Can you believe we are almost to the halfway point in the year? School is winding down here and we are certainly getting excited for some summer fun.
In the meantime, I’ve collected 31+ things to do with kids in May 2023 across southeast Michigan and beyond. Have fun planning some adventures!
31 Things To Do In May 2023 In Southeast Michigan
May 1
Take some time as a family to discuss what the month may look like. This one tends to be a busy one for families, especially with kids in school. Taking this time to talk about expectations can be so helpful for kids!
May 2
It’s Harry Potter Day! For all the Potterheads of the world, this could be a great day to make a fun Potter-inspired meal.
May 3
Head to Ann Arbor for a visit to the amazing and FREE University of Michigan Natural History Museum.
May 4
May the 4th…be with you! Celebrate Star Wars Day by making these neat LEGO mosaics or using these fun patterns for Perler beads.
May 5
- Happy Cinco de Mayo! There are tons of great kid’s recipe and craft ideas to celebrate this holiday on Pinterest. Or use it as a great excuse to support your favorite local Mexican restaurant {not that most of us need an excuse}!
- Visit Cranbrook Institute of Science for free on this evening by registering for the First Fridays Free program.
May 6
- It’s National Comic Book Day! Find a participating retailer here.
- Check out a FREE Kids’ Workshop at Home Depot. This month’s project is a flower planter. Learn more and register here.
- Head to Greenfield Village for Day Out With Thomas, taking place during May 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21. Tickets for kids start at $17 and go up to $50 for adults. {I do recommend this event once during your child’s life — it’s great for littles!}
- Visit Domino Farms for their “Saturdays at the Farm” event featuring games, story time and more. $8/person, ages 2 and under are free.
- It’s the final weekends for the Choco Town exhibit inside The Oakland Mall. Learn more and get tickets here.
- Preservation Detroit walking tours kick off this weekend. Check out $15 tours every Saturday to learn more about the city.
- Make a cute sign with AR Workshop at the Twelve Oaks Mall for their new DIY Days of Summer series. Signs start at $20 each. Learn more.
- Visit the Flint Institute of Arts — it’s FREE every Saturday.
May 7
- It’s the return of farmers market season in many cities, so buy local and fresh. Such a great opportunity for kids to ask farmers questions, too….or maybe barter with their cute faces 😉
- Visit the Michigan History Center in Lansing. It’s FREE every Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Visit Bower’s School Farm in Bloomfield Hills for open barn from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. $10/person for ages 2 and up.
May 8
- Head to MSU’s Bug House for a FREE open house where you can see, touch or even hold some real creepy crawlers.
- This week is Teacher Appreciation Week! Have the kids draft a nice letter of appreciation or draw a special picture for their teachers. {And if you’d like to purchase a gift, gift cards were the number one request from teachers I have polled. Think spots for summer fun!}
May 9
Check out the Broadway production of Aladdin, playing a the Fisher Theatre in Detroit through May 14. Tickets start at $62.
May 10
Head out geocaching in your town as a family. Make sure pack a pen and some small goodies you could leave behind.
May 11
The air *should* be starting to warm up. Now is a great time to nab an at-home science kit to grow caterpillars into butterflies or to hunt for morel mushrooms!
May 12
Head out for U-Pick asparagus! This is offered at Erwin Orchards in South Lyon, Slow Farm in Ann Arbor and Long Family Farm in Commerce.
May 13
- This day is National Stamp Out Hunger Day! Leave any non-perishables you’d like to donate to local food banks in or near your mailbox for your letter carrier to pick up. This is great, easy way to teach children about the importance of giving back.
- Visit Tanger Outlets in Howell for a FREE touch-a-truck event from 9 a.m. {sensory hour} to 2 p.m. Be on the look for yours truly handing out books!
- Take a FREE tour of the Fisher Building in Detroit with Pure Detroit.
- Check out Madagascar the Musical at The Fox Theatre in Detroit. Tickets start at $15.
