Free Healthy Activities Around Detroit

Throughout the seasons, there are many free, fun and healthy activities that people can do around the Detroit community. Whether you want to find a healthy meal or get active, the Detroit community has something for you. Here are six free, healthy activities around the Detroit community to get you out and get you moving.

Detroit International Riverwalk 

The Detroit International Riverwalk has become a hub for people in the Detroit community to come together and be active. The free path along the river stretches farther than three miles and features areas where community members can take fitness classes, such as yoga and tai chi. The Detroit International RiverWalk spans more than three miles, from Rosa Parks Blvd. to the Belle Isle Bridge. This breathtaking feature offers the RiverWalk Café for guests to fuel up for an enjoyable walk, run, bike ride or just to relax.Aside from taking a walk or bike ride on the Detroit Riverwalk, take in the sight of new Detroit developments, splash around in several fountains and splash parks for kids, ride the carousel, enjoy nature areas and take in the views of both Detroit and Canada.

Dequindre Cut Greenway 

Located near the Detroit RiverWalk, the Dequindre Cut Greenway is free and the perfect place to explore while walking, jogging or cycling. This two-mile path links Eastern Market to the riverfront and is the perfect place to get active. Along the path, walkers, joggers and cyclists can see graffiti artwork both old and new. Bike rentals are available. Near the Woodbridge entrance to the Dequindre Cut is the FitPark, where people can access exercise equipment without having to pay for a gym membership. The FitPark was made possible due to a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network and the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.

Eastern Market 

Stop by Eastern Market to look at the artisan and produce vendors. Eastern Market offers free, weekly farmers markets on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday. On days where the market is open, visitors can look at all the different flowers, produce and artisan goods. When the market is closed, visitors can still visit local restaurants and businesses in the area. Eastern Market is the perfect place to walk around and experience the city of Detroit or pick up fresh Michigan produce for a homemade meal. Stop in at the Welcome Center to ask a question, get maps and recipes, or present your Bridge Card to receive tokens accepted at many vendors under the sheds. Saturday 7am-4pm (year-round) Tuesday 9am-3pm (June-September) Sunday 10am-4pm (June-September). District shops and restaurants are open after shed hours

Urban Gardens

Urban farms and gardens are located throughout different neighborhoods in Detroit. These green spaces offer space to walk and volunteer in helping to maintain a garden. Many are supported by local nonprofits. A few of the popular gardens are: 

Lafayette Greens

Located smack-dab in the heart of downtown Detroit, in the midst of courthouses and office buildings, this raised-bed organic garden truly exemplifies how a concrete site can sprout into a beautiful green space. It’s on a site left vacant by the razing of an office building, at the corner where West Lafayette, Shelby and Michigan Avenue intersect. See the children’s garden, heirloom apple orchard and a variety of produce. A public market runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays, June-October. Yoga, hula-hoop™ and other classes are offered in the garden, too.

Farm to Fork Bike Tours

Keep Growing Detroit, in conjunction with Wheelhouse Detroit, offers bicycle tours to local farms, gardens and food-focused businesses. The approximately 10-mile round-trip tours occur at least monthly from June-September. After the tour, cyclists are encouraged to dine at local restaurants that rely on nearby farms’ fresh produce. In addition to scheduled events, special tours can be arranged through Wheelhouse Detroit and Keep Growing Detroit. Just ask.

Find an urban garden in Detroit here.

Belle Isle

Belle Isle is a popular Detroit spot and Michigan state park. Around the 987-acre island in the Detroit River, community members can visit the various family friendly attractions such as the giant slide, the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Belle Isle Nature Center or the many picnic spots and athletic fields. Take a stroll along a wooded path, ride a bike around the one-way drive or kayak in one of the island’s lakes.

The Belle Isle  Aquarium was designed by famed Detroit architect, Albert Kahn, and opened on August 18, 1904. It is the oldest aquarium in the country and has served the Detroit community as a beloved attraction for generations. In 2005, the city of Detroit announced that the Aquarium was to be closed due to lean economic times for the city. The building remained closed to the public until the Belle Isle Conservancy reopened it on September 15, 2012.

The Belle Isle  Nature Park has many different ongoing hikes: Family Nature Hike…Get ready for adventure and explore Belle Isle’s natural wonders. This facilitated hike is a great introductory hike for you and your family to discover the wonders of this urban gem. There are endless possibilities to what you might discover! Great for all ages, experience, and ability levels. Participatory Science Hikes…Let’s learn about participatory science projects while exploring the island! Participatory science projects utilize the passions and talents of volunteers to participate in data collection. You will take a hike and explore a science project that you can participate in. Whether your interest is water quality, butterflies, or simply using your phone’s camera to make wildlife observations, there is a science project for everyone.

SAY Detroit Play Center