Choosing a diverse community can be pivotal in shaping a child’s worldview. Niche, a highly regarded platform for town, school, and college insights, has released its 2024 rankings of the Most Diverse Places to Live. This list spotlights top metro Detroit communities for families who prioritize inclusivity.
These rankings incorporate data from the U.S. Census, evaluating factors like ethnic and economic diversity. Discover which Detroit-area communities offer the most welcoming environments for families. Find additional details on the full methodology.
Looking for more diverse places to live in metro Detroit? Read these related stories:
This article was updated on Oct. 30, 2024, by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. Her work included adding the 2024 Niche rankings for the “Most Diverse Places to Live in the Detroit Area.” Questions? Please reach out to katina@metroparent.com.
Superior Charter Township offers residents a peaceful suburban lifestyle paired with easy access to nearby Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Known for its scenic parks and green spaces, the township has a strong sense of community and a commitment to preserving natural areas
Ypsilanti Charter Township blends suburban comfort with a lively local culture, offering residents access to scenic parks, riverside trails and a welcoming community.
With an overall score of “A” from Niche, Auburn Hills is a strong contender for families looking for a diverse place to live with a good cost of living and great outdoor activity options.
With a slogan of “The World in 2 Square Miles” it’s no surprise Hamtramck ranks among the most diverse places in Michigan. The city offers tons of bars and restaurants, plus many family friendly festivals throughout the year.
Center Line’s diverse neighborhoods and proximity to bigger cities like Royal Oak and Detroit make it a good choice for families wanting a peaceful neighborhood within driving distance to downtown life.
This diverse town offers a sparse suburban feel with room for a family to grow. Romulus scored a “B-” in housing, a “B+” in outdoor activities and a “B-” for commuting from Niche.
Oak Park draws many young families for its proximity to robust shopping and recreation in nearby Ferndale and Royal Oak as well as a more affordable cost of living, among other benefits.
With the holiday season comes the search for holiday gifts for everyone in the family — from kids to grandparents and even the family dog. While it’s easy to click a few buttons and purchase everything online, there’s nothing like the experience of browsing a local shop for unique finds. And Shop Local Macomb has you covered.
“Shop Local Macomb gives us the opportunity to showcase the more than 1,600 independently owned and operated businesses in the County,” said Executive Mark Hackel.
It kicks off on Friday, November 22 and continues until Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. The initiative is an important one when it comes to the financial stability of the overall community.
“Macomb County Planning and Economic Development is proud to once again launch this campaign and offer our local retailers, and local shoppers, the chance to win big,” said MCPED Director Vicky Rowinski.
As part of its sponsorship, First State Bank is offering 10 $150 gift cards to lucky shoppers who support local stores. To enter follow these three simple steps:
Photo credit: Macomb County Planning & Economic Development
Note: Participants are only allowed one entry per store and are only allowed to win one $150 gift card. Entrants must be at least 18 years old. No purchase necessary.
In addition to entering themselves for one of the $150 gift cards, shoppers who share photos of local businesses also automatically enter the business they’re posting about into a $1,000 grant.
The winners of the gift cards and the $1,000 business prize will be announced on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.
So, this holiday season, instead of shopping at a big box store, try helping out the families in the community.
“We’re fortunate to have this incredible community of retailers and during the holiday season, we need to show them our support,” says Hackel. “I know I’ll be purchasing some of my gifts at local small businesses this year, and I hope you’ll join me in this effort.”
Families can enjoy all that downtown Utica has to offer – the art, the entertainment, the shopping, the restaurants and more.
“Downtown Utica has a rich history,” says Mayor Gus Calandrino. It was established in 1817 and is one of the few cities in the area that have a legitimate historical downtown area.”
He explains that there are some really great places there now, but be on the lookout for a couple new additions that are sure to elevate the area.
“LegaSea, an extension of The Reptarium, promises to be super exciting with an over 30,000 square foot aquarium that will be a hands-on experience from the minute you walk in the door until the minute you leave,” says Calandrio.
Ready to dig into downtown Utica right now? Here are some notable places to start:
Choose between milk or fruit teas and then add on toppings like coconut jelly, mango jelly, lychee jelly, strawberry popping, mango popping and tapioca pearls (boba). They also have Sprite Fizzy Drinks and seasonal drinks to try.
Stop in for a latte or enjoy brunch during the day. The menu changes each month. The restaurant closes from 3-4 p.m. every Tuesday-Friday and 3-5 p.m. on Saturdays to prep for dinner. They also have wood-fired pizza on the menu. It is also a co-working space.
