The holidays are nearly upon us, which means the calendar will soon be jam-packed with fun activities for the whole family. There are lots to choose from — from exploring the area’s many holiday events, moon hikes, and cultural attractions to the “Turkey Talk and Walk” at Chippewa Nature Center. Chillier air and dropping temps mean it’s a great time to step out on area trails and enjoy the changing season. Let’s get out there!

SPECIAL EVENTS​​ 

NOVEMBER 9, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

BIRCH RUN’S TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Birch Run Premium Outlet

Join in​​ the holiday fun at this festive, annual​​ event featuring​​ a tree-lighting ceremony,​​ cookies and refreshments, pictures with Santa and more. Kids will even get their own holiday wand. The event will take place in Section A, in front of​​ the​​ Kate Spade New York store.

Ages:​​ All

Cost: ​​​​ FREE

NOVEMBER 17,​​ Noon – 4 p.m.

KOHL’S HEALTHY KIDS FREE DAY

Flint Children’s Museum (FCM)
1602 W. University Ave., Flint, MI 48504
810-767-5437
Enjoy free admission courtesy of Kohl’s Healthy Kids.
Hours: ​​ 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: ​​ FREE

Parking: FREE
Learn more: thefcm.org

NOVEMBER 23,​​ 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

FESTIVAL OF INDIA

Flint Institute of Music

1025 E. Kearsley Street

Flint, MI 48503

Experience the sights, sounds​​ and flavors of India.

Ages:​​ All

Cost:​​ $15 Day Pass,​​ ages 6 and​​ younger are free. Proceeds benefit the FIM’s tuition assistance program.

Learn More:​​ Facebook page

NOVEMBER 29,​​ 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

CHRISTMAS AT CROSSROADS: HOLIDAY MAGIC​​ (OPENING NIGHT)

Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad

8140 Bray Road

Flint, MI 48505

Join neighbors in celebrating Christmas at Crossroads, a popular tradition with area families. The evening includes a tree-lighting ceremony, which is scheduled to take place​​ at 7:15 p.m. and a chance to walk along Crossroads’​​ twinkling,​​ light-filled walkways​​ while​​ enjoying​​ seasonal music.

Ages:​​ All

Cost: ​​​​ FREE to Genesee County residents​​ on opening night​​ only

Registration:​​ Register​​ at​​ geneseecountyparks.org

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (see​​ event​​ calendar)

NOVEMBER 30, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

TURKEY DAY CELEBRATION
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

2142 Genesee Road

Burton, MI 48509

Everyone​​ is invited to join​​ For-Mar’s Turkey Day celebration,​​ which features​​ turkey-inspired crafts, games, hikes and nest-building. ​​ 

Ages:​​ All

Cost:​​ FREE

Registration: Not required

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)

DECEMBER 3,​​ 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

HOLIDAY WALK

Flint Cultural Center

1241​​ Kearsley Street

Flint, MI​​ 48503

Grab the family and get out for Flint’s​​ annual Holiday Walk, featuring free and festive, family-friendly activities​​ along the Cultural Center’s 33-acre campus. Light displays, festive music, holiday theater​​ performances, seasonal craft demonstrations, free movies (at​​ Flint Institute of Arts) and more​​ are scheduled.​​ The celebration kicks off with​​ a tree-lighting at Durant Plaza, located​​ near​​ Sloan​​ Museum.

