Detroit, the most populous city in the state of Michigan, is known for its diverse culture, architectural monuments, and historic places. No wonder this amazing city is attracting more and more tourists each year!
If you’re in Detroit with your family, you’re probably looking for fun activities and places to enjoy with them. Well, don’t look any further: We have created a guide to the most interesting things to do in Detroit with kids, so that you and your little ones can have a blast in this incredible city.
The Best Things to Do with Kids in Detroit
1
8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Detroit Zoo
One of the first things to do in Detroit with kids that comes to mind is, undoubtedly, visiting the Detroit Zoo, where your children will be able to see more than 2,000 animals. They can enjoy seeing frogs, toads, and salamanders at The National Amphibian Conservation Center; three polar bears and two southern sea otters at The Arctic Ring of Life; chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas at The Great Apes of Harambee; and many more.2
176 Lakeside Dr., Detroit, MI 48207
Belle Isle Nature Center
The Belle Isle Nature Center, operated by the Detroit Zoo, is an educational center home to different animals native to the metro Detroit area that your family can visit for free! It features indoor animal habitats, an outdoor native butterfly garden, a bee exhibit, a nature play area, and more. This center is not only educational; it’s also truly fun.3
5020 John R. Street, Detroit, MI 48202
Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center, also known as Mi-Sci, is a fantastic facility focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). There, your kids can enjoy interactive exhibits, activities, live stage shows, and a planetarium that are not only fun, but they’ll help children engage in the wonders of science. If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Detroit that promote understanding of the natural world, this museum is your top choice.4
343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Ann Arbor District Library
If you’d like to find educational things to do in Detroit with kids, Ann Arbor District Library is a wonderful option. Not only has it a dedicated kids' area with tons of books and places to read, but it also has a collection of iPads loaded with apps and games. Additionally, the Library offers different interesting events such as preschool storytimes, baby playgroups, arts & crafts, technology labs, and more.5
4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Michigan Aquarium
Michigan Aquarium’s underwater tunnel provides your family with the unique experience of walking surrounded by water and sea creatures. At this beautiful indoor aquarium, your children will be able to discover more than 250 species of marine creatures such as sea turtles, sharks, and rays. It also offers over 10 incredible exhibits that showcase the diversity of the sea world. Without any doubt, this is one of the most special things to do in Detroit with kids who are interested in the marine world.6
1801 Atwater Street Detroit, MI 48207
Outdoor Adventure Center
Despite its name, The Outdoor Adventure Center is an indoor facility—There, your family can experience Michigan’s outdoors, parks, public lands, and waters! The Center offers different activities (such as archery and rock climbing), simulators, and interactive exhibits (such as a tall waterfall like Michigan’s). Also, your family can visit an interesting gift shop and relax in the cafeteria area. Definitely, this is one of the most exciting and fun things to do with kids in Detroit.7
13000 High Ridge Drive Brighton, MI 48114-9058
Kensington Metropark Farm Center
Do your kids have a fascination with animals? At Kensington Metropark Farm Center your little ones will be able to meet and pet animals like goats, sheep, and draft horses. Your family can enjoy a day walking to the riverside, where there’s a building made exclusively of natural materials, a stone labyrinth, a grass maze, an herb garden, and much more.8
31005 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum
This is one of the most exciting things to do in Detroit with kids that’s also extremely enjoyable for you. This free museum offers a huge collection of vintage coin-operated machines, plane models, retro posters, neon signs, and many oddities that will provide your children with lots of fun and feel like a time machine to you. Let your kids play, explore, and have a blast while you enjoy the nostalgia of this awesome place.9
50165 8 Mile Rd., Northville, MI 48167
Maybury Farm
Looking for things to do with kids in Detroit, both educational and engaging? The Maybury Farm has been a part of the community for over 100 years and offers wonderful experiences for families. Your kids can learn about animals, agriculture, flowers, and more through hands-on experiences, and enjoy a farm-themed playground and a large picnic area. As if that weren't great enough, your family can participate in the Farm’s educational tours that are as interesting as they are valuable.10
4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Legoland Discovery Center
In a list of things to do in Detroit with kids, Legoland Discovery Center can’t be missed. There, your children will discover an amazing miniature LEGO replica of Detroit's most loved landmarks, play and develop their creativity at the Build & Test zone, animal-themed DUPLO Farm, and the interactive build area, create a digital Minifigure, have an interactive ride to rescue a Princess, enjoy the 4D Cinema, meet LEGO characters, and much more!
So, we consider that these are the most enjoyable things to do in Detroit with kids and hope that this list is very helpful for you—You’ll be able to choose from very different places that cover different preferences.
And if you’re going to visit more cities throughout the United States, don’t miss out on our guide to Awesome Places to Visit with Kids Across the US.
