Arbor Annie’s Events for Kids This Weekend Near Ann Arbor

Find the best events for families this weekend in Ann Arbor with Arbor Annie’s Weekend Highlights for May 15-17. This article is updated each week with all the best things to this weekend near Ann Arbor. Are you looking for the best events during the week? Find them here.

It’s a busy weekend with theater, Huron River Day, Picnic Pops, and so much more.

Find The Best Things to Do Near You This Weekend

Next weekend is YPT’s big spring musical – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We always love their shows.

Encore, Encore! Live Theater & Concerts for Ann Arbor Families

The Ann Arbor theatre scene is lively. Several groups produce Ann Arbor theater shows for kids and families – or starring them. I love taking my daughter to see live theater and concerts. The local productions are so much less expensive than the touring productions so we can see more performances. There are lots of […]

Friday is the first ice cream social that we found Bryant/Pattengill Ice Cream Social. (If we don’t have your child’s school listed, please send us the details).

Celebrate the End of School at Ice Cream Socials & Other Events

At the end of the school year, most of the Ann Arbor elementary schools hold an all-school social event that is typically a fundraiser. Most schools call the event an Ice Cream Social, but there is the Wines ROAR, Allen Country Fair, and other names at each school. If your child will be starting Kindergarten […]

One annual event we look forward to is Huron River Day. This year it moves to a new location with a new format. Lets hope the 40% rain chance we see in the forecast (when we looked Thursday) doesn’t put a damper on the fun

If you’re more into indoor activities, Saturday is AADL RPG Day. Or, head to Novi for Motor City Comic Con.

With the summer swim season, it’s a great time to brush up on Water Safety with Goldfish Water Safety Day

Saturday night is the home opener for AFC Ann Arbor – the women’s team is playing.

Kickstart Your Fun: Attending an AFC Ann Arbor Match

Attending an AFC Ann Arbor game is an exciting way to spend an afternoon or evening, filled with fun for the whole family. My daughter and I attended an AFC Ann Arbor women’s game last week and have all the details. Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for a great community event, […]

Sunday is another big Ann Arbor event – Picnic Pops. Or you can join the Mo Willems Celebration at AADL Pittsfield Sunday morning. More music on Sunday is Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra Spring Showcase.

We were disappointed to hear that Thomas the Train isn’t coming to Greenfield Village anymore. But they are holding a new train themed event this weekend – All Aboard Adventure.

Greenfield Village Introduces New Train Weekend

Greenfield Village is debuting a new weekend event in 2026 – All Aboard Adventure. This event is a replacement for their traditional Day Out with Thomas Weekends held in May. In March we were disappointed to hear that Thomas the Tank Engine can no longer visit Greenfield Village due to a mechanical issue with the […]

Fuller Park Pool is open – and a great option with temperatures into the upper 70s & low 80s this weekend.

Splashes, Slides, and Summer Delights at Fuller Pool

Fuller Park Pool is the first public outdoor pool to open each season and the last to close. It typically opens in mid-May and closes in mid-September. It opens for the 2026 season on May 10. They close on September 20. Our Visit to Ann Arbor’s Fuller Pool We decided to visit Fuller Park Pool […]

And be sure to check out Arbor Annie’s Flight Plan for May. Here you’ll find themes for the month and activity ideas beyond events.

Swoop into May with Arbor Annie’s Flight Plan

From the top of the treetops, Arbor Annie has scouted out the must-do themes for May. Change is in the air this month as we start to shift into summer mode. And the Flight Plan reflects that. Arbor Annie’s Flight Plan is a new feature for 2026. Each month, it will give an overview of […]

Apple Playschools
Mud Day Celebration & Fundraiser

Saturday, June 27 10a-12:30p

AFC Ann Arbor – Get your Free Youth Match Pass

Games May 16-July 11

Now Playing

This is a great time of year for family friendly movies.

• The Sheep Detectives – PG
• Animal Farm – PG
• The Devil Wears Prada 2 – PG-13
• The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – PG
• Michael – PG-13
• Project Hail Mary – PG-13

Cinemark and Emagine are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Shrek with special showings this weekend. Cinemark is also honoring the 40th anniversary of Top Gun with showings of both Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick.

Lights, Camera, Action: The Best Movie Theaters in Ann Arbor

There are several movie theaters near Ann Arbor that make for a fun outing year round. Seeing a movie is great for families, a date night (or afternoon), or teens with their friends. Check out all these cinemas near us. Best Movie Theaters in Ann Arbor Area Michigan Theater and State Theater are independent, non-profit […]

Upcoming Movies

Check out the list of movies coming soon for kids, teens, and families.