Ages:​​ All

Cost:​​ FREE

Learn more:​​ flintculturalcenter.org​​ (search event calendar)

DECEMBER 13, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

HOLIDAY WALK
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

2142 Genesee Road

Burton, MI 48509

Everyone is invited to join For-Mar’s Holiday Walk, a time-honored family tradition that includes a​​ stroll​​ along its illuminated trails. After the hike​​ warm up by​​ a​​ bonfire and enjoy hot cocoa, crafts, activities and a holiday family photo center.​​ 

Ages:​​ All

Cost:​​ $2 per person

Registration:​​ By Dec. 11

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)

DECEMBER 21, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

WINTER SOLTICE CELEBRATION
Chippewa Nature Center

400 S. Badour Road

Midland, MI 48509

Celebrate the longest night of the year at Chippewa Nature Center’s​​ winter​​ solstice​​ event. Among the evening’s highlights is a festive walk along the lighted Arbury Trail. ​​ Participants will have the opportunity to roll a beeswax candle, create a miniature​​ Yule​​ log and make an evergreen wreath to take home.​​ 

Ages:​​ All; younger than​​ 18 must be with an adult

Cost:​​ FREE

Registration: Not required

Learn more:​​ chippewanaturecenter.org​​ (search event calendar); email info@chippewanaturecenter.org

REOCCURING 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.​​ Enjoy free admission​​ Nov. 17, courtesy of Kohl’s Healthy Kids.
Hours: Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $6 per person;​​ FREE Admission Sunday, Nov. 17.

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 rendering​​ on display in the museum’s Hurand Sculpture​​ until Nov.​​ 17. The Free glass-blowing demonstrations, 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​​ as many as​​ 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 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Learn more: flintarts.org

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 can explore 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 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun., Noon – 5 p.m.; last admittance at 4:30 p.m.
Learn more: Call 810-237-3450 or visit sloanlongway.org

TUESDAYS,​​ 1​​ p.m. –​​ 3​​ p.m.
Hamilton Community Health Network – Main Clinic
300 E 1st St., Flint, MI 48052
810-237-3450
Visit​​ “Cooking Matters”​​ events Tuesdays 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Participants will learn how to cook, incorporate healthier foods into their diet and grocery shop on a budget. ​​ In addition to the cooking demo, program participants receive a free bag of​​ groceries, cookbook,​​ prizes and​​ $10 in​​ groceries during a store tour.​​ 
Cost: FREE
Learn more: Call​​ Lynette Kaiser​​ 810-244-8516​​ 

TUESDAYS,​​ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tasting Table at​​ 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​​ 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

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 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

EVENTS BY DATE

NOVEMBER​​ 9, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

VOLUNTEER CLEAN-UP DAY AT FOR-MAR
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

2142 Genesee Road

Burton, MI 48509

Join​​ fellow volunteers​​ and​​ help clear For-Mar of invasive plants.​​ Dress​​ to get messy​​ and bring gloves if you have them.​​ ​​ 

Ages:​​ 10 and older​​ 

Cost:​​ FREE

Registration:​​ Not required

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)

NOVEMBER 9, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

FAMILIES IN NATURE
Chippewa Nature Center

400 S. Badour Road

Midland, MI 48509

Join this monthly Families in Nature program and participate in a group geocache gaming experience. Participants will search for small containers hidden in nature (geocaches) using coordinates and directions from their mobile devices.​​ 

Ages:​​ All; younger than​​ 18 must be with an adult

Cost:​​ FREE

Registration: Not required

Learn more:​​ chippewanaturecenter.org​​ (search event calendar); email info@chippewanaturecenter.org

NOVEMBER 12, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

FULL MOON STROLL
Chippewa Nature Center

400 S. Badour Road

Midland, MI 48509

Take a guided hike under the light of the full moon on Chippewa Nature Center’s trail system and search for nocturnal wildlife. Everyone is asked to wear dark clothing and bring their own flashlight. ​​ 

Ages:​​ 9 and older (younger than​​ 18 must be with an adult)

Cost:​​ FREE

Registration: Not required

Learn more:​​ chippewanaturecenter.org​​ (search event calendar); email info@chippewanaturecenter.org

NOVEMBER 13, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

WILD ADVENTURERS: THE CLEAN-UP CREW
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

2142 Genesee Road

Burton, MI 48509

Ages 7 to 12 are invited to join a For-Mar naturalist in a trek through the trails to discover how nature helps decompose animals and transform them into food and nutrients for other animals and the environment. The trek​​ includes​​ an exploration of vultures.  ​​​​ 

