As the daytime temperatures cool, it’s a great time to hit the trails to enjoy Flint and Genesee County’s fall colors, explore our many great outdoor events and fall festivals, and get out to U-pick farms to enjoy this year’s bountiful apple crop. Our​​ monthly Tons of Fun guide makes it easier than ever to find family-friendly activities that are fun, affordable and often completely free!

SPECIAL EVENTS​​ 

SEPTEMBER 28, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

APPLEWOOD ESTATE

1400 East Kearsley Street

Flint, MI 48503

810-233-3835

Join the Ruth Mott Foundation for its annual Fall Harvest Festival at Applewood. The event includes a variety of activities from cider and apple tasting in its famous heirloom orchard to animal interactions in its historic barn. The day’s festivities also include a drumming workshop by Kuungana African Drum and Dance Co. and strolling entertainment by Riley McLincha (a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed).​​ 

Ages:​​ All

Cost:​​ FREE

Learn more:​​ ruthmottfoundation.org/events

OCTOBER 5, 2 p.m.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH​​ 

Flint Public Library

5211 Carpenter Road

Flint, MI 48506

810-736-3700

Come out and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Flint Public Library​​ featuring performances by El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil’s youth mariachi and dancers.​​ 

Ages:​​ All​​ 

Cost:​​ FREE

Learn more:​​ ebfedance.blogspot.com

OCTOBER 5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

Chippewa Nature Center

400 S. Badour Road

Midland, MI 48640

989-631-0830

Celebrate the return of autumn at the Fall Harvest Festival., where visitors of all ages are invited to enjoy​​ demonstrations, crafts and activities that reflect 19th​​ century life on the farm at harvest time. Enjoy music by Jolly Hammers and Strings Dulcimers, and see​​ demonstrations from bobbin lace making, chair caning and candle dipping to quilting and wood carving demonstrations and more.​​ 

Ages:​​ All​​ 

Cost:​​ FREE Members and children under 18. ​​ $5 Adult Non-member

Learn more:​​ chippewanaturecenter.org/fall-harvest-festival

OCT 18 & 19; 5​​ p.m. – 12 a.m.
MICHIGAN’S BIG COUNTRY FEST

Heritage Park

601 Weiss Street

Frankenmuth, MI 48734
989-652-8008
There’s something for everyone at Michigan’s Big Country Fest, featuring games, activities, live music, line dancing lessons, open cornhole, ping pong tournaments and more.​​ 
Ages: All ages. Note: Alcohol is available at this event
Cost: FREE
Learn more:​​ bigcountryfest.com

OCT 19; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
12th​​ ANNUAL FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

For-Mar Nature​​ Preserve and Arboretum
2142 Genesee Road
Burton, MI 48509
800-648-PARK
Celebrate the changing hue of For-Mar’s trails and enjoy fall-color wagon rides, fall crafts, cider making, tree house time and more. Wagon rides take place every 45 minutes. Due to​​ space limitations participants are encouraged to pre-register by calling the park or visiting the website’s event page.​​ 
Ages: All​​ 
Cost: $2 per person; $3 with wagon ride
Registration: Must be complete by Oct. 17
Learn more: geneseecountyparks.org (search event calendar)

RECCURING EVENTS BY DAYS OF THE WEEK

DAILY; HOURS VARY
HANDS-ON PLAY
Flint Children’s Museum (FCM)

1602 W. University Ave., Flint, MI 48504
810-767-5437
Let the kids run, climb and​​ explore the FCM’s Discovery Zone and its many educational exhibits. Check out “What Happens at Night,” an exploration of the creatures and constellations that come out after dark.​​ 
Hours: Tues. – Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sun, 12 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $6 per person
Financial Aid: Discounted rates are available through the Museums for All program. Guests are asked to present a valid Bridge Card and photo ID to receive up to four admissions for $3 each.
Parking: FREE
Learn more: thefcm.org

