5 Family-Friendly Ways to Spend Labor Day Weekend in Michigan
Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, but the fun in Michigan is just getting started! Whether you want to stay close to Metro Detroit or take a quick day trip, here are five kid-approved activities to send off the season with a bang.
1. Tour the Michigan State Fair (Novi) – Head over to the Suburban Collection Showplace for classic family fun. Kids love getting up close with farm animals in the livestock barns, catching dog agility performances, riding carnival rides on the midway, and indulging in once-a-year fair food.
2. Play at Arts, Beats & Eats (Royal Oak) – This massive festival fills downtown Royal Oak with music, art, and delicious local food. Don’t miss the dedicated Detroit News Kids Zone, complete with a DIA Stage featuring family-focused performances, craft booths, and interactive entertainment.
3. Kick Off Fall at a Local Cider Mill – Labor Day weekend is opening season for many of Michigan’s favorite cider mills, like Yates (Rochester) and Blake’s (Armada). Grab warm, fresh cinnamon sugar donuts, sip cold cider, and let the kids enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, and outdoor play spaces.
4. Explore the Detroit Riverfront & Belle Isle – Spend a relaxed day outdoors taking in the city views. Take a walk along the Detroit Riverwalk, stop by the splash pads, or head over to Belle Isle to visit the Belle Isle Aquarium, play on the beach, and pack a scenic family picnic.
5. Take in the Music at the Detroit Jazz Festival (Downtown Detroit) – World-class music doesn’t get easier to access than this—the world’s largest free jazz festival takes over Hart Plaza and downtown Detroit all weekend long. Grab a blanket, set up camp on the lawn, grab bites from the local food trucks, and enjoy the tunes together.
What are your family’s favorite ways to celebrate Labor Day in the Mitten State? Let us know in the comments!
