7 Ways to Have Family Fun in the Fall in Detroit

It’s not fall in Michigan without a trip to a cider mill. Luckily, there are plenty of options in the metro Detroit area to choose from.

Head to Yates Cider Mill for history (this is the oldest working water-powered cider mill in Michigan, founded in 1863) and the best freshly fried donuts around.

Plan a trip to Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, though, if you’re up for something a bit spookier… every year, they host a haunted attraction featuring a three-story haunted barn, zombie paintball, haunted hayrides, and “Spookyland.”

Alternatively, there are dozens of other options. Try Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill for wagon rides the kids will love, or Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill for pumpkin glazed donuts and a petting zoo.

Get out of the city for an afternoon and take part in a classic Midwest fall activity: a pumpkin patch visit!

Over in Belleville, The Pumpkin Factory is a favorite among Detroit locals. They describe themselves as a “Halloween farm.” Expect over a thousand pumpkins to choose from during peak season, a Witches’ Kitchen with pumpkin pies, and other attractions.

Another great option is Denny’s U-Pick Pumpkins in Plymouth, for a no-frills but totally authentic experience. Pack your family into a wagon ride out to their pumpkin patch, where you can hand-select your favorites.

Three Cedars Farm in Northville is another wonderful option (clearly, you can’t go wrong!). Explore their massive five-acre U-pick pumpkin patch, before indulging in the donut hut.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (in our opinion) – fall color tour time! The leaves are already turning and it’s a beautiful time to be in southeast Michigan.

You don’t have to travel far from Detroit to see bursts of fall color. In fact, stay within city limits and go for a walk or bike ride along the Dequindre Cut Greenway – if you don’t have your own bikes, rent them from Wheelhouse Detroit.

Within the metro Detroit area, take a scenic drive along Hines Drive, a 17-mile stretch of road that parallels the Rouge River, surrounded by beautiful trees. Make a full afternoon of it with a picnic, and stops at Hines Park, Nankin Mills Recreation Area, Wilcox Lake, and finally Bennett Arboretum.

With the crisp chill in the air, this is an ideal time to enjoy the farmers markets around Detroit. Pick up some fall produce (think: squashes, apples, and root vegetables) or just soak up the autumnal vibes on a day out with your family.

Of course, Eastern Market is an obvious pick, and a must-see for visitors to Detroit. This iconic market is the United States’ largest outdoor farmers market, spanning over 43 acres. After taking your pick of produce, explore the surrounding area – for example, take the kids to Supino for pizza, or to Erskine playground, or explore the street art.

Don’t forget about the smaller famer’s markets, though! Check out the Royal Oak Farmers Market (Saturdays 7am-1pm), Oakland County Farmers Market (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 7:30am-1:30pm through December), Shelby Farmers Market (Saturdays 9am-2pm), and more.

Soak up that fresh fall air with a family hike near Detroit.

Within the city itself, go for a stroll along the Detroit International Riverwalk. USA Today named this the best riverwalk in the country for three years straight. Enjoy views of the city, as well as the Detroit River, Windsor, and more natural areas around the William G. Milliken State Park, harbor, and lighthouse.

You could also take a trip to Belle Isle, and specifically the 5.5 mile Iron Belle Trail that loops around the island. This is the end-section of an over 2,000 mile trail that leads all the way to the Upper Peninsula!

The metro Detroit area also has plenty of hiking opportunities where you can really immerse yourself in the changing colors of the season. Clinton River Trail is a beautiful 4.5 mile trail in Rochester Hills that is particularly great for leaf peeping. Bald Mountain Recreation Area, Kensington Metropark, Paint Creek Trail, Lake Erie Metropark, and Stony Creek Metropark are all good options, too.

Celebrate with the metro Detroit community this fall! There are plenty of family-friendly festivals to attend.

Some annual favorites include Fall Fest at the Detroit Zoo, Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Fall Harvest Weekend and Hallowe’en at Greenfield Village, and more.

In November, gather the family for the iconic America’s Thanksgiving Parade, held on Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit.

Finally, the ultimate fall activity for anyone in Michigan: a corn maze. You don’t have to travel too far from downtown Detroit to get lost in a corn maze.

The Pumpkin Factory
(mentioned in #2 above as a great place to pick up pumpkins) also has a nine-acre corn maze suitable for puzzle enthusiasts and “advanced” maze-goers.

DeBuck’s Corn Maze is even bigger at 13 acres, and another challenging maze that teens and adults will love. You can also enjoy the extensive attractions at the family farm while you’re there – suitable for all ages – including bouncy balls, pedal cars, a giant slide, jump pad, giant cornhole, straw mountain, bubble station, and more.

Last but certainly not least, Corn Fun is a great option for the whole family, since there are zero spooky elements. Even better? This year, their corn maze is Detroit Lions themed!