Happy Hump Day! It’s a big weekend for Halloween parties of all kind on the Eastside. You and your family can enjoy not-too-spooky celebrations at gardens, bakeries, sport centers, historical homes, museums, the Symphony and Detroit’s newest riverfront park (use the “Seasonal: Halloween” tag on the calendar to find all of the themed fun)! But if Halloween’s not your gig, there’s plenty of other fun happening too (including a community free day at Mi-Sci!).
As always, these are just some of the extra special one-off events happening in the area. In addition to these, there are so many sweet library offerings, open play opportunities at local museums and businesses, fun and educational events at our local nature centers and more. You can find all of these in our local event calendar! I hope you have an amazing weekend – whatever you end up doing!
Family-Friendly Concerts at Detroit Symphony Orchestra | October 25, 10:00-11:00am and 11:00am-12:00pm – Talented performer Miss Paula and her family-friendly rock band The Candy Bandits are playing at DSO this Saturday at 10am as part of the DSO Tiny Tots concert series (best for ages 2-6). Right after Miss Paula is an interactive Young People’s Family Concert, Pirates! The Quest for Blackbeard’s Treasure (the Young People’s Family series is suggested for ages 6+).
Motor City Game Changers Community Free Day at Michigan Science Center | October 25, 10:00am-4:00pm – The Michigan Science Center is teaming up with Smithsonian Institution’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation for a fun event that explores science and sports innovation and will feature hands-on activities, live science demos, a food truck for purchase, free admission to the museum, and more. Important to note – Mi-Sci will be shutting down their parking lot for this event, but they’ve noted alternative parking information in the event information.
Little Goblins at Ford House | October 25, 11:00am-3:00pm – Enjoy a sweet trick-or-treat trail, lots of photo ops, a kid-friendly straw maze, lawn games, and a Halloween Hayride at the Ford House in Grosse Pointe. As of Wednesday, they still have tickets available for multiple entry times.
Boo at the Nature Center at Belle Isle Nature Center | October 25 and 26, 11:00am-4:00pm – The Belle Isle Nature Center is putting its own spin on the Halloween fun with “Boo at the Nature Center” where kids and families can dress up, enjoy indoor and outdoor trick-or-treating as well as festive treats and activities! P.s. be sure to bring your own reusable trick-or-treating bag!
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park Grand Opening Celebration! Featuring Detroit Harvest Fest | October 25-26, 11:00am-8:00pm – It’s finally here! Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park is opening on the Detroit Riverfront (the new park with the big bear slide!) and they’re having a heck of a party to celebrate. You can expect tons of fun activities like the Detroit Harvest Fest (that’s been on the Dequindre Cut in years past), four live entertainment zones, kids activities like a pumpkin patch, art alley, sensory zone, and trick-or-treating, and an outdoor classroom with Huron-Clinton Metroparks. Important note: the Harvest Fest family activities will be running from 11am-4pm both days, even though broader events run from 11am-8pm. The Delta Dental Play Garden will be open from 11am-8pm with a special Park After Dark Glow Party from 6-8pm with free glow materials while they last. If you’re wondering where to park, free shuttles are available for those parking at The Assembly Garage and Bagley Mobility Hub. Detroit Body Garage is also doing a family bike ride down to the festivities!
Fall Festival at El Moore Gardens | October 25, 1:00pm-5:00pm – If you’re looking for something with a little less “Halloween” and a little more “Fall”, the sweet El Moore Gardens in Midtown are hosting their biggest family event of the year, the Fall Festival on Saturday afternoon. They’re having a mighty leaf leap, Detroit Puppet Company, brussels sprouts bowling, and a ton of other adorable fall-themed activities.
Turf or Treat at DCFC Fieldhouse | October 25, 5:00pm-7:00pm – Head to the DCFC Fieldhouse for free trick-or-treating, music, and fun! And if you’re up for it, stay and watch DCFC take on Tampa Bay up in the Clubhouse!
Great Lakes Bat Festival at Lake St Clair Metropark | October 26, 10:00am-2:00pm – Have a little one that’s big on bats? Lake St. Clair Metropark has two sweet events happening this weekend to learn more about these incredible creatures. Explorers aged 3-6 can enjoy Little Critters: Bats at the Nature Center on Saturday at 10am ($3/child, free for adults). On Sunday, folks of all ages can enjoy the free Great Lakes Bat Festival with hands-on activities, learning experiences, crafts and more.
Kids’ Halloween Bash at JoJo’s Shake Bar Detroit | October 26, 11:00am-12:30pm – Enjoy some super sweet fun at JoJo’s Shake Bar in downtown Detroit with their Halloween Bash. Tickets ($32) include an entree, a special Halloween-themed milkshake, pumpkin painting, mummy wrapping, and a costume contest. ICYMI, JoJo’s also has daily pumpkin painting slots that you can book at their Detroit location through November 2nd!
Halloween Spooktacular at The War Memorial | October 26, 12:00pm-3:00pm – Along with trick-or-treating, The War Memorial’s Halloween Spooktacular will have a magic show, live music, free glitter tattoos, a petting zoo, themed crafts and activities and lots more! Tickets are $13.00 (incl. fees), support The War Memorial’s Children’s Enrichment Fund, and, as of Wednesday, are still available.
Treats in the Streets @ Detroit Historical Museum | October 26, 2:30-5:00* – Visit the Detroit Historical Museum for a chance to trick or treat through one of the museum’s signature exhibits: The Streets of Old Detroit! Even better – they’re hosting a *sensory-friendly hour directly beforehand for families with sensory needs who might enjoy this activity at a more gentle pace.
Wishing you all an amazing fall weekend! If you want your fun to be featured, tag us on Instagram at @eastsidekidsmi!
