• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Daily Impressions

The Daily Impressions

Lifestyle. Motherhood. Military Life. Food/Travel

  • Meet Sierra
  • Travel
  • Military Life
  • Lifestyle
  • Let’s Work Together
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home/Travel/Detroit City Guide: 10 BEST Things to do in Detroit with Kids
Detroit with kids

Detroit City Guide: 10 BEST Things to do in Detroit with Kids

Are you searching for the best information on Things to do in Detroit with kids? In this complete Detroit City Guide, I will be sharing the 10 best things to do with kids in Detroit on your trip to Motor City. For more information, keep reading. 

This article is Sponsored by Visit Detroit. However, all opinions are my own!

Detroit, nicknamed the Motor City, is a soulful and bustling city full of arts, attractions and history. She represents the heart of American dreamers and innovation. While the city can be inspiring for anyone, the attractions offered and things to do in Detroit with kids encourage curiosity, creativity and wonder. 

In this guide, I share the 10 Best things to do in Detroit with Kids to assist you in planning your Detroit family Vacation.

10 Best Things to do in Detroit with Kids List

  1. Monroe Street Midway
  2. Belle Isle Park and Conservatory
  3. Henry Ford Greenfield Village
  4. Belle Isle Aquarium
  5. Detroit Grand Prix
  6. Detroit Zoo
  7. Henry Ford Rouge River Factory Tour
  8. Michigan Outdoor Adventure Center
  9. Legoland Discovery Center
  10. Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Best Things to do in Detroit with Kids

Monroe Street Midway | Free Things to do in Detroit

Free things to do in Detroit with kids

Detroit is ever-evolving into something new and FRESH! 

A large part of Detroit’s revitalization efforts is turning public spaces into displays of art and building community. 

The Monroe Street Midway is a sporting and recreational complex located in downtown Detroit that offers both locals and tourists the opportunity to get outside and get active for the summer. 

They offer a variety of activities from roller skating to basketball courts and mini-golf to food trucks. Live music can also be found. It’s the perfect solution for free things to do in Detroit and makes for a great family fun night or date night for the locals. 

What we loved most about Monroe Street Midway is the public local artist installations that make the area vibrant! 

free things to do in Detroit with kids Monroe street midway

I highly recommend that anyone looking for free things to do in Detroit to check this area out. It is within walking distance from most downtown Detroit hotels and attractions. 

How much is the Monroe Street Midway? The Monroe Street Midway is Free

When is the Monroe Street Midway Open? The Monroe Street Midway is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11am to 9pm (last two hours are 21+). Friday and Saturdays  from 11am to 11pm (last three hours are 21+) and Sunday for all ages 11am to 9pm.  

Belle Isle Park + Belle Isle Conservatory | Free things to do in Detroit with Kids

The Belle Isle Conservatory is located on the island of Belle Isle located just 12 minutes from the Downtown area.

The Belle Isle Park is 982 acres of exploration to include historic and environmental attractions for the entire family to enjoy.  

The conservatory is a stunning and massive greenhouse and botanical garden with thousands of diverse plants and trees. The conservatory opened in 1904 and continues to be the longest operating conservatories in the United States. 

During the Grand Prix, the Conservatory and other attractions on the isle are closed. Based on the time of year, call ahead to learn important information regarding their hours and days of operation. 

How much is the Belle Isle Conservatory? The Belle Isle Conservatory is FREE and one of the Best Free things to do in Detroit. However, visiting the island by vehicle 

Henry Ford: Greenfield Village | Homeschool Activities in Detroit

Henry ford museum things to do with kids in Detroit

Ingenuity and innovation were and continue to be the foundation of Detroit. 

In the early 1900s Henry Ford’s use of ingenuity led to a revolution and growth of a Mecca within the car industry. 

That “can-do” spirit is echoed throughout America and continues to be celebrated at The Henry Ford Museum’s Greenfield Village. 

The Henry Ford Museum has 3 main parts. However , Greenfield Village is a historical village in which guests can explore real-life adaptations and replicas of some of America’s most profound genius inventions from the model T cars to Thomas Edison’s lab and inventions. 

This place is EXCELLENT for home or road schoolers looking to explore innovation, Stem, and history all in one stop. 

Plan to spend at least a half-day in the village. However, if you plan to explore all Henry Ford attractions, I recommend spending two full days on your itinerary dedicated to Ford attractions. 

Also, Most exhibits are best enjoyed by children over the age of 5! 

 All Ford attractions are located in the Detroit Metropolitan Area located around 20 minutes from Downtown and will require a vehicle to access.

Belle Isle Aquarium | Free Things to do in Detroit with Kids

Just next door to the Conservatory is the Belle Isle Aquarium. While Detroit offers a variety of aquariums, this one is the most unique as it is one of the most historic, also opening in 1904 and designed by one of the most famous Detroit architects, Albert Kahn. In addition, it is one of the Best free things to do in Detroit and great to include in your day on the Island. 