DAILY; HOURS VARY
FREE FAMILY DAY
Flint Institute of Arts (FIA)
1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint, MI 48503
810-234-1695
Visitors love Italian Renaissance painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s 15-foot-tall botanical forms on display in the museum’s​​ Hurand Sculpture courtyard. Don’t miss a stop at the FIA’s free glass-blowing demonstrations, which take place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays. Bridge Card-holders can enjoy free admission to the Flint Institute of Arts, a participant in the Museums​​ for All program. Present your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and a valid photo ID to the Visitor Services representative at the FIA lobby’s front desk to get up to four individual entry passes. Please note: Passes cannot be applied to special events or group programs. Enjoy free admission all day Saturday, courtesy of Huntington Bank.
Hours: Mon.–Fri., noon – 5:00 p.m.; Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Learn more: flintarts.org

OPEN DAILY; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SAGINAW ZOO
1730 S. Washington Ave. Saginaw, MI 48601
989-759-1408
Grab the kids and take a trek through the Saginaw Zoo, which boasts more than 150 animals and an amazing Wetland Experience Center with a natural well and ecosystem that supports native plants and fish. The exhibit includes an underwater viewing area and crawl-through beaver dam. The zoo also is home to a special Horticultural Center where kids are encouraged to plant seeds, water and care for a variety of plants used to feed some of the zoo’s animals.​​ 
Fee: Admission ($5); Veterans (Discount with ID); Under 11 Months (FREE)
Discounted Entry: Thrifty Tuesday $3 Admission
Learn more: saginawzoo.com

DAILY: HOURS VARY
SLOAN​​ MUSEUM – COURTLAND CENTER MALL
4190 E. Court St. Burton, MI 48509
810-237-3450
Step into the world of Wild Kratts to explore the secret lives of amazing creatures in Sloan’s newest exhibit where kids can immerse themselves in animal habitats from around the globe. Youth can also discover incredible creature powers and go on a mission to foil the villains’ nefarious plans. A family play area gives kids a place to be active. They will love the outdoor-themed climber, giant dollhouse, grocery store, and puppet show performance areas. The Sloan Museum Courtland Center Mall location is accessible through the Court Street entrance next to El Cozumel Mexican Grill.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE to Genesee County residents, veterans, active-duty military families, teachers​​ and children younger than 1.
Cost (non-residents): $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 ages 2 – 11
Hours: Mon.–Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sun., Noon – 5:00 p.m.; Last admittance at 4:30 p.m.
Learn more: Call 810-237-3450 or visit sloanlongway.org

TUESDAYS; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tasting Table at the Flint Farmers’ Market
300 E 1st St., Flint, MI 48052
810-237-3450
Stop by the Crim Fitness Foundation’s tasting table at the Flint Farmers’ Market to sample featured recipes from Michigan’s harvest item of the month. Get healthy meal tips, and speak to nutrition experts.
Cost: FREE
Learn more: Call 810-235-3396 or visit crim.org​​ 

2nd​​ WEDNESDAYS; 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
MINDFUL MOVEMENT AROUND TOWN
Crim Fitness Foundation
452 S. Saginaw St.
Flint, MI 48502
810-235-3396
Come out and get your “calm on” at free yoga night at the Crim Fitness Foundation. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Yoga mats will be available to borrow if you don’t have your own. There is no charge for sessions, but donations are accepted. The location of this event varies by month. Call or visit the Crim Fitness Foundation for location detail.
Ages:​​ 8 and older
Cost: FREE
Registration: Visit​​ crim.org
Learn more: Call 810-235-3396 or visit crim.org

WEDNESDAYS; 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
COMMUNITY YOGA (NORTH)
Brownell Holmes STEM Academy
6302 Oxley Drive
Flint, MI 48505
Come out and get your “calm on” at free yoga night at the Crim Fitness Foundation. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Yoga mats will be available to borrow if you don’t have your own. There is no charge for sessions, but donations are accepted.
Ages: 8 and older
Cost: FREE
Registration: Visit crim.org
Learn more: Call 810-235-3396 or visit crim.org

