From 11 a.m. through 3 p.m., guests can enjoy the breathtaking grounds and gardens while participating in family-friendly activities throughout the property, including:

• Trick-or-Treat Trail: Children can travel along our Trick-or-Treat Trail, stopping at the child-friendly Halloween stations to collect delicious treats and playful goodies from friendly characters.
• Jack-O-Lantern Decorating: Let creativity run wild as kids unleash their artistic talents on Cuties mandarin oranges, transforming them into festive masterpieces to take home.
• Photo Opportunities: Whether sitting under the 15-foot tall Pumpkin King or galloping through a mini-corn maze, there are innumerable opportunities to capture your family’s smiling faces on camera.
• Haunt-Free Hayride: Hop aboard our haunt-free hayride for a tractor-pulled trip from the Main Residence to the Gate Lodge.
• Cider & Donut: Every ticket gets a free cider and donut!

“This event has always been a special time for families across metro Detroit to come together, celebrate the season, and make lasting memories,” says Ford House Director of Communications & Engagement, Tommy Karr. “Little Goblins is more than just a festive gathering—it’s an opportunity to build community, spark joy, and create moments that children and their families will cherish for years to come.”

During this year’s Little Goblins event at Ford House, concessions will be available for families to enjoy. In addition to seasonal treats and snacks, adult beverages will be offered for purchase, providing something for everyone to enjoy as they participate in the festivities. It’s a great way to make the event even more enjoyable for both kids and adults alike!

Tickets for the Little Goblins event at Ford House may be purchased online at www.fordhouse.org/littlegoblins.

Early bookings are encouraged as this bewitching experience tends to sell out quickly. Admission is $20 per child and $8 per accompanying adult. Friends of Ford House enjoy discounted tickets of $15 per child and $5 per adult. To learn how to become a Friend of Ford House, visit www.fordhouse.org/friends.

At Ford House, we believe in the power of stories to ignite creativity and curiosity in young minds. “Every Night is Pizza Night” is a charming tale that follows the adventures of a young girl named Pipo on a quest to find the perfect meal. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, children will embark on a culinary adventure like no other.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! After each reading, children are invited to unleash their creativity and build their own perfect meal. Whether it’s crafting a delicious pizza masterpiece or dreaming up fantastical dishes, Storytime at Ford House offers a unique opportunity for children to explore the world of food in a fun and imaginative way.

But Storytime isn’t just about entertainment—it’s also about fostering a love for reading and learning. By engaging with stories like “Every Night is Pizza Night,” children develop important literacy skills and learn valuable lessons about diversity, friendship, and the joy of trying new things.

Best of all, Storytime at Ford House is completely free and open to children seven years old and younger. So gather your little ones and join us this March for a morning filled with laughter, learning, and delicious adventures!

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to spark your child’s imagination and create lasting memories together. We can’t wait to see you at Storytime at Ford House!

For more information and to reserve your spot, tap here or contact us at 313-884-4222.

Let’s make this March a month to remember with Storytime at Ford House!

Ford House participates in maple tapping each year, resulting in pure maple syrup being sold from the trees on the estate. Visitors can learn more about our maple tapping and more at programs like our adults-only Maple Syrup: Tapped, Shaken, and Served or our Family Workshop: Maple Syrup.

Early Beginnings:
The indigenous peoples of Michigan, including the Ojibwa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi tribes, were among the first to tap maple trees for their sap. They would collect the sap in birch bark containers and boil it down to produce a sweet syrup, which they used as a source of energy and nutrition. For these early inhabitants, maple tapping was not only a practical necessity but also a sacred ritual, symbolizing the renewal of life as winter gave way to spring.

European Influence:
With the arrival of European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries, the practice of maple tapping spread further across the region. French fur traders and explorers, in particular, adopted the techniques of the indigenous peoples and began tapping maple trees to produce syrup for trade and consumption. As settlements expanded, maple tapping became an integral part of the rural economy, providing a valuable source of income for many farmers and homesteaders.

Industrialization and Commercialization:
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed significant advancements in maple tapping technology, with the invention of metal spouts and vacuum systems that made the process more efficient and productive. This period also saw the rise of commercial maple syrup production in Michigan as large-scale operations emerged to meet the growing demand for this sweet delicacy. Maple festivals and sugarhouses became popular attractions, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience the magic of maple tapping firsthand.

Modern Practices:
Today, maple tapping remains an important tradition in Michigan, with thousands of producers across the state continuing to tap trees and produce high-quality syrup. While modern equipment and technology have made the process more streamlined, many producers still adhere to time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Maple tapping season typically begins in late winter and lasts until early spring, depending on weather conditions, with producers carefully monitoring sap flow and collecting it in buckets or through tubing systems.

As we reflect on the history of maple tapping in Michigan, we are reminded of the deep connection between people, land, and tradition. From its humble beginnings among the indigenous peoples to its role in shaping the state’s agricultural heritage, maple tapping continues to be a cherished part of Michigan’s cultural identity. So, the next time you enjoy a stack of pancakes drizzled with golden maple syrup, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of tradition and craftsmanship that have made it possible.