When is the Belle Isle Aquarium Open? The Bell Isle Aquarium is open from Friday to Sunday 10am to 4pm

How Much is the Belle Isle Aquarium? The Belle Isle Aquarium is FREE. However, they do ask for a $5 donation. Donations go toward upkeep and conservation efforts.

Detroit Grand Prix | Seasonal Detroit Activities

Race Car fans start your engines! Did you know that Detroit has been hosting the Grand Prix since 1986? 

The Detroit Grand Prix is one of the most unique Detroit attractions.

The Grand Prix is an IndyCar Series race that takes place every summer as a qualifier. Since 1992, the race has been hosted on Belle Isle, an island off the coast of Detroit and neighboring Canada. However, racing in Detroit dates all the way back to the city’s heyday in the early 1920s.

Parents and children will both enjoy getting up close and personal with race car drivers and their pit crews. All while visiting the showcase area for all the major car brands and their upcoming and unique vehicle previews. 

grand prix détroit things to do in détroit with kids

In 2023, it returned to its original home of Downtown Detroit with over 1.7 miles of racing and a plethora of vendors, food trucks, games, and activities. Next year’s events take place in the first week of June. So, it is best to plan and book early. 

The automotive industry runs strong in the veins of Detroit from Old to New brands and styles of racing and vehicles and there is no better plan to showcase those ties than this event.  

How Much Does the Grand Prix Cost? The Detroit Grand Prix starts at $50 for adults and $25 for children. However, ticket holders can purchase add ons, food and other activities. For that reason, prices may vary

Detroit Zoo | Things to do in Detroit with Kids

The Detroit Zoo is a 125 acre Zoo with a large variety of over 2000 species of Animals for families to enjoy!

It is located within the Metropolitan Detroit Area in Royal Oak. However, its original location was on Belle Isle near the current location of Grand Prix and the Conservatory.

This Zoo made its way into history by being one of the first to have barless animal enclosures for a more up close and personal animal viewing experience. 

Some of the most popular animals at the Detroit Zoo include  Polar Bears, their newest attraction of Penguins- the largest in the world at 33,000 sq ft and an award winning Amphibian Conservation center. In addition, over 2,000 species of animals from all continents.  

How Much is the Detroit Zoo? The Zoo costs between $14 and $22 for adults, between $11 and $18 for Seniors and Children. The cost depends on the day and time of entry and tickets  must be purchased in advance. 

How much is Parking at the Detroit Zoo? Parking at the Detroit Zoo is $8 per vehicle.

Henry Ford Rouge River Factory Tour

rouge river factory tour things to do in Detroit with kids

The Henry Ford Attractions and experiences are a quintessential part of your Detroit experience. See and learn about where Henry Ford had his creative vision and changed the lives and careers for hundreds and thousands of Detroiters at the Rouge River Factory Tour. 

In this factory tour, your family will have the change to witness and get up close and personal with technology, design and manufacturing. 

Guests of the tour can even enjoy an intimate look at real assembly lines for the most current Ford F1-50 from the observation decks. 

This is truly an amazing experience for anyone but especially children and homeschoolers with an interest in engineering, innovation and a love for vehicles. 

When is the Rouge River Factory Open? The Rouge Factory is open 7 Days a week from 9am to 5pm. This excludes Thanksgiving and Christmas of each year.

How much is the Rouge River Factory Tour? The Factory Tour costs $22 for General Admission, $19.75 for Seniors and $16.50 for Children. However, the best way to save money on admission is purchasing a combination package that includes Greenfield Village, Rouge Factory Tour and Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

Outdoor Adventure Center | Outdoor Things to do in Detroit

The Outdoor Adventure Center is located in Downtown Detroit. The once abandoned building has been transformed into a family adventure and recreational paradise.

You can find things to do from hiking to biking and fishing. In addition, seasonal activities like snowmobiles and more. 

Inside, there are also nature focused exhibits that showcase information regarding State Parks and other Conservation efforts. This is a great activity for all ages and could easily take half a day to explore in depth.

When is the Outdoor Adventure Center Open? The Outdoor Adventure center is open on Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 3pm and Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

How much does the Outdoor Adventure Center Cost? The Outdoor Adventure Center Detroit Costs $5 for adults and $3 for Seniors and Children ages 2-12

Legoland Discovery Center- Michigan

The Legoland Discovery Center is a hands-on experience that combines Legos with STEM skills. This colorful and engaging adventure gives children the opportunity to use their imagination and build using their creativity. 

In addition, attractions include indoor playgrounds, indoor rides,Lego experiences and shows. Sealife aquarium is also attached to the Legoland Discovery center and can be purchased in a combination package for a day of exploration. 

