Even though children head back to school each fall, it can still be a time to explore some of the fall children's events happening in the state of Michigan. The start of the leaves changing to autumn colors brings with it festivals and county fairs along with other community events with child-friendly activities.
Fall harvesting festivals often feature children's events, highlighting the conclusion of Michigan's farming season. The Friske Orchards Harvest Festival in Atwood occurs annually at the end of September and features an old-fashioned kids’ carnival and tractor rides. Bellaire Harvest Festival and Scarecrow Extravaganza also take place in late September and feature scarecrows as their themes. Children can take part in a “Best Scarecrow” costume contest, as well as make scarecrow arts and crafts. Pond Hill Farms in Harbor Spring focuses on the farm theme during its Pond Hill Harvest Festival in early October. Events during this festival include feeding the animals, racing pigs and visiting the trout pond. Many autumn children’s events focused around a harvest festival give children opportunities to choose a pumpkin.
Exhibiting at a County Fair may be a highlight for many Michigan children and this annual event provides a host of fall activities for children to experience. For example, The Berrien County Youth Fair in late August has free, interactive Pirate Island shows daily or children can enter the Pedal Pull Contest event to try pulling weights behind a small, child-sized tractor. Another option for children in the southwestern area is Barodafest — the first Saturday after Labor Day. The small town festival has exciting children’s events, such as the Kid's Cookie Baking Contest.
Introducing children to outdoor sports is the focus of the Sportsmen for Youth organization's annual Youth Day in early September. The event is located at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds and free for youths 18 and under with an opportunity to try activities such as archery, shooting and sport fishing. Leading up to Halloween, children can attend the Niles Haunted House Scream Park from mid-September through the end of October. This event features three haunted houses plus the Field of Screams with Maniac Maze and the Dark Terror-tory Hayride. The Scream Park is not only geared toward children, but benefits area schools and scouting groups.
Detroit, one of the largest cities in Eastern Michigan, is host to several historical themed festivals that incorporate children’s events into its scheduled activities. The Michigan Renaissance Festival occurs every weekend and Labor Day starting in late August through early October. Each weekend has a specific theme, such as High Seas Adventure and Harvest Huzzah, and the activities are focused around 16th century England. Events for children each weekend include face painting, rides, a castle play area, entertainment like armored jousting or the Queen's Royal High Tea. The Victorian Festival takes place over three days in mid-September each year. As part of the event, Ryde Park has kids’ rides, old-fashioned games and the Vintage Victorian Fashion Show and Tea.
