Plan a visit to a quaint downtown or bustling city center in metro Detroit. These popular downtown areas are kid-friendly (i.e. walkable and offer attractions the entire family can enjoy).
Birmingham
The Birmingham Shopping District is a pedestrian friendly city center with nearly 300 retailers, two parks (including one of the most popular playgrounds in metro Detroit, Booth Park), nature trails, library and farmers market! Grab a bite to eat, go shopping and check out a special event (outdoor movies, summer festivals, holiday events and more).
Brighton
Brighton has dedicated free parking lots that make exploring Main Street easy. Pick out some books or join a storytime at 2 Dandlions Bookshop, grab a coffee and bite to eat at the Coffee House, take your picture next to the mural, watch ducks on the water and let the kids play at the wooden playground at Imagination Station. The entire walk is less than 10 minutes but it makes for the perfect morning or afternoon adventure.
Plymouth
Kellogg Park is the heart of downtown Plymouth and throughout the year you can find free festivals and activities to enjoy. Bring the stroller and enjoy several blocks of shops, restaurants and activities (a few favorites: Genuine Toy Co., Creatopia, Bakehouse46, Dairy King, and Muriel’s Doll House). Grab a bite at . Watch a movie at the Penn Theater, check out the collection at the Plymouth Library and explore history at the Plymouth Historical Museum.
Grosse Pointe
The Pointes have multiple downtown areas along Kercheval and Grosse Pointe Parks is our favorite for two reasons – Coreander’s Children Bookshoppe and Atwater In The Park. The bookshoppe is a two-story gem with hidden spaces for kids to explore and a cafe. A few door downs, enjoy a meal (and a brew) in the former Grace United Church.
Trenton
Elizabeth Park is a unique island park Downriver with nature trails, playgrounds, fishing docks and more. It’s also connects directly to the 5 block downtown area. Walk along Jefferson and grab a sweet treat at Elizbaeth Perk Coffee & Ice Cream or Promenade Artisan Foods. Plan your visit for a Thursday from May through September and check out the Farmers Market.
Royal Oak
Royal Oak’s downtown is rapidly growing and there’s lots to do. There are lots of play surface lots and structures for you to leave the car and explore. Start off at Centennial Commons, the newest greenspace that hosts events, activities and is located next to the library and year-round farmers market. There are lots of coffee shops and restaurants and kid-friendly stops (Toyology Toys, Creative Art Studio and Sidetrack Bookshop).
Farmington
The Main Street intersection at downtown Farmington is a fun place to spend the day. Riley Park is activated year-round with family fun (outdoor concerts, lawn games, festivals and a free winter ice rink). Watch a movie at The Civic Theater, hang out at the downtown library and check out one of the new pocket parks.
Northville
The historic downtown has a little bit of everything. Shops, restaurants, seasonal festivals and outdoor activities, a library, historic village with a large wooden playground and fun places for kids (notably Stemville and The Bee’s Knees Pottery) all within a 15 minute walk!
Ann Arbor
A nationally renown college town, Ann Arbor is for families too. Explore the University of Michigan campus, visit world-class museums (UM Museum of Natural History, UM Museum of Art, Ann-Arbor Hands-On Museum), go on a mural walk, visit the library and shop Main Street and Kerrytown. If you need one meal rec, Zingerman’s Delicatessen is the quintessential A2 destination.
Detroit
The City of Detroit is massive but downtown Detroit is easy to walk around and even easier to navigate if you ride the People Mover. The looped monorail is a fun trainride around downtown for kids, a great way to see all the sights and travel with greater ease. From a ball game at Comerica Park or Ford Field to a shop at the Fox Theatre or Opera House or special event at Huntington Place – get the ticket and use it as an excuse to explore. There are several parks – Beacon Park often has special family-friendly activiations, Campus Martius is the heart of the city and offers a sand beach during the summer and ice rink in the winter, walk the Esplanade to the Spririt of Detroit for a selfie time on the playscape and follow Joe Louis fist to Hart Plaza to check out the Detroit Riverfront. There are lots of buildings worth stopping into and the Renaissance Center tops the list. The iconic building is open to the public and has car displays on multiple levels. There’s always something new to do in Detroit and the entire family will enjoy the adventure.
Photo credit: Instagram @soldbyerin
