Yay for May! I love this month for many reasons — the flowers peeking out, the smell of fresh-cut grass, Mother’s Day, and the return of farmer’s markets are just a few. {See this BIG list of local ones!}
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!
May 2 — $1 Subs at Jimmy Johns {Nationwide} — Get the scoop at this post from Bargains to Bounty!
May 2-3 — FREE LEGO® Mini Model Build {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 race car. 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 — 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 5 — First Friday at the Farm {Ann Arbor} — Visit The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms for some delicious food trucks and fun activities throughout the farm. $6/per person; free for children 23 months and younger.
May 5-7 — Honk Jr. with the Ann Arbor Civic Youth Theatre {Ann Arbor} — Join Ugly, the out-of-the-ordinary duckling on his journey of self-discovery in this musical adaptation of a Hans Christian Anderson tale. $8/children, $10/adult tickets.
May 6 — 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 — 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 6 — Koi Festival at Belle Isle {Detroit} — Visit the koi pond at Belle Isle in correlation with Japan’s Koinobori Festival to celebrate Japanese culture and the significance of the the koi fish. Activities include: Japanese calligraphy watercolor painting, Koinobori wind streamer craft activity, Taiko Drummers and more. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. FREE.
May 6 — Home Depot Kids Workshop {Nationwide} — Come learn how to build a flower pot. 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 6 — 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 Sprout Mother’s Day frame.
May 6 — FREE Comic Book Day at Dire Comics {Howell} — Visit Dire Comics in downtown Howell for free comics and several featured guests. Raffles and giveaways as well as storewide savings will also take place. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
May 6-7 — Faerie Day Festival at Heavenly Scent Herb Farm {Fenton} — Visit this beautiful farm for fun with fairies! Story telling, dancers, crafty projects {for an additional cost} and more. $1/person for entry.
May 6-7 — 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.
May 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.
May 7 — Final Day to see Curious George at Impression 5 {Lansing}
May 8 — MSU Bug House Open House {East Lansing} — Visit MSU’s Bug House, where you can see, touch or even hold some real creepy crawlers. In addition to viewing the amazing pinned displays, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with a whole room of insects, including walking sticks and tarantulas! FREE.
May 9 — 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 12 — Clawson Preschool PTO Ladies Night Out {Clawson} — Visit Clawson High School for a vendor event with 100 plus vendors and business owners for women to come out and shop! Food and drinks will be for sale. {No children allowed – only adults!}
May 12-13 — 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 13 — 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. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. FREE.
May 13 — 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 13 — Kids Day in the Park {Clarkston} — Visit Clintonwood Park for entertainment and events include kite building, music, moonwalks, archery, crafts, and more. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. FREE.
May 13 — 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 14 — HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! Find ideas for local things to do HERE.
May 14 — FREE Day at Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History {Detroit} — Visit this gem for FREE from 1 p.m. – 5p.m., thanks to DTE Energy Foundation.
May 14 — My Turn: Sensory Friendly Sunday at Leslie Science and Nature Center {Ann Arbor} — Children with Autism and their families are invited to visit LSNC to hike and find insects, amphibians, and plants. Participants can also see live animals, try hands-on activities, and more. FREE. Registration required.
May 18 — Great Start Livingston Parent Coalition Meeting {Howell} — Parents with children, ages 0-8 in Livingston County can visit LESA for FREE parenting tips and childcare. The topic is “Parenting in today’s world” and takes place 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. RSVP to SarahSmith@LivingstonESA.org to reserve a spot.
May 19 — Buddy from Dinosaur Train at The Oakland Mall {Troy} — Visit Buddy during a meet and greet as part of The Oakland Mall’s Giggle Gang. Limited tickets available in advance, only, 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 — 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. FREE.
May 20 — Tons of Trucks {Rochester} — Visit Borden Park in Rochester for tons of safety vehicles — from police cars to salt trucks — more. FREE.
May 20 — Spring Into Corktown {Detroit} — Visit Corktown for family-friendly activities such as face painting, carnival games, food and more. 1-5 p.m. FREE.
May 20 — Fairy Day {Holly} — Visit downtown Holly for the 2nd annual Fairy Day from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitors will have the chance to make fairy wings, a fairy crown, a fairy cupcake and more. Tickets are $20, and advance purchase is recommended. Tickets available at Cupcakes and Kisses and The Vintage Farm House.
May 20 — Happy, Healthy Summer Kick-Off {Brighton} — Visit 2|42 in Brighton and enjoy a day of free family fun while learning about the good things that are growing in Livingston County. There will be games, crafts, food, face painting and more. FREE. Register in advance.
May 20 — Royal Oak Kid’s Day {Royal Oak} — Visit Van Every Family Chiropractic for a special day dedicated to children’s health and safety. The Michigan Masons will provide a free Child ID Kit to all children who attend and there will be a bounce house, obstacle course, games and more. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. FREE.
May 20-21 — 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 20-21 — 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 21 — FREE Drive-In Movie: Rogue One {Howell} — Grab a treat, round-up the family, and head to The Hive Youth Services Center to enjoy a summer drive-in movie at dusk. FREE.
May 21 — Final Day to see Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit at Sloan Museum {Flint}
May 26-29 — 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 27 — Hello Kitty Truck at Great Lakes Crossing {Auburn Hills} — The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will be at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets inside near the AMC Theater between 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Visit for treats, while supplies last.
May 29 — 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.
May 29 — Half off clothing at Salvation Army day {all SE Michigan locations} — Read this post for tips!
May 31 — Wild Over Wednesday at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center {Detroit} — Visit the OAC The last Wednesday of each month for free admission from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be story time, hands-on experiences, games and more. FREE.
What are you most excited for this month? Drop a comment and let me know!
Bill White says
I hope you do your list of summer concerts. Being retired my wife and I go to an average of five a week within 50 miles of Howell. We usually haul along a grandkid or two for most. The Courthouse Concerts in Howell are scheduled and can be seen on the Howell Arts Council or Howell Opera House sites.
Thanks for your dedication to wholesome family values.
LiveLoveLaugh&beHappy
The Old Guy of Howell
Mrs. Weber says
I am working on the summer concert list and it will be published in the weeks ahead. How fun that you go to so many — live music is so fantastic and the perfect way to spend a nice summer night. Thanks for the heads up about Howell too — we love going to those too! Thanks for chiming in, Bill 🙂