• May 22 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu
• June 5 – Masters of the Universe
• June 19 – Toy Story 5
• June 26 – Supergirl
• July 1 – Minions 3
• July 10 – Moana
• July 17 – The Odyssey
• July 31 – Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Find Best Family Events This Weekend Near Ann Arbor

Check out all these events near you this weekend!

Friday Highlights

Saturday Highlights

Sunday Highlights

Looking Forward to Next Week

There is plenty to do for the little ones this week! Tuesday head outdoors for Spring Story Time: Bees with A2Parks. Wednesday join Daniel Tiger Storytime at Recess Play Cafe then stop in for AADL at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.

The kids can interact with farm animals at Kids on the Farm: Spring Babies on the Farm at Domino Petting Farm on Wednesday or Fun on the Farm at Kensington Metro Park.

From Alligators To Zebras: Ultimate Guide To Animal Encounters Near Ann Arbor In 2026

Kids love animals. Did you know there are lots of opportunities to see animals near Ann Arbor? While there are two great zoos within an hour, they are both day trips. There are several closer options that don’t require the all day commitment. These places to see Animals Near Ann Arbor include several nature centers, […]

Monday Highlights

Tuesday Highlights

Wednesday Highlights

Thursday Highlights

Looking Forward to Next Weekend

Next weekend is Memorial Day weekend – the traditional start to summer. Pools and Water Parks are opening. (Except Veterans Park which was impacted by the May tornado)

Places to Get Wet Near Ann Arbor

One of my daughter’s favorite parts of summer is the water – whether it’s swimming, water slides, splash parks, or just getting wet. Check out these Ann Arbor area Pools, Water Parks, and Splash Pads. Fortunately, there are a number of Ann Arbor Swimming Pools and more for kids to get wet and cool off […]

PYTMI has Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. next weekend. And Cirque Italia Water Circus Atlantis is at the Farm Council Fairgrounds.

Want more princesses? Join the Rapunzel Pajama Party on Friday night at Hide & Seek.

Next weekend AADL has Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament on Saturday and Mario Kart Tournament on Sunday.

Sunday morning you can join the Sprout Love – Summer 5K at Dexter HS.

The Best Kid-Friendly 5K Races Near Ann Arbor This Year

Are you looking for kid-friendly races near me? Good news! There are plenty of Family Friendly races in Ann Arbor throughout the year. Find a 5K in Ann Arbor. Check out a Fun Run. And the whole family will be crossing the finish line! Kid Friendly Race Tips If you are running with your kids, […]

Be sure to check our Memorial Day guide for details on Memorial Day events and closures.

Remembering and Honoring: Ann Arbor Memorial Day 2026

Monday is Memorial Day which is the start of the summer season. Are you wondering about Ann Arbor Memorial Day Closures, Events or Parades? We’ve got the details for you.

Friday, May 22

Saturday, May 23

Sunday, May 24

Monday, May 25

All Weekend Family Events Near Me

All of the family-friendly events near Ann Arbor this weekend are included below:

