Kids Calendar

Kids Calendar

(age 12 & under)

October 2026

 

Key to Locations

AADL: Ann Arbor District Library, (734) 327–4200, aadl.org. Events (all free) offered at Downtown (343 S. Fifth Ave.), Westgate (2503 Jackson Ave.), Traverwood (3333 Traverwood), Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower), and Pittsfield (2359 Oak Valley) branches, as well as the AADL Warehouse (265 Parkland Plz.).

HSHV: Humane Society of Huron Valley, (734) 661–3575, [email protected]. 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. Events also hosted at Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center (5245 Jackson Rd., ste. A1). hshv.org. 

★ Free

Events

★ Every Mon.–Fri. (different times): Preschool Storytimes: AADL. Half-hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2–5 (with caregiver). Pittsfield (Mon. 10:30 a.m. & Thurs. 11 a.m., except Oct. 29), Downtown (Tues. 11 a.m.), Malletts Creek (Tues. 11 a.m. & Wed. 10:30 a.m., except Oct. 28), Traverwood (Thurs. 11 a.m., except Oct. 29), and Westgate (Fri. 1 p.m., except Oct. 23 & 30). 

★ Every Mon.–Wed. & Fri., (different times): Playgroups for Babies: AADL. Fifteen minutes of stories, rhymes, and songs led by AADL staffers, followed by a short open playtime. For kids up to 24 months (with caregiver). No older siblings. Malletts Creek (Mon. 10:30 a.m., except Oct. 12 & 26), Traverwood (Tues. 11 a.m., except Oct. 27), Westgate & Pittsfield (Wed. 10:30 a.m., except Westgate on Oct. 28), and Downtown (Fri. 10:30 a.m., except Oct. 30). 

★ Every Tues. (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Outdoor Story Time”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation. Kids ages 2–6 invited, accompanied by an adult, for stories, play, and crafts on a theme. Dress for the weather and bring snacks. Weather permitting. Oct. 6: Ducks (Mary Beth Doyle Park, 3500 Birch Hollow). Oct. 13: Animal Tracks (Furstenberg Nature Area, 2626 Fuller). Oct. 20: Beavers (Olson Park, 1515 Dhu Varren). Oct. 27: Squirrels (Island Park, 1420 Island Dr.). Meet at the playground in each park. Free, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec or (734) 794–6250. [email protected]. 

★ Every Wed. (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Nature Play”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation. Kids age 5 & under, accompanied by an adult, invited for self-guided exploration of nature through play. Natural materials provided. Dress for the weather and bring snacks. Weather permitting. Mushroom Park, 1800 Waltham. Free, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec or (734) 794–6250. [email protected]. 

Every Thurs. (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Little Paws Toddler Time”: HSHV. Stories, crafts, & fingerplays. Also, a chance to interact with adoptable cats & dogs and make a toy or treat for the animals. For kids ages 2–5 with accompanying adult. $5 (babies under age 1, free). Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. 

Every Sat. & Sun. (10 a.m.–4 p.m.): “Autumn Days at the Farm”: Domino’s Petting Farm. Hayrides, a bounce house, crafts, pumpkin decorating, face painting, balloon animals, apple cider, fresh donuts, food trucks, and pumpkins for purchase. On Oct. 24, live music from the Saline Fiddlers (10:30 & 11:30 a.m.). On Oct. 31, the Halloween Finale includes costume contests, a haunted caboose, and pony rides. For full schedule, see pettingfarm.com. 3001 Earhart. Admission $8 (seniors, $5.50; kids 23 months & under, free). Animal feed tickets, $3. (734) 998–0182. 

Oct. 2 (5:30–8:30 p.m.): “Pets and Pajamas Movie Night”: HSHV. Kids ages 6–11 invited to watch an animal-themed movie and interact with adoptable pets. Cheese pizza dinner. Wear pajamas and bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Call for movie selection. $35 per child. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. 

