The Ypsilanti Heritage Festival believes that celebrating community heritage should be a family affair, and our dedicated children's programming ensures that our youngest visitors have experiences as memorable and engaging as those enjoyed by adults.
The centerpiece of our children's programming, Kids Corner transforms a section of the festival grounds into a wonderland of activities designed specifically for young festival-goers. This supervised area offers a safe, engaging environment where children can explore, create, and play while parents relax nearby.
Creativity flourishes in our popular Craft Tent, where children can participate in hands-on art projects guided by friendly volunteers. Activities change throughout the weekend, ensuring that repeat visitors always find something new to create. Past craft activities have included:
The Americans for the Arts organization emphasizes that arts participation in childhood builds creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.
Dedicated to performances that engage young audiences, the Family Entertainment Stage hosts shows throughout each day of the festival. Programming is carefully selected to be age-appropriate while remaining entertaining for accompanying parents and grandparents.
Performances are scheduled throughout the day, with earlier time slots featuring programming for younger children.
Educational displays from local museums and nature centers offer hands-on learning. Children might meet live animals, examine artifacts, or learn about Ypsilanti's history.
Traditional festival games provide classic entertainment, from ring toss to carnival-style activities. Many games offer small prizes!
Open spaces allow children to burn energy with supervised activities, ensuring even the most energetic visitors find appropriate outlets.
Beyond dedicated children's programming, the Heritage Festival is designed with families in mind:
The Ypsilanti Heritage Festival takes pride in being a truly family-friendly event where children are not merely accommodated but genuinely celebrated. We believe that introducing young people to community festivals helps build the next generation of engaged citizens who value heritage, creativity, and togetherness.