Friday, May 15

Saturday, May 16

	Date/Time	Event
🆓	May 16 7:00am-3:00pm	Ann Arbor Farmers Market at Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Ann Arbor MI
🆓	May 16 8:00am-1:00pm	Chelsea Farmers Market at Palmer Commons, Chelsea Michigan
🆓	May 16 8:00am-1:00pm	Dexter Farmers Market at Dexter Farmers Market, Dexter Michigan
🆓	May 16 8:00am-9:30am	Lillie parkrun at Lillie Park, Ann Arbor MI
🆓	May 16 8:00am-12:00pm	Saline Famers Market at Downtown Saline, Saline Michigan
	May 16 9:00am-10:00am	Toddler Time at Launch Trampoline at Launch Trampoline, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓	May 16 9:00am-2:00pm	White Lotus Farms Farmers Market at White Lotus Farms, Ann Arbor MI
🆓	May 16 9:00am-1:00pm	Ypsilanti Farmers Market at Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers Market, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🎟	May 16 9:30am-5:00pm	All Aboard Adventure at Greenfield Village, Dearborn Michigan
💙	May 16 10:00am-4:00pm	FAADL Fall Bag Sale at Parkland Plaza AADL Warehouse, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	May 16 10:00am-4:00pm	Huron River Day 2026 at Riverside Park, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	May 16 10:00am-11:30am	Instrument Petting Zoo for Children of All Ages at Dexter District Library, Dexter Michigan
💙🎟	May 16 12:00pm-7:00pm	Motor City Comic Con at Vibe Credit Union Showplace, Novi Michigan
💙🆓🎟	May 16 10:30am-12:00pm	Play Date with Lightbridge Academy at Hide and Seek Play Boutique, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓	May 16 10:30am-11:00am	Play the Kerrytown Chime at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓	May 16 11:00am-11:30am	Storytime at Schuler Books (Nicola’s Books), Ann Arbor MI
💙🆓	May 16 12:00pm-3:30pm	AADL RPG Day at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙	May 16 12:00pm-3:00pm	Critter House Open Hours at Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor MI
	May 16 12:00pm-2:00pm	Open Swim at Beach Middle School, Chelsea Michigan
💙🆓	May 16 12:00pm-4:00pm	U-M Medical History Exhibit at Museum on Main Street, Ann Arbor Michigan This free exhibit celebrates the Medical School's 175th anniversary, and the 100th anniversary of the "Old Main" hospital that was U-M's flagship for more than 60 years. It runs on weekends through August 30. Kids and grownups can explore artifacts including 1800s surgical kits, a 1910s wheelchair, early scientific equipment...Read More
💙🎟	May 16 1:00pm	YPT's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Power Center, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟$	May 16 2:00pm-4:00pm	Crafternoon: Dioramas at SCRAP Creative Reuse, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓🎟	May 16 2:00pm-3:00pm	DIY Mini Bookshelf Craft at Dexter District Library, Dexter Michigan
💙🎟	May 16 2:00pm-3:30pm	Pewter Sandcasting Tool Training at Maker Works, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓🎟	May 16 2:00pm-3:30pm	YpsiWrites Collective Writing Workshop: Amorphous Blob at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓🎟	May 16 2:30pm-4:30pm	Goldfish Water Safety Day at Goldfish Swim School, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟	May 16 5:00pm-8:00pm	Parent's Night Out at Hide and Seek Play Boutique, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟	May 16 7:00pm	AFC Ann Arbor (Women's) Season Opener vs Detroit City FC at Pioneer High School, Ann Arbor Michigan Join the AFC Ann Arbor Women's team to open AFC Ann Arbor's 2026 season. This year kids 13 & under are free all season with a FREE Youth Match Pass. Advance purchase adult tickets are $12 (fees are $1.25 for the first ticket and $0.30 per additional tickets). Tickets are...Read More
💙🎟	May 16 7:00pm	YPT's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Power Center, Ann Arbor Michigan

Sunday, May 17

	Date/Time	Event
💙🎟	May 17 9:30am-5:00pm	All Aboard Adventure at Greenfield Village, Dearborn Michigan
💙🆓🎟	May 17 10:00am-4:00pm	CommuniTEA : Spring Fling at Washteanw Food Hub, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟	May 17 12:00pm-7:00pm	Motor City Comic Con at Vibe Credit Union Showplace, Novi Michigan
💙🆓	May 17 11:00am-12:00pm	Mo Willems Celebration at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	May 17 11:00am-12:00pm	Pop-Up Monsters at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙	May 17 12:00pm-3:00pm	Critter House Open Hours at Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor MI
💙🎟	May 17 12:00pm-3:00pm	Paint Like Bob Ross: Oil Painting Class at Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter Michigan
💙🆓	May 17 12:00pm-6:00pm	Picnic Pops at Pioneer High School, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	May 17 12:00pm-4:00pm	U-M Medical History Exhibit at Museum on Main Street, Ann Arbor Michigan This free exhibit celebrates the Medical School's 175th anniversary, and the 100th anniversary of the "Old Main" hospital that was U-M's flagship for more than 60 years. It runs on weekends through August 30. Kids and grownups can explore artifacts including 1800s surgical kits, a 1910s wheelchair, early scientific equipment...Read More
💙🆓	May 17 1:00pm-1:30pm	Arabic Storytime at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	May 17 2:00pm-3:30pm	Flower Gardening 101 at Ypsilanti District Library – Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🎟	May 17 2:00pm-3:30pm	Michigan Birds of Prey at Eddy Discovery Center, Chelsea Michigan
💙🎟	May 17 2:00pm	YPT's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Power Center, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	May 17 3:00pm-4:00pm	The Sounds and Stories of Africa with Fishmonger Stories at Malletts Creek Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	May 17 4:00pm	Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra Spring Showcase at Lincoln High School, Ypsilanti Michigan
	May 17 4:15pm-5:15pm	Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	May 17 5:00pm-7:00pm	Gel Plate Printing at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
🎟	May 17 7:30pm-9:30pm	Songs for Our Shared Home featuring Missa Gaia by Paul Winter at Hilberry Gateway, Detroit Michigan

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