FREE Museum Admission & Events in July in Metro Detroit

Kids might come with big energy (and sometimes big expenses), but making memories doesn’t have to break the bank! This July, 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!

LittleGuide Detroit Stroller Roll (Westland): Saturday, July 25

The first Stroller Roll of 2026 will be at Wayne County Park’s Nankin Mills along Hines Drive on Saturday, July 25th from 9am to 11am. Enjoy FREE inflatables, character visits, touch-a-trucks, giveaways and more! This is a FREE event but we ask that folks register here.

Cranbrook Institute of Science: Friday, July 3

Enjoy a fun night out at Cranbrook Institute of Science with FREE admission on Friday, June 3 from 6–10 PM. Explore hands-on exhibits, interactive science displays, and engaging experiences the whole family will enjoy after hours.

Home Depot Kid Workshops: Saturday, July 4

Build something fun together at The Home Depot Kid Workshops on Saturday, July 4, with FREE hands-on projects for kids from 9 AM–12 PM. These popular monthly events let kids create, learn basic skills, and take home their finished project.

Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront Thursdays & Fridays beginning July 9

Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront is held at Gabriel Richard Park, a large riverfront oasis, where families can enjoy music, storytelling and story time, in person and projected on a large screen. Attendees also receive free snacks and a book. 45 minute sessions are hosted every Thursday + Friday at 10am and 11:30am from July 9th to August 14th and parents must pre-register.

Dossin Great Lakes Museum: Thursday, July 9

A special free evening at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum as part of the Detroit Historical Society’s Quad Anniversary celebration. Explore Detroit’s maritime heritage through the museum’s unique exhibits, from Great Lakes shipping and recreation to the stories of the Detroit River and Belle Isle from 5pm to 8pm.

FREE Outdoor Movie (Tangled) @ Booth Park, Birmingham: Friday, July 10

Enjoy a summer evening under the stars at Outdoor Movie Night at Booth Park on Friday, July 10, from 6:30–9 PM. Families can enjoy pre-show entertainment starting at 6:30 PM followed by a showing of Tangled at 7:30 PM—making it a perfect, relaxing night out in Downtown Birmingham.

Museum of Contemporary Art of Detroit (MOCAD): Saturday, July 11

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! This event occurs on the second Saturday of every month, 11am-3pm.

Party In The Park @ Nankin Mills Park, Westland: Wednesday, July 15

Join Wayne County Parks for Party in the Park, a high-energy outdoor celebration packed with activities kids love. Bounce through giant inflatables, tackle obstacle courses, cool off in the foam party, challenge friends at putt-putt golf, test your skills in the Nerf Battle Zone, and climb aboard the mobile gaming truck. Plus, enjoy nature hikes, dance along to live DJ music, and grab a bite from local food trucks.

Detroit Historical Museum: July 16, 19, and 23

The Detroit Historical Museum will host multiple free days in July to celebrate the Detroit Historical Society’s Quad Anniversary. Explore the museum’s exhibitions, discover the stories that have shaped Detroit, and connect with our city’s rich past during extended evening hours.

DIY-U by Lowe’s: Saturday, July 25

Join DIY-U for a magical experience where mini builders will MrBeast Swarm Jet Workshop. This workshop runs from 9am to 1pm.

Michigan History Museum: Sundays, July 5, 12, 19 & 26

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 TOUCH-A-TRUCKS

TOP FREE EVENTS

Hockey Mentors Annual Summer Event – Saturday, July 11
Campus Kids Day @ Campus Martius (Detroit) – Sunday, July 12
Family Roll Bike Ride @ Dequindre Cut (Detroit) – Tuesday, July 14
Party in the Park @ Nankin Mills Park (Westland) – Wednesday, July 15
Day on the Town (Birmingham) – Saturday, July 25
Berkley Street Fest – Saturday, July 25
The BIG Picnic @ Greenmead Historical Park, Livonia – Saturday, July 25

FREE FESTIVALS IN JULY

July is peak festival season in Metro Detroit. Families can spend weekends exploring community celebrations filled with rides, carnival games, live entertainment, food vendors, parades, and kid-friendly attractions.

Canton Ignites the Night (July 9): Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in Heritage Park with live music and entertainment, food trucks, and a firework show!
African World Festival (July 10 – 12): Experience African culture through live music, dance performances, art, food, shopping, and educational programming at the Charles H. Wright Museum in Midtown Detroit.
Art in the Park, Plymouth (July 10 – 12): One of the largest art fairs in metro Detroit, Art In The Park is kid-friendly with live art demonstrations, interactive kids mural, large scale chalk art installations and a giant 40 ft LEGO display.
Detroit Kite Festival (July 12): Watch colorful kites fill the sky along the Detroit riverfront and enjoy hands-on activities, entertainment, and outdoor fun for all ages.
Concert of Colors Festival (July 15 -19): A free, multi-day music festival celebrating global cultures with performances from local and international artists.
SummerFest Bacon Jamoree – Berkley (Thursday, July 23): A community celebration featuring inflatables, face painting, hands-on activities and games.sic carnival rides, games, fair food, and family entertainment at this long-running community tradition.
Sounds & Sights Festival, Chelsea (July 24 & 25): Downtown Chelsea comes alive with live music, street performances, food vendors, and activities for all ages.