This spot in downtown Utica uses the freshest ingredients and cooks all their food from scratch. Celebrate Taco Tuesday and Taco Thursday with $2 Americano and Mexican street tacos on those days. Also, enjoy $12 lunch specials which are served with rice, beans, chips and salsa and a soft drink with your meal.
This coffee shop has a Northern Michigan vibe to it. In fact, they have a Yooper drink on the menu that is a latte drink with espresso coffee, vanilla, caramel, brown sugar and milk. Other drinks include teas, coffee, cold brew, smoothies and frappes. Right now, they have holiday beverages in flavors Candy Cane Latte, Chai Noel, Gingerbread Cappuccino, Mistletoe Mocha Latte and Sugar Cookie Latte.
This bar has a small menu, but is known for its burgers and beer. Other menu items include fish and chips, pastrami and swiss sandwich, chicken strips, Shamrock chili and Utica chili — a special version served with cheese, onions and sour cream.
Try Tivoli’s signature 12-inch thin crust pizza, baked to perfection in a wood burning oven. If you’re looking to try something unique on your pie, this pizzeria offers shrimp, artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes. If you want to stick with the basics, try ham, pepperoni and mushrooms. Make sure to save room for dessert and order cannoli or Nutella Pizza topped with chocolate hazelnut spread, powdered sugar and strawberries/bananas.
Shop
Photo credit: Macomb County Planning & Economic Development.
This comic book store buys, sells and trades collectibles, comics, action figures and more. Pro tip: Be sure to stay up to date with their events and visit their Facebook before heading in to see what coupons or deals they’re running.
This music store sells different musical instruments and skateboards and accessories. They even have different music classes you can try, including drums, violin, guitar, cello, voice and more.
Jimmy John’s Field is home to the United Shore Professional Baseball League. The four teams – Utica Unicorns, Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers, Eastside Diamond Hoppers and Westside Woolly – play at this ballpark. All season long, they offer different themed nights and Sundays are for the kids. They even offer lawn seats that start at only $6.
Families can get hands-on with snakes, alligators, lizards, tortoises and more at this interactive exhibit. They also will be opening a LegaSea aquarium in December 2023. You can even book a private tour of the reptile zoo.
The traditional baby shower has come a long way since its 20th-century beginnings. Originally reserved for middle- and upper-class families, today’s showers are for everyone and often include guests of all genders.
In 2024, baby showers remain a cherished way for friends and family to celebrate the arrival of a newborn, with events ranging from simple to extravagant based on the parents’ preferences and budget. Alongside food, drinks, games, and gifts, hosts now also plan for decor, invitations, prizes, favors and a venue. Rising costs have led some hosts to ask guests to contribute financially.
Though venue expenses can add up, there are plenty of affordable—and even free—options available. Peerspace has compiled a list of five budget-friendly venues for under $150, with prices varying by location.
Check out the list for baby shower venue ideas!
Local park
Photo credit: triocean // Shutterstock
If the idea of a nature-filled event appeals, but the budget doesn’t support the cost of renting a space like a botanical garden, a local park is an excellent, affordable (sometimes even free) alternative. Park baby showers grew in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic because they allowed for social distancing in well-ventilated spaces—but spending time outside never goes out of style. The ample space is also perfect for organizing games and activities, making them a great option for larger parties.
Many parks around the country allow visitors to gather for picnics free of charge; however, if your local park features sheltered areas or large tabled picnic and barbecue areas, chances are you need to reserve the space in advance.
The pricing often varies depending on the park and size of your party but is usually between $25 to $100. For example, picnic permits at Griffith Park in Los Angeles cost $100 for a party of up to 100 guests and may include additional charges like $30 for staffing fees, if applicable. At Austin parks, picnic site rentals start at $60 per day. Reservation information is typically available on local park department websites.
Places of worship
Photo credit: Lance McMillan/Toronto Star // Getty Images
Faith is important to many people, and throwing a baby shower at the expecting parents’ place of worship could be really special. Many religious centers take reservations for their gathering spaces, and it’s usually free (especially if you’re a member).
If your church doesn’t have rental space (or if you don’t attend a church), check to see if one of the co-hosts or someone else close to the family does. If you don’t have luck finding a space this way, many offer these services to anyone—not just members—and might just ask for a donation or a nominal fee to rent the space.
