Family events in Ann Arbor, MI

A welcoming opportunity for individuals, makers, vendors, and community groups to take part. Space can be reserved in advance to secure a spot.

Designed for children five and under, Toddler Time at Launch Ann Arbor offers exclusive access so little ones can play without older kids around. Children’s music fills the park, and Joey the kangaroo makes special guest appearances. The setting encourages toddlers to meet and interact with peers their own age. Admission is $15 and covers one child in the age range plus one accompanying adult, with each additional eligible child or parent priced at $7.50.

Foodie Fridays is a weekly chance to sample a lineup of local food truck favorites at County Farm Park. Plan to stop by for lunch or dinner, with service running from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, or until the trucks sell out. There is no registration required, and the cost varies by what you order.

Whitmore Lake High School hosts weekly meal distributions to support families with children on summer break. Each pickup provides seven breakfasts and seven lunches for every child, plus one gallon of milk per child. Almond milk can be requested, and families may take the food home. Children do not need to be present. Another adult may pick up meals on their behalf. Families can use any participating site, and eligibility is based on age rather than residency or school enrollment. Service is for children 18 and under, with eligibility also extending to individuals up to age 26 who are enrolled in a state‑recognized education program. Special dietary needs cannot be accommodated. No sign up is required. Distribution is first come, first served while supplies last, and availability is not guaranteed. This site is coordinated by Whitmore Lake Area Human Services in partnership with Food Gatherers and Whitmore Lake Public Schools as part of Meet Up and Eat Up. WLAHS is a local nonprofit that operates a weekly food pantry with no income or residency requirements.

Local flavors take center stage at the Yours Truly Food Fest, bringing together vendors serving favorites from Soul Rolls and mac and cheese to turkey legs, sliders, nachos, sugar cookies, cake loaves, cotton candy, and fresh lemonade. Whether you crave savory, sweet, or a mix of both, there is something for every taste, making it easy to sample widely, support local businesses, and enjoy time with friends. The celebration pairs with First Fridays downtown, where even more food vendors can be found throughout the area. A complete vendor lineup will be announced.

The Saline Summerfest celebrates its 20th anniversary, a milestone celebration two decades in the making.

Now in its 25th summer, the Saline Farmers Market brings a bustling marketplace to Saline's historic downtown. Shop for seasonal produce, plants, vibrant cut flowers, fresh baked goods, meats, poultry, eggs, cheeses, and other unexpected finds. Free activities are offered each weekend, with music, educational opportunities, and craft projects adding to the community atmosphere.

Designed for little ones five and under, this session gives toddlers full access to the park without older kids. Admission is $15 and includes one child in the age range plus one accompanying adult. Each additional child who meets the age limit or accompanying adult is $7.50. Kid friendly music plays throughout the park, and Joey the kangaroo makes guest appearances. It is a welcoming way for young children to play and socialize with peers their own age.

Children ages 5 to 8 can explore creating stories at YDL-Michigan in Meeting Room 2. Each session starts with a read-aloud that highlights one technique an author uses, such as playing with rhyme or showing a character’s feelings. Participants try activities inspired by that idea, brainstorm with volunteers through conversation, and then move into independent writing in any format and on any topic they choose. This is a drop-in program, so participants may come when it works for them.

Meet adoptable cats and dogs at Petco Arborland and discover a potential new companion. The specific pets expected to attend will be announced closer to the event, with updates shared as details are confirmed.

Head outside at YDL-Superior for an energetic G.A.S. It Up Fitness session that keeps kids moving while weaving movement, numbers, and simple science into playful games and friendly challenges. The program encourages new friendships, builds confidence, and offers a fun way to stay active throughout the summer.

Fun Fest Ypsilanti 2026 is a festival taking place at Frog Island Park in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Mark your calendar for August 8, 2026.

Take in a free open air concert with live sets by local artists. A food truck will be available for purchases, and lawn games will add to the fun.

Capture warm, golden light by a scenic creek with a series of mini photo sessions focused on creating beautiful portraits. Each booking runs 20 minutes and includes six edited digital photos for $65. Ideal for families, graduating seniors, couples, engagements, best friends, or a self-love session. Pets are welcome, so bringing pups is encouraged. Reserve a spot with a $15 retainer and pay the remaining $50 on the day of your session.

