October gives Michigan families plenty of reasons to get in the car. Pumpkins line downtown streets, kids pull costumes out of closets and fall festivals take over parks and communities across the state.
You could fill every weekend. Instead, start with these five family events worth putting on the calendar.
Holland Fall Fest | Holland
Early October
Downtown Holland kicks off October with FallFest. It is two days of pumpkin carving, children’s activities, hayrides, an artisan market and more.
Professional pumpkin carvers work throughout the festival, while activities spread between downtown, the Holland Farmers Market and Windmill Island Gardens. Families can also catch the community tulip planting and Touch a Truck.
Make a day of it: Start downtown, grab lunch and leave time for Windmill Island Gardens.
Detroit Harvest Fest | Detroit
Early October
Fall comes to the Detroit Riverfront during Detroit Harvest Fest at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park.
Kids can trick-or-treat, join fall activities and explore the park while live entertainment, vendors and more than 30 food trucks give families plenty of reasons to stay awhile.
MFT Pick: Come hungry and let lunch be part of the festival.
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village | Dearborn
Select evenings throughout October
Once the sun goes down, Greenfield Village changes.
Jack-o’-lanterns line the paths while more than 50 costumed characters fill the village. Families may cross paths with the Headless Horseman, Grim Reaper, Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan while music, stories, lighting and sound carry through the historic setting.
The Hallowe’en Express train is available as an add-on and tends to sell quickly.
Worth planning ahead for: Tickets for popular October nights can sell out.
Zoo Boo | Saginaw
Weekends throughout October
Costumes and animals share the day during Zoo Boo at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo.
The annual Halloween event runs across multiple October weekends, giving families a daytime option for celebrating Halloween without haunted houses or late nights.
This is an especially good choice for families with younger children who want costumes, Halloween fun and a zoo visit rolled into one outing.
Worth the drive for: A Halloween event built for younger kids.
Scarecrow Fest | Frankenmuth
Two weekends in October
Scarecrows pop up around Frankenmuth while River Place Shops hosts two weekends of family activities.
Kids can try pumpkin bowling, paint pumpkins, make crafts, play on inflatables and ride Grandpa Tiny’s Barrel Train. The pumpkin launcher gives families another reason to stop and watch. Some activities have a small fee, but there is no general admission charge for the festival.
Make a weekend of it: Stay overnight and give yourself time to explore Frankenmuth beyond the festival.
Pick Your October Weekend
Watch pumpkins become art in Holland. Trick-or-treat along the Detroit Riverfront. Walk through Greenfield Village after dark. Take younger kids to the zoo in costume. Or turn Scarecrow Fest into a weekend in Frankenmuth.
You don’t need to do all five.
Pick the one that sounds like your family, put it on the calendar and go.
Before You Go: Dates, hours, activities and admission policies can change. Check current event information before making the drive.
Leave a Reply