THURSDAYS; 10 a.m. – 2​​ p.m.
Tasting Table at the Flint Farmers’ Market
300 E. 1st St., Flint, MI 48052
810-237-3450
Stop at the Crim Fitness Foundation’s tasting table at the Flint Farmers’ Market to sample featured recipes from Michigan’s harvest item of the month. Get healthy​​ meal tips and​​ speak to nutrition experts.
Cost: FREE
Learn more: Call 810-235-3396 or visit crim.org

THURSDAYS; 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. 
COMMUNITY YOGA (SOUTH)
Southwestern High School
1420 W. 12th St.
Flint, MI 48507
Come out​​ and get your “calm on” at free yoga night at the Crim Fitness Foundation. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Yoga mats will be available to borrow if you don’t have your own. There is no charge for sessions, but donations are accepted.
Ages: 8 and​​ older
Cost: FREE
Registration: Visit crim.org
Learn more: Call 810-235-3396 or visit crim.org

THURSDAYS; 8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
SOCIAL CYCLE FLINT
125 E Kearsley St., Flint, MI 48502
Join Social Cycle Flint riders for their Thursday Night Party Ride, which welcomes bikers of all ages and abilities. The group meets up at 8:30 p.m. weekly through October and rides from the Downtown Flint Flat Lot.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Registration: Not required
Learn more: Social Cycling Facebook Page

2nd FRIDAYS
FRIDAYS, OCTOBER 11; 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
SECOND FRIDAYS ARTWALK
Greater Flint Arts Council
816 S. Saginaw St.
Flint, MI 48502
810-238-2787
Grab the family and enjoy ARTWALK’s walking tour of Flint’s many art galleries. The event takes place every second Friday of the month. Locations vary. Call or visit the website to learn the event’s starting point.
Cost: FREE
Learn more: greaterflintartscouncil.org

SATURDAYS; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
FREE FAMILY DAY
Flint Institute of Arts (FIA)
1120 E. Kearsley St.
Flint, MI 48503
810-234-1695
Thanks to the support of Huntington Bank, the Flint Institute of Arts provides visitors with free access on Saturdays.
Hours: Mon. – Fri., noon – 5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Saturdays FREE
Learn more: flintarts.org

SUNDAYS 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
FRIENDS OF FLINT RIVER TRAIL RIDE
Old Flint Farmer’s Market
420 E. Boulevard Dr., Flint, MI 48503
The Friends of the Flint River Trail lead bike rides every Sunday, May through October, starting promptly at 2 p.m. from the old Flint Farmers’ Market, rain or​​ shine. Rides are typically 13 to 15 miles in length and are conducted at a leisurely pace.  All rides are followed by “sweeps” to assist with bike problems, such as flat tires or chain adjustments. The group has a no-rider-left-behind policy and encourages​​ experienced riders, beginners and families to come out and ride. No registration is required.
Cost: FREE
Learn more: Friends of Flint River

EVENTS BY DATE

SEPT​​  28; 10​​ a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
FALL COLOR HIKE

For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum
2142 Genesee Road
Burton, MI 48509
800-648-PARK
Join For-Mar’s plant-loving friend Angela Nelson for a guided hike through For-Mar’s beautiful trails. Nelson will help participants learn to identify plant life as they enjoy the many changing colors around them.​​ 
Ages: All
Cost: $3 per person
Registration: Must be complete by Sept. 27
Learn more: geneseecountyparks.org (search event calendar)

SEPT​​  29; 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
PASSPORT TO OUR PARKS – ATLAS COUNTY PARK
Atlas County Park
9139 Hegel Rd​​ 

Goodrich, MI 48438

800-648-PARK
Teens and adults are invited to come out and enjoy a guided walk with a For-Mar naturalist to discover the beauty of Atlas County Park. Dress for weather conditions.
Ages: Teens and adults
Cost: $3 per person
Registration: Not required
Learn more: geneseecountyparks.org (search event calendar)

OCT 5; 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
FALL COLORS OF AUTUMN HIKE