Explore the world of espionage by learning methods to hide secrets, build believable disguises, and write messages in code. This event takes place at the Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek Branch.

At Ann Arbor Dist Library, chess enthusiasts of any age can drop in for casual, friendly games with fellow attendees. Boards, pieces, and a summary of the rules are available to use on site. This is a play-focused session, so formal instruction is not provided.

Designed for ages 7 to 17, this junior summer camp blends comprehensive instruction with real-world play. The first three days focus on a full range of skills, and the final day features an on-course scramble that puts new learning into practice. Enrollment is capped at 18 children, and the camp is led by Steve Scheuermann. The fee is $350 per child.

FedUp Ministries presents a hands-on chef boot camp where participants choose the kitchen skills they want to develop. Explore techniques like preparing meals for a group, mastering knife work to confidently dice vegetables, and turning simple ingredients into creative, delicious dishes. Geared toward motivated, food-curious youth ages 8 to 18, this session is part of a summer series and takes place in the Program Room at YDL-Michigan.

AADL's Secret Lab offers a chance for Summer Game players to search for an assortment of codes, connect with fellow participants, and enjoy drop-in crafting activities.

Experience a full day immersed in nature at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. A knowledgeable guide leads a walk through the outdoor gardens, highlighting seasonal plantings, landscape features, and how botanical gardens support conservation and education. Spend unhurried time with the bonsai collection to appreciate the craft and long-term care behind these living works. The day also features a visit to the glass conservatory showcasing plants from varied climates, along with a guided planting session where participants create a small living keepsake to take home. Round-trip motorcoach transportation is provided, with departures from Henry Ford Library Dearborn and Novi Civic Center, and a full service lunch at Karl’s Cabin is included.

Young writers ages 8 to 14 can explore their creativity and strengthen their skills in a weekly small-group program held in the Program Room at YDL-Michigan. Guided by volunteers in an encouraging setting, participants take part in collaborative activities and set aside time for their own projects, working toward a draft of an original story for publication.

Little Roots offers summertime storytimes for young children, hosted by Knox Presbyterian Church. Sessions take place either at the Knox campus in Scio Township or at the farmers market in Kerrytown. Each gathering features stories, simple craft-making, and singing, with chances for kids to make new friends and for caregivers to connect.

At YDL-Michigan, the STEAM Scene features rotating weekly themes that encourage curious minds to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through playful, hands-on activities. This session focuses on Natural Science exploration, offering opportunities to investigate the living world and the ideas that explain how it works. Across the series, participants build with LEGO bricks, use educational tools to practice key STEAM concepts, try new art-making methods, and occasionally meet live animals. Recent themes have included computational thinking with a trading card game, nature classification, music and science connections, barbershop computing with clippers, the science of sewing, an introduction to 3D printing, severe weather with a look at tornadoes, and LEGO SPIKE.

In the YDL-Superior meeting room, this informational session covers the advantages of breastfeeding, strategies to advocate for yourself and your baby, and practical breastfeeding tips and techniques. It also highlights ways a partner can offer meaningful support throughout the process. Childcare will be provided by Wrapped in Love Doula & Lactation Support.

At YDL-Michigan, this open playdate welcomes children ages 0 to 10 for free-play activities organized around a weekly theme. For this session, the theme is Cardboard Creations, offering hands-on fun that invites kids to imagine, experiment, and make their own creations. The series rotates themes from week to week, and on some occasions special guests help explore the topic.

A showcase of classic and special interest cars fills the street as drivers park along the curb and visitors explore a variety of nearby food and shopping. Kids can take part in a hula hoop contest and pick up fun giveaways, while a DJ keeps the music going. Dancing spills into the street and the whole scene hums with an upbeat, family-friendly vibe.

At YDL-Michigan in Meeting Room 2, children can build confidence and improve reading skills by practicing aloud with a Therapaws-certified dog. Each reader may reserve a 10-minute session with the Library Dog. Registration is required by emailing mitchell@ypsilibrary.org.