These spots make suitable venues for secular baby showers, too. They often have a kitchen and plenty of space for large parties. Many have parking lots, too, which is always a bonus.
Bookstore
Photo credit: Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images // Getty Images
If you’re planning a baby shower for a literary-loving parent-to-be, a bookstore is a fantastic venue. Many independent bookstores around the country have gathering spaces, and some take reservations for a small fee. If you don’t see information online, call your local bookstore to see what they offer.
Bonus tip: Reading books to an infant is a fantastic way to bond during those early months of parenthood. If you’re hosting a baby shower at a bookstore (or even if you’re not), asking guests to bring a children’s book instead of a card is a great way to start a beloved family collection. This trending baby shower task is a fun alternative to traditional cards and something the family can treasure for years to come.
Pool
Photo credit: RemainandRemind // Shutterstock
By the third trimester of pregnancy, when most baby showers take place, the birthing parent will probably feel physically uncomfortable. A poolside baby shower is not only a fun idea for guests, but could also make the celebrated parent feel more comfortable as they weightlessly float in the water and beat the heat in the warmer months.
Websites and apps offer private pools by the hour for affordable prices if the host or someone they know doesn’t have a pool suitable for an event. Just make sure the owner is okay with you throwing a party first.
Community center
Photo credit: Canva
Community centers often boast several rooms to choose from, depending on the size of your gathering. They are generally affordable to rent (roughly $25 to $100, or sometimes even free)—Santa Fe community centers cost $50 per day per activity.
Many local community centers will let the host bring decorations. They also usually have parking lots, which makes it easy for guests.
Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.
This story originally appeared on Peerspace and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
Schools calendars provide families with a snapshot of the entire year.
Holidays breaks, the first day of school and professional development days vary school by school, so it’s a great idea to keep it handy. Here is the 2024-25 school calendar as approved by Dearborn Heights School District 7‘s school board.
Think chocolate milk is no good for your child? The truth is, chocolate milk can be part of a healthy diet for kids. Despite concerns you may have about sugar content, know that this kid favorite contributes only a small percentage of added sugars in children’s diets — just 4%. This is far less than soft drinks or fruit punches.
Chocolate milk can be part of a better-quality diet
For children ages 9-18, chocolate milk offers 13 essential nutrients in every eight-ounce glass, including calcium, vitamin D, potassium and protein, all key components for growth and bone health. Research shows that kids who drink chocolate milk have better-quality diets and are just as likely to maintain a healthy weight as those who don’t.
What about the sugar in chocolate milk?
All milk naturally contains lactose, a type of sugar. When it comes to chocolate milk, there’s also a bit of added sugar to give it that delicious taste. But don’t worry — chocolate milk contributes only a small amount of added sugar to kids’ diets. Check out the facts:
Soft drinks and sweetened beverages: 33% of added sugars in children’s diets.
Chocolate milk: Only about 4% of added sugars.
Since 2007, schools have reduced the added sugar content in chocolate milk by about 55%. While health experts recommend cutting back on added sugars, they agree that a little sugar in a nutrient-rich drink like chocolate milk can help kids get essential nutrients they might otherwise miss.
Chocolate milk gives pregnant moms a tasty nutrient boost
Pregnant moms, did you know that your calcium and vitamin D needs are the same as they were before pregnancy? While the recommended daily amounts (1,000 mg of calcium and 600 IU of vitamin D) don’t increase, many people in the U.S., including pregnant women, fall short of these nutrients. This is why it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough and chocolate milk is a delicious and convenient way to do so!
With the same benefits as white milk,chocolate milk provides calcium and vitamin D,plus a satisfying flavor that can help with those pregnancy cravings. Adding a glass of chocolate milk to your daily routine can help keep you and your baby healthy while making sure you stay hydrated.
Try these healthy and delicious dairy treats:
Smoothies:Blend chocolate milk with yogurt, fruit, and even a handful of spinach for a nutrient-packed snack.
Milk First:Try adding chocolate milk to your morning coffee for a sweet, calcium-rich twist.
Snack on Chocolate Milk:When you need a sweet treat, chocolate milk offers the nutrition of white milk with an extra boost of flavor!
Say yes to chocolate milk
Sayingyes to chocolate milkmeans saying yes to a nutrient-packed, delicious option that supports your child’s health, athletic performance and bone development. Plus, it’s good for adults, too – especially pregnant mothers or anyone needing to add more calcium, vitamins and protein to their diet.
