October has quite a wonderful reputation here in southeast Michigan…Between apples, pumpkins, and cool nights, the leaves are also about to show us how beautiful it is to let things go. It’s the perfect season for hiking and getting outside and seeing the immense changes in nature. It’s also a great month to start thinking about things to do and museums to visit during the cold months!
To inspire your family to plan an adventure this month, check out these Things to do in Southeast Michigan in October 2025.
Things To Do in Southeast Michigan in October 2025
October 1
New month, new goals! I like to take time on the first of the month to get organized and think ahead for meal planning, adventures I want to take with the kids and check out what’s new on streaming services.
October 2
- If your family hasn’t made a fall bucket list, check out these ideas for some inspiration.
- Make plans to visit the Glenlore Trails in Commerce Township for an enchanted forest experience called “Witching Hour.” Tickets range from $15-$25.
October 3
Head to a local u-pick farm to pick apples. There are still a lot of varieties to choose from!
October 4
- Visit downtown Northville to hunt for skeletons dressed up for The Skeletons Are Alive project. {Fun and free to do!}
- Make a haunted candy box at The Home Depot FREE Kids’ Workshop. Workshop runs from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Enjoy a FREE Day at the Flint Institute of Art thanks to Huntington. {also October 11, 18, 25}
- Visit the MSU Broad Art Museum in East Lansing for a FREE Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Registration encouraged.
- Check out the Halloween Ghosts & Goodies at Crossroads Village in Flint all weekends in October. $17-$27/person. {This is a cute event!}
- Visit the Detroit Zoo for the Zoo Boo to enjoy festive pumpkin displays, strolling entertainment and trick-or-treating spots scattered throughout the Zoo during October weekends. Prices start at $21/person.
October 5
- Visit the University of Michigan Natural History Museum for ID Day from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Bring in your own collected objects for identification by experts, and take a look at some of their treasures, too! FREE.
- Pick pumpkins and get donuts at a local farm. Two of our favorite spots are right by each other — Markillie Orchard and Fawcett Farms in Howell. Support your local farmers this season!
- Watch the Detroit Lions take on the Bengals at 4:25 p.m.
October 6
- This week, many fire stations are celebrating Fire Safety Week. Check to see if your fire station is holding an open house. These are so fun to attend! It’s also a great time to discuss a family plan in case of a fire.
October 7
Visit Choice Farms in Webberville for their Detroit Lions/Detroit Tigers corn maze. Admission for the maze and more are $15/person, children under 2 are free.
October 8
Check out the I Am Wild exhibit at Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing. Included with museum entry.
October 9
Make some festive super simple bleach shirts to get ready for Halloween. Find the tutorial here.
October 10
- Check out HalloGlow Nights at TreeRunner Adventure Park locations. Starts at $45/person. Runs Fridays – Sundays throughout October.
- Visit Canterbury Village for the Halloween Stroll. Tickets start at $19.98/person.
October 11
- Visit JCPenney for their Kids Zone activity from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. This month is a fire safety scene. FREE.
- Head to Potter Park Zoo for their annual Boo at the Zoo event. $15/adults, $5/child.
- Check out Van Hoosen Farms in Rochester Hills for the Stone Wall Pumpkin Festival. $12/person
October 12
- Head to your library and pick up Halloween themed books and movies for the season — adults included 😉
- Watch the Detroit Lions take on the Chiefs at 8:20 p.m.
October 13
- Visit the MSU Bug House in East Lansing to get the chance to hold and learn about creepy crawlies up close! This event is FREE and takes place from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Make a fall leaf press with crayons and wax paper.
October 14
Visit several local cider mills and rate then to decide which one has the tastiest donuts. Here’s how we did this.
October 15
Find a new trail and take a hike or have a bonfire. Nothing beats the sound of leaves crunching under your feet!
October 16
Make plans to visit a local haunted attraction with teens or for a date night. {Note: These are for ages 12+}
October 17
Let the kids climb rocks and explore and take a short hike at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve in Southfield. This place is perfect in fall!
October 18
- Check out Design & Build Day at Impression 5 in Lansing and explore the science of skilled trades and home building. Experience hands-on, interactive activities led by professional plumbers, electricians, landscapers, and roofing contractors. Included with general admission.
- Head to Lowe’s for a Kids’ DIY Workshop. This month’s FREE project is a play firehouse. Register here.
- Visit downtown Howell for the FREE Legend of Sleepy Howell event from 3-5 p.m.
- Happy Sweetest Day! I know it’s a Hallmark holiday, but it sounds like a great excuse to plan a date night 😉 {Check out these ideas!}
October 19
Visit Fenner Nature Center in Lansing for the Apple Butter Festival. FREE, but $5 parking fee suggested.
October 20
- Check out a local art studio and make something festive for the season. {We love The Ceramic Studio Etc. here in Howell!}
- Watch the Detroit Lions take on the Buccaneers at 7 p.m.
October 21
Take some time to “Boo” your neighbors or friends. Fun ideas can be found here.
October 22
Cooler weather is a great time to check out an escape room. Have you been to Neverland yet at Escape Room Novi? It’s such a fun room for families!
October 23
Shop for some fleece and make a no-sew blanket for fall. {This is my teen’s favorite seasonal thing to do!}
October 24
Cooler weather is the perfect time to visit a museum. Have you checked out Sloan Museum in Flint yet? It is well worth a drive! While there, check out the Ooky Spooky light show at the Longway Planetarium.
October 25
- It may as well be a national holiday here in Michigan: MSU vs. UofM football! Sounds like a great excuse to get together with family and friends and enjoy some delicious fall foods.
- Take a tour of the Fisher Building in Detroit with Pure Detroit. $15/person.
- Check out the Harvestfest & Food Truck Rally at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. FREE.
October 26
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the fresh air at a beautiful location. Soup, perhaps?
October 27
Check out what trunk-or-treat events are happening in your community.
October 28
From vampires to pumpkins, get inspired to make some Halloween art for the fridge with Art Hub for Kids.
October 29
Take a drive out to Hell, Michigan, and get ice cream from a coffin at Screams or send a postcard to someone from Hell. {This is one of the most beautiful fall drives in lower Michigan in my opinion!}
October 30
Have a Halloween themed family movie night.
October 31
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Enjoy the festivities today!
I often add fun to my TikTok, so be sure to check there for some inspiration too!
How do you plan to make the most of the month ahead?
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