Ages:​​ 7 to 12​​ 

Cost:​​ $4 per student

Registration:​​ By Nov. 11

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)

NOVEMBER 14, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

HURLEY’S “MOVEMBER” MEN’S HEALTH EVENT

Holiday Inn Gateway Centre

5353 Gateway Center

Flint, MI 48503

Join in this event focused on men’s health issues. Learn about stroke prevention, joint replacement, hernia treatments and more. Participants will have the opportunity to earn poker chips for a chance to win prizes.

Ages:​​ All​​ 

Cost:​​ FREE

Registration: Not required

Learn more:​​ hurleymc.com​​ (search event calendar)

NOVEMBER​​ 15,​​ 6:30​​ p.m. –​​ 8​​ p.m.

FULL MOON HIKE

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

2142 Genesee Road

Burton, MI 48509

Join a For-Mar naturalist for a hike along its trails under the glow of a full moon. Participants will learn about the park’s​​ animals​​ who are most active at night.​​ 

Ages:​​ All

Cost:​​ $4 per person

Registration:​​ By Nov. 14

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)

NOVEMBER​​ 16,​​ 9​​ a.m. –​​ 11​​ a.m.

GLACIER HIKES IN THE HOGBACKS

Hogbacks

End of Coldwater Road, East of M-15

Youth are invited to join a For-Mar educator who will guide participants through an exploration of the rocks and geological features​​ glaciers left behind. Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots and bring a water bottle.

Ages:​​ 5 and older

Cost:​​ $4​​ per person

Registration:​​ Not required

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)

NOVEMBER 16,​​ 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

ADULTS ONLY FULL MOON HIKE

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

2142 Genesee Road

Burton, MI 48509

Participants are invited to join a For-Mar naturalist for a hike along its trails under the glow of a full moon to learn more about the park’s active nocturnal animals.

Ages:​​ 16 and​​ older

Cost:​​ $4 per person

Registration:​​ By Nov. 15

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)

NOVEMBER 19,​​ 12 noon – 12:30 p.m.

COOKING DEMONSTRATION AT​​ FARMERS’ MARKET
Flint Farmers’ Market

300 E. 1st​​ Street

Flint, MI 48502

Join Crim’s helpful nutrition experts at the Flint Farmers’ Market for a cooking demonstration. Participants will learn how to prepare​​ kale and parmesan pasta, and everyone​​ can sample the​​ recipe.

Cost:​​ FREE

Registration:​​ Not​​ required

Learn more:​​ Crim.org​​ (search event calendar)

NOVEMBER 20,​​ 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

WILD ADVENTURERS: WHO’S HEADING INTO HIBERNATION OR MIGRATING
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

2142 Genesee Road

Burton, MI 48509

Ages 7 to 12 are invited to join a For-Mar naturalist in a trek through the trails to discover what animals do to prepare for winter. Dress for​​ a 90-minute​​ outdoor experience.​​ 

Cost:​​ $4 per student

Registration:​​ By Nov. 18

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)

NOVEMBER 22, 12 noon – 1 p.m.
COOKING MATTERS AT THE STORE TOUR
Meijer

G-2333 Center Road

Burton, MI 48519
Stop by​​ Meijer on Center Road for tips on healthy shopping and eating.​​ Participants will learn how to cook, incorporate healthier foods into their diet and grocery shop on a budget. ​​ In addition to the cooking demo, program participants receive a free bag of groceries,​​ recipes and more​​ during a store tour.
Cost: FREE
Learn more: crim.org​​ (search event calendar)​​ 

NOVEMBER 23, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

TURKEY TALK AND WALK
Chippewa Nature Center

400 S. Badour Road

Midland, MI 48509

Take a hike with a Chippewa Nature Center guide to explore the Center’s trails. Search for wild turkeys, make turkey sounds and learn about these unique birds.​​ 

