September 2026
Career Counselor Email
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Career Exploration
Take a look at career-focused, STEM, engineering, science, technology, trades, and hands-on learning opportunities happening across Michigan coming up! Whether your student is interested in robotics, coding, aviation, animals, automotive technology, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, or the skilled trades, there are opportunities to explore!
Almont District Library
Almont District Library
LEGO Club
Date: October 20, 2026
Time: 4:00-5:00 PM
Free-build and monthly LEGO challenge
No registration required
Cost: Free [adlmi.org]
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor
a2Tech360
Host: Ann Arbor SPARK
Regional technology festival celebrating:
Innovation
Engineering
Robotics
Entrepreneurship
Future careers
Runs through October 2, 2026, with a variety of free community events. [a2tech360.com]
Website: https://a2tech360.com
Open Lab: 3D Printing & Laser Engraving
Host: Ann Arbor District Library
October 8, 2026 Free
Students and families can explore:
3D printers
Laser engravers
3D pens
Maker technology
https://annarborobserver.com/event/open-lab-ann-arbor-district-library-9/2026-10-01
Open Lab: Soldering & Electronics
Host: Ann Arbor District Library
October 22, 2026 Free
Hands-on experience with:
Circuits
Electronics
Soldering tools
Engineering concepts
https://annarborobserver.com/event/open-lab-ann-arbor-district-library-9/2026-10-01
Blandford Nature Center
Blandford Nature Center
Free and low-cost nature/STEM programming offered regularly for families in the Grand Rapids area. September featured free admission and fall programming.
More Information on Events: events.grkids.com
Main website: https://www.blandfordnaturecenter.org
Cranbrook Institute of Science (Free Admission Night)
Cranbrook Institute of Science (Free Admission Night)
Hosted by: Cranbrook Institute of Science
October 2, 2026
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Free
An excellent opportunity for students to explore science exhibits, hands-on activities, and STEM careers
Detroit Public Library - Bowen Branch
Detroit Public Library - Bowen Branch
Kids' LEGO Club
Begins October 6, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Free LEGO building and creativity program
Cost: Free [stayhappening.com]
Detroit Historical Museum Free Admission Day
Host: Detroit Historical Museum
October 29, 2026
Free
Families can explore Detroit's history, manufacturing heritage, transportation innovations, and cultural exhibits.
Dexter District Library (Dexter)
Dexter District Library (Dexter)
Chess Club
Date: October 7, 2026
Time: 6:30-7:30 PM
For kids and teens with basic chess knowledge
Registration required
Cost: Free [dexter.lib.mi.us]
Escanaba Public Library
Escanaba Public Library
LEGO Club: "Spooky"
Date: October 10, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Halloween-themed LEGO building challenge
Prize drawing included
Cost: Free [allevents.in]
Genesee District Library
Genesee District Library
Branches throughout:
Flint Township
Grand Blanc
Davison
Fenton
Clio
Flushing
Goodrich
Montrose
Swartz Creek
Ongoing free activities include:
Pokémon Club
Craft Club
Tech Tutoring
STEM programs
Family events
Program calendar: https://www.thegdl.org/events
Hastings Public Library
Hastings Public Library
LEGO Club
Date: October 19, 2026
Time: 4:00-5:00 PM
Monthly building challenge
Cost: Free [happeningnext.com]
Holland Area
Holland Area
Downtown Holland Fall Fest
Date: October 2, 2026
Includes family activities, community engagement, and seasonal programming. [allevents.in]
Holland Museum
The museum offers family-friendly history, culture, and hands-on learning opportunities throughout the year. October events include crafts, exhibits, and community programs.
Website: https://hollandmuseum.org/programs-and-events/
Free Second Monday: Blue & White Night
Date: October 12, 2026
Cost: Free
Features:
Delft-inspired crafts
Hands-on activities
Art and cultural learning experiences for families and children. [hollandmuseum.org], [business.w...hamber.org]
Herrick District Library
Offers regular youth programming, LEGO activities, technology resources, and a dedicated Lego Lab.
Website: https://herrickdl.bibliocommons.com/events/
Downtown Holland Trick-or-Treating
Date: October 24, 2026
Family-friendly downtown event for elementary students. [allevents.in]
Home Depot Kids Workshop
Home Depot Kids Workshop
Hosted by: Home Depot
October 3, 2026
9:00 AM - Noon
Free
Monthly hands-on building projects that introduce engineering, design, and tool safety.