Oct. 3 (9:30–11:30 a.m.): “25th Birthday Fall Festival”: First Steps/Ann Arbor PTO Fundraiser. All kids invited to ride their stroller, scooter, trike, or bike around an empty parking lot at this annual trike-a-thon. Also, an AAFD firetruck, AAPS school bus, bubbles, face painting, an obstacle course, bike decoration, chalk drawing, games, and refreshments. Proceeds go to the First Steps scholarship program. Westerman Preschool & Family Center parking lot, 2775 Boardwalk. $5/child suggested donation cash or card at the gate or online at tinyurl.com/firststeps-fall26. [email protected].

★ Oct. 3, 10, & 17 (10:15–11:15 a.m.): “Wee Write with 826michigan”: AADL Malletts Creek. Kids ages 5–8 invited to work in small groups with adult volunteers to write stories and play creative games. 

Oct. 3 (11 a.m.–2 p.m.): “Trek or Treat”:  Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission. Families with kids over the age of 1 invited to enjoy the sights, frights, and fun along a spookily decorated stretch of 1.5 miles of trail and collect goodies along the way. Costumes encouraged. Last trail entry 2:30 p.m. Rolling Hills Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsi. $5/family, plus $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. Preregistration required at washtenaw.org/registerparks; #RH721304. 

★ Oct. 3 (1–2 p.m.): Korean Storytime: AADL Traverwood. Babies & preschoolers invited to listen to stories and songs in Korean. Followed by a craft. Part of AADL’s Korea Week.

★ Oct. 3 (3–4:30 p.m.): Gemini: Westminster Presbyterian Church. Outdoor family concert by popular acoustic duo of twin brothers Laszlo and Sandor Slomovits. Their family-friendly repertoire includes sing-alongs, folk songs from around the world, and upbeat originals about life’s simple pleasures. Bring something to sit on. Westminster Presbyterian Church lawn, 1500 Scio Church Rd. Free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of canned or dry food for Food Gatherers.  

★ Oct. 4 (noon–2 p.m.): “Archaeology and Technology”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Family Day. Kid-friendly activities, scavenger hunts, and docent-led tours by U-M archaeology faculty. 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304. 

★ Oct. 5 & 8 (10:30–11 a.m.) and Oct. 7 (1:30–2 p.m.): “Preschool ArtStart”: AADL. AADL staff lead children ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult, in arts and crafts, with an emphasis on fun. AADL Traverwood (Mon.), AADL Pittsfield (Wed.), & AADL Malletts Creek (Thurs.).

Oct. 7 & 21 (9:30–10:30 a.m.): “Tiny Tails Toddler Time”: Tiny Lions. Stories, crafts, fingerplays, and interaction with adoptable cats. For kids ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult. $10 per kid (babies under age 1, free). Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. 

Oct. 9 & 30 (1–2:30 p.m.): “Make & Believe”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation. K–5 students, accompanied by an adult, invited to build a fairy house (Oct. 9, Burns Park, 1300 Baldwin) or an animal mask (Oct. 30, Gallup Park meeting rm., 3000 Fuller) out of supplied and natural materials. Dress for the weather and bring snacks. $5, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec or (734) 794–6250. [email protected]. 

★ Oct. 9 (1–2 p.m.): “Sock Puppets”: AADL Pittsfield. Kids grades K–5 invited to make puppets out of old socks.

★ Oct. 9 (1–2 p.m.): “Hands-on with Tools for Kids”: AADL Downtown. A chance for kids grades K–5 to use some kid-friendly versions of household tools. 

Oct. 10 & 24 (10–11:30 a.m.): “Rescue Reading”: HSHV. Kids ages 6–11 invited to work on their reading skills by reading to adoptable animals, using their own or provided books. Also, a group read-aloud and a dog meet and greet. No adults. $10. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. 

★ Oct. 10 (11 a.m.–4 p.m.): Fall Festival: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission. Family-oriented festival with mini pumpkin decorating, heirloom apple tasting, face painting, and other kid-friendly activities. Also, food trucks and a craft fair. County Farm Park, 2230 Platt. Free. (734) 971–6337, [email protected].