So if you or your child craves chocolate milk, go ahead and pour a glass! It’s not just delicious, in moderation, it’s healthy too.
There are always plenty of fun activities going on around metro Detroit for kids and families to enjoy. But sometimes it’s nice for children with special needs to have an event that’s designed just for them — from sensory-friendly play times to a chance to try something new in a more patient, supportive environment.
Parents can also benefit from workshops, support meetings and other events geared toward moms and dads of children with special needs.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list featuring some great upcoming special needs events for kids and their parents. Take a peek at these activities for people with special needs and their families.
This article was recently updated on Oct. 29, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding Metro Detroit special needs events to theMetroParent.com‘s calendar, aligning Metro Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to kari@metroparent.com.
Local events
Photo credit: iStock/jarenwicklund
Looking for a fun event that is designed for your child’s needs? We’ve got you covered with art programming, movie nights, dances and other fun activities made for kids with sensory processing disorders and other special needs.
On the first Sunday of every month, the play area will open two hours early for children with autism or sensory sensitivities. It will have reduced lighting and noise.
Individuals of all ages with developmental and intellectual disabilities can enjoy a hoedown with music, dancing and pizza. Pre-registration required by Nov. 1, 2024 by calling 248-858-0916.
Join RARA for a cozy Friendsgiving celebration through different activities, including crafting, games, snacks and refreshments. Advanced registration required.
Address: 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford Township
Cost: $12/participant, $6/caregiver
Individuals of all ages with developmental and intellectual disabilities can enjoy music, dancing, pizza and a visit from Santa. The participant will also receive a gift. Pre-registration required by Nov. 29, 2024 by calling 248-858-0916.
Celebrate the holiday season with RARA with music, dancing, food and refreshments at Chief Financial Credit Union.
Family support and information
Photo credit: Marcos Elihu Castillo Ramirez
Raising a kid with special needs comes with a different set of challenges for families. Find support and get much-needed information to help you meet your child’s needs at these local events.
Are you looking for support in raising your child with autism? The Autism Alliance of Michigan showcases workshops on topics like ableism, peer support and much more on their website.
The Macomb-Oakland Regional Center offers tons of fun activities for kids with special needs alongside support groups and informational sessions. Check out their list of events for more.
More activities
Photo credit: iStock
Not sure you want to leave the house? Have some fun at home, instead! Check out the sensory-friendly activities listed in our roundups below. They’re perfect fun for kids with special needs.
Keep your kids entertained with an engaging sensory bin. Check out this list of easy, cheap and fun sensory bin ideas to find one that your child will love.
Fun activities to try at home? Yes, please! From a family cook-off to crafts or a dance party, these 8 indoor activities has kids of all abilities covered.
Coloring is great fun for everyone and there are plenty of free coloring sheets for all interests. Download options from Detroit Parks, The Detroit Zoo, Crayola, Disney on Ice, MLB and more.
Kids have a lot of fun at their local playground, but not every playground meets every child needs. Kids with limited physical mobility or special needs find traditional playground fun at these local barrier-free spots.
Hawaii isn’t known as a cheap destination, but if you’re set on visiting the Aloha state, choosing the right island can make a big difference in the cost of your trip. If you’re looking to save on a trip to Hawaii, head to the island of Oahu.
Of the four main Hawaiian islands for tourism — Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island — Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit by multiple metrics. Oahu has the lowest daily average hotel room rate of the islands and the lowest average daily spending per tourist, according to May 2024 data from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.
The cost of hotel rooms on Oahu
Though the average room rate in May 2024 across all of Hawaii was $342, Oahu hotel rooms average about 21% less, coming in at $272. That translates to about $70 per night less than the average.
In a breakdown of average daily room rates in May 2024 by island, Oahu shines.
One reason for Oahu’s lowest average room rate? The island also has the biggest supply. In fact, Oahu had more than double the number of hotel room nights than Maui, the next closest contender.
Even when broken down by hotel class, Oahu still has the most affordable room rates across every level, from economy and midscale to luxury options.
Midscale and economy rooms in Oahu cost $151 per night on average. That’s 30% less than the average price for the same class of room across the entire state. And if you have a penchant for the finer things in life, you’ll save on Oahu, too. In fact, you could save about $223 per night by choosing to vacation at a luxury hotel in Oahu versus Maui.
Oahu, like other islands, offers opportunities to book stays using hotel points and credit card rewards. For example, Oahu is the only island with a Hampton Inn & Suites outpost, a midscale brand where you can redeem Hilton Honors points — and avoid pesky resort fees on award bookings.
