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 don’t know about you all, but it’s about to be a whole lotta Christmas music from now on in my minivan 😉 {More holiday content coming soon too!}
Enjoy this low-key month together as a family with these 30+ ideas.
30 Things To Do In November in Southeast Michigan
November 1
Learn about Dia de los Muertos {Day of the Dead} and check out these activities and videos kids can learn from.
November 2
Find a new trail and take a hike. Nothing beats the sound of leaves crunching under your feet!
November 3
Rake up some leaves for a fun fall photo session or build a fort from sticks! This is the best time of year to do this while sticks are visible.
November 4
Head to Longway Planetarium to see Sea Lions: Life By A Whisker show. This looks so cute! $5 for kids, $7 for adults.
November 5
With colder weather, it’s time for family movie Fridays! Make a family movie list of ones to watch together. Get inspired at this post. {I always like to check out what’s new on Netflix too!}
November 6
Visit Michael’s to make a FREE Take & Make workshop. Today’s project is a Thankful pumpkin.
November 7
Daylight Saving begins! How will you spend your extra hour?! Sounds like a great reason to put together Christmas lists!
Additionally, visit English Gardens locations from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for a Christmas Open House with displays of professionally decorated theme trees, visits with Santa, and more. FREE.
November 8
The MSU Bug House is having a FREE open house. These are such fun events for kids who dig bugs! Time is 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Learn more and register here.
November 9
Head to the library to pick out some fun books for November and Thanksgiving. Here’s a great list of picture book ideas.
November 10
The Downtown Detroit Market and Cadillac Lodge are back open on this day. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend planning a day in Detroit this holiday season. Enjoy treats in Cadillac Lodge, shopping small in the markets, ice skating in Campus Martius, and more! {You can read about our experience from a few years back here.}
November 11
Happy Veteran’s Day! Visit this link for some great resources for teaching kids about this important day.
November 12
Look for some opportunities to volunteer as a family, whether it’s at a soup kitchen, ringing bells for Salvation Army, packing Thanksgiving meals, or organizing items for Toys for Tots. It’s the perfect excuse to do service together and give back! If you’re not sure where to start, check out your local chapter of United Way to see if they can help.
November 13
Today is World Kindness Day. We need kindness more than anything right now! Check out these ideas for inexpensive acts of kindness.
Aditionally, there is a FREE lantern hike at Island Lake State Recreation in Brighton. {There are a few dates. These are super pretty and fun!}
November 14
Visit the Howell Nature Center for a guided hike focusing on mindfulness. $6/adults and $4/children. Register in advance here.
November 15
Today is America Recycles Day! Sounds like a great excuse to declutter and donate to organizations in need. Clean out your bookshelves and visit a Little Free Library. Donate some books, and pick up some new ones too! These would make fun Christmas gifts for book lovers.
November 16
Make a craft with leaves {just grab contact paper from the dollar store to make these!}
November 17
Have a day or evening full of board games, or learn a new one together.
November 18
The Wayne County Lightfest opens today. Take a drive through to admire all of the beauty! $5/car.
November 19
Head to Lansing for the annual Silver Bells in the City parade.
November 20
Check out MSU’s Girls’ STEM Day for 1st-4th graders. Projects will be virtual again this year. This is such a cool FREE event!
Visit Michael’s to make a FREE Take & Make workshop. Today’s project is a yarn wreath ornament.
Wild Lights is opens on this day at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak and runs through January 9 on select dates. Make sure to grab tickets in advance to reserve a spot.
Potter Park’s Wonderland of Lights in Lansing is also happening Thursday-Sundays evenings.
November 21
Have the kids help create a cute turkey on your door for Thanksgiving.
November 22
Check out Kids Art Hub for Thanksgiving art projects and get some new art for your fridge!
November 23
To gear up for Thanksgiving, get together as a family and create a list of things and people you are thankful for.
November 24
Take some time to learn about dinosaurs, mastodons, science and more by visiting the UofM Museum of Natural History in Ann Arbor. It’s FREE! Learn more.
November 25
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 26
#OptOutside and celebrate GREEN Friday! Instead of wasting the day shopping inside, get outside and play and explore a new nature-filled spot.
Additionally, check to see if there is a local parade near you. One of our local favorites is the Fantasy of Lights in downtown Howell. Such a fun way to kick off the season!
November 27
Enjoy Small Business Saturday by supporting your favorite local businesses. Don’t forget about local sellers on Etsy as well!
November 28
Take some time today to make out those holiday wish lists.
November 29
Tis the season for holiday lights! Pack up the kids and head out for a drive to admire them. Or drive through downtown Rochester to admire The Big, Bright Light Show.
November 30
It’s Giving Tuesday! How will your family commit to giving back in the year ahead? Here’s a list of non-profits in SE Michigan to consider supporting.
I often add fun to my Facebook page and share about our adventures on Instagram, so make sure to check there, too!
What are your favorite events happening this month? Let me know in the comments!
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