Oct. 10, 11, & 18 (11 a.m.–3 p.m.): “Crafty Chaos: Pinwheels in Motion”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. All-ages craft activities inspired by falling leaves, pumpkins, and cozy weather. 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). (734) 995–9439, discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom. 

★ Oct. 10 (1–2 p.m.): “Games of Yesteryear”: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grade K & up to play old-fashioned games like hoop rolling, jacks, cat’s cradle, and others.

★ Oct. 10 (1–2 p.m.): “Rocket Ship Blast Off”: AADL Malletts Creek. Kids grades K–5 invited to design a paper rocket ship, then use a weight and some string to watch it blast off. 

★ Oct. 10 (3 & 6 p.m.): “Tie-Dye with Dawn Henry”: AADL Warehouse. Hour-long outdoor workshops offer kids age 3 & up and their families the chance to make tie-dyed items. Bring a 100 percent cotton T-shirt. 

★ Oct. 11 (10:30 & 11:30 a.m.): Jewish Storytime: AADL Downtown. Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor storytellers lead a program of stories and activities in English (10:30 a.m.) and Hebrew (11:30 a.m.) for kids ages 4–7.

★ Oct. 13 (10:30–11:15 a.m.): “Sensation Stations”: AADL Westgate. Babies and infants age 2 and under, accompanied by an adult, invited to engage their senses by scooping, pouring, shaking, and sorting a variety of materials while exploring colors, shapes, textures, and sounds. 

★ Oct. 14 (6–7 p.m.): “Friendship Bracelets”: AADL Traverwood. A chance for kids grade 5 & up to make colorful friendship bracelets out of beads and embroidery thread. 

★ Oct. 15 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Little Play Date”: AADL Westgate. Open playtime for babies & preschoolers, accompanied by an adult. 

Oct. 16 (10:30–11 a.m.): “Gabby’s Dollhouse Storytime”: Recess Café. Kids 10 & under (accompanied by an adult) invited to sing songs, hear stories, and play cat movement games with a costumed Gabby performer. 208 S. Ashley. Tickets $10 per child (caregivers free with child ticket), only in advance at starbrightentertainmenta2.com.

★ Oct. 16 (1–2 p.m.): “Build a Paper Rollercoaster”: AADL Westgate. Kids grade K & up invited to build and test a rollercoaster to transport a marble. 

Oct. 16 (5 & 6 p.m.): “Creatures of the Night”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation. A hayride, pumpkin decoration, a visit with creatures TBA from Leslie Science & Nature Center, and a stroll along the trail to look for nocturnal animals. Followed by trunk-or-treating from decorated cars. For kids ages 1–12, with their families. Bring your own flashlight. Costumes encouraged. 2 time slots. Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. $15 (Pittsfield residents, $10) per child; adults free. Preregistration required at recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. (734) 822–2120. 

★ Oct. 17 (1–2 p.m.): “Comics Workshop”: AADL Traverwood. Local cartoonist Ruth McNally Barshaw leads a program of drawing exercises for kids grades K–5. 

Oct. 17, 18, 24, & 25 (5–6:30 p.m.): “‘Spooky Species for Families”: The Creature Conservancy. Kids age 6 & up, with accompanying adults, invited to check out and learn about animals associated with the season (possibly owls, vultures, ravens, snakes, tarantulas, and rats), and hear Halloween legends tailored to families. Cider and donuts. Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $25, preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org. (734) 929–9324.  

Oct. 17 (5:30–7:30 p.m.): “Muttster Mash”: HSHV. Family-friendly games designed for kids ages 4–10, along with crafts and other activities, including trick-or-treating throughout the shelter and interacting with adoptable pets. Costumes (no “weapons” or flashing lights) and trick-or-treat bags encouraged. This event usually sells out. Limit of 2 adults per kid. Entries timed to prevent congestion, but people can stay as long as they like. $12 per kid (under age 1, free) in advance only at hshv.org/event-calendar. 