This attraction is best enjoyed by children between the ages of 3 and 10 years old.

When is the Legoland Discovery Center Michigan Open? The Legoland Discovery center is open 7 days per week from 10am to 6p,. However, the last entry is 2 hours prior to closing. 

How much does Legoland Discovery Center Michigan Cost? Legoland Discovery Center Michigan offers a variety of Packages. However, the Discovery Center only package is $25.99 per person. For more information on additional combination packages, click HERE.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

things to do with kids in Detroit Henry ford museum

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is an excellent museum with exhibitions that showcase the past, present and future of American innovation. From the automotive industry to moments in history that changed and shaped the way that we do travel, civil rights, and more. 

This is another great stop for children to learn about history and tinker with innovation. Learn first hand what Americans have accomplished with time, knowledge and science. 

In addition to the exhibits, there are a variety of shows, shops, dining and special events.

 When is the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation Open? The Museum of American Innovation is open 7 Days a week from 9am to 5pm. This excludes Thanksgiving and Christmas of each year.

How much does the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation Cost? The Museum costs $32 for General Admission, $28.75 for Seniors and $24.00 for Children. However, the best way to save money on admission is purchasing a combination package that includes Greenfield Village, Rouge Factory Tour and Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

Looking for more destinations to travel to with Kids? If so, click HERE or the article links below for more information!

Check Out These Destinations with Kids

Things to do in Miami With Kids: Is Miami a Family- Friendly Vacation Destination?

Guide to La Jolla, California with Kids or Without

30+ Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids [Updated September 2021]

Top 10 Best Things to do in OKC with Kids 2021

Sedona Travel Guide: Things to do in Sedona with Kids (weekend getaway edition)

A Family Friendly Guide to Visiting Washington, DC with Kids

July 1, 2022 by Sierra Redmond

Filed Under: H - Popular Guides, Travel Tagged With: Detroit travel, Michigan travel, travel with kids

Primary Sidebar

Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates and to hear about our latest adventures!

We won't sell your email or send you spam.

Recent Adventures

Vacation During Covid

Travel After Covid: Planning your First Socially Distant Vacation

While the Covid- pandemic of 2020 is far from over, after months of quarantine many of us are …

Continue Reading about Travel After Covid: Planning your First Socially Distant Vacation

The Perfect Weekend Austin Itinerary Guide

Are you looking to take a Weekend Austin Trip and need help building an Itinerary? This travel guide …

