Detroit, with its rich atmosphere, vibrant culture, and historical significance, is an excellent choice for your next family vacation. Often underrated, this city offers a compelling experience for today's savvy travelers, without the crowds or high prices typically found in more popular destinations.
While Detroit may not be commonly viewed as a family destination, parents can rest assured that there are numerous activities for children to enjoy. From museums and nature centers to playgrounds and roller skating, there are plenty of kid-friendly options available. Finding the best locations for your family can be a big task, so here are the 9 best things to do with kids in Detroit.
1. Outdoor Adventure Center
- Address: Globe Trading Company Building, 1801 Atwater St, Detroit
- Price: $5 (adults), $3 (ages 3-12), free (under age 2)
- Parking:
Although technically situated indoors, Detroit's Outdoor Adventure Center gives visitors a taste of the outdoor experience in Michigan. This unique destination is perfect for entertaining active children on a rainy day and is designed to inspire you and your family to explore the state's impressive natural attractions when the weather improves. Inside, you can paddle the river using a simulator or try your hand at fishing. The interactive exhibits are engaging and educational, allowing children to stay active while learning about nature.
2. RollerCade Detroit
- Address: 2130 Schaefer Highway, Detroit
- Price: $10 for admission, $3 for rentals
- Parking: Free parking available in dedicated lot
RollerCade has a long and impressive history of providing entertainment in Detroit: it opened in 1955 during the peak of the Civil Rights era and has remained a stable source of family fun through the decades. It is now self-described as one of the "oldest continually open, black-owned rinks in the country."
Stop by for all-ages open skate sessions on Thursday evening or for family-friendly roller skating on Saturday. RollerCade also operates Next Level, which offers not only roller skating, but also interactive games.
3. Michigan Science Center
- Address: 5020 John R Street, Detroit
- Price: $18 per person, plus extra for theater shows
- Parking: Nearby metered parking or use the Rackham Memorial Parking Garage
Commit to educational fun at the Michigan Science Center, where learning can be equally exciting for kids and adults. Boasting 8,700 square feet of fascinating exhibits, this local gem is often referred to as Mi-Sci. STEM is a clear priority, with innovative and interactive experiences meant to spark curiosity. Kids are especially fond of the space, health and motion galleries. Make a day of it and add on a larger-than-life theater experience, such as a visit to the planetarium or an IMAX movie in the dome theater.
4. Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
- Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn
- Price: $38 (ages 12+, $34.25 (ages 62+), $28.50 (ages 5-11), free for ages 4 and under
Offering even more enjoyable learning opportunities, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation calls for a moderate commute but is absolutely worth the drive. Paying homage to America's most inspiring figures, this unique history museum gets kids actively involved in the most intriguing and important historical stories.
Highlights include well-known artifacts such as the Kennedy limousine and the Rosa Parks bus, although little kids also love the Allegheny steam locomotive and the massive model train display. If you’ve got kids with a lot energy, consider extending your day and pairing this dynamic museum with a trip to the local Greenfield Village.
5. Detroit Zoo
- Address: 8450 West 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Price: Varies, but typically between $14 and $24
- Parking: Available onsite for $8
The Detroit zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, representing over 200 species. Favorites include tigers, polar bears, camels and penguins. Enrichment activities are regularly scheduled throughout the day, including penguin feedings and giraffe encounters. The dinosaur exhibits are especially exciting, as is the Korman Tadpole PlayVenture play area.
6. Belle Isle Nature Center
- Address: 176 Lakeside Drive, Detroit
- Price: Free
- Parking: Dedicated lot available onsite but vehicles must pay $11 for a day pass to enter Belle Isle
If you are looking to stretch your vacation budget a bit and desire some time away from Detroit's hustle and bustle, the Belle Isle Nature Center is a wonderful option. This lesser-known spot offers a variety of kid-friendly activities.
Located within the beautiful Belle Isle Park, the Belle Isle Nature Center features many intriguing exhibits and numerous outdoor activities. Regularly scheduled guided hikes and sensory-rich Nature Tots programs provide enriching experiences for visitors. Additionally, you can enjoy birdwatching or keep an eye out for deer in the surrounding area.
7. Yoyo's Fun Center
- Address: 35615 Southbound Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township
- Price: $15 Mon-Thur, $18 Fri-Sun
- Parking: Large parking lot onsite
You could easily spend an entire Detroit vacation exploring museums — but sometimes, kids just want to let loose. When the weather doesn't cooperate enough to allow children to go wild at local outdoor playgrounds, an indoor play space is the next best option.
When in doubt, head for Yoyo's Fun Center in Clinton. Another location can be found in Westland, where admission is always $15. Older kids will love climbing and hitting the arcade, while little tykes will be drawn to the surprisingly spacious toddler area. Get some extra energy out on the trampolines and don't forget to fill up on pizza.
8. Tattan Park
- Address: 1901 North Carlson Street, Westland
- Price: Free
- Parking: Lot available onsite
Sometimes, all kids need is a simple trip to the playground. This is easily achievable at Tattan Park, known for its imaginative and exciting play areas for active children. With a memorable space theme, this playground invites kids on a "Mission to Mars." Additionally, the nearby H20 Zone Splash Pad offers a refreshing way to cool off on hot summer days.
9. Valade Park
- Address: 670 Atwater Street, Detroit
- Price: Free
- Parking: Gravel lot with free parking available across from the park
If your kids need some playground fun but you don't want to drive to the suburbs, your best bet is Valade Park. This riverfront gem offers an expansive playground, a musical garden and even a sandy beach. It's also accessible to the Detroit RiverWalk, so you can build it into an active waterfront adventure.
Outdoor fun shouldn't be limited to the summer and thankfully, Valade Park makes it possible to embrace the cold. Between December and February, winter activities abound: campfires, marshmallows, sledding and more. There are also several themed weekends, paying homage to Motown, Mardi Gras and the Lunar New Year.
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