If you live in Michigan, fall is likely a time of year that your family loves to get out and spend quality time together. There are tons of family-friendly events in Michigan across Waterford and Oakland County that kids and adults will enjoy. So, whether your family is super relaxed or always on the go, we’ve got the perfect fall activity for you!
Fun and Kid-Friendly Events in Oakland County
- Oakland County Farmers’ Market
- Long Family Orchard
- Yates Cider Mill
- Drive-in Halloween Movie
- Family-Friendly Festivities at the Oakland County Farmers’ Market
There are always plenty of different things going on at the Oakland County Farmers’ Market, especially during the fall. Set aside some time during the weekend to check out their extraordinary collection of goods and kid-friendly activities. You should also check their event calendar before planning your trip.
The market regularly hosts family-friendly days with bounce houses and games for the kids, while parents can check out the vast selection of fresh produce. All the items sold within the market are locally grown, so you can feel good about your purchase. In addition to some delicious produce, you can find handmade goods from talented local artisans.
Yoga at the Market
One of this location’s most popular events is yoga at the market. It takes place several times throughout September, along with a free tai chi class that is available after yoga on Saturdays. While yoga might be something only mom and dad enjoy, tai chi is kid-friendly; what kiddo doesn’t want to learn some epic fighting moves?
Located right in Waterford, the farmers’ market is the perfect place to stop anytime in the summer or fall. Keep in mind that you can find perfect seasonal plants like pumpkins, apples, pears, and more during September and October.
Stop in on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday for a family-friendly activity the whole crew will love.
2. Delicious Cider and Donuts at Long Family Orchard
Who doesn’t love fresh apples, warm cider, and sweet donuts on a cool fall day? Long Family Orchard is the perfect family-friendly cider mill. Located in Commerce, it is roughly a twenty-minute drive from Waterford.
Kid-Friendly Activities at Long Family Orchard
- corn maze
- play area
- goat farm
Corn Maze
Over the years, the Long family has created new corn mazes to keep kids and adults guessing. Don’t worry about getting stuck, though. It typically only takes a few minutes to complete. Besides, nothing says “family bonding time” like working together to achieve a challenging maze.
Play Area
The play area at Long Orchard is full of kid-friendly activities that even toddlers will enjoy. Little ones can ride the pedal kart track, climb through straw tunnels, glide down a giant slide, and more.
Goat Farm
you have to check out the adorable goat farm where everyone in the family can get up close with the goats.
Don’t forget to take the family-friendly hayride out to the pumpkin patch. Your kids will love picking pumpkins from the field to carve and paint at home. Finally, grab some donuts for the road and take some photos on the giant rocking chair before you go!
3. Michigan’s #1 Cider Mill
Yes, that’s right. Yates Cider Mill has been one of Michigan’s favorite family-friendly spots since 1863. It’s a must-visit during the fall; you can either head to Rochester for the full cider mill experience or visit their store in Lake Orion. Both are a bit of a hike from Waterford, but we promise their selection of cider, baked goods, jams, and more will be worth the drive.
If your idea of a family-friendly fall day involves staying home to play games or lounge together, Yates has got you covered. There’s nothing more perfect than snuggling up on the couch and watching Halloween movies with a mug of warm Yates cider in hand. Place an online order to have it shipped to your home or make a local pickup and bring it back to the house.
On a day when your family is feeling a bit more active, head out to the cider mill for a day full of kid-friendly fall activities. There are tents to sit and enjoy your treats, and after, your little one can take a pony ride. Parents, we should note that the ponies have a weight limit of eighty pounds, so only the kids get to enjoy this attraction (sorry)!
As much as your little ones learn in daycare and school, there’s nothing like getting out and experiencing nature firsthand on the trails at Yates.
A family-friendly activity that everyone can enjoy is visiting the animals at the petting zoo. On the weekends through September and October, families purchase goat chew for just $1.00 and feed the animals. You can expect to see goats, sheep, and llamas during your trip.
4. Watch the Addams Family in the Park
The Addams Family is a beloved kid-friendly Halloween movie. Kids and adults both enjoy it, so it’s no wonder we recommend heading to Clintonwood Park in Clarkson on October 23rd. Residents of Waterford can make it there in just under fifteen minutes.
Bring all your favorite snacks, cozy sweaters, and fuzzy blankets, and pop the trunk for a beautiful fall night with the family. Moviegoers are more than welcome to bring camping chairs or sit outside their cars to watch the movie.
While you might have to leave the littlest ones home for this event, the movie is kid-friendly for big siblings that will actually enjoy sitting down and watching the film. The movie starts at 7:15 P.M., but we recommend arriving early to reserve a seat with a pristine view of the big screen.
5. Halloween Hayrides Drayton Plains Nature Center
Every family needs to start a tradition of going on a spooky yet kid-friendly hayride. The Drayton Plains Nature Center in Waterford is hosting a fall event everyone will enjoy on October 8th and 9th. This family-friendly event includes Halloween stories, scenic views of nature, and even a bounce house.
The Halloween Hayrides are an ideal event for families in Waterford because you can take it as an opportunity to learn more about local animals and enjoy the beautiful nearby water.
We should also note that this is a mild and kid-friendly event, so you don’t have to worry about a scary clown or ghost popping out anywhere. Arrive any time between 5:30 and 9:30 P.M. to catch a ride on the tractor.
You must get out and appreciate the cool, crisp air of autumn when living in Michigan. Hopefully, our list of kid-friendly family activities near Waterford helped fill up your calendar with some exciting events for the cooler months. We are wishing you a fall full of delicious cider, festive activities, and long-lasting memories!