Citizens Insurance Family Fun Tent

Visit the Citizens Insurance Family Fun Tent, from noon until 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There will be hands-on crafts, activities, mural painting, face painting, and balloons-all free!  Plus, outside the tent kids can plan games like soccer, ragball, and balloonball and draw masterpieces on the sidewalk with chalk. Look for the Fun Tent in the Landing Zone.

Stunt kites

Kids can learn to fly one of those thrilling stunt kites when the Windjammers Stunt Kite team take to the launch field at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Just walk up to a team member and ask! They love to share their sport.

Carnival thrill rides

Take a spin on the Ferris Wheel or ride the Zyclon coaster, one of the largest portable coasters in the country. Test your driving skills on the bumper cars. There will also be an array of less-intense rides for the younger set. These rides and more can be found at the Wade Show Carnival.

Renewal by Andersen Skydiving Team

Well, no, kids can't actually skydive at the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. But the Skydiving Team loves to talk with kids, show off their equipment and give autographs. Shows at 5 p.m. Friday, noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Don't miss the special night show on Saturday during the Balloon Glow.

Great Food

From cotton candy to hot dogs, pizza and popcorn, the balloonfest has lots of great food for the most discriminating kid palate. There's plenty of Aquafina water and Pepsi-brand drinks too.

Downtown

Saturday, June 26
Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital Kids Day. See karate demonstrations, fencing, enjoy games and sports, bubble blowing, dancing, make and take recycled crafts and more presented by the YMCA. Enjoy the balloonfest basketball tournament and skill clinic adjacent to courthouse activities.