Detroit Kids Events This Weekend February 28th - March 1st 2026

February 28th - March 1st 2026United StatesLast updated: Recently

Get ready for a fun, action-packed final weekend of February! We have outdoor winter fun at Valade Park, a super cool ice carving competition in Ann Arbor, and plenty of free story times at the Detroit Public Library. Don't miss the last chance to catch some winter attractions before March hits!

See our top picks
Filter to show only free events16 events this weekend

Β· February 28

9

FREE : Head down to the Riverfront for a full afternoon of winter fun. Activities include borrowing free sleds for sledding, enjoying oversized bonfires with marshmallow roasters, and trying your hand at curling.This is a fantastic collection of free outdoor winter activities all in one central location, perfect for a Saturday afternoon.

πŸ“Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, RiverfrontΒ· 12PM Β· All Ages Β· Free

🌳outdoorπŸŽͺfestivalAll ages
FREE

Winter at Valade

Winter at Valade offers year-round fun for the whole family by extending riverfront programming into the winter with sledding, bonfires, games, and themed events.

WhenSaturdays & Sundays: January 10 to March 1, 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm (with specific times for some activities like Polar Power Walk at 2 p.m. Sundays and bonfires lit 12-7 p.m.)
WhereRobert C. Valade Park, Address not fully listed, but parking is at 2690 E. Atwater St. (at the base of Jos Campau), Detroit
PriceFree (some paid food/drink available)
BookingRequired β€” book in advance

FREE : Watch talented artists turn blocks of ice into sculptures themed around 'Winter games.' It’s a cool, engaging way to spend a winter afternoon watching art created in real time.This is a unique, one-day-only event featuring interactive art that kids will love watching come to life.

πŸ“County Farm Park, Ann Arbor (Metro)Β· 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Β· All Ages Β· Free

🌳outdoorπŸŽͺfestivalAll ages
FREE

Ice Carving Festival (Ann Arbor)

This outdoor festival offers winter family fun where attendees can watch real-time ice carving, enjoy photo opportunities with interactive sculptures, and participate in winter games, along with warm food and drinks.

Whennull
WhereCounty Farm Park, 2230 Platt Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
PriceFree

FREE : Take the family to the Chaney branch of the DPL for a free movie showing in the afternoon. A great, simple indoor option for Saturday.Reliable free programming at the local library, perfect for an easy afternoon diversion.

πŸ“Chaney | Detroit Public Library, DetroitΒ· 2:00 PM Β· Family Β· Free

🏠indoor🎭theatre5-11 yrs
FREE

Saturday Family Movie Day

Families can enjoy a screening of the Marvel film "Black Panther" starring Chadwick Boseman and Lupita Nyong'o.

WhenSaturday, Feb 28 from 2 pm to 4 pm
WhereChaney | Detroit Public Library, 16101 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48227
PriceFree
BookingRequired β€” book in advance

FREE : Celebrate Black Children's Book Week with a dedicated storytime session at the Wilder Library branch.It's specific programming tied to a celebration, offering unique content for Saturday morning.

πŸ“Wilder | Detroit Public Library, DetroitΒ· 11:00 AM Β· Children Β· Free

🏠indoor🎨workshopAll ages
FREE

Black Children's Book Week Storytime

Celebrate Black Children's Book Week with an engaging story time focused on representation, followed by a fun craft activity for kids.

WhenSaturday, Feb 28 from 11 am to 12 pm
WhereWilder | Detroit Public Library, 7140 Seven Mile East, Detroit, MI 48234
PriceFree
BookingRequired β€” book in advance

: Check out the 73rd running of this classic Detroit car show at Huntington Place. If your kids love hot rods and custom vehicles, this is the place to be.It's a major, long-running Detroit tradition that is running through its last day this weekend.

πŸ“Huntington Place, Downtown DetroitΒ· Not mentioned Β· Not mentioned Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoorπŸ–ΌοΈexhibitionAll ages

73rd Annual Detroit Autorama!

America's Greatest Hot Rod Show, the 73rd Annual Detroit Autorama, features over 800 customs, trucks, and motorcycles, which will appeal to families interested in cars and automotive craftsmanship.