One of Oahu’s most famous luxury hotels, the historic Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach, can be booked using Marriott Bonvoy points. Those can be earned through Marriott credit cards as well as general travel credit cards that accrue points that transfer to Marriott.
On the other side of the island sits another famous property, Turtle Bay Resort. The luxury hotel will soon become a Marriott property when it’s rebranded as The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay in August 2024.
The cost of activities on Oahu
More goes into a vacation budget than just a hotel. There’s food, tours, ground transportation and souvenirs. And once again, travelers arriving by air spend less per day on Oahu than any other island.
Across all trip expenditures (including lodging), Oahu is the best bargain in average daily spending per person in May 2024, according to a separate study by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority.
So why is spending on Oahu lower than on other islands? Not only are there more hotels, but also more restaurants and other types of businesses. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, Honolulu County in Oahu had more than 21,000 businesses in 2020, while Maui County in Maui had fewer than 5,000. The increased competition lowers prices for consumers.
There’s also just a lot of free and cheap stuff to do on Oahu. Many of the top activities — including visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, lounging on Waikiki Beach and hiking the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail — are free. It costs just $5 per person to enter Diamond Head State Monument (though it’s an additional $10 for parking).
And because of Honolulu’s robust bus network and walkability, it’s easy to get around Honolulu without a rental car. For places more difficult to get to, it’s possible to rent a car for just a day or rely on rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
There are plenty of ways to save on a Hawaiian vacation. Start by finding affordable flights to Hawaii’s cheapest island, Oahu. The higher concentration of hotels and businesses means more affordable options.
‘Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleilis a Christmas themed show inspired by the joy of giving and the wonder of the holiday season. All ages will be wowed by incredible acrobatics and a heart-warming story at the Fox Theatre Dec. 20-Dec. 31, 2024.
Fill out the below form by Monday, Dec. 16 2024, for your chance to win four tickets to ELF The Musical on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
This sweepstakes begins on Oct. 28, 2024 and ends on Nov. 16, 2024. One prize (valued at $184) will be awarded to one winner, who will be notified via the email they provided in the entry.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical will be stopping by the Fox Theatre for nine performances from Nov. 27-Dec. 1, 2024. Discover the magic of this holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr.Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” TheGrinchdiscovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic.
Fill out the below form by Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, for your chance to win four tickets to Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the Fox Theatre on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
This sweepstakes begins on Oct. 28, 2024 and ends on Nov. 22, 2024. One prize (valued at $120) will be awarded to one winner, who will be notified via the email they provided in the entry.
ELF The Musical is a modern Christmas classic bursts onto the stage in a production The New York Times calls “SPLASHY, PEPPY, SUGAR-SPRINKLED HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT!” When Buddy the Elf embarks on a journey from the North Pole to discover his true identity – with Santa’s permission, of course – he helps New York City remember the true meaning of Christmas.
ELF The Musical is is coming back to the Fox Theatre November 6-10 and it is sure to hit!
Fill out the below form by Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, for your chance to win four tickets to ELF The Musical on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 at 6 p.m.
This sweepstakes begins on Oct. 28, 2024 and ends on Nov. 4, 2024. One prize (valued at $100) will be awarded to one winner, who will be notified via the email they provided in the entry.
And a must-visit place for families in Macomb County is downtown Romeo.
Although it seems to be most well-known for its Annual Peach Festival in September and Terror on Tillson Street during the month October, this small town features so many great restaurants and shops to appreciate.
Here is a list of some of our favorites:
Shop
This holiday season, try doing your holiday shopping at a small business instead.
Shop infant and children’s clothing at this children’s boutique. The shop also offers seasonal clothing and birthday clothing and select party supplies.
This metaphysical boutique, community space, and library is stocked with books, decks, spiritual tools, herbs, occult finds and in-house crafted candles and teas. They also offer astrology, tarot, psychic services, classes and workshops.
Browse three floors of quality antiques in two buildings. Town Hall Antiques offers pieces from 50 of Michigan’s finest dealers and every item is guaranteed to be as represented. They do not sell reproductions. Delivery is always available, as well.
Experience
There are plenty of places to explore while you’re in Romeo.
The Romeo Historical Society operates and maintains The Romeo Arts and Archives Museum, Bancroft-Stranahan Home and Clyde Craig Blacksmith Museum. To tour these museums, call 586-752-4111.
