Planning a family trip to Detroit? You’ve picked an amazing city! Detroit offers tons of fun activities that will keep your kids happy and excited. From hands-on museums to outdoor adventures, the Motor City has something special for every family. There are plenty of things to do in Detroit with kids!
At Detroit Furnished Rentals, we love helping families explore our wonderful city. Our pet-friendly apartments are perfect for families visiting Detroit. We’re located right in the heart of everything, so you can easily get to all these amazing places.
Table of Contents
Top Family-Friendly Attractions in Detroit
1. Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoo is one of the best places to visit with kids in Metro Detroit. Your little ones will love seeing amazing animals from around the world. The Polk Penguin Conservation Center is absolutely incredible – penguins swim right up to the glass and even above you in a clear tunnel!
Rating: 4.7/5 with over 15,000 reviews
Location: 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48068
Contact: (248) 541-5717
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (hours may vary by season)
The zoo’s wide open spaces make it perfect for kids to explore. Don’t miss the wooden carousel and the thrilling 4-D theatre! The Detroit Zoo also hosts fun summer events like Wild Summer Nights Concert Series where families can dance along with animals and enjoy live music.
Learn more about Detroit Zoo
2. Michigan Science Center
Kids love hands-on fun, and the Michigan Science Center delivers exactly that! This amazing place lets children explore science through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations. The planetarium shows are perfect for curious minds, and the Bat Zone teaches kids about nocturnal animals.
Rating: 4.6/5 Location: 5020 John R St, Detroit, MI 48202 Contact: (313) 577-8400 Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Michigan Science Center features special exhibits that change throughout the year. Kids can become scientists for the day and discover amazing things about the world around them. It’s educational and super fun at the same time!
Learn more about Michigan Science Center
3. Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
This incredible place is like stepping back in time! The Henry Ford Museum features amazing cars, including the bus where Rosa Parks made history. Kids will be amazed by the race car simulators and can design their own wooden cars to race.
Rating: 4.8/5 Location: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124 Contact: (313) 982-6001 Hours: Daily 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Greenfield Village comes alive during warmer months with outdoor activities. Kids can take rides in original Model T cars and explore the homes and workshops of famous inventors like Thomas Edison. It’s like a Disney Park for history lovers!
Learn more about The Henry Ford
4. Belle Isle State Park
Belle Isle is Detroit’s island paradise! This amazing park has something for everyone. Kids can play on sandy beaches, explore biking trails, and visit the beautiful Belle Isle Aquarium – the oldest aquarium in the country.
Rating: 4.7/5 with over 2,000 reviews Location: Detroit, MI Hours: Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset
Families love Belle Isle for its boat rentals, nature center, and plenty of space to run and play. The aquarium features amazing fish in a beautiful setting with lime-green tiled ceilings. It’s perfect for a sunny day adventure!
Learn more about Belle Isle State Park
5. Legoland Discovery Center Michigan
Located at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills, Legoland Discovery Center is every kid’s dream! This indoor LEGO playground has rides, a 4-D movie theater, and tons of building activities.
Rating: 4.3/5 Location: 4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Contact: (248) 409-6001 Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Kids can build and test their own LEGO cars, watch amazing 4-D movies, and explore different themed areas. The LEGO building zones let children create whatever they can imagine. It’s hands-on fun that keeps kids busy for hours!
Learn more about Legoland Discovery Center
6. SeaLife Michigan Aquarium
Right next to Legoland, SeaLife Michigan Aquarium is home to over 250 species of sea creatures. Kids will be amazed by the underwater tunnel where sharks and rays swim overhead!
Rating: 4.2/5 Location: 4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Contact: (248) 409-6001 Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The interactive touch pools let kids safely touch sea stars and crabs. The aquarium also features educational talks throughout the day where children can learn about ocean life and conservation.
Learn more about SeaLife Michigan
7. Outdoor Adventure Center
Bring Michigan’s great outdoors right into downtown Detroit! The Outdoor Adventure Center lets kids experience camping, kayaking, and even “catching” fish through fun simulations.
