Kid-Friendly (And Cheap!) Weekend Adventures in Michigan

Written by Kristen Skladd

Sometimes all it takes is a little planning to have a great family outing. When routine exploits just aren’t cutting it anymore, shake things up by exploring new terrain, taking in an exhibition, or visiting a landmark and learning a little something about our local history. Here are awesome events to attend and places to visit around town before fall ends. Best part? All of them can be done on the cheap!

Yates Cider Mill

Situated at the border of central Macomb and Oakland counties, Yates Cider Mill is a 150-year-old institution in the area.

Why Go

Opened in 1863, Yates Cider Mill is as historic as they come. With an apple press installed in the early 1920's, cider is still made using water power generated from the Clinton River.

"It's a great year to come and visit and be a part of making history," said Yates owner Mike Titus. "It's so fun to have people walk in the door and tell us about a memory that they have when they were kids, or when their parents were kids coming here, and it's really all the same."

Insider Tip

Don't miss Yates' Fudge Shoppe. Bite into a free sample and you'll instantly be hooked on the fudge, which uses all natural ingredients from the Frankenmuth Fudge Shoppe. If you visit on the weekend, you can watch the fudge being made in flavors such as salt water taffy, caramel corn and the new sea salt caramel dark chocolate.

Must Do

Relax, grab a caramel apple and see the vivid colors of autumn up close by taking a walk down the long, paved path, making sure to climb the steps down to the edge of the Clinton River.

The Fine Print

Yates accepts both cash and credit on all purchases. Open from 9-7 p.m. in October. Starting Nov. 4, hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m on Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Halloween Hustle 5K Run Walk/10K

There's nothing like a scary Halloween run to warm up your heart rate as the month draws to a close.

Why Go

You'll be chased by zombies! Enough said. 

On Oct. 26, the Halloween Hustle will be held at Stony Creek's Eastwood Beach in Shelby Township. Benefiting three local non-profit organizations—the Macomb County Food Bank, Macomb Charitable Foundation, and 4 Paws 1 Heart —event organizers hope the run will encourage families to get moving.

Insider Tip

"Halloween Hustle offers a "special" 5K registration fee for children 12 and under because we want to encourage children to walk/run," said Race Director Nancy Smith. "If a child is not able to run or walk the entire distance, they can loop back at many points on the course."

Must Do

For walkers and runners, there will be a Halloween costume contest complete with gift certificate prizes. If you'd rather be "zombified" instead of getting sweaty, the Paul Mitchell School will be on hand to makeover the dead (both children and adults) at no cost. Unfortunately, there are no prizes for the zombies.

The Fine Print

Unlike many other events, the Halloween Hustle is both a dog and stroller-friendly event, and there is no charge for either. The course is USA Track and Field certified and will take place on the park road and paved bike path, with a short portion of the 10K taking place on packed dirt within the park. Check out halloweenhustlerun.com for complete information.

Making Strides Again Breast Cancer Walk

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Unite with the American Cancer Society in this 5K event and help raise awareness.

Why Go

Join more than seven million walkers who have participated in Making Strides Walks across the country. Since 1993, the American Cancer Society has raised more than $400 million during the events. Stroll through beautiful Ann Arbor in honor of someone you know and extend your support. It’s also a great way to show kids how important it is to give time to a worthwhile cause.

“Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about what we can do to reduce our breast cancer risk, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with breast cancer research, information and services, and access to mammograms for women who need them," said Amanda Van Sant, American Cancer Society Specialist.

Insider Tip

This Oct. 26 event is free and open to anyone who wants to participate. Register as an individual or as a team. There is no fee to walk but donations of any amount are appreciated.

Must Do

Show your support for breast cancer awareness by wearing the empowering, nationally-recognized color—pink! Be sure to head out early because many of the festivities will take place before the walk such as warm-up exercises, activities to honor survivors, remembrances and dedications, face painting, coloring sheets and much more.

The Fine Print

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk kicks off at 8 a.m. on October 26. There's still time to register by visiting the event website.

Trick-or-Treat Trail at Clawson City Park

Kids love receiving free candy on Halloween... but what about a few days before too?! Thanks to the Clawson Youth Assistance and the Clawson Parks and Recreation Department, children will have the chance to do just that at this no-cost event.

Why Go

On the night of Oct. 27, kids of all ages can put on their costumes and head to Clawson's City Park to do some early trick-or-treating, as local businesses and groups provide candy stations along the park's wood-chipped trail.

"The Trick or Treat Trail is a fun, safe community event that is enjoyable for kids, parents and volunteers," said Clawson Mayor Penny Luebs.

Insider Tip

There will be a puppet show prior to the event, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Cider and donuts will be available after kids trick-or-treat.

Must Do

The event also features a pumpkin carving contest. Pumpkins must be carved and dropped off in advance of trick-or-treating, so don’t miss your chance to show off your creativity. Drop-off for the pumpkins is 5 p.m. and pickup is 8 p.m.

The Fine Print

The decorated pumpkins from the contest will be used to light the park's trail. However, bringing a flashlight also is encouraged.