WhenFri Feb 27th 12 PM - 10 PM, Sat Feb 28th 9 AM - 10 PM, Sun Mar 1st 10 AM - 7 PM
WhereHuntington Place / Cobo, 1 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226 US
PriceGeneral Admission: $30.00 at gate (or $28.00 at O'Reilly Auto Parts), Children 6-12: $10.00 at gate (or $9.00 at O'Reilly Auto Parts), Children 5 and Under Free

FREE : Take an evening stroll on the beautiful illuminated trail before it closes for the season (this weekend seems to be the last weekend listed). It’s free to walk the path, perfect for winding down the day.This is a limited-run, free, evening activity, making it a great way to wrap up Saturday night.

πŸ“Waterford Oaks County Park, Waterford (Metro)Β· 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Β· Not mentioned Β· Free

🌳outdoorπŸŽͺfestivalAll ages
FREE

Fireworks and Flannels Illuminated Trail

Bundle up for a cozy night out featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting farm, live music, sledding, crafts, and a spectacular fireworks launch.

WhenFeb 14, 2026, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WhereWaterford Oaks, 1702 Scott Lake Road, Waterford, Michigan 48328
PriceFree

: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra wraps up its run of Berlioz's 'Symphonie fantastique' this Saturday evening. This might be a good fit for older kids or teens interested in classical music.It’s the final performance of this DSO series happening Saturday night.

πŸ“Orchestra Hall, Midtown DetroitΒ· 8:00 PM Β· Not mentioned Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎭theatreAll ages

Symphonie Fantastique!

The event features Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique," which tells the story of a Romantic artist's obsession, complemented by the U.S. premiere of a DSO co-commissioned concerto featuring acclaimed flutist Emmanuel Pahud.

WhenThursday, February 26, 2026 at 7:30pm; Friday, February 27, 2026 at 8:00pm; Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 8:00pm
WhereOrchestra Hall, Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
PriceTickets start at $20.00
BookingRequired β€” book in advance

FRANKENMUTH ICE RINK : If you are up for a day trip, Frankenmuth is celebrating the LAST DAY of their ice rink season this Saturday! It’s a fun change of scenery for skating.This is explicitly marked as the LAST DAY for this outdoor rink, making it a final chance event.

πŸ“Edwin L Zehnder Park, Frankenmuth (Far North)Β· 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Β· Not mentioned Β· $10 admission + $3 skate rental

Β· March 1

1

Also OnΒ· anytime this weekend

6

FREE : Admission to the farm is free, and they offer tubing down the sled hill even if there isn't snow. Great spot just north of the city for some active fun.Admission is free, making it an easy entry point for outdoor fun just outside Detroit.

πŸ“Bowers School Farm, Bloomfield Hills (Metro)πŸ”„ RecurringΒ· 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM Β· 5yrs+ (for tubing) Β· Free

🌳outdoor⚽sportAll ages
FREE

Bowers Farm Winter Park Weekends

Bowers Farm Winter Park offers outdoor snow tubing adventures with rental tubes provided for a thrilling ride down the hill.

WhenJanuary 9 - March 8, 2026; Fridays 4p-9p, Saturdays 2p-9p, Sundays 2p-9p. Sensory Friendly Tubing on Feb 21 and Mar 8 at 2p-2:50p.
WhereCharles L. Bowers Farm, 1219 Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Price$17 per person for 50 minutes, plus processing fees. Parents on the hill need a ticket.
BookingRequired β€” book in advance

: If you are looking for a serious outdoor adventure, check out this lantern-lit trail option in the Upper Peninsula, running this Saturday.It's a unique lantern-lit trail experience specifically confirmed for Saturday.

πŸ“Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ontonagon (Far North)πŸ”„ RecurringΒ· Not mentioned Β· Not mentioned Β· Not mentioned

🌳outdoor🌿natureAll ages

Lantern-lit trail hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski (every Saturday)

Families can enjoy a nighttime hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski along a 1-mile Lake Superior Trail lit by kerosene lanterns, with a warming cabin available.