★ Oct. 18 (2–3 p.m.): “Spooktacular Refrigerator Magnets”: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grades K–5 to decorate Halloween-themed refrigerator magnets with colorful paper and googly eyes.

★ Oct. 18 (2–3 p.m.): “Pony Bead Jack-O’-Lantern”: AADL Westgate. Kids grade K & up invited to use pony beads to make a jack-o’-lantern keychain. 

★ Oct. 19 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Baby & Toddler Rave”: AADL Westgate. A chance for babies and toddlers ages 1–4, accompanied by an adult, to dance to a selection of EDM nursery rhymes mixed with kid-friendly techno, K-pop, and popular dance hits. Colorful scarves, balls, and glow toys provided. 

★ Oct. 22 (1–1:45 p.m.): “Young Scientists”: AADL Malletts Creek. Science-themed stories and simple science experiments for preschoolers accompanied by an adult.

Oct. 23 (6–8 p.m.): “A Huntrix Halloween”: Starbright Entertainment. Kids ages 2–12 with adult accompaniment invited to an interactive performance by 3 character impersonators from the movie KPop Demon Hunters that includes crafts, dancing, photos, a scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating, and live performances of songs from the film. Costumes encouraged. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Tickets $25 per kid (adults, $20; babies 1 & under, free) only in advance at starbrightentertainmenta2.com. 

Oct. 23 (7:15–8:45 p.m.): “Cats & Kids”: Tiny Lions. Kids ages 6–11 invited to spend time with adoptable cats and kittens at the Tiny Lions Lounge. Also, crafts and games, popcorn, and juice. No adults. $20. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. 

★ Oct. 24 (2–5 p.m.): “Hallowe’en on the Village Green”: Webster Township Historical Society. Kids and accompanying adults invited to trick-or-treat at historic buildings and participate in a costume parade. Also, kids crafts, cider, and cookies. 2–5 p.m., Historic Webster Village, 5583 Webster Church Rd., Dexter. $5 suggested donation per child. [email protected], webstertownshiphistoricalsociety.org. 

★ Oct. 24 (3–4 p.m.): “Popsicle Stick Monsters”: AADL Pittsfield. Craft activity for kids grades K–5. 

Oct. 24 (4–6:30 p.m. & 6:30–8:30 p.m.): “Animal Haunts”: Leslie Science & Nature Center. Guided “mystery hikes” through woodlands to meet a variety of sensationally costumed swamp animals who perform entertaining educational skits and songs. Also, interactive science activities led by Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum staff, live animal show-and-tell, and seasonal crafts. Costumes encouraged. Candy-free. Geared toward families with kids age 12 & under, but all ages welcome. 1831 Traver. $10/person (members, $8; under age 2, free). Preregistration required at lesliesnc.org.

★ Oct. 25 (11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.): “Halloween Parade”: Main Street Area Association. All costumed kids, accompanied by a caregiver, are invited to join a costume parade (lineup begins at 11:30 a.m.) led by AADL staff from the AADL down Liberty to Main. This is followed by trick-or-treating (12–2 p.m.) at businesses displaying black & orange balloons. Also, dancing, games, and crafts (12–2 p.m.). Free. mainstreetannarbor.org. 

Oct. 25 (1–2 p.m.): Pumpkin Carving Party: Hudson Mills Metropark. All kids, accompanied by an adult, invited to carve a pumpkin. Pumpkins and tools provided. Cider and donuts. Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial, Dexter. $6/person (kids under 2, free). Preregistration required by 4 p.m. the day before the program at tinyurl.com/hudson-m-oct26. Metroparks pass or $10 vehicle entrance fee required. (734) 426–8211,  [email protected]. 

