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 😉
Enjoy the month together as a family with these 30+ ideas.
30 Things To Do In November 2023 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 {and maybe a little snow} crunching under your feet!
November 3
Head to Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills for FREE after 5 p.m. on the first Friday of the month courtesy of the MASCO Corporation Foundation. {Make sure to register in advance!}
November 4
- Check out Home Depot for a FREE Kids’ Workshop. This day’s project is to make a horse shoe game.
- Take a FREE tour of the Fisher Building in Detroit with Pure Detroit.
- Visit the Flint Institute of Art. This museum is FREE to visit every Saturday thanks to Huntington.
- Go to the MSU Broad Museum modern art museum in East Lansing from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for hands-on activities. The day’s theme is Flow. FREE.
November 5
- Visit Michael’s for a FREE MakeBreak from 2-4 p.m. Today’s project is paint an ornament.
- Head to 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.
- Go to the Michigan History Center in Lansing. It’s FREE every Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
P.S. Daylight Saving ends on this day. How will you spend your extra hour?!
November 6
Have you checked out Sloan Museum in Flint and the Bodies Exhibit {for older kids}? It is well worth a drive for a day trip!
November 7
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 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
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 10
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 11
Happy Veteran’s Day! Visit this link for some great resources for teaching kids about this important day.
November 12
- Visit Michael’s for a FREE MakeBreak from 2-4 p.m. Today’s project is a DIY holiday card.
- Head to the U-M Museum of Natural History Museum for The Buzz On Sweet Foods and visit with scientists from a variety of fields and participate in engaging, hands-on activities to learn about their cutting-edge research. FREE. Suitable for upper elementary through adult visitors.
November 13
- Today is World Kindness Day. Check out these ideas for inexpensive acts of kindness to surprise someone.
- 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 14
This time of year is fantastic for supporting our local community theatre programs. Find one here and see what’s coming up!
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
- If you have a little one, the Flint Children’s Museum is one of our favorites for little learners.
- The Wayne County Lightfest opens today. Take a drive through to admire all of the beauty! $5/car.
November 17
- Head to Lansing for the annual Silver Bells in the City parade.
- Magic of Lights opens today at Pine Knob Music Theater in Clarkston. Pricing starts at $17.50/car. We really enjoyed this event last year!
- Visit Detroit for the tree lighting ceremony and the Light Up Beacon Park event.
- 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.
- If you have a Hunger Games fan in your house, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes opens on this day.
November 18
- Visit Lowe’s for a DIY-U Workshop to make a turkey photo holder.
- Check out MSU’s Girls’ STEM Day for 5th-8th graders. {While labeled for girls, it’s open to all genders.} This is such a cool FREE event!
- Potter Park’s Wonderland of Lights in Lansing kicks off today and is 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 19
Visit Michael’s for a FREE workshop from 2-4 p.m. Today’s project is a watercolor stocking.
November 20
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. Or simply get together as a family and create a list of things and people you are thankful for.
November 21
Look for an upcoming performance of The Nutcracker or another holiday show. It’s the perfect excuse to get together with friends and family.
November 22
Visit Canterbury Village in Lake Orion for their annual Holiday Stroll event on select days. Tickets are $19.79 for adults and children ages 2-17. Military and under age 2 are just $3.30. See an event write-up at this post.
November 23
Happy Thanksgiving! Make sure to tune into America’s Thanksgiving Day parade taking place in Detroit.
November 24
- Wild Lights opens on this day at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak and runs through January 7 on select dates. Make sure to grab tickets in advance to reserve a 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 25
- Visit Island Lake State Park in Brighton for a FREE lantern hike. {There are a few dates. These are super pretty and fun!}
- Head to Home Depot for a FREE kids’ workshop to make a penguin ornament.
- Enjoy Small Business Saturday by supporting your favorite local businesses. Don’t forget about local makers as well!
November 26
- 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 27
Today is Cyber Monday. What deals can you find?
November 28
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 29
Check out the annual production of A Christmas Carol at Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester. Tickets start at $44.
November 30
Visit Ford House in Grosse Pointe to see the house at Christmastime. Tickets range from $15 for children to $30 for adults.
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!
The Oxford Center is hosting a Sensory Friendly Santa event for children with autism. Here is the info, dates, and times if you wouldn’t mind sharing that.