WhenEvery Saturday Jan 31-Feb. 28, 2026; 6-8 p.m. EST
WherePorcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - Porkies Ski Hill, across the road of the Porkies Winter Sports Complex entrance (GPS coordinates: 46.8209766, -89.6519496)
PriceFree, however a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to the park.

: Check out the beautifully restored Belle Isle Conservatory, featuring tropical plants under the glass dome. It's a perfect, warm escape from the late winter weather.It’s a gorgeous, classic Detroit indoor attraction confirmed open on Sunday.

πŸ“Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle IsleπŸ›οΈ PermanentΒ· 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Β· All Ages Β· State Park fee for entry unless you have a state park pass.

🏠indoor🌿natureAll ages

Belle Isle Conservatory

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, located in Belle Isle Park, offers families a chance to explore a collection of exotic plants and seasonal floral beds housed in a historic structure designed by Albert Kahn.

WhenOpen Year-round
WhereAnna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, 876 Picnic Way, Belle Isle, Detroit, MI 48207
PriceFree

: Right next door to the Conservatory, stop by the historic aquarium on Sunday for some quiet time watching the fish.It’s a reliable weekend staple confirmed open on Sunday, great when paired with the nearby Conservatory.

πŸ“Belle Isle Aquarium, Belle IsleπŸ›οΈ PermanentΒ· Not mentioned Β· Not mentioned Β· State Park fee for entry unless you have a state park pass.

🏠indoorπŸ›οΈmuseumAll ages

Belle Isle Aquarium

The Belle Isle Aquarium, North America's oldest continuously operating public aquarium, features 60 exhibits and 1,500 animals, making it a fascinating visit for all ages.

WhenInformation not available on the page; the aquarium was closed in 2005.
WhereBelle Isle Aquarium, on Belle Isle in Detroit, United States
PriceInformation not available

: Explore the mind of Leonardo da Vinci with this exhibition featuring reproductions of his inventions and art. This is running all weekend and is a fantastic indoor option.It's a major museum exhibit running Sunday that encourages curiosity about science and art.

πŸ“The Henry Ford, Dearborn (Metro)πŸ›οΈ PermanentΒ· 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Β· Not mentioned Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoorπŸ–ΌοΈexhibitionAll ages

DaVinci The Exhibition

This exhibition offers a detailed exploration of Leonardo da Vinci's life and work, featuring over 65 full-scale inventions and fine art studies that will captivate families interested in art, science, and engineering.

WhenDaily, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Also features specific program dates)
WhereHenry Ford Museum of American Innovation (Full address not provided on this page, but the location is The Henry Ford which is in Dearborn, adjacent to Detroit)
PriceFree for members, otherwise check ticket price
BookingRequired β€” book in advance

: If you have younger kids, check out this dedicated morning session focusing on tinkering and hands-on activities at the Henry Ford Museum on Sunday.Specific programing during the morning hours dedicated to younger learners.

πŸ“Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn (Metro)πŸ”„ RecurringΒ· 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Β· Not mentioned Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎨workshop3-5 yrs

Tinkering for Tots at The Henry Ford in Dearborn

Little learners get hands-on, minds-on at Tinkering for Tots, designed for curious preschoolers to develop an innovative mindset through storytelling, play, artifact exploration, and a take-home STEAM activity kit.

WhenOct-May | Second Tuesday of each month 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
WhereHenry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Near Driving America, across from Driven to Win: Racing in America
PriceFree for members or with museum admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What free kids events are on in Detroit this weekend?

This weekend (Feb 28-01) offers several free activities, including the Winter at Valade fun (sledding, bonfires), the Kids Creative Writing Workshop at the Library, and a Saturday Family Movie Day at the DPL.

Are there any outdoor activities on Sunday, March 1st?

Yes, the outdoor skating at The Rink at Stine Community Park in Troy is confirmed for Sunday, and you can visit the beautiful Belle Isle Conservatory and Aquarium.

What is a unique, one-day-only thing to do on Saturday, Feb 28th?

The Ice Carving Festival in Ann Arbor is a one-day event on Saturday where you can watch artists create winter-themed sculptures, running from 12 PM to 4 PM.

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