Exploring Detroit's Art Scene with Kids

Story by Michelle Martin

Detroit is home to some of the finest art in the country – and for families with children, there are many opportunities to experience it together. Here are some must-visit places to see art in metro Detroit.

Detroit Institute of Arts
It’s not surprising that one of the country’s largest and best art museums is a great place to expose kids to art. The museum, located in Midtown Detroit, offers children’s programming and drop-in events throughout the year as well as plenty of kid-friendly permanent exhibits.

The DIA’s Paul McPharlin Puppetry Collection is one of the largest collections of theatrical puppets in the country. Kids also will enjoy seeing the armor collection in the museum’s Great Hall and a mummy in the Egyptian collection.

Arts & Scraps
Detroit nonprofit Arts & Scraps turns unwanted materials and art supplies into art projects. It’s a must-see not only for kids, but also for adults who like to make crafts.

Arts & Scraps collects donated materials from factories, businesses and people’s homes, and it sells them from its 2,000-square-foot store – a place loaded with bins of everything you could imagine for craft making. The organization also hosts a variety of children’s programming including outdoor student workshops and events.

Lighthouse Artspace
An experiential entertainment multi-plex located in downtown Detroit, Lighthouse Artspace makes some of the world’s most famous artwork become larger than life.

The venue has hosted the Immersive Van Gogh and Immersive Disney Animation exhibits, both featuring massive 360-degree projections. Times and dates vary. Check the website for details.

Anton Art Center
Located in downtown Mount Clemens, Anton Art Center is just the right size for kids – small in size, but large in art activities.

The center has a variety of events and classes for kids as well as changing exhibitions throughout the year. The Anton Art Market (check the website for days and times) carries original artwork and handmade gifts made by local fine artists and crafters.

Mini Picassos
Located in St. Clair Shores, Mini Picassos caters to young, budding artists – whether it’s for drop-in art events, art parties or formal classes. Drawing, clay and even LEGO art are among the offerings.

Events and times vary, so be sure to check the website for details.

Puppet Art
This Southfield museum and theater offers a repertoire of 11 productions based on fairytales and folktales from around the world. Puppets range from hand puppets to marionettes.

After each show, families can attend workshops to make a puppet. And on select days during the week, families can tour the museum, which features puppets from around the world. There’s even a puppet collection specifically about Detroit.

Cranbrook Art Museum
Part of the 319-acre Cranbrook Educational Community, the Cranbrook Art Museum houses modern and contemporary art exhibits and behind-the-scenes guided tours of its 7,500-item collections wing.

The museum’s drop-in design activities – held every Saturday and Sunday in the museum’s Art Lab – give kids and adults an opportunity to explore the galleries and engage in projects together.

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