to visit this unique exhibit before it closes!

May 9 — Macy’s 2nd Mondays at Greenfield Village {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. May’s theme is “Springs’ in Bloom,” and the event will take place in Greenfield Village. FREE for kids, adults will need to pay admission.

May 10 — FREE Cone Day at Haagen-Dazs Shops {Nationwide} — Visit the Troy location between the hours of 4-8 p.m. for a FREE delicious cone!

May 13-15 — The Jungle Book by the Ann Arbor Civic Youth Theatre {Ann Arbor} — In this stage version of the beloved Disney musical, Mowgli, the “man cub” befriends a helpful python and a singing bear as he marches his way through the jungle. Along the way, he helps restore peace among the animals and learns what it means to be human. The familiar characters and songs are sure to delight audiences of all ages. $8/children, $10/adult tickets.

May 14 — Stamp Out Hunger {Nationwide} — Leave non-persishables out by your mailbox and help a local family in need. So simple to do, and an easy way to give back.

May 14 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Drop into a Michael’s Craft Store and take home a completed project! Just $2 per child for 30 minutes of creative craft fun, including supplies. 10 a.m. – noon. Ages 3 and up. This day’s project is a dreamcatcher.

May 14 — Kids Day in the Park {Rochester} — Visit Bloomer Park in Rochester for car seat checks, bike safety, fire department water play and vehicles, child finger printing and more. FREE.

May 14 — Butterfly Festival at the University of Michigan Natural History Museum {Ann Arbor} — See live butterflies and learn about the life cycle and lifestyles of butterflies at this enjoyable spring event. Help with planting in the Museum’s Butterfly and Pollinator Garden, and make your very own butterfly wings to take home! 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. FREE.

May 15 — FREE showing of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at Historic Howell {Howell} — Theater Visit to see this 1980’s classic on the big screen. Presented by Kellogg Family Foundation. 2 p.m. First come, first served.

May 15-22 — Bookstock Used Media Sale {Livonia} — This HUGE media sale has everything from books to magazines, audio books and more — and for great prices. All proceeds benefit literacy programs. Look for more details and offers in the week ahead!

May 20 — Curious George at The Oakland Mall {Troy} — Visit Curious George during a meet and greet as part of The Oakland Mall’s Giggle Gang. Limited tickets available in advance, only, through 5/19 on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last, at the Information Center. Arrive early! FREE for Giggle Gang members; $3 for others.

May 20-22 — Adventures of Pinocchio {Children’s Musical} presented by Oakland University {Rochester} — The traditional Italian story of a wooden puppet yearning to be a real boy springs to life with inventive and awe-inspiring puppetry. Based on Carlo Collodi’s classic tale, this family musical illuminates the bond between parents and children, in a magical performance that is sure to enchant audiences of all ages. $10 general, $6 students and children. Two and under free.

May 20-22 — Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Fox Theatre {Detroit} — Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is an elaborate theatrical production perfect for all ages. Tickets range from $34-$71.50 each.

May 20-22 — East Lansing Art Festival {East Lansing} — This event brings together more than 200 artists. Musical acts perform and a food court is available. FREE.

May 21 — Open Barn at Bowers School Farm {Bloomfield Hills} — Visit the barn from 12 to 4 p.m. to check out animals, go on a wagon ride, take a horse or pony ride, feed a goat, and shop for goodies. FREE {some activities have a small fee}.

May 21 — FREE Drive-In Movie: Minions {Howell} — Grab a treat, round up the family, and head to Page Field in downtown Howell to enjoy a FREE summer drive-in movie. The movie begins at dusk but please arrive early so you don’t interrupt the movie.  Popcorn and refreshments will be available for purchase so park your car and tune in via radio. FREE.

May 21 — Cinderella at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts {Brighton} — Academy of Russian Classical Ballet presents the magical fairytale Cinderella. Set to S. Prokofiev’s exquisite score, Cinderella features students from the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet and Colorado Ballet Principal dancer Yosvani Ramos. Show is at 6 p.m. and tickets are $22 each.

May 21 — Touch-A-Truck presented by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy {Detroit} — Touch-a-Truck is a free hands-on family event that will provide children with the opportunity to explore large vehicles of all types, including those used by professionals in construction, public safety, transportation, landscaping and other industries. Register here. FREE.

May 22 — FREE Day at Flint Children’s Museum {Flint} — The Flint Children’s Museum is having a free day thanks to Genesee Health Systems and Dr. Nick Belill. Stop by between 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. for a day of fun.

May 27 — FREE Admission to the Troy Aquatic Center {Troy} — Free admission on opening day from 12-7:30 p.m. Children under 10 years old must have adult in water.

May 27-30 — St. Mary’s Polish Country Fair {Orchard Lake} — There’s more than 45 midway rides, live music, shopping, authentic food and more at this Polish-themed event. General admission is $6 per person or $15 per family {up to 6}.

May 28-29 — Greater Rochester Heritage Days {Rochester} — Visit Rochester Municipal Park for history, crafts, lumberjack shows, food, cars, a fire truck muster and more celebrating Rochester’s long history. FREE.

May 28 — Kid’s Day at White Lotus Farms {Ann Arbor} — Come get a taste of farm life and meet the animals who give us delicious eggs and cheese!  Goat milking demonstrations, baby goats, music, and face painting fill the day with fun.  Our farm cart fills the day with our delicious food: fresh organic produce, artisanal breads and cheeses, pastries, coffee, farm-made pizza and more! FREE. 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

May 30 — Half off clothing at Salvation Army day {all SE Michigan locations} — Read this post for tips!

May 30 — HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! — Many communities are having a Memorial Day parade. Check your local city website to see if your community is hosting something special.

What are you most excited for this month? Drop a comment and let me know!