Things To Do in Detroit With Kids

If you’re not from the area – and especially if you have small children – you probably wouldn’t dream of visiting Detroit on your family vacation. Detroit’s too broke and downtrodden to run a tourism campaign, so its treasures remain hidden – unless you’re an “urban explorer” twerp who thinks you’ll be the first person to gawp at the marvels of the Packard Plant that every twerpy “urban explorer” from Toledo to Taiwan has blogged about. But, if you want to visit somewhere truly unusual, educational and dirt-cheap, take a little gander at Detroit. And if you do, here are a few things to do in Detroit with kids.

1. Belle Isle

The city’s crown jewel, Belle Isle, is America’s largest island city park, and a haven for walkers, bikers, sunbathers, sailors and swimmers. Follow its winding paths for surprises at every turn, from the jaw-dropping conservatory and botanical garden to the fascinating maritime museum. Or just sit back with a picnic and watch the glistening river as you relax astride the USA and Canada. Read reviews of Belle Isle.

2. Historic Eastern Market

If you visit on a Saturday, stock up on picnic supplies at the historic Eastern Market, one of the largest open-air markets in the country, with fresh produce, unbeatable bbq and artisan goods – from cheese to microbrews to breads – to delight any foodie. The surrounding shops and cafes bustle with those mythical real-life Detroiters who somehow exist despite rumors that everyone has fled to the other side of Eight Mile Road. Read reviews of Eastern Market.

3. Comerica Park

Another must-visit summer destination is Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. Even if you have no interest in baseball, it’s a great place to soak up the sun, take in the skyline as dusk settles over the Detroit River and share a bag of fresh roasted peanuts with your kids. The sights, sounds and smells will entertain the family, even if they’re not paying attention to what’s happening on the field. Read reviews of Comerica Park.

4. Foxtown

The surrounding Foxtown area has a big-city feel without Detroit’s infamous menacing overtones. The Fox Theatre and nearby Symphony Hall and Detroit Opera House are marvels of architectural wonder and have some of the best acoustics anywhere. Book a performance or concert and experience Detroit’s thriving cultural scene. Read reviews of The Fox Theatre.

5. Detroit Museums

The city has plenty of fantastic museums, including the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Michigan Science Center, the Motown Museum and the world-class Detroit Institute of Art (get there quick before the city sells off all its Van Goghs to pay the bailiffs!). If your family likes museums, you should plan to spend some time in all of them. Read reviews of Detroit Institute of Arts.

6. The Henry Ford Museum

Or head a few miles out of town to The Henry Ford Museum. More than just cars – and the bus on which Rosa Parks made her courageous protest – the sprawling museum and surrounding Greenfield Village display American history through the ages, a wealth of insight into the Civil Rights movement and, naturally, a big focus on its manufacturing feats and war efforts. Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Read reviews of The Henry Ford Museum.

7. Detroit Zoo

Kids will never get tired of the Detroit Zoo – paradoxically, located in the lively suburb of Royal Oak – with its amazing polar bears, butterfly house and creatures to cheer the most tantrum-prone child. The zoo features more than 2,000 animals, including some gorgeous giraffes. Your kids can learn about all types of animals from amphibians to reptiles and by visiting you’re helping the zoo’s conservation efforts as well. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays in July and August. Read reviews of Detroit Zoo.

8. Historic Fort Wayne

Back in the city, there’s plenty of history to be had. Since it was founded by French settlers more than 300 years ago, French, British, American and Native Americans have battled over control of the area. Take in a bit of the area’s long history at the intriguing Historic Fort Wayne, shaped like a five-point star on the shores of the Detroit River. Open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Read reviews of Historic Fort Wayne.

9. Greektown

These days, Detroit has several thriving ethnic communities, from Greektown in the heart of downtown to MexicanTown (near the Ambassador Bridge to Canada) and “Little Lebanon,” a strip of Middle Eastern businesses and restaurants featuring the best hummus, falafel and fattoush this side of the Nile. There’s also the Irish-American influenced Cork Town and hometown favorite foods, including soul food and one-of-a-kind Detroit coney dogs. Read reviews of Greektown.

10. Detroit River

Take a walk – or a cruise – along the Detroit River. Wave at Canada. Remember that even if our neighbors over the border have a better reputation, Detroit has a bigger heart. Read reviews of the Detroit Riverfront.

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