November is the kick off to Michigan’s long winter, which isn’t so fun, BUT there are lots of fun activities to keep us all warm!
I love this month because there are always tons of plays/musicals {my weakness!} and it starts lots of Christmas fun. I don’t know about you all, but it’s about to be a whole lotta Christmas music from now on in my minivan 😉
Note: If you’re looking for Christmas fun, make sure to check out this list of events, and this list of parades and tree lightings!
Family Fun in Southeast Michigan in November 2017
Through December 30 — Visit Clifford at Sloan Museum {Flint} — Visit this Flint gem for an adorable exhibit all about everyone’s favorite Big Red Dog.
November 1 — Let’s Get Crafty at American Girl {Novi} — Join American Girl on the first Wednesday of each month for a fun and free craft! On this day, make a Gabriella marquee craft from 6-8 p.m.
November 3 — Cranbrook Institute of Science {Bloomfield Hills} — Visit this gem for FREE after 5 p.m. on the first Friday of the month courtesy of the MASCO Corporation Foundation.
November 3 — Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular {Troy} — Celebrate the arrival of Santa to the Oakland Mall with fireworks. The event is at 7 p.m. FREE.
November 3-5 — Kinky Boots at the Fox Theatre {Detroit} — The smash Broadway show hits the stage in Detroit. Learn more at this post.
November 4 — Kids Workshop at The Home Depot {Nationwide} — Build a Military Appreciation Humvee! This hands-on workshop is designed for children ages 5 – 12. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Learn what to expect here. FREE.
November 4 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michael’s to make Christmas-inspired painted rocks. 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. More about what to expect here.
November 4 — MAKEbreak at Michaels {Nationwide} — Visit Michaels and purchase a mini Christmas tree; all trimming supplies will be provided. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
November 4 — Families at The Broad {East Lansing} — Visit this East Lansing modern art museum from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for hands-on activities. FREE thanks to Farm Bureau.
November 4 — $5 Day at The Henry Ford {Dearborn} — $5 admission per venue: Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour or a traditional IMAX. $5/person per venue. $5 for parking. The one day only event is in recognition of the historic decision by Henry Ford to offer workers a wage of $5 per day in 1914, which played a major role in building America’s middle class.
November 4 — Fall Savings Spectacular at Salvation Army {SE Michigan Stores} — Visit Salvation Army thrift stores for 50% off clothing. See my tips at this post. We love this sale for stocking up for a new season!
November 4, 11, 18, 25 — FREE Day at the Flint Institute of Art {Flint} — This museum is FREE to visit every Saturday thanks to Huntington.
November 5 — MAKEbreak at Michaels {Nationwide} — Visit Michaels to make Christmas slime; all supplies provided. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. FREE.
November 5 — Christmas Open House at English Gardens {All Locations} — Celebrate the holiday season with displays of professionally decorated theme trees, visit with Santa, go and receive free refreshments. Santa photos are from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Additionally, enjoy a free craft project to make birch slice ornament. FREE.
November 5-22 — Visit Castaway Play in Howell with a canned good for discount admission! {See flyer below} More information about Castaway Play is available here — my kids ask to go here all.the.time.
November 7 & 8 — 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! November’s project is a LEGO dog. Quantities are limited. Event is open to children ages 6-14 only. FREE.
November 9 — Santa’s Arrival at Twelve Oaks Mall {Novi} — Visit the Lifestyle Cafe Food Court at 11 a.m. for fun with Santa! There will be holiday-themed activities for children. FREE.
November 10 – December 24 — A Christmas Carol at Meadowbrook Theatre {Rochester} — The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge returns to the stage for the 33rd year. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $22 {+ service fees}.
November 11 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michael’s to make craft stick ornaments. 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. More about what to expect here.
November 11 — MAKEbreak at Michaels {Nationwide} — Visit Michaels, purchase a clear ornament and make slime-filled ornaments; all other supplies provided. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
November 11-12 — Enchanted Princess Ball {Fraser} — Dress-up your little one and enjoy a show by Disney-inspired princesses! $22.50/person. Advance tickets required.
