Kids are expensive and outings can add up quickly. If you are looking for free and affordable family fun this summer, here are deals to check out.
All Year Long
Enjoy free admission and admission discounts at some locations all year long!
- Museum of Natural History at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor): Free admission
- Peppa Pig World of Play: Save 20% off admission with LittleGuide Detroit link
- LEOGLAND Discovery Center (Auburn Hills): Save 20% off admission with LittleGuide Detroit link
- First Responder Appreciation Days: July 1st to 19th (Free admission for responder, PLUS 25% off for up to 4 guests)
- Teacher Appreciation Days: July 22nd to August 18th (Free admission for teacher, PLUS 25% off for up to 4 guests)
- SEA LIFE Michigan (Auburn Hills): Save 20% off admission with LittleGuide Detroit link
- First Responder Appreciation Days: July 1st to 19th (Free admission for responder, PLUS 25% off for up to 4 guests)
- Teacher Appreciation Days: July 22nd to August 18th (Free admission for teacher, PLUS 25% off for up to 4 guests)
- Cranbrook Institute of Science (Bloomfield Hills): Free admission on the first Friday and third Thursday of the month
- Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit): Free admission for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Discounts also available at websites listed below.
- 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)
- Farmington Hills Nature Center (Farmington Hills): Free admisison
- Michigan History Museum (Lansing): Free admission on Sundays
Emagine Theaters
Emainge offers $3 movie tickets and $5 magic snack packs for indoor family fun this summer. Movie times vary per location, but they are all in the morning/afternoon.
Educators can go to their favorite Emagine theater location on Wednesdays from July 1st to July 31st to receive one FREE movie ticket. The free ticket is only valid for shows beginning before 5:00pm that day.
Michigan Activity Pass
The Michigan Activity Pass (MAP) gives families free and discounted access to popular destinations throughout Michigan. Use your library card to ‘check out’ a pass on the MAP website. There are over 475 Michigan attractions, here are a few highlights:
- Huron Clinton Metropark (all locations)
- Oakland County Parks (all locations)
- Arab American National Museum (Dearborn)
- Detroit Historicla Museum (Detroit)
- DNR Outdoor Adventure Center (Detroit)
- Howell Nature Center (Howell)
- Hidden Lake Gardens (Tipton)
Bank of America’s Museums on Us
Simply present your Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank (formerly U.S. Trust) credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain free general admission to any participating institution during the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each month. Cardholders only (a good reason to start a bank account for your kids); guests are not eligible for free admission. Eligible museums are:
- Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History (Detroit)
- Michigan Science Center (Detroit)
- The Henry Ford (Dearborn)
- Arab American National Museum (Dearborn)
- Motown Museum (Detroit)
Museums For All
Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,200 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID.
- Yankee Air Musem (Belleville)
- The Henry Ford (Dearborn)
- Arab American National Museum (Dearborn)
- DNR Outdoor Adventure Center (Detroit)
- Sloan Museum of Discovery (Flint)
- Ford House (Grosse Pointe Shores)
MototorCities Membership
With a MotorCities membership, you can “show your card” and get discounts to 15 different auto-related attractions around metro Detroit and the state.
- Detroit Historicla Museum (Detroit): 20% off general admission and 10% off in the Museum Store
- Ford House (Grosse Pointe Shores): Buy one, get one free house tour and grounds pass ($15 savings)
- The Henry Ford (Dearborn): 10% off the purchase of any membership
- Michigan Firehouse Museum (Ypsilanti): 10% off admission
- Yankee Air Musem (Belleville): 50% off admission
Photo: LEGOLAND Discovery Center
