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
- Monroe Street Midway
- Belle Isle Park and Conservatory
- Henry Ford Greenfield Village
- Belle Isle Aquarium
- Detroit Grand Prix
- Detroit Zoo
- Henry Ford Rouge River Factory Tour
- Michigan Outdoor Adventure Center
- Legoland Discovery Center
- Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Best Things to do in Detroit with Kids
Monroe Street Midway | Free Things to do in Detroit
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!
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
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.
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
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
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.
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