Rating: 4.5/5 Location: 1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207 Contact: (313) 396-6890 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
It’s perfect for families who want outdoor adventure without leaving the city.
Learn more about Outdoor Adventure Center
8. Peppa Pig World of Play
Young children will squeal with delight at Peppa Pig World of Play! This colorful indoor playground brings the beloved TV show to life with interactive play areas and fun activities.
Rating: 4.2/5 with over 800 reviews Location: 4362 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Contact: (248) 409-6001 Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Kids can jump in muddy puddles, play in George’s Fort, and explore Peppa’s house. It’s designed especially for preschoolers and provides safe, age-appropriate fun.
Learn more about Peppa Pig World of Play
9. C.J. Barrymore’s Entertainment Complex
This indoor-outdoor amusement park is pure excitement! C.J. Barrymore’s has arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars, go-karts, mini golf, and even a loop rollercoaster.
Rating: 4.4/5 with over 5,600 reviews
Price Level: Mid-range Location: 21750 Hall Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038 Contact: (586) 469-2800 Hours: Monday-Thursday 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
With over 120 games inside and outdoor activities, kids of all ages find something they love. The Indy Skytrack is perfect for thrill-seekers, while younger children enjoy the safer rides.
Learn more about C.J. Barrymore’s
10. Detroit RiverWalk
The Detroit RiverWalk is a beautiful 3-mile path along the river with amazing views. Kids love the water cannons and splash pads at Mount Elliott Park during the summer months.
Rating: 4.8/5 Location: 1340 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207 Contact: (313) 566-8200 Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Families can walk, bike, or just enjoy the scenery. The RiverWalk connects to many downtown attractions, making it easy to explore multiple spots in one day.
Learn more about Detroit RiverWalk
11. Eastern Market
Eastern Market is the largest outdoor farmers market in the country! Kids love exploring the colorful stalls filled with fresh foods and local crafts.
Rating: 4.7/5 with over 3,600 reviews Location: 2934 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207 Contact: (313) 833-9300 Hours: Tuesday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The market spans over 43 acres with amazing murals and street art. Kids can try free samples and see where their food comes from. Don’t forget to check out the restaurants and coffee shops around the market!
Learn more about Eastern Market
12. Comerica Park and Ford Field
Take the family to see the Detroit Tigers play baseball at Comerica Park or watch the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Both stadiums offer family-friendly fun beyond just the games.
Rating: 4.6/5 Comerica Park: 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 Contact: (313) 471-2000 Game Hours: Vary by schedule
Comerica Park has a ferris wheel and carousel that kids love. On Sundays after baseball games, kids 14 and under can run the bases! Ford Field offers tours and special family events throughout the year.
Learn more about Comerica Park
13. STEMville
STEMville welcomes children aged 2 and older to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through fun, interactive activities.
Rating: 4.7/5 with over 200 reviews Location: 141 N Center St #201, Northville, MI 48167 Contact: (248) 938-4182 Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Closed Sunday
Kids can build, create, and experiment in a safe environment designed just for them. The hands-on exhibits make learning feel like playing!
Learn more about STEMville
14. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Just a short drive from Detroit, this amazing children’s museum offers interactive exhibits that keep kids entertained for hours. The H2Oh! exhibit lets kids race rubber ducks, while older children love the STEAM Park.
Rating: 4.7/5 with over 3,600 reviews Location: 220 E Ann St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Contact: (734) 995-5439 Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed Monday
Don’t miss special events like Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days that happen throughout the year!
Learn more about Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
15. Huron-Clinton Metroparks
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks system offers amazing outdoor fun for families. Lower Huron Metropark features an indoor waterpark with water slides and a lazy river.
Rating: 4.6/5 with over 2,300 reviews Location: 40151 East Huron River Drive, Belleville, MI 48111 Contact: (734) 697-9181 Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Kids can splash in the “sprayscape,” slide down water slides, or float in the lazy river. The parks also offer hiking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Learn more about Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Tips and Tricks for Visiting Detroit with Kids
As your hosts at Detroit Furnished Rentals, we’ve learned some great tips from families who stay with us and explore Metro Detroit with their children:
Plan for the Weather: Detroit has four distinct seasons. Summer is perfect for outdoor activities like Belle Isle and the RiverWalk. Winter months are ideal for indoor fun at museums and attractions like Legoland.