May 14
Happy Mother’s Day! Take the day OFF, mamas. Or, at least refuse to do laundry or cooking 😉
- Potter Park Zoo in Lansing is FREE for mamas on this day.
- Howell Nature Center is FREE for moms, grandmas on this day.
May 15
- Take a bike ride. Is there somewhere near by you could ride to? Go on a two-wheeled adventure!
- Have you signed up for Kids Bowl Free yet? Such a great way to keep kids ages 12 and under busy this summer.
May 16
Head to one of our favorite spots in Michigan — Sloan Museum of Discovery. After, catch a show at the Longway Planetarium. Grab combo tickets here.
May 17
Head to a state park for a hike. We are so lucky to have so many beautiful ones! Get ideas here. {We love using the iNaturalist app to identify plants and animals}
May 18
With Memorial Day and 4th of July just around the corner, try your hand at some red, white, and blue tie-dye. It’s easy and fun to do. My favorite brand of kits can be found here. {affiliate link}
May 19
- This weekend brings Motor City Comic Con. Visit Suburban Showplace Collection in Novi for a weekend of fun, including plenty of kid’s activities inside the Kid’s Den.
- Move & Groove with Pete the Cat at the Flint Children’s Museum. Included with admission, which is $8/person.
May 20
- Visit Lowe’s to make a FREE spring popup flower box. Register here.
- Head to MSU for their annual FREE Teddy Bear Picnic. There will be crafts, games, therapy dogs and more. Bring your favorite stuffed friend for a special check-up from medical students too! Visit the East Lansing Art Festival after.
- Check out Gunner’s Safety Drill in Hartland for family safety measures, see a fire truck up close, bounce houses, food trucks and more.
- Shrek 5 also debuts in theaters on this day!
May 21
- Today is Flower Day at Eastern Market in Detroit. Visit for fantastic deals and beautiful plants.
- Check out Open Cockpit Days at Yankee Air Museum in Belleville. Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors, children and military. {Michigan Activity Pass participant too!}
- Visit Michaels from 2-4 p.m. for a MakeBreak to make painted rocks. FREE.
- Head to a Lansing Lugnuts game {or another minor league game with inexpensive tickets!}. Kids get to run the bases on Sunday and it’s SO fun!
May 22
Plant flowers as a family, even if it’s just filling a few pots for your porch. Such a great skill for kids to know, and great sensory play for little ones.
May 23
Challenge the kids to get creative and make a homemade boat and see how long it will float. Get inspiration here.
May 24
The artist designed mini golf course at Cranbrook Art Museum opens on this day. It sounds like an amazing way to appreciate art while getting some outdoor movement. {We loved this activity last year!}
May 25
Go garage sailing! Tis the season to start keeping an eye out. Download the Little Free Library app and find some fun books along the way, too.
May 26
The Little Mermaid live action movie debuts on this day. Make plans to head to the theater to watch it on the big screen.
May 27
- Head to Ypsilanti for their Children’s Entrepreneur Market and help support kid-run businesses. This will be great for inspiring kiddos!
- Go to Kensington Metro Park for an Art Fair. Free entry, but need a parks pass. {Check one out for free with your library card and the Michigan Activity Pass program!}
May 28
- If you are in need of an adventure, check out a local disc golfing course. Perfect to do as an inexpensive date night or with kids.
- Visit Michaels from 2-4 p.m. for a MakeBreak to paint a red, white and blue clay pot. FREE.
- Head to Rochester for their FREE annual Heritage Days celebration.
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! {I know I’ve seen listings for Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Milford, etc.!}
Additionally, visit any SE Michigan Salvation Army thrift store locations for 50% off clothing. This is a great way to save money and stock up on summer clothing for kids or yourself! To learn more about specific store locations and hours, visit semichigan.satruck.org.
May 30
Enjoy the holiday weekend with a bonfire and one of these bonfire dinner ideas to make it extra fun.
May 31
Time to sit down as a family and write that summer bucket list! This is one of our family’s favorite traditions. {Can’t wait to share our 2023 version soon!}
Happy May, friends! What’s on your family’s radar?
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