Fun Places to Go with Kids in Detroit

We have the perfect Detroit itinerary for fun places to go with kids (and you)! Here's the list of family friendly attractions that are sure to satisfy.

1. JUST FOR THE YOUNGER ONES
2. AUTHENTIC DETROIT
3. ALL ABOUT THE FUN
4. ANIMAL ALERT
5. LIVING HISTORY & HANDS ON LEARNING

GUIDE | FAMILY FUN

Candy tours. Check. Award-winning museums. Check. One-of-a-kind attractions. Check. Check. When it comes to vacationing with your kids, metro Detroit is packed with a long list of family-friendly spots that satisfy, whether you and your brood are into adventure, history, the great outdoors — or maybe all three. And we keep adding more great options. Rediscover places you loved as a kid while checking out new finds during a day out in Detroit. There are plenty of fun places to go with kids in Detroit!

1. JUST FOR THE YOUNGER ONES

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

Detroit Kid City

Kids can play in their own mini-Detroit at this popular family find that just celebrated its first anniversary. Dress-ups abound so kids can pretend to be everything from baseball stars to Motown legends.

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.

Meadow Brook Theatre Children’s Series

Get Broadway-quality shows in a family-friendly setting with performances that tap into kids’ interests and imaginations, like Anne of Green Gables.

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

Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum by Bill Bowen

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

The Metro Detroit Ice Cream Trail

We’ve created a checklist of all the must-visit ice cream places in metro Detroit. You’re little ones will loving getting to check off each place they’ve been to. Since you’re in Detroit, be sure to try a scoop of Blue Moon when you get the chance.

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.

3. ALL ABOUT THE FUN

Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center courtesy of Huron-Clinton Metroparks

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.

Detroit Flyhouse Circus School

The circus and family fun kind of go hand in hand. Take the pairing to the next level by learning traditional circus arts such as trapeze and acrobatics with your crew. Aerial classes are offered for ages 7-12. Enjoy the school’s Intro Workshop or Open Fly open gym times to practice newly learned skills.

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

Detroit Zoo

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

Learn about what it was like for Jewish families leading up to, during and after the Holocaust. Through June 4, you can take in a special exhibit about one of the most discussed victims of the Holocaust, the young teenager Anne Frank. The exhibit is appropriately called Anne Frank: A History for Today.

Arab American National Museum

Once you’ve learned more about the traditions and culture of Arab-Americans through the museum’s permanent exhibits, come back on July 13-17 for the Concert of Colors. Now in its 25th year, this free musical event features kids’ crafts and performers.

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.