There’s nothing quite like summer in the city. From FREE family fun to exciting adventures inside and out, here are the top things to do with kids when visiting Detroit.

From vendor

FREE FUN

  • Remix Detroit: Bedrock’s latest FREE activation gives guests a chance to work together to make music and create an immersive light show. Next time you’re downtown stop in at 1413 Woodward Ave.
  • Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Music In the Park: Get up and dance with the DSO on Fridays at Spotlight Park. Music In The Park is Fridays from 10:30am to 12:30pm beginning June 21st and FREE to attend. 
  • Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront: Relax at Gabriel Richard Park and enjoy music, storytelling and story time, in person and projected on a large screen. Attendees also receive free snacks and a book.
  • Campus Martius: Find FREE fun at Campus Kids Day (third Sunday from 11am to 3pm) at Campus Martius and stay up late for an outdoor movie night at 7pm!
    • June 26 – The Super Mario Bros
    • July 17 – Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie 
    • July 31 – School of Rock 
    • August 21 – Kung Fu Panda

Make A Splash

Put on your swim suits and soak up the sun in Detroit. Find a FREE splash pad or enjoy affordable fun at the waterpark.

Belle Isle

Take a trip to the jewel of Detroit, Belle Isle State Park. See the city skyline and take pictures at the fountain. Cool down at the Belle Isle Aquarium (free admission) and Dossin Great Lakes Musuem, let the kids run around the playground and explore the Belle Isle Nature Center (free admission), go on a nature walk, toss a ball and take in the sunset on Belle Isle beach. Save the date and plan your visit for the Detroit Kite Festival, it’s one of our favorite annual events.

Playgrounds

  • Joe Louis Greenway, Warren Gateway: A contender for the best playground in Michigan, the massive play structure and super speedy slide will delight kids of all ages. When they’ve had their fun there, there are other slides, swings and climbing structures to entertain and engage.
  • Palmer Park:
  • Belle Isle State Park: The playground next the Belle Isle Nature Center is a favorite and the multiple structure Kid Row playground is always a hit with kids (it’s also located next to the giant slide).
  • Sprit Plaza: Located in downtown Detroit. Spirit Plaza is a great place to get a photo op and let the kids climb.
  • Valade Park: A sandy beach park on the Detroit Riverfront (no water access) with a fun climbing structure for kids.
  • Clark Park: New playground in SW Detroit that includes a fun climbing structure, swings of all kinds, a natural play area, a cool sandbox with turtle statues, AND a splash pad! 

Outdoor Activities

  • Detroit Abloom: A hidden gem on Detroit’s eastside, Detroit Abloom is a FREE public garden space for guests to enjoy and get inspired. From beautiful flowers to delicious food, find inspiration and fun as you explore. Make it a picnic and stop by Yellow Light on your way for coffee and donuts.
  • Diamond Jack’s Sightseeing Tours: Take in many popular and interesting attractions along the Detroit riverfront. Tours are $22 for guest 13 – 59, $15 for children ages 6 to 12 and $5 for kids 5 and under.
  • Eastern Market: Stock up on fresh food, delicious treats and beautiful flowers at Eastern Market on Saturdays. There are beautiful murals that make for perfect family photo-ops throughout the district and an entrance to the Dequindre Cut if you’re looking to take a family walk or stroll to the Riverfront.
  • Coriander Kitchen: Enjoy a family meal on the riverfront and bring a fishing poll. Coriander’s is a hidden gem in Detroit.
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball: Root for the home team and have a fun afternoon in Comerica Park. Attend a Friday night game for fireworks or let the kids run the bases on a Sunday.

Indoor Activities

  • Next Level: The Monroe Midway has been a favorite for years and now you can experience roller skating fun indoors at Next Level by RollerCade! The two story attraction has an arcade on the ground floor and a rink upstairs. 
  • Stemville: The popular indoor play destination has a new home in downtown Detroit. Kids ages 2 and older will enjoy hands-on S.T.E.M. based play!
  • DNR Outdoor Adventure Center: Experience exciting outdoor adventures (INSIDE) with hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators – walk behind and touch a waterfall, use stepping stones to cross the water, step into a fishing boat and reel in a big fish, hit the trail on a mountain bike or snowmobile, and much more.
  • DYNO Detroit: Go to new heights and test your skills at Detroit’s largest climbing gym.

Museums

Detroit is rich in history and culture. Plan a family field trip to learn more.