Hands-On Museums and Attractions: World-Class Indoor Fun for Kids in Metro Detroit

Whether you are a resident of the Metro Detroit area or a visitor, this list will showcase some of the best family-friendly destinations that are perfect for a rainy day. There are spots that are unique to Detroit and offer an immersive experience that is both entertaining and educational. From interactive science centers to historical sites, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, pack your bags, bring your family, and get ready to explore the must-see hands-on museums and places in Detroit that you won’t want to miss!

What is it?

The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan is a world-class museum of innovation complex located in Dearborn, Michigan. The Henry Ford Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of American innovation and ingenuity, while Greenfield Village exists as an outdoor showcase of over 80 historic buildings including a working farm, a 19th-century glassblowing shop, a replica of Thomas Edison’s Laboratory, and more. The museum and village feature numerous interactive exhibits and activities that allow visitors of all ages to engage with history and technology – walk into the Rosa Parks Bus, take a ride in a real model T, or enjoy some frozen custard from America’s past.

One Must-See Thing Inside:

One must-see thing for kids inside the Henry Ford Museum is the Rosa Parks Bus, which is the actual bus on which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, sparking the Montgomery bus boycott and becoming an iconic moment in the Civil Rights Movement. It is an unforgettable exhibit showcasing a turning point in American history and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Tips for Parents:

First, get there early! It gets extremely busy, especially during school field trip season. Second, bring a stroller or rent one for $5 at the Welcome Center. There are several nursing rooms if you need a private and comfortable space to breastfeed or pump, and if you get hungry, there are numerous dining options onsite. That said, the museum’s food options are a little on the expensive side, so pack a lunch and snacks if you are on a budget.

What is it?

The Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit is an indoor facility that offers visitors an immersive experience of Michigan’s great outdoors. It features interactive exhibits, simulators, and educational programs that showcase Michigan’s natural resources, including its forests, wetlands, and waterways. The center offers a variety of activities, such as fishing, archery, and rock climbing, and is designed to be family-friendly and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The goal of the Outdoor Adventure Center is to inspire visitors to explore and appreciate Michigan’s natural beauty and to promote outdoor recreation and conservation.

One Must-See Thing Inside:

Check out the hop-in recreational vehicles upstairs! There is a kayak & fishing boat, snowmobile, ATV, and even a small airplane – and on busy days, there is almost always a line to get in them. There is also also the 40-foot tall waterfall exhibit in the center of the building which you can’t miss – it’s an impressive display that provides visitors with an immersive experience of Michigan’s beautiful waterfalls, complete with sounds, mist, and a creek at the bottom with some fiberglass river stones to jump across. The exhibit includes information about Michigan’s waterways, aquatic life, and the importance of water conservation. It’s a great way to learn about Michigan’s natural resources and get a sense of the state’s outdoor beauty, even if you can’t make it to the waterfalls themselves.

Tips for Parents:

The Outdoor Adventure Center is probably THE most fun thing on this list, despite being one of the lesser-known attractions. Along with its amazing exhibits, it has a gift shop, clean restrooms, a cafeteria area, outdoor equipment rental, and more. Convenient parking is available for free onsite. It IS crowded on weekends, so get there early – close to opening time if possible.

What is it?

The Michigan Science Center is a Smithsonian-affiliated hands-on museum located in Midtown Detroit and is one of the best in the country! The museum’s mission is to inspire and motivate children and their families to discover, explore, and appreciate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The Michigan Science Center features interactive exhibits, live stage shows, a planetarium, and hands-on activities that engage visitors of all ages in the wonders of science. The museum is open to the public and also hosts educational programs, summer camps, and field trips for schools and community groups.

One Must-See Thing for Families:

You can’t miss seeing (and walking across) the mini Mackinac Bridge inside the Michigan Science Center. The Mackinac Bridge exhibit is one of the most popular exhibits at the center, as it showcases the history and engineering behind the construction of this iconic Michigan landmark. The exhibit features a scale model of the bridge and interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about the bridge’s construction, design, and maintenance.

Tips for Parents:

There are lockers and a coat check available for guests looking to unload some stuff. The center has a nursing room available for mothers who need a private and comfortable space to breastfeed or pump. Additionally, the center has a cafeteria and vending machines with a variety of food and beverage options. Free Wi-Fi is also available for visitors. Discount admission is available to SNAP EBT holders.

What is it?

The Cranbrook Institute of Science is a part of the stunning Cranbrook Educational Community, a historic estate spanning several square acres in the heart of Bloomfield Hills. It is a science museum for all ages (hint: a little more peaceful than your typical hands-on museums for children) and it features permanent exhibits on topics such as astronomy, geology, anthropology, and paleontology, as well as rotating temporary exhibits on the lower level. There is also a planetarium, observatory, a giant Rube Goldberg machine, and more.

