Fun Places to Go with Kids in Detroit

1. JUST FOR THE YOUNGER ONES

2. AUTHENTIC DETROIT

3. ALL ABOUT THE FUN

4. ANIMAL ALERT

1. JUST FOR THE YOUNGER ONES

Fun Places to Go with Kids in Detroit: 10 and Under

Kick off your weekend with some fun and learning at Stemville this summer! Stemville welcomes children aged 2 and older to be immersed in the foundations of science, technology, engineering and mathematics with entertaining, interactive activities.

Legoland Discovery Center Michigan / Sea Life Michigan Aquarium

Tucked into opposite sides of Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, both destinations are jam-packed with interactive play zones and sites for kids, from sea animals to a 4-D cinema.

Outdoor Adventure Center

Located right next to the RiverWalk, the Outdoor Adventure Center brings Michigan's great outdoors right to the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, engaging activities, and educational programs that showcase the state's natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

The Mall at Partridge Creek

There’s more than just shopping at this open-air shopping center. Visit the pop jet fountains, which open in May, or the newly designed children’s play park. Or enjoy a show during the summer concert series.

2. AUTHENTIC DETROIT

When You Want to Explore Sites You’ll Only Find in The D

Detroit Water Ice Factory

Detroit Water Ice Factory, a neighborhood favorite in Detroit, is the perfect summer treat for you and your family. Their menu features over 20 different flavors of iconic Italian ice, containing no preservatives, low sugar, and natural fruit.

Sanders & Morley Candy Makers Factory Tour

Sanders chocolates are a Detroit tradition that dates back to 1875. Take your pick from a newly revamped, free guided tour with chocolate samples (reservations required) or the self-guided tour.

Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum

Step back in time at this unusual museum, which showcases vintage coin-operated machines, rare collectibles and other odds and ends.

Detroit International RiverWalk

Running along the east riverfront from Gabriel Richard Park to Joe Louis Arena, more than three miles of the RiverWalk are now complete. There’s plenty to do and see, but for younger ones, check out the water cannons and splash pads at Mount Elliott Park.

Eastern Market

Recognized as the largest outdoor farmers market in the country, Eastern Market spans over 43 acres and offers a wide array of fresh foods, handmade retail goods, and unique, crafty items from local vendors. Don't forget to check out the stores, restaurants, and coffee shops around the market as well!

3. ALL ABOUT THE FUN

When You Want Seriously Good Times & Sports

Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center

Cool off as you slide down one of two water slides, or watch while your kids race through the “sprayscape.” For something a little slower paced, try the lazy river. Inside Lower Huron Metropark.

Troy Family Aquatic Center

Open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Troy Family Aquatic Center is the place to be on a hot summer day. Enjoy kiddie areas with fountains, waterfalls, tube & body slides, sand play areas, volleyball, and concessions. Children under 3 are free!

Buffalo Wild Wings Arena

Beat the heat and hit the rink at Buffalo Wild Wings Arena! Located in Troy, Buffalo Wild Wings Arena offers an exciting venue for open skate nights, providing a fun and safe place for skaters of all ages and skill levels. The venue also offers summer camps and hockey leagues.

CJ Barrymore’s Family Entertainment Center

There’s something for wee ones and thrill seekers at this expansive 26-acre play haven. Take your pick from 120 games inside and go-karts and golfing outside. New this year, a loop rollercoaster just big enough to get your adrenaline running.

Detroit Tigers Game

Head downtown to Comerica Park to see the Detroit Tigers play major-league baseball. On Sundays after games (weather permitting), kids age 14 and under can line up to run the bases. Fireworks on select Fridays.

Canton Sports Center

Batter up! Take your pick from 12 lighted ball fields, with playscapes nearby so that, when the kids are done on the field, they can “swing” away.

Jimmy John’s Field

Cheer on one of four United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) teams that call this playing field home. The stadium, which holds just more than 4,000, is designed to give fans an up-close and personal feel. Concerts and other activities are randomly scheduled on non-game days.

4. ANIMAL ALERT

When You’re in Search of Animals & Outdoor Adventures

Cranbrook Institute of Science

Dive into the life of nocturnal animals in the Bat Zone. Once you’re done with flying creatures, see a 360-degree show under the stars of the planetarium.

Detroit Zoo

Spread over 125 acres, the zoo is where young eyes will see everything from black bears to polar bears. The newest exhibit, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, features 80 penguins that swim all around you, including above you as you walk through a clear tunnel. Dance along with the animals and tunes from local bands, 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, July through August.

Belle Isle Aquarium

Staring at the lime-green tiled ceiling and surrounded by tanks all around, this aquarium — the oldest one in the country, opened in 1904 — is sure to delight the children.

Outdoor Adventure Center

Camping indoors? You can do that at this Up North experience that’s right downtown. Simulated activities include shooting wild game, kayaking through a river and even catching a fish. (Be patient, they’re tricky.)

Wolcott Mill Metropark

Spot cows, sheep, miniature and draft horses, and goats at this 250-acre working farm that channels the late 20th century. Your family can even take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the fields on Saturdays and Sundays.

TreeRunner Adventure Park at West Bloomfield

If a forest climbing park is a concept somewhat new to you, just imagine the best zip line experience ever and multiply it by 100. Supervised and solo trails for ages 7 and up. Kids 5-6 can climb two trails with an adult.

Campus Martius Park

Sure, you could sit and relax at one of the tables out on the lawn area within this 2.5-acre public square — often there are live bands in the summer. The bigger draw for kids? The Woodward Fountain with more than 100 water jets or the beach on the park’s south side.

5. LIVING HISTORY & HANDS ON LEARNING

When You’re Up for a Little Schooling

The Henry Ford – Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

This indoor/outdoor museum pays homage to American innovation. Highlights include the Rosa Parks bus, where Parks took a stand for civil rights, and inventor Thomas Edison’s laboratory. Need a break from all the learning? Check out Greenfield Village’s playground. Its 20-foot-long boiler tunnel is a special treat.

Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus

Discover what life was like for Jewish families before, during, and after the Holocaust. The Zekelman Holocaust Center offers a poignant exploration of this tragic period and strives to engage, educate, and empower others through the remembrance of the Holocaust.

Arab American National Museum

The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is the first and only museum in the United States dedicated to recording the Arab American experience. Since its opening in 2005, the AANM has focused on documenting, preserving, and presenting the history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. The museum offers educational opportunities, supports artists, and fosters community through its diverse exhibitions and programs.

Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum

Learn more about the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American fighter and bomber pilots that flew in World War II. Call beforehand and set your crew up for a special tour of the museum’s historic planes.

Michigan Science Center

Step into the shoes of a scientist for the day and spark your curiosity at the Michigan Science Center. Dive into special exhibits, galleries, live shows, demonstrations, theaters, and so much more! Unleash your inner explorer as you uncover the wonders of science through interactive and engaging experiences.