Take Advantage of Free Activities: Many attractions offer free family fun! Campus Martius Park has pop jet fountains in summer and ice skating in winter. The Detroit Institute of Arts offers free admission to tri-county residents.
Pack Snacks and Drinks: Kids get hungry and thirsty during adventures. Our apartments come with fully stocked kitchens, so you can prepare snacks before heading out. This saves money and keeps little ones happy.
Use Public Transportation: Detroit’s QLine streetcar connects many downtown attractions. Kids love riding the streetcar, and it’s easier than driving and parking.
Check Event Calendars: Many venues host special family events throughout the year. The Detroit Zoo has summer concert series, while various locations offer scavenger hunts and seasonal celebrations.
Start Early: Popular attractions get busy, especially on weekends. Starting your day early means shorter lines and more relaxed experiences.
Consider Multi-Day Passes: If you’re staying longer, look into multi-attraction passes that can save money when visiting multiple museums or attractions.
Conclusion
Detroit truly is an amazing city for families! From the incredible animals at the Detroit Zoo to hands-on learning at the Michigan Science Center, there’s something magical waiting around every corner. These family-friendly attractions showcase why Metro Detroit has become such a popular destination for parents looking to create special memories with their kids.
At Detroit Furnished Rentals, we love being part of your family’s Detroit adventure. Our centrally-located, pet-friendly apartments put you right in the heart of all the action
. With fully equipped kitchens for preparing snacks, dedicated workspaces for parents, and comfortable living areas where the whole family can relax after a day of exploring, we provide the perfect home base for your Motor City experience.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Detroit’s amazing mix of educational attractions, outdoor adventures, and hands-on fun ensures your children will have experiences they’ll never forget. From racing wooden cars at the Henry Ford Museum to watching penguins swim overhead at the Detroit Zoo, every day brings new discoveries.
Ready to start planning your family’s Detroit adventure? Book your stay with us today and discover why so many families choose Detroit Furnished Rentals as their home away from home while exploring all the wonderful things to do in Detroit with kids!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit worth visiting with kids?
Absolutely! Metro Detroit offers incredible cultural experiences including world-class museums, interactive science centers, and amazing attractions like the Detroit Zoo. The city has invested heavily in family-friendly destinations, making it one of the best places for families to explore art, history, science, and outdoor adventures all in one trip.
What to do with a toddler in Detroit?
Detroit has many toddler-friendly options! STEMville welcomes children as young as 2 years old for hands-on learning. Belle Isle State Park offers safe beaches and open spaces for little ones to play. The Detroit Zoo’s carousel and 4-D theater are perfect for toddlers, while Peppa Pig World of Play is specifically designed for preschool-aged children with age-appropriate activities.
What are the best free activities for families in Detroit?
Detroit offers plenty of free family fun! Campus Martius Park features pop jet fountains and children’s play areas. The RiverWalk provides beautiful views and splash pads at Mount Elliott Park. Eastern Market offers free entertainment with street performers and colorful murals. Plus, residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties get free admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Are Detroit’s family attractions safe for children?
Yes! Detroit’s major family attractions prioritize safety with trained staff, security measures, and age-appropriate activities. Venues like the Michigan Science Center, Detroit Zoo, and Henry Ford Museum maintain high safety standards and offer clean, well-maintained facilities that welcome families from around the world.
What’s the best time of year to visit Detroit with kids?
Each season offers unique experiences! Summer is perfect for outdoor activities like Belle Isle beaches, RiverWalk splash pads, and zoo visits. Fall brings beautiful colors and special events like Halloween light shows. Winter offers indoor attractions like Legoland and cozy museum visits. Spring provides mild weather perfect for exploring Greenfield Village and outdoor markets.
