31 Things To Do in October in Southeast Michigan

I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.

– L.M. Montgomery

October truly is one of the best months of the year, right? I am so pumped to get outside and take photos of my kids playing in the leaves and witness my back yard transform into nature’s most beautiful colors.

Although things are still different due to the pandemic, there are plenty of ways to still have fun as a family. Check out these 31 ideas for family fun throughout the months and plan some adventures!

{More Halloween-specific events coming soon}

31 Things To Do in October

October 1 — Visit Michaels Stores Kids Club online to learn how to make a lion pumpkin at home.

October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 — Enjoy a FREE Day at the Flint Institute of Art thanks to Huntington. {Masks required}

October 4 — Visit the Howell Nature Center for a spook- tacular ninja warrior challenge! Make your way through a festive obstacle course, climb our 60ft rock tower, and zip across our 500ft zip line. $40-$50/person.

October 5 — Go on a fall walking color tour at The Ledges of Grand Ledge.

October 6 — Head to your library and pick up books. It’s the season for cuddling and reading! {I absolutely LOVE these book lists from The Read-Aloud Revival!}

October 7 — Use this post to plan a scavenger hunt in your town.

October 8 — Head to a local u-pick to pick apples.

October 9 — Hooray! Bowling alleys and movie theaters can now open in Michigan. Check out the Kids Bowl Free program, which is now taking place this fall.

October 10 — It’s National Fossil Day! Celebrate virtually with MSU. Have your fossils identified by MSU scientists. Also, take part in fossil crafts, learn about Michigan paleontology, and hear from real paleontologists! {Link.}

October 11 — Check out the Halloween Ghosts & Goodies Drive-Thru at Crossroads Village in Flint. $20/vehicle and each person in the vehicle will receive a complimentary Ghost & Goodies treat bag!

October 12 — Put away the devices and cuddle together for a family game night — always great as it starts to get darker at night!

October 13 — Let the kids climb rocks and explore at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve in Southfield.

October 14 — Take a drive out to Hell, Michigan, and get ice cream from Screams or send a postcard to someone from Hell!

October 15 — Visit Michaels Stores Kids Club online to learn how to make a popsicle stick scarecrow at home.

October 16 — Check out a Glow Zip at Howell Nature Center from 7-8 p.m. Glow sticks, neon face paint, and a festive treat are included. $20-$30/person.

October 17 — Happy Sweetest Day! Sounds like a great excuse to plan a date night 😉 {Check out these ideas!}

October 18 — Visit the Glenlore Trails in Commerce Township for a haunted forest experience.

October 19 — Visit the Marvel exhibit at The Henry Ford {purchase tickets in advance}.

October 20 — Visit Michaels Stores Kids Club online to learn how to draw zombie animals at home.

October 21 — It’s Reptile Day! Plan a visit to The Reptarium in Utica for some hands-on learn about reptiles.

October 22 — Take a stroll in downtown Northville and hunt for fairy doors.

October 23 — Pick pumpkins and get donuts at two of our favorite spots — Markillie Orchard and Fawcett Farms.

October 24 — Check out the Best Maze corn maze in Williamston. {Fun for kids during the day; spooky at night!} Tickets are $7/person and ages 4 and under are free.

October 25 — Learn to shoot a bow and arrow at the Riley Archery range at Heritage Park in Farmington Hills {select dates; reserve in advance}.

October 26 — With the election just days away, discuss the importance of voting with your kids. This kid-friendly video from YouTube is great for explaining the process.

October 27 — Find a new trail and take a hike. Nothing beats the sound of leaves crunching under your feet!

October 28 — From vampires to pumpkins, get inspired to make some Halloween art for the fridge with Art Hub for Kids!

October 29 — Check out what’s new on your streaming service and have a Halloween themed family movie night.

October 30 — Check out HalloGlow Nights at TreeRunner Adventure Park locations. {This sounds amazing!} $49/person.

October 31 — HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Make sure to enjoy the MSU vs. UofM game on this day too!

Also, don’t forget Daylight Saving Time start on November 1, so enjoy that extra hour of sleep 😉

How do you plan to make the most of the month ahead?