Family events in Central Michigan, MI

Debbie's Flea Market in Harrison, Michigan brings a lively outdoor marketplace to the community on weekends throughout the summer, with additional open days for holidays and special happenings such as the Harrison Street Fair. Alongside visiting sellers, returning vendors refresh their booths often, so the selection changes week to week. Browse a wide mix of finds, from handmade crafts, collectibles, antiques, and vintage pieces to kayaks, seasonal decor, new merchandise, movies, discount items, jewelry, tools, gemstones, flags, toys, metal signs, home accents, furniture, sports and household gear, fishing equipment, locally made goat milk soaps and lotions, fresh produce and plants. Baked goods and hot meals are available from food trucks. Debbie’s on site stores are open during market hours, including the large blue buildings plus the sports and tool sheds. There is plenty of parking and a restroom. Friendly, leashed pets are welcome. Some sellers accept electronic payment, although many prefer cash. General parking has moved to the area behind the blue buildings to the east, with clearly marked accessible parking near the front. Because the market is outdoors, heavy rain can limit vendor setup. If the weather looks questionable, call ahead or check the event page for updates or to confirm hours. New vendors are invited. Space is $10 per day on non holiday weekends and $20 per day on holiday weekends. Pay only in person to Debbie, never online. To apply or ask questions, call or text 517-749-2618.

Begin at the Visitor Center to pick up an activity booklet, then explore learning stations throughout the park to discover more about Michigan’s forests. Every participant receives a goodie bag, and once the booklet is completed you can return to the Visitor Center to collect a prize. This event is free, but a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for park entry. For more information, call the Visitor Center at 989-348-2537.

This celebration of all things cocoa offers a lineup designed for delightfully messy fun. Participants can take part in wrestling matches in chocolate pudding, compete in chocolate milk chugging challenges, and let young artists create pudding based artwork. A chocolate themed slip and slide adds to the excitement, along with additional cocoa centered games and activities. Playful and sweet, it welcomes chocolate fans of every age.

CASA partners with Challenger Sports to present a summer soccer camp at Crawford County Sports Complex in Grayling, MI. The camp returns with flexible scheduling options so families can choose what fits best, creating a friendly, soccer-focused experience for participants.

The Venue on Main, Northern Michigan Alliance for Children, Hayes Township, and Harrison Community Schools are working together in Downtown Harrison on a back-to-school pavement painting activity. Focused on helping local students start the year strong, this creative community event uses street painting to mark the return to school.

Presented by Head Start Preschool, this outdoor get-together at Clare City Park invites young children and their families for a welcoming story time followed by bubble play. Children can move, giggle, and explore as bubbles fill the air, while caregivers share a relaxed experience together. It offers an easy way to support early literacy while enjoying fresh air. Families are welcome to attend as often as they like.

This hands-on hairstyling workshop for parents focuses on creating a polished donut bun. Participants can choose to practice a high or a low style based on preference. Registration is required. Bring a hairbrush and arrive with hair already brushed. All other essentials are provided, including a donut bun form, hair ties, bobby pins, hairspray, and pomade.

CCN Car Show hosts a monthly cruise-in at the Last Chance Garage, where car enthusiasts gather to enjoy a free dinner and spend time with fellow fans. Attendees can bring a classic to display or come to browse the cars and talk shop.

Families with toddlers and preschoolers can take part in a weekly story and play time that features a read-aloud, a hands-on activity or craft, and a small snack. Sessions are held at Harrison District Library, and during the summer the gathering moves to Harrison City Park Pavilion A next to the new playground by the pickleball court.

This themed camp invites participants to experience pioneer life on an Oregon Trail inspired journey. Campers explore the challenges of traveling west through hands-on adventures, creative problem solving, and classic camp activities. Along the route they watch for hazards like rattlesnakes, work through trail setbacks, make critical choices, and discover what it took to keep moving toward a new frontier. Days are filled with crafting frontier style gear, tackling STEM based projects, enjoying target practice at the range, playing games, and uncovering a few surprises. Everyone sleeps in their own tent to stay fully immersed in the experience, and dressing in themed outfits is encouraged. Two session lengths are available, with a standard option or an extended trek for those who want even more time on the trail.

Smoke Show performs in the small pavilion within Shamrock Park in Clare, Michigan.

Standish Historic Depot hosts a free summer concert series featuring live music, with dancing welcome throughout. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy performances with family and friends. The schedule highlights acts such as the Rhett Yocom Blues Band, The Rivermen, The Reliks, an Elvis tribute by Bryan Elzie Dixon, The Bentleys, Kowalski Brothers Band, Hale Creek Band, and High 5 Band, with one appearance by The Rivermen taking place in Omer City. Concessions include hot popcorn and beverages available for purchase. Voluntary donations that support the Depot’s year-round operations can be placed in candy cane collection containers. Event sound is provided by Wilk Entertainment.

Kilcare Feud returns with a fresh round of team-based fun. Form a crew and put your smarts to work in a playful showdown for prizes awarded to the three highest scoring teams. There is no entry fee, and the event is open to participants of any age. Food and beverages are available throughout. You can reserve a table by calling in advance, since space is limited. More feud nights are on the schedule.