Spring is in full swing and metro Detroit families have plenty of ways to celebrate it this weekend. From Earth Day cleanups and nature hikes to free concerts and handmade markets, there’s something happening in every corner of the region. Whether you’re looking for a low-key outing or a full day of activities, this weekend has you covered.
Don’t miss these standout events happening this weekend:
E-Recycling at Detroit Zoo 10 Mile Road parking lot (April 18-19): Drop off old electronics at the Detroit Zoo’s 10 Mile Road parking lot and earn free Zoo tickets — small loads earn one ticket, large loads earn two. Kids can learn about protecting wildlife and the environment while the family helps keep hazardous materials out of landfills. Registration is requested but walk-ups are welcome; stay in your vehicle during drop-off and remove personal data from devices beforehand.
Science Saturdays Map Quest at Ford House Visitor Center (April 18): Kids ages 7-11 learn to read and use maps through interactive games, then head outside for a treasure hunt on Ford House’s grounds. The program starts indoors at the Visitor Center with a short presentation and navigation activities before moving outside. Advance registration is required — tickets can be purchased online.
Spring Fling Handmade Market at Packard Proving Grounds (April 19): Families can browse handmade goods from local vendors at this historic outdoor site in Shelby Township. Kids of all ages are welcome, and the relaxed, open layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace. No registration required, just drop in.
Check out even more things to do with your kids around metro Detroit during the weekend of April 17-19.
Read more: Find More Weekend Fun in Our Family Events Calendar
What are the best things to do with kids in Metro Detroit this weekend (April 17-19)?
Oakland County:
Friends Used Book Sale at Highland Public Library
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, April 17
Families can browse and buy gently used books at very affordable prices, with all proceeds supporting the Friends of the Library. It’s a great chance to stock up on kids’ books without spending much. No registration required — just drop in during sale hours.
- Address: 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland
- Cost: 50 cents-$1 paperbacks, $1 hardcovers; specialty items may cost more
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Accessibility: The library’s website does not list specific accessibility details; contact them at 248-887-2218 for stroller, ADA or mobility access information.
Open Studios at Cranbrook Academy of Art
1-5 p.m. Saturday, April 18
Families can explore artist studios, tour the Art Museum, visit the Institute of Science and stroll through Cranbrook Gardens — all free for the day. Kids and teens can see graduate student artwork up close, and food trucks will be on-site. Online registration closes April 17 at 10 p.m., but walk-ups are welcome.
- Address: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Cost: Free; paid admission required for special exhibitions, the Acheson Planetarium and exploreLAB at the Institute of Science
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Both
- Parking: Free on-site lots; shuttle service available to check-in locations (not all lots have shuttle access)
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible areas include the New Studios Building (Ceramics, Fiber and Metalsmithing studios), Cranbrook Art Museum and Cranbrook Institute of Science only; other studio buildings are not accessible
See more Oakland County family events here.
Macomb County:
Great Lakes Comic and Anime Fest at All Star Sports Center
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19
Kids and teens can enjoy cosplay contests, face painting, bounce houses, Jedi demos and lightsaber classes, mobile gaming, live pro wrestling and more at this free weekend pop culture fest. There’s also an artist alley and vendor market for families to explore together. Admission, parking and contest entry are all free — no registration required.
- Address: 51400 County Line Road, New Baltimore
- Cost: Free admission, free parking, free contest entry
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Parking: Free on-site
- Accessibility: The event website does not list specific accessibility details; contact the venue for stroller, ADA or mobility access information.
Earth Day Cleanup at Lake St. Clair Metropark
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, April 19
Families with kids ages 6 and up can help clean up the park and beach while learning about protecting local wildlife and nature. Tools, gloves and bags are provided at check-in, and snacks and water are included. Registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before; registered volunteers receive free park entry that day.
- Address: 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township
- Cost: Free for registered volunteers; a Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is otherwise required for park entry
- Age fit: Ages 6 and up
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Parking: On-site
See more Macomb County family events here.
Wayne County:
Spring Artisan Market at Downtown Plymouth
9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 18
Families can browse dozens of local artisan booths spread across The Gathering, Penniman Avenue and Kellogg Park in the heart of downtown Plymouth. Kids will love the “Kid Creator” booths featuring items made by young local artists ages 14 and under, plus live music and family-friendly entertainment throughout. Admission is free and no registration is required.
- Address: Kellogg Park area, Downtown Plymouth
- Cost: Free
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Accessibility: The event website does not list specific accessibility details; contact the Plymouth DDA at 734-455-1453 for stroller, ADA or mobility access information.
Signs of Spring Hike at Lake Erie Marshlands Museum
10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 18
Families can join Metroparks staff on a guided hike through the trails to spot signs of the season, from flowers and budding trees to wildlife. The mostly flat trails include compact gravel and boardwalk sections, making it accessible for younger kids. Pre-registration is required online or by calling 734-379-5020.
- Address: 32481 W. Jefferson, Brownstown
- Cost: $3 per child, $5 per adult; children under 2 free
- Age fit: Toddlers and up
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Parking: On-site; a Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is required for park entry
- Accessibility: Trails are mostly flat compact gravel and boardwalk with minimum 6-foot width; sensory-friendly backpacks available at the museum front desk for those with sensory sensitivities
See more Wayne County family events here.
Washtenaw County:
Joe Reilly and Friends Celebrate Earth Day at Ypsilanti Freighthouse
11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19
Kids can enjoy a live concert of environmental and community songs, then stay after for a hands-on seed ball-making workshop led by Growing Hope, where families create wildflower starters using clay, soil and native seeds to take home. Free vegetable, herb and flower seeds from the Growing Hope Seed Library will also be available. Registration is required — each performance date requires a separate sign-up.
- Address: 100 Market Place, Ypsilanti
- Cost: Free with registration
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Accessibility: The event website does not list specific accessibility details; contact UMS at 734-764-2538 for stroller, ADA or mobility access information.
Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival at Leslie Science and Nature Center
Noon-4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19
Families can explore hands-on activities, live entertainment and displays from local environmental nonprofits covering topics like water awareness, sustainable agriculture and green energy. Kids of all ages are welcome, and there’s typically an All Species Parade on-site — come dressed as your favorite animal. Admission is free and no registration is required; bring a reusable water bottle as this is a zero-waste event.
- Address: 1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Accessibility: The event website does not list specific accessibility details; contact Leslie Science and Nature Center at 734-997-1553 for stroller, ADA or mobility access information.
See more Washtenaw County family events here.