November 12 — FREE admission to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History {Detroit} – The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History opens its doors from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. for FREE, thanks to Ford Motor Company.
November 12 — My Turn: A Sensory Friendly Sunday at UMMNH {Ann Arbor} — Families affected by autism or other sensory sensitivities are invited to attend our free program in a less-stimulating and crowd-free environment at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30am. Hands-on activities, a planetarium show and more. FREE, but space is limited. Visit myturn.eventbrite.com for more information and a social story.
November 13 — MSU Bug House Open House {East Lansing} — If your child loves all things creepy crawly, the MSU Bug House is a fun place to visit. Check out the details for this event here. FREE.
November 13 — Ladies Night Out at Crossroads Village {Flint} — Grab your favorite shopping buddies and start the holiday season together in the festive quaint glow of Crossroads Village. Enjoy shopping, crafts, demonstrations, holiday lights, vintage rides and more. $5 per person.
November 17 — Silver Bells in the City {Lansing} — The premiere holiday event for the state of Michigan, which includes the lighting of Michigan’s official Christmas tree and a fireworks show over the State Capitol. The light parade kicks off at 6 p.m. FREE.
November 17 — Detroit Christmas Tree Lighting in Campus Martius {Detroit} — Such a beautiful and FREE event! 5 p.m. – Midnight. Expect to pay parking fees.
November 17 — Christmas Open House {Mount Clemens} — Visit downtown for live entertainment, Santa’s arrival, free horse-drawn trolley rides and more. FREE.
November 17-December 31 — Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo {Lansing} — Potter Park Zoo is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of holiday lights and extraordinary displays Thursdays-Sundays 5-8 p.m. Adults are $7/person, children ages 3-12 are $5 and children under 3 are free.
November 17-19 — How The Grinch Stole Christmas at The Fox {Detroit} — Visit this post for all the details!
November 18 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michael’s to make a holiday banner. 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. More about what to expect here.
November 18 — Tiny Turkey Trot at Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve {Rochester Hills} — Gather around the campfire from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. to learn a bit about turkeys then don running shoes and head out on the trail for an adventure course, complete with games, challenges and prizes all along the route. All ages family program. Our trails are stroller-friendly but jogging strollers work best. $6/person {max of $25/family}.
November 18 — Wyandotte Christmas Parade {Wyandotte} — The parade begins at 10 a.m. and usually runs approximately one hour, ending with Santa Claus! FREE.
November 18 — December 31 {Weekends} — Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo {Royal Oak} — A million-plus LED lights cover trees, buildings and animal sculptures. Live entertainment, arts, crafts, ice carving and holiday train displays, too. Tickets range from $10-$16 + parking.
November 20-January 1 — The Big, Bright Light Show {Rochester} — One of the state’s best light displays will turn on during Rochester’s signature Christmas event, Lagniappe. FREE.
November 23 — America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade {Detroit} — Rockin’ parade along Woodward Avenue complete with floats, giant balloons, and Santa. Parade starts at 8:45 a.m. at Woodward Ave. and Kirby St. and ends at Campus Martius Park. $35-$55 for advance tickets/grandstand seating, or FREE for general admission. Expect to pay parking fees as well.
November 24 — Fantasy of Lights Parade {Howell} — Festive nighttime parade in downtown Howell with each float illuminated with a minimum of 5,000 holiday lights. Entertainment and activities such as cookie decorating, visits with Santa, live reindeer and music begin at 4 p.m. The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. FREE.
November 25-26 — The Nutcracker at The Detroit Opera House {Detroit} — Journey to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy as one of the nation’s most respected dance companies returns to the Detroit Opera House with their enchanting interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s magical holiday classic. In addition to the show, there are photos with Santa, live reindeer, crafts and more. Tickets range from $29-$99.
November 29 — Tree Lighting & After Glow {Macomb Township} — Macomb Township Parks and Recreation kicks off the season with caroling, the arrival of Santa a tree lighting and more. FREE.
November 29 — 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 your favorite events happening this month? Let me know in the comments!
I saw this blog first time and really like your plans. I pray to God you should be remain always happy. I wish you all the best