TOP THINGS-TO-DO in DOWNTOWN DETROIT
Family-Friendly Things to Do
Easy wins for kids, parents, and everyone in between. Hours of fun and even learning. Wear those children out!
Between entertainment breaks: best Restaurants, Coffee Cafes, Rooftop Bars, Wine Bars, and Hotels in Downtown Detroit.
With live stage shows, an IMAX® Dome, a 4D theater, a Planetarium, an 8,700 square foot special exhibit hall, and 220+ interactive exhibits, the Science Center has a lot to offer children and adults alike. Affectionately known as MiSci, this is a STEM engagement hub where discovery, learning and interactive participation meet. The exhibits, programs and science shows explore various topics in STEM and promote literacy and understanding of the natural world and the built environment.
Midtown Detroit
Located on Detroit’s riverfront in the historic former Globe Building, with the Dequindre Cut Trail running through its backyard, the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center gives you a taste of Michigan’s great outdoors in the heart of the city. Amazing family fun venue, bring the kids. Experience exciting outdoor adventures with hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators – walk behind and touch a waterfall, step into a fishing boat and reel in a big fish, hit the trail on a mountain bike or snowmobile, and much more. Climb the roots and explore the canopy of our bur oak tree, hop aboard our airplane, and see what’s swimming in our aquarium.
Rivertown Neighborhood
The oldest aquarium in the country. The Belle Isle Aquarium was designed by famed Detroit architect, Albert Kahn, and opened on August 18, 1904. Home to a unique collection of fish. With one of the largest collections of air-breathing fish in the world; the only known collection of all 7 species of gar in North America. You will travel all over the globe exploring the Great Lakes and Waters of the world. From Africa to South American from rocky shores to sandy depths all different environments are on display.
Belle Isle - Near Downtown
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park is a transformational 22-acre green space located on the Detroit Riverfront. Designed to inspire play, wellness, and connection, the park features dynamic play areas for all ages, a serene water garden, an active Sport House for year-round recreation, and beautifully landscaped, tree-lined paths perfect for walking, relaxing, and reflection. Whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful moment by the river, this park is a place where everyone can belong. Great for children!
The newest Top Things To Do Downtown Detroit. This park is unique and spectacular for any city.
Delta Dental Play Garden
Whether you’re local or visiting for the day, the Delta Dental Play Garden is the ultimate play destination in Detroit. Come climb, slide, swing, splash, and make memories.
DTE Foundation Summit
This expansive lawn features hills and multiple paths across a tree-lined and tranquil area of the park.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden
This 2.5-acre water garden features winding paths, tranquil seating areas, willow trees, a dock and bridge.
William Davidson Sport House
The William Davidson Sport House features two full size Detroit Pistons basketball courts under a giant pavilion, offering four seasons of activities at Ralph Wilson Park.
Downtown Detroit
Belle Isle State Park, a 985-acre island park located in the Detroit River near downtown Detroit, is rich with history and natural beauty and provides spectacular views of Detroit to the North and Canada to the south. Extensive natural forest areas, plenty of picnic space. Picnic, jog, nature walk, swim at the beach, ride bicycles, fish, kayak, golf, and more. The island's 200-acre forested wetland is one of the largest wet-mesic flatwoods in existence … providing habitat for a large variety of rare plants, wildlife species and migrating songbirds. Home to Bald Eagles, Fallow Deer, Beaver, and more.
- Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
- Belle Isle Beach
- Belle Isle Childrens Playground
Eastside Detroit, Detroit River
