Family events in Hillsdale, MI

Embark on a 3-hour cruise aboard the Glass City Pearl that travels from the Maumee River to Lake Erie, showcasing Toledo’s maritime scenery and history. Take in views of the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse and the historic remains of the Turtle Island Lighthouse as the landscape shifts from river to open lake. The route may change depending on water levels. Guests may bring their own food and beverages, including spirits, and are welcome to pack a cooler for a picnic on board. Expect fresh lake breezes, memorable photo opportunities, and a relaxing way to experience the region’s lighthouse landmarks, ideal for history lovers, lighthouse fans, and photographers.

Climb aboard the Sandpiper for a relaxed evening on the Maumee River, cruising upriver to Walbridge Park before returning downtown as night falls. Take in sunset colors over the water, then watch the skyline come alive as city lights shimmer across the river. Pizza, soft drinks such as Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite, and water are provided during the trip. Guests may also bring their own food and drinks, including adult beverages, and a small cooler is recommended to keep items cold. It is a fitting choice for marking a special moment or unwinding at the end of the day, combining river views with the charm of the illuminated city.

Get ready for ground-shaking action as the NTPA Tractor Pulls take over the grandstand at the Hillsdale County Fair. Competitors from the National Tractor Pullers Association showcase powerhouse machines, each aiming to drag the sled the furthest distance down the track. Thunderous engines, billowing smoke, and tight contests keep the crowd buzzing from start to finish. This high-octane showcase offers thrilling competition for motorsports enthusiasts and fairgoers alike.

Urban Air Toledo hosts a sensory friendly play day designed for people with sensory processing sensitivities, along with their siblings, caregivers, and families. The experience focuses on comfort and inclusion so guests can enjoy play at their own pace. To keep stimulation low, flashing lights are not used, music is off, and whistles are avoided during the event, creating a quieter, more relaxed setting. It is intended to foster a sense of belonging and help families make meaningful memories together. Capacity is limited, so early arrival is recommended.

Celebrate the roots of agriculture at the Hillsdale County Fair as antique tractors, carefully restored and preserved, show their strength in competitive pulls. Drivers aim to haul a weighted sled as far as possible down the track, filling the air with the low growl of classic engines and plenty of good-natured rivalry. This welcoming event honors local farming heritage and offers traditional fair fun for all ages. There is no charge for grandstand admission.

The TNT Demolition Derby brings engine-roaring thrills to the Hillsdale County Fair. This highly anticipated grandstand showcase returns with crushing collisions, mud-splattered action, and relentless intensity as drivers go head-to-head until a single car outlasts the rest. From crunching metal to big cheers in the stands, it delivers high-energy entertainment for fairgoers of all ages.

Children of all ages can explore a large supply of Lego bricks and build whatever they imagine. The activity focuses on open building that encourages creativity and free play. Finished creations will be displayed for a few weeks in the showcase by the entrance to the children's room. There is no cost, no registration, and no library card required. Children ages 9 and under must attend with an adult for supervision.

TK Pro Rodeo brings pro-level action to the Hillsdale County Fair, filling the grandstand with high-energy western sport. Watch skilled cowboys and cowgirls take on bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, roping, and more as crowd favorites unfold throughout the show. It is a showcase of authentic rodeo tradition with plenty of family-friendly excitement.

A Pokémon League gathering where enthusiasts can meet and take part in League activities.

Toledo Speedway hosts the second annual car show for automotive enthusiasts. Entry requires a $20 donation, and participants can drive laps in their own cars on the track. A 50/50 and music from a DJ will be part of the festivities.

The Friday evening LVR classic cruise-ins begin with an opening event for classic cars and bikes. It is a cruise-in style gathering noted with #historyinthemaking and #levintagerose and tied to Allen, Michigan.

Feel the ground shake as monster truck action roars into the grandstand at the Hillsdale County Fair. Colossal machines crush obstacles and put raw power on display with crowd pleasing runs that keep the excitement high. Afterward, local drivers face a demanding tough truck course, pushing their vehicles to the limit in a race for the win. Thundering engines, dirt flying, and big cheers create an action packed atmosphere for fairgoers of every age.

This family friendly event spotlights farming past and present with a tractor exhibit and additional activities. It offers a look at how agriculture has evolved over time, with experiences suitable for all ages.

Mrs. Freeman leads a story time in the children’s room near the big blue rocker, sharing a mix of books for children of all ages. There is no cost to attend, and no registration or library card is required. Story requests are welcome.

A free, family-friendly gathering at Wooden celebrates America250 along with the heritage of the state, the school, and the surrounding community. Wander the grounds, see automobiles from before 1955 and tractors, meet animals in a petting area, and enjoy activities designed for children. Demonstrations will highlight traditional crafts and time-honored skills. There will be music and food, plus a sale of baked goods and other attractions to experience.

Set out on a two-hour river cruise aboard the Sandpiper to savor the colors of fall along the Maumee River. Glide past maples, golden willows, and oaks reflected on calm water, with fresh scenes of crimson and gold unfolding around each bend. A narrated program shares the river’s rich past, touching on Toledo’s evolution as the Glass City, its industrial story, and the importance of the waterway to Native American communities, early settlers, and the riverboat era. Warm up with fresh-pressed hot apple cider and donuts from Haas Bakery. You may bring your own beverages, including red wine, Oktoberfest beer, or a favorite bourbon, and small coolers are welcome. With comfortable seating, open-air views, and an easygoing pace, it suits couples, families, friends, and solo explorers seeking a seasonal outing. These cruises are popular and tend to sell out quickly.

This rites of passage experience focuses on meaningful rituals, time in nature, and building a drum together with your youth. Guides devoted to carrying forward a longstanding wisdom tradition lead the process and show how each part of the drum can serve as a deliberate metaphor for life experiences. It offers a hands-on way to create something together while deepening connection and reflection.

It features smoked meat and a chili cook-off, a cornhole tournament and volleyball, plus a bounce house, face painting, and a cake walk. The focus is on good food, friendly faces, and simple fun.

At the Hillsdale County Fair, the TNT Demolition Derby brings the week to a roaring close with metal-crunching thrills. Drivers square off in a hard-hitting showdown where collisions are constant, engines bellow, and tires spin. Competitors navigate the chaos and deliver heavy shots as each driver works to keep a vehicle moving longer than the rest. The aim is simple... be the last one still running. Noisy and full of surprises, this crowd magnet sends the fair off with nonstop excitement.