Ages:​​ All (younger​​ than​​ 18 must be with an adult)

Cost:​​ FREE

Registration: Not required

Learn more:​​ chippewanaturecenter.org​​ (search event calendar); email info@chippewanaturecenter.org

NOVEMBER 29, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

BLACK FRIDAY: OWL PROWL
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

2142 Genesee Road

Burton, MI 48509

For-Mar’s Owl Prowl features an evening walk along its trails to learn about local owls and practice owl-​​ calling skills. Bring your own flashlight.​​ 

Ages:​​ All

Cost:​​ $4 per participant

Registration: Not required

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)

DECEMBER 3, 12 noon – 12:30 p.m.

COOKING DEMONSTRATION AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET
Flint Farmers’ Market

300 E. 1st​​ Street

Flint, MI 48502

Join Crim’s helpful nutrition experts at the Flint Farmers’ Market for a healthy cooking demonstration. Participants will learn how to prepare​​ potato and egg casserole. Everyone will get a chance to sample the​​ recipe.

Cost:​​ FREE

Registration: Not​​ required

Learn more:​​ Crim.org​​ (search event calendar)

DECEMBER 11, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

WILD ADVENTURERS: LOCOMOTION
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

2142 Genesee Road

Burton, MI 48509

Youth are invited to join a For-Mar naturalist on a hike through the park’s trails to​​ discover its hidden animals. Participants will learn to follow animal tracks​​ and discover their​​ winter habits and homes. Dress for outdoor​​ temperatures. ​​ 

Ages:​​ 7 to 12

Cost:​​ $4 per student

Registration:​​ By Dec. 12

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)

DECEMBER 12, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

FULL MOON STROLL
Chippewa Nature Center

400 S. Badour Road

Midland, MI 48509

Take a guided hike under the light of the full moon on Chippewa Nature Center’s trail system and search for nocturnal wildlife. Everyone is asked to wear dark clothing and bring their own flashlight. ​​ 

Ages:​​ Ages​​ 9 and older (younger​​ than​​ 18 must be with an adult)

Cost:​​ FREE

Registration: Not required

Learn more:​​ chippewanaturecenter.org​​ (search event calendar); email info@chippewanaturecenter.org

DECEMBER​​ 14, 10 a.m. –​​ ​​ noon

BIRDING HIKE: Christmas Bird Count

For-Mar Preserve & Arboretum

2142 Genesee Road

Burton, MI 48509

Every year bird-lovers join the Audubon Society’s​​ national Christmas Bird Count to identify America’s birds.​​ The​​ fun event​​ provides participants an opportunity to interact with fellow​​ bird-lovers and share​​ knowledge.

Ages:​​ All

Cost:​​ FREE

Registration:​​ Suggested,​​ but not required

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)

DECEMBER​​ 14,​​ 6:30​​ p.m. –​​ 8:30​​ p.m.

FULL MOON HIKE

For-Mar Preserve & Arboretum

2142 Genesee Road

Burton, MI 48509

Experience the night glow as For-Mar’s inhabitants go on a guided hike, led by a For-Mar naturalist.​​ 

Ages:​​ All​​ 

Cost:​​ $4​​ 

Registration:​​ By​​ Dec. 13

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)

DECEMBER 21, 10 a.m. –​​ noon

EVERGREEN WINTER​​ HIKE

For-Mar Preserve & Arboretum

2142 Genesee Road

Burton, MI 48509

Join​​ For-Mar’s naturalists​​ on a​​ winter​​ hike through the For-Mar forest to identify native trees. Everyone will have the opportunity to make​​ swag from​​ evergreen to take home for the holidays.

Ages:​​ All​​ 

Cost:​​ $4​​ per person

Registration:​​ By​​ Dec.​​ 20

Learn more:​​ geneseecountyparks.org​​ (search event calendar)