Registration: https://www.homedepot.com/workshops
Kalamazoo Public Library
Kalamazoo Public Library
Geek Fest 2026
Date: October 10, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds Expo Center
Activities:
Robotics
Board games
D&D
Free comics
STEM activities
Gaming tournaments
Cost: Free [kpl.gov]
Lansing Area (Ingham, Eaton & Clinton Counties)
Lansing Area (Ingham, Eaton & Clinton Counties)
These are some of the strongest K-5-friendly STEM, maker, and career exploration opportunities I found for October.
🎃 How-To Halloween 2026
🎃 How-To Halloween 2026
Location: Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing
Date: October 3, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: FREE outdoor festival
Features:
Interactive STEM activities
Make-and-takes
Trick-or-treating
Creative vendors
Character meet-and-greets
Zombie Walk
Star Trek-themed exhibits
Hands-on learning activities
https://how-tohalloween.com
https://www.downtownlansing.org/events/how-halloween/sat-oct-3-2026-11am-5pm
Lansing
Lansing
Maker Monday
Host: East Lansing Public Library
Audience: Kids & Tweens
Cost: Free
Hands-on maker and STEAM activities.
Parchment Community Library
Parchment Community Library
Fire Truck Day @ the Library
Date: October 9, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM
Elementary-friendly career exploration event featuring emergency vehicles and first responders
Cost: Free [parchmentlibrary.org]
Muskegon Area
Muskegon Area
Create a Clay Car
Host: Muskegon Area District Library
Date: October 2, 2026
Cost: Free
Kids create their own vehicle using clay and cardboard while exploring design and engineering concepts. [visitmuskegon.org]
Super Saturday
Host: Muskegon Museum of Art
Date: October 10, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Includes:
Free museum admission
Free kids STEAM activity
Hands-on art and creativity experiences
Website: https://muskegonartmuseum.org/calendar
Muskegon Area District Library
Offers:
Kids STEM activities
Family programs
StoryTrail events
Arts & engineering projects
Big Read family activities
Website: https://madl.org/
Muskegon Museum of History & Science
A fantastic STEM-focused destination featuring:
Hands-on science exhibits
STEM activities
Local history
Rotating science programs
Educational workshops
Muskegon County residents receive free admission through community support.
Website: https://lakeshoremuseum.org
Lakeshore Museum Center
Regular youth programming includes:
Little Learners: STEAM Play & Learn
Family STEM activities
Friday Family Fun Nights
Science workshops
Museum learning programs
Website: https://lakeshoremuseum.org/programs-events-lmc
Petoskey District Library
Petoskey District Library
Youth Chess Tournament
Date: October 15, 2026
Ages: 8-18
Monthly tournament series
Youth participation is free
Cost: Free for ages 8-18 [petoskeylibrary.org]
Upper Peninsula
Upper Peninsula
Escanaba Public Library LEGO Club [allevents.in]
Ypsilanti District Library STEM Events through out October (FREE)
Ypsilanti District Library STEM Events through out October (FREE)
Registration: Free through the library event calendar. [ypsilibrary.org]
October 1
Pokémon Club
Ages: Elementary/Tweens
Date: October 1, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Focus: Problem-solving, strategy, STEM play. [ypsilibrary.org]
October 3
Sensory Stations
Date: October 3, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Hands-on exploration for younger learners. [ypsilibrary.org]
October 6
Graphic Novel Book Club (Grades 2-5)
Date: October 6, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Combines literacy and STEM-themed discussion opportunities. [ypsilibrary.org]
October 7
Youth Chess Club
Date: October 7, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Develops critical thinking, logic, and strategic reasoning. [ypsilibrary.org]
Coding for Kids
Date: October 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
One of the strongest STEM offerings for elementary students. [ypsilibrary.org]
October 8
Pokémon Club
Date: October 8, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
STEM-related gaming and strategy activities. [ypsilibrary.org]
October 13
Graphic Novel Book Club (Grades 2-5)
Date: October 13, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM [ypsilibrary.org]
October 14
Youth Chess Club
Date: October 14, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM [ypsilibrary.org]
Library STEM Page: https://www.ypsilibrary.org/services/stem
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