Cheap Holiday Activities for Family W/kids

As far as the Henry Ford, we just buy a Family & Friends membership. It's not cheap when you buy it ($175/year), but you can take your whole family and two additional adults whenever you want. We get one every year and go at least every week or two--sometimes even more often in the summer. We've found it to be a really good entertainment value, and our three year old is learning alot!

I have found this website to be a fantastic tool to help me plan things for me and my boys to do - especially on their days off from school. I will be using it at lot during the upcoming school breaks. http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com
Many events that this website list are free or minimal cost.
The Warren Community Center has a fantastic pool, as does the Best Western in Sterling Heights: http://www.sterlinginn.com/Hotel/Waterpark.htm
There is the Hands-On Mueseum in Ann Arbor which is a lot of fun. There is also the Detroit Science Center and Ford Motor Company has a upcoming FREE day on November 23.
The IMAX Theatre has been offering $5.00 movie specials, so you could check the movies and the times.
There is also the Detroit's Children's Museum. Personally, I have never been there, but have heard some good things: http://www.detroitchildrensmuseum.org/
There is the Yankee Air Mueseum in Belleville: http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org/
Botantical Gardens in Ann Arbor: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg/
On Monday's, the Cinemark Movies 16 in Warren have their movies for $.50.
There is also Castaway Cafe in Howell. This is a two-story jungle gym for kids of all ages (even adults can climb). They have wonderful comfy chairs for you to sit and watch the kids play, a fantastic menu, and you can stay and play all day. My family has personally been there and my gang beg me all the time to go back. http://www.castawayplay.com/
There is also bowling. A lot of lanes will have special deals during the day, so check with your local lanes.
Also, check with your local library as many of them will have an activity schedule during the holidays.
You could also head to the Detroit or Toledo Zoos ~ depending on the weather conditions.
There used to be Morley Candy Factory Tours in Clinton Townshp, but I am not sure if they are still available: http://www.morleycandy.com/index.php?main_page=candy_fact...
Laserquest in Madison Heights: http://www.laserquest.com/
AND ZapZone: http://www.zap-zone.com/
Plaster Playhouse in Shelby Township: http://www.plasterplayhouse.biz/
I think that there is a Plaster Playhouse in downtown Farmington.
If the kids are into it, you might be able to take a tour of the Parade Company and see where all the big floats are made.
Check with the local Parks & Recreation Department on happenings for over the holidays.

Boy howdy ... was ever in a mood this morning!!! That is what happens when your YDS wakes you up at 6:30am :)

I know I am late on this but.....check your local schools and see if they do anything. My sisters family attends a wonderful Breakfast with Santa put on my the Band Boosters at the High School....this HS is in Clinton Township. It is a wonderful morning and fun for the kids plus your $$ supports the school. I think it is a wonderful idea and I hope other schools might do something similar?

The recreation center by my house in Wayne(on Annapolis and Howe rd)is doing a breakfast with Santa dec 13th from 9:30-11:30. I think if you want to eat it is $3-$5 and I think the picture is like 3, but last year they let me take my own oicture with my camera.

You have to go to the Wayne County Lightfest! It is only $5 per car and is an awesome cheap night out for kids of all ages. You enter off of Merriman Rd just North of Warren Rd onto Hines Dr. I take my nieces and nephews from Ohio every year and they love it, I can't wait to take my 2.5 year old this year again too.
Here is the link, just scroll down until you get to the Wayne County Lightfest...
http://www.waynecounty.com/parks/special.htm
Have fun and I will be reading to see what others moms give as suggestions!!
~J.

My city hall is having a tree lighting night w/ santa pictures for 3.00. You could check with your city hall to see if there doing the same.
I also make holiday cards w/ my daughter. And lots of arts and craft projects. Thought that's not an outing.

Pine cone tree decorations
Collect pine cones, drill a tiny hole where the stem was and glue a loop in so you can attach a bulb hook to it, holding the cone point down brush glue on the tips where snow would collect, and roll in glitter, lay a stick across the top of a box and hang cones till dry (that way they don't touch). Everyone I've given them to has loved them. There are all sorts of pine cone crafts you can do. I just pick them off the ground where ever I notice them.

Happy holidays, A. H