7 Things to Do to Celebrate the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is here again! The metro Detroit area has loads of creative ways to spend the long holiday weekend. Whether you’re looking for fireworks, outdoor adventure, or classic American food, you can find it in Detroit!

Fourth of July in Metro Detroit

1. Get near the water

Here in metro Detroit, we’re blessed to have so many options when it comes to being near the water. If you’re downtown, check out the Detroit International RiverWalk for some international views, parks and gardens. Lake St. Clair may not be a great lake, but it’s great to us; here are several parks and restaurants around the lake to enjoy. Kensington Metropark has a few beaches to get you near the water, including Maple Beach and Martindale Beach. Check their website to see if paddleboat or kayak rentals are available. Or take a cruise down the Huron River in lower Wayne County by renting a kayak at Atwater Paddles in Flat Rock.

Detroit Outpost, @jessedavidgreen

2. Order some American food

Barbecues are a staple on Fourth of July weekend, and it’s always nice to support a local business with some American classics! Uptown BBQ on Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion has been around for 27 years for a reason – their barbecue is unbeatable! Or if you want to go the burgers and hot dogs route, place an order at your local coney island or Basement Burger Bar!

Coney dogs in window at American Coney Island by Bill Bowen

3. Picnic in the park

There’s something special about a picnic on a Michigan summer day. Pack up your picnic lunch (or just order carryout, we won’t judge) and head to one of metro Detroit’s beautiful parks. You can take your pick from one of the 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks, or head to Belle Isle for views of downtown, the Conservancy, or the James Scott Fountain.

Belle Isle Sunset Point, Mary Ogilvie

4. Get your vitamin Z

The Detroit Zoo is now open for your family to discover their diverse array of animals! An animal lover’s paradise, the Detroit Zoo is situated on 125 acres with many naturalistic habitats.

5. Build your own bike tour

Grab your friends and family, rent a couple of MoGo bikes, and take your own bike tour of downtown Detroit! There are convenient rental stations all over the city. Check out areas you may be less familiar with, like Southwest Detroit or West Village, and add in some popular neighborhoods, like Corktown, Midtown and, New Center.

6. Enjoy a fireworks show

What is summer in Detroit without an incredible fireworks display? Metro Detroit has loads of fireworks shows throughout the summer. Watch as firecrackers light up the city skyline, burst over Comerica park, illuminate the river, or crackle over Greenfield Village. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family fun at area festivals. This summer is the perfect time to stretch out on a blanket, stare up at the sky and watch a dazzling light show across many Metro Detroit locations.