For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum
2142 Genesee Road
Burton, MI 48509
800-648-PARK
Individuals with cognitive disabilities will appreciate this fall color hike through For-Mar’s beautiful trails.​​ 
Ages: All ages (for individuals with cognitive disabilities)
Cost: $2 per person
Registration: Must be complete by Oct. 4
Learn more: geneseecountyparks.org (search event calendar)

OCT 5; 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
PASSPORT TO NATURE: Down in the Underground

For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum
2142 Genesee Road
Burton, MI 48509
800-648-PARK
Nature explorers of all​​ ages are invited to explore the varied habitat of For-Mar, headed by nature guides who will help them understand its inhabitants. This month’s focus is on animals that make their homes under the ground.
Ages: Ages 4 to 12
Cost: $4 per person
Registration: Must be complete by Oct. 3
Learn more: geneseecountyparks.org (search event calendar)

OCT.​​  6; 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
PASSPORT TO OUR PARKS – FLUSHING COUNTY PARK,​​ 
Flushing County Park, Pavilion 1
4417 N.​​ McKinley Road

Flushing, MI 48438

800-648-PARK
Teens and adults are invited to come out and enjoy a guided walk with a For-Mar naturalist to discover the beauty of Flushing County Park. Dress for weather conditions.
Ages: Teens and adults
Cost: $3 per person
Registration: Not required
Learn more: geneseecountyparks.org (search event calendar)

OCT. 12; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MAD SCIENTIST CAMP​​ 
2142 Genesee Road
Burton, MI 48509

800-648-PARK
Students ages 5​​ and older are invited to take part in experiments headed by a For-Mar scientist at this Halloween-themed event.
Ages: Ages 5 and older
Cost: $5 per student
Registration: Must be complete by Oct. 10
Learn more: geneseecountyparks.org (search event calendar)

OCT.​​  13; 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
PASSPORT TO OUR PARKS – RICHFIELD COUNTY PARK​​ 
Richfield County Park, Pavilion 3 Parking Lot
6322 N. Irish Road

Davison, MI 48423

800-648-PARK
Teens and adults are invited to come out and enjoy a guided walk with a For-Mar naturalist to discover the beauty of Flushing County Park. Dress for weather conditions.
Ages: Teens and adults
Cost: $3 per person
Registration: Not required
Learn more: geneseecountyparks.org (search event calendar)

OCT 18; 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
PASSPORT TO NATURE: Down in the Underground

For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum
2142 Genesee Road
Burton, MI 48509
800-648-PARK
Everyone is invited to explore the varied habitat of For-Mar under the glow of a full moon. Nature guides will help participants identify some of the characteristics of the moon, and explore creatures that come out at night, while enjoying the​​ peace of the park after dark. ​​ 
Ages: All
Cost: $4 per person
Registration: Must be complete by Oct. 17
Learn more: geneseecountyparks.org (search event calendar)

TAKE TO THE TRAILS!
Flint and Genesee​​ County have plenty of family-friendly trails to enjoy. Get out and discover them all!

CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
400 S. Badour Road
Midland, MI 48640
989-631-0830
A full 7½ miles of trails are available for all to enjoy. Check out the three-mile River Trail,​​ 0.6-mile Homestead Trail, and 3.5-mile Chippewa Trail; open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk, weather permitting.

Visit:​​ ChippewaNatureCenter.org

BLUEBELL BEACH
5500 Bray Road
Flint, MI 48505
Almost a mile of trails along the shores of Mott Lake offer visitors a variety of views​​ overlooking the lake toward the wooded path.
Trail map: goo.gl/bSNygF

BUELL LAKE COUNTY PARK
14098 Genesee Road
Clio, MI 48420
The​​ one-mile Buell trail begins steps away from the Buell Lake boat ramp and is perfect for a family hike. There’s also a play area and restroom at the trail’s end.
Trail map: goo.gl/D559yz

