Spring Break Family Fun in the D

If you (or the kiddos in your life) have spring break coming up, you may be wondering what to do in Detroit. With spring upon us, warm weather activities like biking, boating, and outdoor events start to populate Detroiters’ to-do lists.

1. VISIT THE ZOO, THE AQUARIUM & ANIMALS
2. SPORTS GAMES & PLAYING GAMES
3. GET OUTDOORS IN THE D
4. MUSEUMS & COMIC BOOK CHARACTERS
5. DINE OUTDOORS

ONE WEEK

1. VISIT THE ZOO, THE AQUARIUM & ANIMALS

Polk Penguin Conservation Center at the Detroit Zoo
  • There’s no better place to start celebrating spring than at the Detroit Zoo. Expect to meet more than 2,000 animals of more than 200 species as you explore the zoo. A particular highlight? The Polk Penguin Conservation Center, which is home to more than 80 penguins of four species – gentoo, macaroni, rockhopper and king. The arctic dwelling has a chilled, 326,000-gallon, 25-foot-deep aquatic area where visitors can watch penguins above and below as they explore and deep-dive.
  • Sea Life Michigan Aquarium in Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is as exciting as ever, where you can see over 2,000 sea creatures including sharks, sting rays, sea turtles, jelly fish, sea horses, and more. Don’t skip Michigan’s only underwater tropical ocean tunnel, where you’ll be surrounded by 120,000 gallons of sea life.
  • While you’re at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, be sure to stop by Legoland Discovery Center Michigan, a truly massive Lego experience for kids, teens, and adults who are fans of the infamous interlocking blocks. Go on a Lego factory tour, hop on an interactive Lego ride, and enjoy some action-packed viewing in the 4D cinema.
  • Another great aquarium option is Belle Isle Aquarium – ideal for a spring day out exploring this beautiful island in the Detroit River. This is one of the oldest aquariums in North America and was voted the most beautiful, too.

2. SPORTS GAMES & PLAYING GAMES

Enjoy a hot dog at Comerica Park
  • It’s time to start singing about peanuts and Cracker Jack. We love when the Detroit Tigers come back to Comerica Park, and opening day is in April meaning tickets should be on sale during spring break dates. The Detroit metro area is also home to semi-pro ball. Jimmy John’s Field hosts the United Shore Professional Baseball League. The venue also holds concerts and other outdoor events.
  • You can also grab tickets to see the Detroit Red Wings or the Detroit Pistons play at Little Caesars Arena.
  • Would you rather play a game than watch it? Try your hand at fowling, which is a new sport combining football and bowling that was created right here in Detroit! At Fowling Warehouse all ages are welcome, but kids must be at least 10 years old to play, making this a great choice for families with tweens, teens, or adult kids home from college.
  • Introduce the kids to pre-iPhone era games at one of Detroit’s arcades. Offworld Arcade Bar is now open in Eastern Market, with a huge selection of vintage pinball machines. Barcade, which is usually adults-only, has a family day the first Sunday of every month.

3. GET OUTDOORS IN THE D

Bicycling on the Detroit International RiverWalk

If you find yourself in downtown Detroit, there are plenty of things to spring you into the warmer weather.

  • Want to get some fresh air? Bike, blade, or run along the Detroit International Riverwalk, which spans just over three miles. Alternatively, take your time with a leisurely walk and stops at the carousel, William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, and Hart Plaza.
  • Extend your walk or bike ride with a side quest down the Dequindre Cut Greenway or Southwest Greenway, two extensions to the Riverwalk that are part of the ongoing green-ification of Detroit.
  • If the kids need to let out some energy, head to the Outdoor Adventure Center which is close to William G. Milliken State Park along the riverfront. This is a massive interactive play exhibit for kids, with a bit of outdoor education thrown in, too.
  • Springtime in Detroit means more opportunities to get out on the water! Book a ride on the historic Detroit Princess Riverboat, which reopens for the season in late April.
  • Go traditional and head to Belle Isle, the 982-acre island and state park beloved by Detroiters. Stop by the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, fish off the pier, or visit the Belle Isle Nature Center.

4. MUSEUMS & COMIC BOOK CHARACTERS

Get hands-on at the Michigan Science Center
  • If you’ve gotta take it inside this spring, we suggest investigating the Spark!Lab at Michigan Science Center. This invention space encourages out-of-the-box thinking for the younger generation.
  • Another family friendly option for a rainy day is the Detroit Institute of Arts, and specifically their regular Drawing in the Galleries events. Adults and kids of all ages are welcome to pick up an easel, paper, and pencil and get to work.
  • The Henry Ford‘s Greenfield Village reopens every year in April. Make sure to take the kids to see Thomas the Train (of book and TV fame) as he makes his annual chug through the village. Older kids will also love the historic village’s other attractions, like the Model T ride, horse drawn shuttle, a working farm, and more.
  • For adults who are always a kid at heart, dress up like your favorite comic book character or superhero at the annual Motor City Comic Con at the Suburban Collection Showplace.

SAVE WITH THE D DISCOUNT PASS

Save 20 percent or more on some of Detroit’s best attractions, many of which are featured above. All you have to do is print off The D Discount Pass or download the digital barcode from Visit Detroit and present it upon admission to a participating member.

5. DINE OUTDOORS

  • Patio season is approaching! If it’s warm enough outside, add dining al fresco to your daily menu. Check out some of our favorite restaurants with patio and outdoor seating.
  • When it comes to picnics, you’re never hurting for options in metro Detroit. Picnicking at Belle Isle is a Detroiter favorite, or head to metro Detroit, and specifically one of the 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
  • Eastern Market is Detroit’s beloved indoor-outdoor farmer’s market. Stop by for the weekly Saturday market, or plan a late spring visit for the annual Flower Day (in May).

SAVE WITH DIGITAL PASSES FROM VISIT DETROIT

Save 20 percent or more on some of Detroit’s best attractions, many of which are featured above. All you have to do is download one of Visit Detroit’s (free!) discount passes and present it upon admission to a participating member.

The Explore Detroit Pass offers savings on 20+ Detroit attractions. For foodie families, choose among the Dining in the D Pass, the Detroit Brew Trail (21+), or the Detroit Pizza Pass.