Traveling to Detroit?
Pack Light. Travel Happy.™ Rent baby gear in Detroit.We all know Motor City as the global manufacturing center for automobiles in the early 20th century; and of course, it’s renowned as the home of Motown (thank you, Detroit!). But have you ever thought of Detroit as a great family destination? We have and we do! And thankfully, we’ve collaborated with some amazing Detroit and Michigan mamas to curate an awesome list of the best family activities in Detroit for kids, toddlers, and even babies. So you’ve got “nowhere to run” (que Martha and the Vandellas) but to Detroit for your next family getaway!
Belle Isle Park is a Must See
Amber Louchart, of Metro Detroit Mommy, is an expert on the best family activities for families in Detroit. She has an amazing blog full of resources for locals and visitors alike. She says, “Metro Detroit is an amazing destination for families. From wonderful outdoor attractions like Belle Isle and Greenfield Village to indoor entertainment like SeaLife Aquarium and the Michigan Science Center. There is something for everyone here. Catch a Tiger’s game, visit a museum, stroll a downtown area, visit a beach, check out an indoor trampoline center, taste fresh cider, enjoy Michigan nature, or even take a boat tour down the river.”
Sounds like the perfect itinerary to us! You can follow Metro Detroit Mommy on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for more insider information all about Detroit.
Belle Isle Park is an absolute must-do family activity in Detroit. Several of our awesome Detroit mommies mentioned it (Amber did too!)! Monifah Cook, @monifahsymone, says it’s one of her favorites! “One of my favorite places to go in Detroit would be Belle Isle Park. Such a beautiful island filled with so many things to do such as having family picnics or get-togethers, going to the beach, taking pictures by the fountain or just enjoying the river view of Canada. It is very kid-friendly with the various playgrounds and one of my most favorites—The Giant Slide. My son went to the park for the first time this summer. Can’t wait to make more memories with him here.”
You can follow Monifah (and her adorable son, Jaxon) on her blog for more Detroit mommy lifestyle tips.
More mommies say Belle Isle Park is the best family activity in Detroit.
Ok, the third time’s a charm because another mommy swears by Belle Isle Park! She also says Downtown Detroit is a fun family thing to do in the city. Michele, the @midwestmomofone, says, “Metro Detroit is full of things to do for all ages! Why not head down to Belle Isle and visit the historic aquarium or arboretum? The Detroit Zoo is also a hit for all ages. Check out the downtown Detroit scene and visit The Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Historical Museum, or the Michigan Science Center. If restaurants are your thing, check out Greektown. Detroit truly has something for everyone.” Thank you, Michele! Who doesn’t love a good Greek restaurant? Here’s a list of top restaurants in the neighborhood (PS: go hungry).
We’re convinced! Belle Isle Park favorites:
The mamas above have convinced us that Belle Isle Park is by far one of the most important pit stops on any Detroit trip. It sounds like an amazing family-friendly island full of activities for everyone. Belle Isle is 982 acres of island developed in the 19th century – it’s got an old-timey feel that we think you’ll love. The views from the park and the park itself are picture perfect (so bring a camera for sure!). Here’s a short and sweet list of 5 must-see features of the park (as if you need more convincing!):
- Clownfish at the country’s oldest aquarium: The Belle Isle Aquarium.
- $1 rides down the Giant Slide!
- Enjoy ice cream and sandcastles on Belle Isle Beach.
- Find 8 types of turtles at the Belle Isle Nature Center.
- During nap time, take the baby on a stroller ride through the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and “smell the roses”. (PS: pick up a coffee from one of the Belle Isle food trucks to sip on while you stroll!)
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Stay in the city and hit up local Detroit attractions.
Looking for something a bit more off the beaten path? Bridjet Morris, a mama of two and mommy blogger, says, “Detroit is a natural playground with so many new businesses, parks, and events happening weekly! You don’t have to go far to have a full day of adventure. Some of my favorite things to do with my kids are: explore the Riverfront, hang out in and around Campus Martius Park, visit restaurants like Selden Standard that have big patios, and browse the Eastern Market. My husband and I prioritize places where our kids can run free and have space to explore without so much traffic and congestion. It’s good for the soul!” We love these ideas! And BTW, the Eastern Market looks amazing. They even offer cooking classes for kids!
JeeYoung, the busy Detroit mama behind Simply Every, is on board with Campus Martius Park too. She says, “I love taking the boys to downtown Detroit. The beach at Campus Martius Park is a hidden gem, sort of an urban playground nestled in the busy-ness of the city. With easy access to delicious restaurants and the riverfront, it’s a great way to explore our city as a family.”
Make sure to follow JeeYoung on Instagram too, @simplyeveryblog! Her boys are just the cutest.
Get outdoors with your family and explore Motor City!
Last but not least, The Detroit Mom Blog (@detroitsmomblog) provided an awesome snapshot of family-friendly activities in Motown. And PS—they love Eastern Market too, so that is definitely a must-see!