FLUSHING COUNTY PARK
4417 N. McKinley Road
Flushing, MI 48433
Enjoy the one-mile, paved loop path that runs along Carpenter Road and swings close to the Flint River.
Trail map: goo.gl/mfS7Zc

FOR-MAR NATURE PRESERVE & ARBORETUM
2142 N. Genesee Road
Burton, MI 48509
Numerous miles of trail, including a 5K route at the north and main entrances, can be accessed to enjoy the beauty of For-Mar. Hike along the bend of Kearsley Creek and explore pathways that twist through the stream’s heavily wooded mudflats. The trails have 60 signposts to help point visitors in the right direction.
Trail map: goo.gl/XLjSqn

LINDEN COUNTY PARK
15349 S. Linden Road
Linden, MI 48451
Visitors can explore two trails at Linden County Park. One is a 1.5-mile loop through beautiful terrain. The other is perfect for spring hikes and it cuts right through the center of the park.
Trail map: goo.gl/k6tAWV

RICHFIELD COUNTY PARK
6322 N. Irish Road
Davison, MI 48423
With the Flint River meandering through two miles of trails, visitors will discover a suspension bridge dating to 1930 that connects the north and south sides of this Genesee County park. The north side features trails perfect for walking.
Trail map: goo.gl/iZ7EcC

STEPPING STONE FALLS
5161 Brand Road
Flint, MI 48506
Take a walk on the 1.25 miles of recently repaved terrain around the western side of Mott Lake and around the Flint River to Stepping Stone Falls.
Trail map: goo.gl/iJrteM

AREA ORCHARDS

U-PICK RASPBERRIES, PLUMS & APPLES

Spicer Orchards

10411 Clyde Rd.

Fenton, MI 48430

810-632-7692

The entire family will enjoy picking raspberries, plums and apples at Spicer​​ Orchard.

There will be lots of varieties of apples available to harvest this fall from MacIntosh,

Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Empire and Northern Spy to Ida Red and others.

Hours:​​ Picking daily 9 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Farm market daily 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Payment: Cash,​​ check or credit card

Picking season:​​ U-Pick (Now through Oct.)

Learn more:​​ spicerorchards.com

APPLES

Almar Orchards & Cidery

1431 Duffield Rd.

Flushing, MI 48433

810-620-8114

This 500-acre family-owned farm sells more than 30 varieties of organic apples. Kids

love the orchard’s farm animals, playground and picnic area. If you ask, the staff will

point out the orchards’ bee hives and give visitors an insider’s look at how honey is

made. Enjoy a​​ cup of the orchard’s famous cider before you head home.

Hours:​​ Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun. Noon to 5 p.m.

Payment:​​ Cash, check or credit card

Picking:​​ Apples for sale (Now through Oct). No picking available.

Learn more:​​ facebook.com/AlmarOrchardsOrganic

APPLES

Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill

1479 Ranch Rd.

Holly, MI 48442

248-634-8981

This fourth-generation,​​ family-owned orchard sells nearly 20 varieties of apples and has

plenty of free activities to keep the kids engaged for hours. Families love the playscape,

hay pile, kiddie maze, bird coop and the pond, which always has plenty of friendly

ducks. In mid-September, they also have a corn maze ($5 per person, kids under 5

FREE) and hayrides (weekends only; $3 per person, kids under 3 FREE).

Hours:​​ Open daily; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Payment:​​ Cash, check or credit card

Picking:​​ Apples for sale (Now through Oct.); No picking available.

Learn more:​​ diehlsorchard.com

APPLES

Mueller’s Orchard &Cider Mill

6036 Lobdell Rd.

Linden, MI 48451

810-735-7676

Families love Mueller’s Orchards’ apples and cider. The free farm playground and straw

bale maze will entertain your​​ kids for hours. Don’t leave without a visit to Owen’s

Barnyard, filled with friendly animals that just love to be petted.

Hours:​​ Open daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Payment:​​ Cash, check or credit card

Picking season:​​ Apples for sale and U-Pick. (Now - Oct.)

Learn more:​​ muellersorchard.com