This art gallery offers classes, music programs, art shows, a gift shop and community events. It is operated by volunteers and was named after Helen Starkweather, an art and drafting teacher for Romeo Schools for 40 years. Also, you can view the mural “The Spirit of Romeo” here.
Dine
If you’re looking for a cup of coffee to keep you going or a bite to eat in between shopping, check out these great local restaurants.
This family-owned restaurant offers fine Sicilian dining in a casual atmosphere. They even have a kid’s menu which features pasta with meat sauce or marinara, chicken strips and fries or fettuccine alfredo.
This barbecue restaurant was founded in 2012, but has been developed and perfected over the past five years. It features over 12 barbecue sauces and over 30 rubs and seasonings used. Start off with candied bacon or barbecue nachos and try one of their many different sandwiches. For the kids, they have chicken tenders, a hot dog, grilled cheese, hamburger or a Jayell Jr.
This restaurant is located in the heart of Romeo. It’s American comfort food and features pierogi, wings, sliders, pizza, filet mignon, baked tortellini and much more. The kid’s meal options are spaghetti and meatballs, fish and chips, pizza, chicken tenders and fries, sliders and fries, grilled cheese and fries and cheese tortellini alfredo.
Not only does Main’s Treat Coffeehouse offer a wide variety of hot and cold beverages, but also bagels, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, soup, sandwiches and much more.
This family-friendly restaurant has burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and dinners like chicken pot pie, fish and chips and southern style chicken strips. Their kid’s menu is for ages 12 and under and features pizza, grilled cheese, burger, boneless wings or mac and cheese. Also, kids eat free on Mondays.
Keep on scrolling to see our other top picks of November family events in metro Detroit. You can also find more family events listed in our calendar. Be sure to tag us on Instagram @metroparentmag if you check any of them out!
This article was recently updated on Oct. 24, 2024 by Metro Parent’s audience development coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding new events to MetroParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best family events in metro Detroit this month. Questions? Please reach out to kari@metroparent.
This annual event celebrates learning and literacy. It features free children’s books, cider and donuts. Also, face painting, games, STEM and art activities, story times, a DJ and more. Registration required.
This extravaganza features live music, an artisan market, free children’s crafts and face painting and an annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 23. For additional fees, enjoy festival food and drink specials, u-cut and pre-cut Christmas trees and evergreen decor, Santa Experience and Igloo Dining. RSVP required.
Cost: $30-$40/Friday adult pass, $45-$55/Saturday adult pass, $40-$50/Sunday adult pass, $90-$100/Weekend adult pass, $249-$259/VIP fan pass (very limited and might not be available at the door), $10-$20/Friday and Saturday child pass, $20-$30/Weekend child pass, Free/Sunday child pass, Free/ages 5 and under; Special event packages are available
Cosplay your favorite comic characters, meet-and-greet with graphic novel bigwigs, check out movie screenings, character Q&As and more.
Cost: $23/standard vehicle advanced ticket, $30/standard vehicle on weekday, $35/standard vehicle on weekend
Enjoy a holiday-themed light experience from the inside of your vehicle. You’ll see different characters and themes using the latest LED technology and digital animations.
Cost: $21.95/ages 13-plus, $21.95/one adult and one child bundle, $8.95/ages 5-12, free/ages 4 and under; free/parking
Stroll through the winter wonderland at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, which features over a dozen mesmerizing Christmas scenes. Visit with Santa Claus, experience a Polar Pub Crawl, join the Holiday Token Hunt and much more.
See this exciting performance with a combination of theater, interactive circus arts and music. The opening weekend, UniverSoul Circus will transform into a haunted house complete with candy stations for trick-or-treating. Circus goers are encouraged to wear costumes and participate in the costume contest.
See Mickey get ready for the biggest playdate ever at the Clubhouse with all his favorite pals, including Minnie and Goofy, the Puppy Dog Pals, Ginny and Bitsy from SuperKitties and Ariel from Disney Jr.’s Ariel.
Bring your Jack-O-Lantern to Mill Pond Park to roll your pumpkin down the hills as fast as you can in a competition. Winners will receive a fun mystery prize. There will also be donuts, hot cider and a pumpkin launcher.
Hear from local crane enthusiast, Bill Wells at the Discovery Center with a short discussion of Sandhill Cranes. Afterwards, he will lead a driving tour to view cranes in the fields around the Waterloo Recreation Area. Bring binoculars and cameras. Advanced registration required.
