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 2022 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, family-friendly trail and take a hike during this beautiful time of year. 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
Residents of Genesee and Shiawasee Counties can get into Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium for FREE on this day, courtesy of United Way. {If you haven’t been to this gem, make sure to plan a visit — it’s wonderful!} Learn more and follow the link to register here.
November 5
Home Depot Kids’ Workshops are back in-stores! Visit your location to make a scarecrow napkin holder for FREE.
Check out MSU’s Girls’ STEM Day for 1st-4th graders. This is such a cool FREE event!
November 6
Visit Michael’s for a FREE workshop from 2-4 p.m. Today’s project is paint an ornament.
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.
P.S. Daylight Saving begins on this day. How will you spend your extra hour?!
November 7
Visit a local downtown and check out murals. Public art is the best! {We love the ones around downtown Howell, but there are great ones in Detroit, Flint, Fenton and more.}
November 8
Head to the library to pick out some fun books for November and Thanksgiving. Here’s a great list of picture book ideas.
November 9
Look for some opportunities to volunteer as a family this holiday season, 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 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
Visit Island Lake State Park in Brighton for a FREE lantern hike. {There are a few dates. These are super pretty and fun!}
November 13
Today is World Kindness Day. Check out these ideas for inexpensive acts of kindness to surprise someone.
Visit Michael’s for a FREE workshop from 2-4 p.m. Today’s project is a pop-up Christmas card.
Head to the Howell Nature Center for a family archery challenge from 1-3 p.m. $12/person, $10/members.
November 14
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 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, or go through hats, gloves, coats and boots and find a local spot accepting donations.
November 16
This time of year is perfect for visiting a local museum. If you have a little one, the Flint Children’s Museum is one of our family favorites.
November 17
The Wayne County Lightfest opens today. Take a drive through to admire all of the beauty! $5/car.
Additionally, Wild Lights is opens on this day at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak and runs through January 8 on select dates. Make sure to grab tickets in advance to reserve a spot.
November 18
Head to Lansing for the annual Silver Bells in the City parade.
Magic of Lights opens today as well at Pine Knob Music Theater in Clarkston. $15/car.
November 19
Visit Michael’s for a FREE workshop from 2-4 p.m. Today’s project is Christmas tree pinecones.
Potter Park’s Wonderland of Lights in Lansing is also happening Thursday-Sundays evenings through December 23.
Head to Brighton for the city’s annual Holiday Glow & Christmas Market from 1-7 p.m.
November 20
Plan a trip to Commerce Township to see Aurora, an immersive lighted trail experience presented by Glenlore Trails. Prices are $15 for youth and $25 for adults.
November 21
Have the kids help create a cute turkey on your door for Thanksgiving or check out Kids Art Hub for Thanksgiving art projects and get some new art for your fridge!
November 22
Make a special trip to the Fox Theatre in Detroit to see Elf The Musical, showing through Nov. 27. Tickets start at $40. Or head to Meadow Brook Theatre for its annual performances of A Christmas Carol. Tickets are $46.
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
Happy Thanksgiving! Make sure to tune into America’s Thanksgiving Day parade taking place in Detroit!
November 25
#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 26
Enjoy Small Business Saturday by supporting your favorite local businesses. Don’t forget about local sellers on Etsy as well!
Additionally, you can head to Home Depot for a FREE kids’ workshop to make a train Christmas ornament.
November 27
Visit Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester to see the mansion decorated for the holidays, or see the Winter Wonder Lights display. Ticket prices vary.
After, drive through downtown Rochester to admire The Big, Bright Light Show, which is free.
November 28
Have a bonfire — even if there is snow on the ground. It’s a beautiful time of year to bundle up and enjoy before frigid temps at the start of the year.
November 29
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.
November 30
Visit Ford House in Grosse Pointe to see the house at Christmastime. Tickets range from $9-$20.
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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