Explore a variety of family-friendly activities in the Farmington, Michigan area that won’t cost you a dime. From exploring the scenic parks and trails to enjoying community events and cultural experiences, this guide highlights the best free attractions for all ages. Dive into this guide to uncover the top free things to do in Farmington and Farmington Hills and make the most of your family time.
Farmington Hills Nature Center
Visit the Farmington Hills Nature Center, which offers a wide range of activities for kids of all ages. Enjoy the bird viewing area, observe live animals, explore animal dioramas, and have fun in the pretend camping and kayak area. There are also many educational exhibits to discover. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk the Nature Discovery Trail outside, where you can experience the beauty of the outdoors up close.
FREE Public Hours:
Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm
Sunday 12pm-4pm
Located in Heritage Park at
24915 Farmington Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Heritage Park Splash Pad
Kids of all ages will enjoy the Heritage Park Splash Pad with it’s multiple fountains and sprayers, which is free to the public and perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Additionally, the park features a playground, ensuring hours of fun and physical activity for children. For a complete outing, plan a picnic and bring your favorite snacks or purchase refreshments from the on-site Snack Shack. Pro tip: Bring along some buckets or water toys for extra fun!
Heritage Park Hours: 8am-Dusk
Splash Pad Hours: 10am-8pm
Snack Shack Hours: 11am-7pm
Heritage Park
24915 Farmington Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Kids of all ages will enjoy the Heritage Park Splash Pad with it’s multiple fountains and sprayers, which is free to the public and perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Additionally, the park features a playground, ensuring hours of fun and physical activity for children. For a complete outing, plan a picnic and bring your favorite snacks or purchase refreshments from the on-site Snack Shack. Pro tip: Bring along some buckets or water toys for extra fun!
Heritage Park Hours: 8am-Dusk
Splash Pad Hours: 10am-8pm
Snack Shack Hours: 11am-7pm
Heritage Park
24915 Farmington Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Shiawassee Park
Your kids will have a blast at the (fenced-in!) playground at Shiawassee Park, where kids can play to their heart’s content. Watch them show off their sports skills on the baseball diamonds or in the open areas. Pack a delicious picnic and cross the bridge for a relaxing time by the water, where you can enjoy watching the ducks splash and play. Pro tip: Bring water shoes and a towel, as the allure of the water can sometimes be irresistible to the little ones!
Park Hours: Dawn-10pm
Shiawassee Park
32515 Shiawassee Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Farmington Community Library
Enjoy not one, but two kid-friendly libraries where your little ones can let their imaginations soar. They can read books, engage in activities, and play games. The fantastic librarians are always there to help. Both libraries offer a variety of fun and free activities for kids and families. One library is conveniently located in downtown Farmington, while the other, larger location off 12 Mile, offers even more fun and activities.
Library Hours:
Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday-Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 1pm-5pm
FCL – Farmington
23500 Liberty Street
Farmington, MI 48335
FCL – Farmington Hills
32737 West 12 Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Fishing at Founders Fishing Pier
This activity is free for those with a fishing license. Enjoy catch-and-release fishing at the pond in Founders Sports Park. Bring your fishing gear and treat the kids to a fun day! The park offers bathrooms and concession stands throughout. To reach the pier, use the west entrance off of 8 Mile. Fishing license information can be found here.
Park Hours: 8am-10pm
Founders Fishing Pier
35500 W. Eight Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48335
Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market
Experience the Farmers Market in downtown Farmington every Saturday. Families will find a lot to enjoy with plenty of free activities for children. Kids can also burn off energy and have a blast running around in Riley Park, which is conveniently adjacent to the market. This weekly event not only supports local farmers and artisans but also provides a fun, engaging outing for all ages. Get information on kid-specific activities here.
Market Hours:
Saturday 9am-2pm
Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market
33113 Grand River Ave
Farmington, MI 48335
Track at The Hawk Community Center
Looking to get some exercise this summer? Head over to the track at The Hawk Community Center! It’s a great way to stay active while your kids have fun running around and playing in the middle of the track. You can walk or jog while keeping an eye on them. Plus, the bathroom facilities are open seasonally, ensuring convenience during your visit. It’s a perfect spot for family fitness and fun!
Hours*:
Monday-Thursday 5:30am-10pm
Friday 5:30am-9pm
Saturday 7am-7pm
Sunday 8am-6pm
*when not being used by a program or group that has rented them
The Hawk Community Center
29995 W 12 Mile Rd
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Games at Riley Park
Head to Riley Park in downtown Farmington for a fun-filled day. The kids will have a blast playing Connect 4 or Cornhole and staying active! Bring your own food from home or explore and dine at one of the many great restaurants in the area. Whether you’re looking to relax or play, Riley Park is the perfect spot for a family outing.
Hours: 24/7
Riley Park
33113 Grand River Ave
Farmington, MI 48335
Special Family Events
Get ready for a summer packed with fun and free family events happening all around the area! Check out these awesome options or search by date here:
Children’s Events:
Kick Off 2 Summer
All Ages
Wednesday, June 12th
5-8pm
The Hawk Community Center
29995 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Herve Tulle Group Painting
Finished Grades K-5
Thursday, June 13th
2-3pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
No registration required, information here
Sewing with Ms. LaNette
Finished Grades 4-5
Friday, June 14th
2-4pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
Information and registration
Fun & Games with the Farmington Family YMCA
All ages
Saturday, June 15th
2-3pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
No registration required, information here
Truck-A-Palooza
All ages
Monday, June 17th
12-2pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
No registration required, information here
LOC Financial Literacy Program – Savings
Finished Grades K-3
Tuesday, June 18th
2-3pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
Information and registration
LOC Financial Literacy Program – Budgeting
Finished Grades 3-5
Wednesday, June 19th
2-3pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
Information and registration
Juneteenth History Come Alive
All Ages
Wednesday, June 19th
6:30-7pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
No registration required, information here
Nature Discovery Traveling Exhibit
Finished Grades K-5
Thursday, June 20th
2-4pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
No registration required, information here
Clothes-Cycling
Finished Grades 4-5
Friday, June 21st
2-3pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Information and registration
Balloon/String Sculptures
Ages 8+
Monday, June 24th
10-11am
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Tell Your Story with DRUMMUNITY
All Ages
Monday, June 24th
6:30-7:30pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
No registration required, information here
Relief Printing Workshop
Ages 7+
Tuesday, June 25th
10am-12pm
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Chess Club
Finished Grades K-8
Tuesday, June 25th
6:30-8pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
No registration required, information here
Balloon/String Sculptures
Ages 8+
Wednesday, June 26th
2-3pm
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Messy Art
Finished Grades K-5
Thursday, June 27th
2-3pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
No registration required, information here
Kartooning with Kam
Finished Grades 4-5
Friday, June 28th
2-3pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
Information and registration
Story Lantern Making
All Ages
Monday, July 1st
6:30-8:30pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
No registration required, information here
Summer Art Academy
Finished Grades 4-5
Friday, July 5th
2-3pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Information and registration
Interactive STEM Experiences
Finished Grades K-5
Thursday, July 11th
2-3:30pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
No registration required, information here
Photography Workshop with Polaroids
Ages 8+
Sunday, July 14th
12-1pm
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
3-D Fantastical Creatures
Ages 7+
Monday, July 15th
10:30am-12pm
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
LOC Family Financial Literacy Fair
Finished Grades K-5
Wednesday, July 17th
6:30-8:30pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
Information and registration
Wildlife in Your Backyard
Finished Grades K-5
Thursday, July 18th
2-3pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
No registration required, information here
Multi-Arts Dance Workshop
Ages 7+
Friday, July 19th
9am-12pm
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Relief Printing With Recycled Materials
Ages 7+
Saturday, July 20th
4-5:30pm
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Self-Portrait Drawing Class
Ages 8-12
Monday, July 22nd
2-3:30pm
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Chess Club
Finished Grades K-8
Tuesday, July 23rd
6:30-8pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
No registration required, information here
Makedo Turn Trash Into Treasure
Finished Grades K-8
Thursday, July 25th
2-3pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
No registration required, information here
Watercolor
Ages 8-12
Wednesday, July 31st
2-3:30pm
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Designer Muzik
Ages 10+
Friday, August 9th
10-11:30am
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Family Movie Night
Kids All Ages
Wednesday, August 14th
6:30-8:30pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
No registration required, information here
Teen Events:
Adventure Begins! Teen Party
Finished Grades 6-12
Friday, June 14th
6:30-8:30pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
Information and registration
Books & Art: A Beautiful Combination
Finished Grades 6-12
Tuesday, June 18th
6:30-8:30pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
Information and registration
Super Smash Bros. Nintendo Switch – Unlock Characters
Finished Grades 6-12
Tuesday, June 25th
6:30-8:30pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
Information and registration
Super Smash Bros. Nintendo Switch Tournament
Finished Grades 6-12
Wednesday, June 26th
6:30-8:30pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Information and registration
Lightsaber Battle
Finished Grades 6-12
Wednesday, July 10th
6:30-8:30pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Information and registration
Video-Making Workshop
Ages 14+
Saturday, July 13th
6-8pm
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Immersive Fiction Workshop
Ages 12+
Tuesday, July 16th
1-2pm
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Video-Making Workshop
Ages 14+
Saturday, July 20th
6-8pm
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Pokemon Extravaganza
Finished Grades 6-12
Tuesday, July 23rd
6:30-8:30pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Location
23500 Liberty St.
Farmington, MI 48335
Information and registration
Library Water Olympics
Finished Grades 6-12
Saturday, July 27th
2-4pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Information and registration
Introduction to Writing for Film and Television
Ages 12+
Friday, August 2nd
10-11:30am
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Video-Making Workshop – Screening Party
Ages 14+
Saturday, August 3rd
8pm
KickstART Farmington
23616 Farmington Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
Registration and information here
Summer Storytimes:
C.A.R.E.S. Storytime
Kids all ages with caregiver
Wednesdays, June 5-July 31
10:30-11:30am
C.A.R.E.S. of Farmington Hills
27835 Shiawassee St.
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
No registration required, information here
Pavilion Storytime
Kids all ages with caregiver
Thursdays, June 13-July 25 (*no storytime on July 4th)
11am-12pm
Sundquist Pavilion in Riley Park
33113 Grand River Ave.
Farmington, MI 48335
No registration required, information here
Splashpad Storytime
Kids all ages with caregiver
Mondays, June 17-July 22
Pavilion near the Heritage Park Splash Pad
24915 Farmington Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
No registration required, information here
Adaptive Storytime
Ages 3-11 with caregiver
Fridays, June 28th and July 26th
4:30-5:30pm
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Information and registration
Baby Storytime
0-12 Months
Tuesdays, July 2-July 23
10:30-11:30am
Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Location
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
No registration required, information here
Summer Family Concerts:
Family Fun in Riley Park
All Ages
Wednesday, June 12th – Kevin Devine
Wednesday, June 26th – Jim Gill
Wednesday, July 10th – Family Trivia
Wednesday, July 24th – Amazing Clark
7-8pm
Riley Park
33113 Grand River Ave.
Farmington, MI 48335
No registration required, information here
Duck Race Concert: Randy Kaplan
All Ages
Wednesday, August 7th
5-5:45pm
Shiawassee Park
32515 Shiawassee Rd.
Farmington, MI 48336
No registration required, information here