One Must Thing See for Families:

A standout exhibit (and one that you literally can’t miss) at this museum is a life-sized cast of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, greeting visitors just to the right of the entrance once you walk in. This impressive display is part of a fascinating exhibit on natural selection and evolution, using both dinosaurs and birds to demonstrate connections between prehistoric creatures and modern-day animals, as well as the history of life on Earth. There is a Rube Goldberg Machine further in; Another thing families love is the Acheson Planetarium and night sky observatory during nights when it is open (check the website for special events). When coming or going, be sure to spend a few moments walking around the historic reflecting pool outside next to the cafe! Featuring sculptures by Carl Milles, it is gorgeous in spring, summer, and fall.

Tips for Parents:

This is a very family-friendly museum located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, equipped with many amenities to make it a comfortable visit. There is a coat hanging area downstairs along with a dining area and vending machines. There is also a cafe on the main floor overlooking a reflecting pool with statues by artist Carl Milles.

What is it?

Operated by the Detroit Zoo, the Belle Isle Nature Center is a recently-renovated educational center featuring state-of-the-art, hands-on exhibits focused on the plants, animals, and habitats of urban Detroit. Active kids will rush into the larger-than-life “ant hill” where they can pretend to be ants collecting food; animal lovers will enjoy seeing the fish, turtles, frogs, toads, and honeybee observation hive on display indoors. Outdoors, there is a butterfly garden, nature trail, and nature play area. Through its exhibits and programs, the Belle Isle Nature Center aims to inspire visitors to appreciate and protect nature in and around Detroit.

One Must-See Thing Inside:

Don’t miss the climbable ant hill! Located by the front entrance next to the fireplace, it is a “two-story” system of tunnels through which young children can climb. Inside is hidden play food they can collect and store; a little digital counter keeps track of how many pieces of food children put into the containers.

Tips for Parents:

This is a pretty fun place for families to go anytime, rain or shine, especially considering the fact that it’s FREE! It is a really high-quality educational center reflecting the most up-to-date research on local environmental conservation and the displays area really colorful. It is one of the smaller attractions and probably won’t take more than 2-3 hours – but it’s clean, engaging, and fun and DEFINITELY worth a visit! Since it’s on the island, there are no restaurants within walking distance, so pack a lunch.

What is it?

The Detroit Historical Museum is a museum located in midtown Detroit (kittycorner from the Detroit Institute of Arts) that showcases the history and culture of the city of Detroit and its surrounding region. The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays that cover a wide range of topics, including the city’s automotive industry, music and entertainment history, African American history, and the history of the Underground Railroad in Detroit. The museum’s collections include artifacts, photographs, documents, and interactive displays that provide a glimpse of the past and help visitors understand the city’s rich and diverse heritage. Through its exhibits and programs, the Detroit Historical Museum aims to educate and inspire visitors and promote a greater appreciation of Detroit’s history and culture.

One Must-See Thing Inside:

You MUST check out the “Streets of Old Detroit” exhibit on the lower level. Often called the museum’s most beloved signature exhibit, it allows visitors to step into Detroit’s past and experience the dramatic transformation from a rural frontier town to an industrial giant and more. Walk into Sander’s confectionary store or a bicycle repair shop – and get some new perspective on the modern day!

Tips for Parents:

There is an attached surface lot for visitors, which is $9 during museum hours. There is also usually metered street parking nearby which you can also use (which offers pay-by-phone).

What is it?

Although not a hands-on museum, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is ranked as one of the best art museums in the world and a true gem right in the heart of Midtown. Featuring over 65,000 works of art from around the world, the DIA is home to American art, European art, African art, Asian art, and Islamic art, as well as contemporary and modern art. Some of the museum’s most notable works include Vincent van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait,” Diego Rivera’s “Detroit Industry Murals,” and Rembrandt’s “The Visitation.” In addition to its extensive collection, the DIA offers a variety of programs and events, including art classes, lectures, tours, and concerts, which provide visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of art and culture.

One Must-See Thing Inside:

The whole building is an architectural marvel – and although most people enter from the modernized and renovated side entrance, try coming through the front doors and entering as it was meant to be entered: with a truly breathtaking view of the foyer, which opens into the Great Hall, which leads you next into the stunning Rivera Court, which features ceiling-to-floor fresco Detroit-themed masterpieces painted by Diego River in 1932-33.

Tips for Parents:

Not every kid is into art, and that’s okay; many young children who ignore art love exploring the great halls and corridors of the stunning architectural surroundings, so let them out of their strollers to enjoy it. For kids who are too old for the stroller, make it more fun by bringing along a scavenger hunt or even a portable drawing kit for kids to use while observing the art while sitting on one of several small stools available throughout the museum. Taking a break to enjoy refreshments in the scening courtyard cafe is just as fun as viewing the art; there are also lots of interesting hot lunch options available at the Cafe DIA on the ground floor. There are several family-friendly events on their event calendar year-round, so check those out too.