Continue Reading about The Perfect Weekend Austin Itinerary Guide

Search our site

Explore more

Come with us to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood Come with us to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood for the First Time | Like, Share, Save, Comment |  As former East Coasters we’ve been to Universal Studios Orlando city walk but never @unistudios  Ej is older now and we figured that we would finally get our  money’s worth in the park. So, we booked it as apart of his Christmas present .  If you’re on the fence about booking a universal studios vacation, here are some tips and things I wish I knew prior to going :  🌎 The price of the park will change based on high traffic / holidays and breaks . Also, military and other discounts are blacked out during these times . That means If youre looking to book during holidays and breaks it will cost significantly more!  🌎 Paying more for the Universal Express is 1000% worth the cost. Because we traveled during Christmas ( a high traffic time) having this pass allowed us to ride everything in the park without waiting in long lines ( More on that in another video )  🌎 Don’t be afraid to book Universal Hollywood with small children ! We waited thinking that the Hollywood location was like Orlando and that most of it would be thrill rides. However , the Hollywood location is way more family friendly and accessible . Most rides are actually simulations making it safe and easy to ride for most ages. However , use the app to be sure that your child meets height requirements before booking .  🌎 You only need one day! If you do purchase the express or VIP pass then one day is more than enough. Universal Hollywood is broken up by the upper and lower lot but it is not two separate parks like it is in Orlando. One day was enough to explore both upper and lower lots . Actually I recommend one day for the park and just spending a night at city walk!  What are you questions on Universal Studios Hollywood? Drop them in the comments !  #universalstudioshollywood #universalstudios #themeparkcreator #themeparks #familytravel #travelwithkids #blackkidsdotravel #blackfamilytravel #hollywood #visithollywood #visitcalifornia @visitcalifornia
Wizarding World of Harry Potter + Tear Jerker Mome Wizarding World of Harry Potter + Tear Jerker Moment 🥹  This was all of our first time at Universal Studios Hollywood but I didn’t expect to get so emotional about my husband buying a wand 😂🥹  Anyway, Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must see land at @unistudios even if you are not a fan of the Harry Potter Saga ( I am not 😂) it was still a really great experience .  Top 3 Experiences inside Wizarding World of Harry Potter:  🪄GET THE BUTTER BEER!! Y’all it was the best thing I had at Universal. Get it frozen too! It makes all the difference .  🪄Ollivander’s Wand Ceremony | This is a free experience but such a fun way to choose a wand or have it choose you! Buying a wand gives you access to more magic inside the land so while it’s an expensive souvenir, it’s worth the purchase  🪄Hogwarts Castle lighting ceremony | Must see show! It takes place most nights throughout the year and times depend on daylight savings . There’s music and lights ✨😍  What’s your favorite land at Universal Studios Hollywood? Leave a comment below ! And check the comments for mine  #universalstudioshollywood #universalstudios #themeparkcreator #themeparks #familytravel #travelwithkids #blackkidsdotravel #blackfamilytravel #surprisetrip #hollywood #visithollywood #visitcalifornia @visitcalifornia
✨Everything I Ate at @unistudios in Hollywood ✨  Anyone else visit theme parks for the FOOD?!  Between the holidays and the launch of Super Nintendo world coming up, we had some pretty good options  This is everything I ate on a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood  ✨ Super Nintendo World Super Star Light Up Popcorn Bucket $39.99 + refillable popcorn all day on the day of purchase  Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ popcorn is obviously good and the popcorn bucket is super cute but very expensive . Make it worth the price by filling it up for popcorn every chance you get on the day of purchase  ✨Super Nintendo World Mario Fruit Cream Soda $12.00
Rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this drink was super delicious! I wish I could have tried all the flavors and the boba was so GOOD!  ✨Pinky’s Hollywood  Chilli Dog ( City Walk ) $6.00
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Average tasting Chilli cheese dog but cheaper than the max dog inside the park  ✨Butter Beer ( Wizarding World of Harry Potter ) $8.00
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SO SO GOOD!! The best way to drink this is frozen . I had no idea that it wasn’t real beer 🤦🏾‍♀️😂 but so good and tasted like butterscotch  What are you favorite Universal Studios eats ?  #universalstudioshollywood #universalstudios #universalstudiosfood  #universalstudiosfoodie  #supernintendoworld  #themeparkcreator #themeparks #hollywood #visithollywood #visitcalifornia @visitcalifornia
Come with us to surprise our 6 year old with a tri Come with us to surprise our 6 year old with a trip to @unistudios for the first time . 🥹  For Christmas he had a two part surprise and I can’t wait to reveal what the other one was, it’s EPIC!  This week, I’ll be sharing what we did at Universal Studios, what we are , where we stayed and some of the best memories we created from the trip !  What questions do you have about Universal Studios Hollywood?  #universalstudioshollywood #universalstudios #themeparkcreator #themeparks #familytravel #travelwithkids #blackkidsdotravel #blackfamilytravel #surprisetrip #hollywood #visithollywood #visitcalifornia @visitcalifornia
I would rather listen to my thoughts than use airp I would rather listen to my thoughts than use airplane complimentary headphones 😂 all treble no bass !  Who else can relate ?  ——> Follow @iamsierrared for more travel content <——  #travelhumor #travelreels #travelblogger #travelcreator #airlinetravel #airporttravel #travelessentials @roadto100countries @theblacktravelalliance @jetblacktravel @essence @xonecole @travelnoire @blacktravelgram
And with that , the 2022 season comes to an end … GOODNIGHT!  This year has been both so rewarding and so challenging for our family but I am forever grateful for the memories that we’ve continued to create as a family !  Next year , I look forward to continuing to inspire you to travel with your families and create memories to last a lifetime .  Thank you to those who continue to rock with us . You are the reason that we are able to create and inspire 🖤✨  #nye #2022memories #familytravel #blackfamilytravel #travelwithkids #newyearseve #happynewyear #holidayrecap #travelrecap #travelreels
Merry Christmas From Our Family to Yours 🎄❤️ - The Redmonds’  #christmas #merrychristmas #happyholidays #holidayseason #blackfamilytravel
Hi! We’re the Redmond family and we have a goal Hi! We’re the Redmond family and we have a goal of visiting all 50 states + territories with our 6 year old son.  So far, we’ve been able to cross off around 17 states and this year, we’re hoping to cross off atleast 4 more .  If you’re new here, thank you for following our family’s journey of luxury family travel as a military family .  If you’ve been here for a while, it’s because of YOU and your support that we continue on so many amazing adventures . THANK YOU!  What are your travel goals for the new year ? Leave it in the comments below!  #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventuretravel #luxuryfamilytravel #blackkidsdotravel @blackkidsdotravel @roadto100countries #roadto100countries @gowithnugget #gowithnugget #melanintravel #melaninmajority #blackfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #familytravelblog #familytravelblog @theblacktravelalliance #blacktravelalliance
Load More... Follow on Instagram
Luxury Travel Blog

Footer

The Daily Impressions

Sierra Redmond
Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Copyright © 2023 The Daily Impressions

Keep In Touch

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy| Terms and Conditions