Kids might come with big energy (and sometimes big expenses), but making memories doesn’t have to break the bank! This May, enjoy FREE family fun all around Metro Detroit — from festivals and museum days to outdoor adventures and special events. Mark your calendars and get ready to play without paying!
Cranbrook Institute of Science: Friday, May 2nd
Enjoy free admission to Cranbrook Science on Friday from 6pm to 10pm.
Home Depot Kid Workshops: Saturday, May 3rd
On the first Saturday of the month between 9am and noon, Home Depot hosts free in-person kid workshops.
FREE Museum Day in Jackson: Saturday, May 10th
Museums will host “open-house style” receptions and tours, alongside child-friendly activities, demonstrations and more during the event.
- Ella Sharp Museum
- Ye Ole Carriage Shop Museum
- Lost Railway Museum
- Waterloo Farm Museum
- Michigan’s Military Heritage Museum
- Dewey School Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art of Detroit (MOCAD): Saturday, May 10th
Family Day activates the exhibitions for kids, youth, teens, and their grownups. All ages enjoy free admission and explore the galleries with opportunities to connect through hands-on art making, gallery chats, and activity guides! Join us on the second Saturday of every month, 11am-3pm.
DIY-U by Lowe’s: Saturday, May 17th
Join DIY-U for a magical experience where mini builders will craft their own recycling truck. This workshop runs from 9am – 1pm
Howell Nature Center: Saturday, May 18th
The Howell Nature Center hosts a FREE Community Day with complimentary admission for the Wildlife Park, Raptor Center, Ambassador Trail, and Alexandria’s Nature Scape.
Michigan History Museum: Sundays, May 4th, 11th, 16th, 18th and 25th
Beginning with Michigan’s first people’s, the Anishinaabe, and ending in the mid-20th century, take a 3-story tour through time at the Michigan History Center in Lansing. The museum’s hands-on exhibits look at the life and industry in interactive ways that give kids a chance to stroll from the wilderness to the copper mines and into the classroom. The Michigan History Center is open on Mondays thru Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for youth ages 6 to 17 and children ages 5 and under are free. The Center is open on Sundays from 1pm to 5pm and admission is FREE!
FREE Prix Day: Friday, May 30th
On Friday, May 30 Grandstands 1 & 9 ONLY are offered as FREE general admission seats as part of Comerica Bank Free Prix Day. A ticket is not required. Seating will be available on a first-come basis and does NOT include Paddock access. You can also watch the Grand Prix from free grandstands along the street on Jefferson.
FREE Events & Activities
- Kid’s Safety Day (Westland): May 3rd
- MSU Tollgate Farm Hanami Picnic (Novi): May 4th
- Touch-A-Truck (Howell): May 10th
- Kids Komotion Concert (West Bloomfield): May 15th
- Fire & Police Open House (South Lyon): May 17th
- Ann Arbor Fire and Police Open House: May 17th
- Touch-A-Truck (Bingham Farms): May 17th
- Birmingham DPW Open House: May 17th
Many splash pads open on Memorial Weekend, here’s a list of FREE Splash Pads In Metro Detroit
Always FREE!
- Museum of Natural History at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor): open daily
- Farmington Hills Nature Center (Farmington Hills): open daily
- Belle Isle Aquarium (Detroit): Free admission with State Park Pass (available through MAP)
- Belle Isle Nature Center (Detroit): Free admission with State Park Pass (available through MAP)
- Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit): Free admission for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties
- Sloan Museum of Discovery (Flint): Free admission for residents of Genesee County residents
Indoor Fun For Kids
- 2/42 Community Church (Ann Arbor)
- Great Lakes Crossing (Auburn Hills)
- 2/42 Community Church (Brighton)Ward Church (Northville)
- Oak Pointe Church Playscape (Novi)
- Baxter’s Cafe (Riverview)
- Museum of Natural History at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Farmington Hills Nature Center (Farmington Hills)