★ Oct. 25 (3–4 p.m.): “Wicked Meet & Greet”: Starbright Entertainment. Kids 12 & under with adult accompaniment invited to meet and take photos with Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked. Costumes encouraged. Milkshake Factory, 326 S. Maple, ste. 326. Free. starbrightentertainmenta2.com. 

Oct. 30 (10–11 a.m.): “Preschool Explorers”: Hudson Mills Metropark. A hands-on nature adventure for kids ages 3–6, accompanied by an adult. The program includes stories, outdoor exploration, and creative activities on a natural theme. Held both indoors and outside, weather permitting. Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial, Dexter. $5 per child (adults, free). Preregistration required by 4 p.m. the day before the program at tinyurl.com/hudson-m-oct26. Metroparks pass or $10 vehicle entrance fee required. (734) 426–8211,  [email protected].  

★ Oct. 30 (10:30–11 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.–noon): “The Halloween Show!”: AADL Downtown. Kids grades preK–3 and their caretakers invited to join AADL storytellers for a fun Halloween-themed show with stories, puppets, songs, & rhymes. Wear costumes and gather treats afterward.

★ Oct. 30 (noon–4 p.m.): Trick or Treat: Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce. Trick-or-treating in Monument Park and at participating downtown Dexter merchants, indicated by balloons. Noon–4 p.m., Dexter. dexterchamber.org. [5x]

★ Oct. 30 (2–3 p.m.): “Glitter Pictures”: AADL Downtown. A chance for kids grades K–5 to use glitter and adhesive foam to create a colorful and sparkly picture. 

★ Oct. 30 (2–3:30 p.m.): “Wire Sculptures Inspired by Louise Bourgeois”: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grade 3 & up to make wire sculptures in the style of this French American artist who used spiders as a central motif in the later part of her career. 

Oct. 30 (4, 5, & 6 p.m.): “Halloween Character Immersion Trick-or-Treat”: Stone Chalet. Hour-long family-friendly trick-or-treat sessions around the historic Stone Chalet mansion. Features multiple outdoor scenes with animatronics and child-friendly decor while characters in costumes pass out candy and treats. Ends inside with activities, dancing, and games in the Queen’s Ballroom. 1917 Washtenaw Ave. $12/child (adults, $10; kids age 2 & under, free) in advance at stonechalet.com & at the door. (866) 382–6542. 

Oct. 31 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Little Paws: Halloween”: HSHV. Stories, crafts, & fingerplays for kids ages 2–5 with accompanying adult. Also, a chance to interact with adoptable cats & dogs. Costumes welcome. $5 (babies under age 1, free). Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. 

★ Oct. 31 (11 a.m.–noon): “Animal Paper Craft: Owls”: AADL Downtown. Kids grades K–5 invited to cut, paste, and decorate a paper owl. 

Oct. 31 (noon–3 p.m.): “Critters Up Close!”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Leslie Science & Nature Center staff show live animals TBA. Also, animal-oriented hands-on activities for all ages. 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). (734) 995–9439, discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom. 

★ Oct. 31 (1–3:30 p.m.): “Thrills at the Mills”: Hudson Mills Metropark. All kids under age 16, accompanied by a caretaker, invited to a sensory-friendly (with low noise levels and retreat spaces) trunk-or-treat from official park vehicles, including a dump truck, police car, and tractor. Car owners also invited to sign up and participate. Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial, Dexter. Free. Preregistration required for trunks and trunk-or-treaters at tinyurl.com/hudson-m-oct26. Metroparks pass or $10 vehicle entrance fee required. (734) 426–8211,  [email protected]. 

★ “Trunk-or-Treat” Opportunities

All kids in costume with their own container invited to trick-or-treat at decorated cars in the parking lot. Free.

Oct. 4 (4–6 p.m.), Panda Programs, Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty. 

Oct. 25 (3–4:30 p.m.), St. Paul School, 495 Earhart. 

Oct. 25 (4–6 p.m.), West Side United Methodist Church, 900 S. Seventh.

Oct. 26 (5:30–7 p.m.), Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave.