It’s Raining Fun: Local Destinations and Happenings in April

Winter’s reign is over and April is the first full month of spring. You never know what Michigan weather will throw at you, so don’t let a little (or a lot) of rain get you down! Take the reins on your happiness and try one of these local activities this month. While some of these events are free, some are not and may require registration so please plan accordingly.

Fun for the Entire Family

Looking for something the whole family can enjoy? There is plenty to do around Canton (and Downtown Detroit) for everyone. Whether your family likes sports, arts or shopping, you’ll find something to do.

Spring Fever in the Park 2024 – Visit Kellogg Park in Downtown Plymouth and see how local businesses and community groups transform the space through garden and flower-themed art creations. April 4-May 13.
Wednesday Gym and Swim Playgroup – Parents and toddlers can socialize with people their age at this weekly enrichment opportunity. Toddlers will improve gross motor skills with toddler-sized sport equipment in addition to a wide array of toys. No advance registration—only daily passes are available. Wednesdays at 10:30 AM.
Detroit City FC Home Games – Detroit City FC games are a great way for your family to experience the atmosphere of a big soccer game without traveling for a MLS game. You’ll be caught up in the chants and roar of the crowd as you cheer on Detroit’s home team. Tickets are required. April 6 and April 20 at 4:00 PM.
Tigers Opening Home Game – Catch the first home game for the Detroit Tigers on April 5. Tickets are required. April 5 at 1:00 PM.
Michigan Makers Spring Craft Market – Head to the Suburban Collection Showplace for one of Michigan’s largest craft fairs. Hundreds of crafters will be showing and selling their artwork. All ages; April 13 at 10:00 AM.
Off-Season Farmers Market – It’s not quite harvesting season, but the Canton Farmers Market is hosting its final indoor market this month. You’ll find jams, sauces, baked goods and more. This event takes place in the Summit on the Park Banquet Center. April 14 at 10:00 AM.
Parent to Parent Sale – If you want to sell some of your child-related clutter, be sure to register for a booth at the Summit’s Parent to Parent sale. This is a great opportunity to get new supplies and talk with other parents. April 20 at 8:00 AM.
Plymouth Spring Artisan Market – Visit Downtown Plymouth for a market day featuring over 50 vendors and nonprofit organizations as well as family-friendly entertainment. April 20, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM.
Parents’ Night Out: Jump-A-Rama Kids Ninja Warrior Training – Enjoy some free time to run errands, have dinner or just relax without your kids. Drop off your children at Jump-A-Rama for an evening of obstacle courses, crafts and pizza. Limited spots available. Ages 4-7; April 20 at 5:00 PM.
Art in Bloom at the Village Arts Factory – This free family-friendly annual spring artisan market features a wide variety of craft and artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, kids activities and more. April 27, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Fun for the Body

Shake off the winter blues by taking care of your body. Whether you attend an exercise class, visit the farmers market or dance with your family, your body will thank you for the extra steps.

Senior Sample Exercise – Get moving with a variety of exercise methods. Classes will include a mix of cardio, strength training, balance and yo-chi. Registration is required. Ages 55+; Tuesdays in April at 10:15 AM.
Zumba Gold – Combine toning and strength with easy-to-follow fun dance routines that will improve your aerobic endurance. Zumba Gold takes the same fun Zumba flavor and modifies the moves and pace to suit the needs of active older adults, baby boomers and the beginning fitness enthusiast. Registration is required. Ages 14+; Wednesdays in April and May 1 at 10:30 AM.
Barre – Barre combines pilates, yoga and ballet moves to give you a dancer’s workout without the impact. Learn how to improve your posture, shred pounds, and tone your muscles with low weight movements. Registration is required. Ages 14+; Fridays from April 5-May 3 at 9:00 AM.
Fill the Air with Music – This outdoor music class is geared towards younger children. Canton Leisure Services instructors will be on hand to share the love of rhythm and music. The air will be filled with rhythmic sounds as everyone gets a chance to dance and drum. Registration is required, but it is per family. All ages; April 6 at 10:00 AM.
Roller Skating Lessons – Whether you’re a novice or confident on wheels, you’ll be sure to learn new things at the Skatin’ Station. Classes are for five consecutive weeks and skate rental is included in the cost. Registration must be completed 72 hours prior to first lesson. All ages; Tuesdays (5:30 PM) or Saturdays (10:00 AM) starting April 27 or April 30.

Fun for the Mind

Beat back boredom by engaging your brain. These classes and groups will provide you with hours of entertainment.

Cherry Hill Quilters – Join fellow stitchers in creating with this casual group. Quilters can piece and quilt by hand or with machine, the important thing is being together and sharing skills. This is a year-round group with an annual fee. Ages 16+, Wednesdays in April at 10:00 AM.
Beginner Chess – All ages are welcome at this introductory class to chess. In addition to the basics, you will learn tactical skills and pattern recognition. Limited registration available. Ages 7+, Wednesdays in April and May 1 and 8 at 5:30 PM.
Zombie Math – Community Financial Credit Union is teaming up with Canton Leisure Services to create an activity that you wish you had when you were a tween—using consumer math and teamwork skills to survive the zombie apocalypse. Teams will need to answer mental math questions in order to earn money that can be used to purchase supplies. Registration is required. Ages 8-11; April 6 at 10:00 AM.
Village Arts Factory Spring Doormat Craft Workshop – Select from one of four stencil designs and bring home a beautiful, spring-themed doormat to grace your porch or mudroom. The cost is $45 and includes all materials. Ages 16+; April 7 at 10:00 AM.
iCode: Python Coding – This three-week course will explore the world of Python Programming and functions. Your child will advance with this hands-on STEM curriculum and learn vital skills in programming, critical thinking, collaboration and so much more. Registration is required. Ages 8-12; April 16, 23, and 30 at 7:00 PM.
Yarn Painting Art Workshop – Based on the traditional Huichol yarn paintings from Mexico, this workshop will teach you how to use yarn to create a “painting” to tell your story or represent the natural beauty of the world. Registration for this workshop is $22. All supplies will be provided. Ages 18+, April 17 at 6:00 PM.

Fun for the Sake of Fun

Your interests may not include exercise or taking classes—but there are other great ways to get out of the house. Maybe you enjoy talking to people, or perhaps you prefer an outing by yourself. If either option sounds like you, check out these spring opportunities.

Bhaav Tarangini – The Chauladevi Institute of Dance and Yoga invites you to witness an iconic repertory by young artists with their own unique styles and perspectives on the stage. All ages; April 12 at 6:30 PM.
AADL Game Con – The Ann Arbor District Library is hosting a gaming extravaganza. There will be gaming sessions, vendors, and presentations on being a game master (GM), running a Kickstarter and more. A great option for RPG fans. All ages; April 13 at 11:00 AM.
Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons – Spotlight Players presents the story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. Oh, what a night you’ll have watching this documentary-style play. Tickets are required, and the show is rated PG-13. April 19-28.
2024 NFL Draft – The Detroit Lions had a historic season, and the celebration will continue when the NFL Draft comes to The D! The atmosphere is sure to be electric, so make sure you register today. Registration is free. All ages; April 25-27.

Fun for Your Camera

If you don’t take a picture, did it even happen? (Psst, the answer is yes. It did happen, even if you didn’t get a photo.) Take advantage of these picture-perfect opportunities.

Daffodils in Detroit – Every April, Detroit becomes a beautiful landscape of yellow. That’s because for several years citizens have been planting millions of daffodil bulbs around the city. If you don’t want to go searching for them, we recommend checking out Belle Isle.
Geocaching – Document your treasure hunt as you search for local geocaches. You could even start your journey at the library.
Fly a Kite – Michigan weather is unpredictable, but there are bound to be some windy days. So, visit one of Canton’s many parks, grab a kite and watch it dance in the wind.
Gaffield Children’s Garden – There aren't any special events happening at the Gaffield Children’s Garden, but it is a fun place for outdoor play. Kids will be able to explore, build, climb and more. No registration or admission is required. Open 10:00 AM-4:30 PM daily; Wednesdays open until 8:00 PM.
Bird Watching – You might have already seen some of the spring birds this year, but if you’re new to birding, you probably didn’t recognize them. Check out one of these Michigan birding books (both adult and kids books are available) and visit one of these birding sites.