“Detroit has become a hotspot for family experiences. Stop in at the Outdoor Adventure Center for some outdoor fun nestled right within the city. Take a walk along the Detroit River, or hop on over to Beacon Park for family movie night, a concert, or their organized games and activities. And you can’t beat Eastern Market’s fresh food, local vendors, and casual eats. Wherever you find yourself in the city, Detroit offers unique and exciting events that the whole family will enjoy.”
We’ve got to talk more about the Outdoor Adventure Center!
In a nutshell, the Outdoor Adventure Center brings to metropolitan Detroit all the wildlife and outdoor experiences Michigan has to offer. The center provides interactive experiences for its guests that showcase all of the geographical variances of the state. Learn about Michigan’s sand dunes, the world’s largest collection of freshwater sand dunes, in fact! Or experience all the amazing underwater life Michigan is home to, especially because in no other state is there as much freshwater as there is in Michigan! Don’t forget to hit the trail and hop on a snowmobile, 4 wheeler, or mountain bike simulator. For toddlers, we highly recommend the pretend camping area, complete with a pretend campfire and everything! This is definitely a must-see in Detroit; if you can’t visit all of the entire State, at least the Outdoor Adventure Center brings the rest of Michigan to Detroit visitors! PS: On the last Thursday of every month, the OAC offers free admission from 6 PM – 8 PM; a fun after-dinner activity!
Head outside the city for even more family fun!
Detroit is surrounded by some great destinations, so save some room in your itinerary for a day trip (or two!) outside the city. Its proximity to Lake Erie and Lake Huron make a beach day within reach. You could even go international by crossing the bridge into Ontario, Canada! Here are a few ideas to explore.
Dearborn, MI
Dearborn is only a 20-minute drive and here you’ll find The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, an inside-outside museum complex that is a tribute to the history of our country and the way automobiles and other vehicles have played a role.
You can see the bus Rosa Parks was on when she was arrested, the Oscar Mayer weinermobile, a replica of the Wright Flyer from 1903, and so much more! Outside the museum in Greenfield Village you can take a ride in a Model T and on a real steam locomotive, stroll around a working farm and a neighborhood full of period homes, and go for a spin on an old carousel. It’s truly more than just a museum and will be a big hit for all ages to check out! The Ford Motor Company still has its headquarters in this city.
Ann Arbor, MI
Hop on the Amtrak train for a 45-minute ride to Ann Arbor, another great Michigan city with lots to offer visiting families. Home to the University of Michigan, this little city has a college town feel and a great little walk-able downtown area.
Kids (especially dino lovers!) will love the U of M’s Museum of Natural History, and parents will love the free admission. Another great museum to check out is the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum where things truly are hands-on, and there is something for everyone including an amazing water play area and a real ambulance!
Finally, we recommend stopping by the Domino Farms Petting Farm where the kiddos can pet and feed a wide variety of animals, including alpacas, chickens, goats, and sheep!
Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH
Two hours southeast you’ll find Sandusky, OH, a family fun zone! Cedar Point, known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, is an amazing amusement park with rides that are appropriate for kids of all thrill levels. They also feature an 18-acre water park and a mile-long stretch of shoreline along Lake Erie, so don’t forget your bathing suits!
Point Pelee National Park, Ontario
Finally, take advantage of Detroit’s proximity to Canada and add a stamp to your passports by heading over to Ontario’s Point Pelee National Park, about an hour’s drive from the city. The park is located on a peninsula in Lake Erie and is the southernmost point of Canada’s mainland. There is so much wilderness to enjoy here; boardwalks through the marshland, beaches, forest trails, and more!
If you are here in the fall you might catch the massive migration of Monarch butterflies that come through. Consider spending the night glamping in one of the park’s oTEN Tiks because this spot has been designated a Dark Sky Preserve, meaning its an awesome place to stargaze!
What are your suggestions for the best family activities in Detroit?
Are you a Detroit native or an avid Detroit visitor? We want to hear from you! What do you love about the city and what are your family-friendly “go to’s”? Comment below!
We have amazing Quality Providers in Detroit ready to provide all the baby gear you need for your Motown adventure.
Traveling to Detroit?
Pack Light. Travel Happy.™ Rent baby gear in Detroit.
Kaylee Garcia is the mama to one sweet boy and one sweet girl, and wife to an awesome husband. Kaylee and her son (he’s only 4!) have completed over 20 trips via air travel (thank you, Alaska Airlines!) on over 40+ airplane rides! They love sharing travel tips with other families since they’ve learned a lot in the last 4 years. Kaylee enjoys spending time with family, researching baby gear, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
From sand dunes to toddler camping, I think my family will enjoy the Outdoor Adventure Center.
Great tips for the motor city.
I am a DETROIT native, and am ecstatic how DETROIT has changed. Downtown has soooo many adventurous places and activities to do. I love sports, so catching a Tigers game, Lions game or Red Wings game is a must! I enjoy Campus Martius and the surrounding area! The ice rink attracts so many families, and is a great winter activity. Did you know that the Detroit Campus Martius ice rink is larger than the NYC ROCKEFELLER center ice rink? During the winter holiday season, the massive tree in Campus Martius is also lit. Families from all over come to see the tree being lit for the season. There’s so many things to do in Detroit for every season. Hurry up and visit!!