5 Family Activities That Keep the Fun Going All Year
As a parent, you’ve probably noticed how easy it is to reach the weekend or a day off school and suddenly realize—you don’t know what to do with your kids. Having a list of fun activities can help you create lasting family memories and makes deciding what to do much easier. Whether you’re an outdoorsy family, museum lovers, or just looking for reliable ways to get out of the house, there’s something out there to make your life more fun and less stressful. Here are five of the best family activities we’ve tried—and loved!
Local Libraries
Your local library or community center is often an underrated gem. From storytimes and craft days to family movie nights and weekend festivals, there’s always something going on. Be sure to check their websites or bulletin boards regularly for free or low-cost events designed just for kids and families. Here are a few incredible options in the Detroit area:
Redford Township District Library (Redford, MI) - FREE
Local Community Events
Local community events provide wonderful opportunities for families and neighbors to connect and celebrate together. Many towns and neighborhoods host annual gatherings like fairs, farmers markets, holiday parades, and cultural festivals. These events often feature live music, local food vendors, games, and activities for all ages. Keeping a list of such annual happenings allows you to plan fun outings and create lasting memories with your family. These are some of our families stample events.
Touch‑A‑Truck (Livonia, MI) - August
Fire Department Open House (Livonia, MI) - September
Novi High School Homecoming Parade (Novi, MI) – September
Trunk or Treat - October
Children’s Museums (or Hands-On Centers)
If you have young kids, local children’s museums or hands-on centers are a no-brainer—they’re so much fun! These places are designed to help kids learn through play, with interactive exhibits, rotating themes, and plenty of sensory activities. They’re perfect for rainy days, school breaks, or anytime your kids need to burn off energy in a creative way. If a membership is available, it can definitely save you a lot of money. Plus, many memberships include reciprocal access to other museums when traveling! Here are a few local Detroit favorites we LOVE:
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center (Detroit, MI)
Michigan Science Center, Detroit (Detroit, MI) - Membership: $100/year
Henry Ford Museum (Dearborn, MI)
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (Ann Arbor, MI) - Membership: $100/year
Belle Isle Aquarium (Detroit, MI) - FREE
Local Parks (Both indoor & Outdoor)
Parks are a great way for kids to burn off energy and enjoy screen-free time outdoors. While we try to get outside as much as possible, Michigan’s rainy and cold days often keep us indoors. Over the years, we’ve discovered some great indoor and outdoor parks that our family loves. One tip: many churches offer free indoor play areas, which are perfect during the colder months. Another tip: while we enjoy our local city parks, there’s something extra special about exploring nature with a hike or picnic. We now purchase a metropark or state park pass each year, and it often pays for itself with perks like beach access, trails, rentals, and even reciprocal park access. Here are a few of our favorite indoor and outdoor parks.
Kensington Metropark (Outdoor - Milford, MI) - Metro Annual Pass: $40/year
Maybury State Park (Outdoor - Northville, MI) - State Park Annual Pass: $12/year
Play Park (Indoor - Novi, MI) - FREE
Innovation Hills (Outdoor - Rochester Hills, MI) - FREE
Family-Friendly Gym/Community Center Membership
For our family, this is hands down our favorite place. It’s more than just a gym—it’s a space where the whole family can stay active and recharge. With childcare, kids’ classes, pools, family events, and plenty of ways for adults to get their own workouts in, it truly offers something for everyone. It’s not cheap, but if you use it regularly, the value adds up fast. It has also become part of our routine and a place where we’ve built a strong sense of community.
Life Time Membership (around $300/year for a family of 4)