A Local's Guide to Detroit
Top Family-Friendly Things-to-Do in Downtown Detroit & Nearby
Looking for family-friendly things to do in Detroit? Whether you're visiting Downtown Detroit for a weekend or planning a day trip with kids, you'll find interactive museums, waterfront parks, playgrounds, nature centers, bike trails, and hands-on attractions. This local guide highlights the best things to do with kids in Detroit, featuring family-friendly attractions in Downtown Detroit and Belle Isle for toddlers, children, and teens. All attractions are located within the City of Detroit—no suburban destinations included. Updated May 2026.
Top Detroit Family-Friendly Things-To-Do By Neighborhood
Use Map to find the best Downtown Detroit: Things to Do | Hotels | Coffee Shops | Breakfast/Lunch/Brunch Spots to plan your day.
Recommended Family-Friendly Attractions in Detroit
1. When the weather is not the best - rain, cold, snow, fog, .... This is where to take the kids! All very near each other, hours of fun.
-
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
2. Park once and visit Belle Isle
-
Belle Isle Nature Center, Kids Playground (next to Nature Center), then walk Nature Center loops and wetlands paths (Short easy walk, 10-20 minutes)
3. Visit the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center then rent a MOGO bike to travel the adjacent Dequindre Cut Grrenway (park once).
-
The bike rental is good for quick rides to:
-
-
The Dequindre Cut is one of Detroit’s best urban walking and biking trails — a below-street-level greenway built in a former railroad trench connecting the Detroit Riverwalk to Eastern Market. About 2-miles long.
-
4. Visit the Michigan Science Center then go to nearby Ford Piquette Factory Museum (Bad Weather or good)
Downtown
Downtown Detroit
Outdoor Only
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park is one of the newest and most impressive Detroit family-friendly attractions. The 22-acre riverfront park combines playgrounds, sports courts, walking paths, gardens, and open green space, making it a great stop for both kids and adults exploring Downtown Detroit.
⭐What to Expect
-
Massive Delta Dental Play Garden with climbing areas, slides, swings, and splash features
-
Two full-size basketball courts inside the William Davidson Sport House
-
Scenic Detroit Riverwalk walking paths and shaded seating areas
-
Peaceful 2.5-acre Water Garden with bridges, docks, and willow trees
-
DTE Foundation Summit - expansive lawn features hills and multiple paths across a tree-lined and tranquil area of the park.
-
Large open lawns perfect for relaxing, picnics, and family activities
⭐Good to Know
-
Especially good for kids ages 3–12
-
Great mix of active play areas and quieter spaces to relax
-
Easily can enjoy this park for several hours.
⭐Hours
-
Open daily: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
-
Delta Dental Play Garden closes at 9:00 PM
-
William Davidson Sport House: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
⭐Admission - One of the best FREE family activities in Downtown Detroit
⭐Before or after: Coffee/Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch - Alba Coffee or Mudgies Restaurant or Brooklyn Diner.
New Center
Midtown Detroit
Indoor Only
The Michigan Science Center is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Midtown Detroit, especially for elementary-age kids who enjoy hands-on activities, engineering exhibits, and interactive science experiences.
⭐What to Expect
-
220+ interactive exhibits ranging from toddler play areas to physics and engineering displays
-
IMAX Dome Theater and 4D movies
-
Planetarium shows focused on astronomy and space exploration
-
Live science demonstrations and rotating exhibits
-
Dedicated younger-kids areas including Kids Town
⭐Good to Know
-
Best for ages 4–12
-
Toddlers usually enjoy the Kids Town section most
-
Older kids often prefer the planetarium, engineering exhibits, and IMAX theater
-
Easy to pair with the Detroit Institute of Arts, or a walk around Midtown
⭐Hours
-
Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–4 PM
-
Closed Mondays
⭐Admission (May 2026)
-
General admission + 1 theater show: about $23 per person ages 3+
-
Children under 3: Free
⭐Before or after: Coffee/Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch - Warda Patisserie or Babo.
Rivertown
Rivertown Neighborhood – Near Downtown
Indoor Only
The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center is a fun, hands-on family attraction along Detroit’s riverfront beside the Dequindre Cut Greenway.
⭐What Kids Can Do
-
Touch and walk behind a waterfall
-
Reel in a fish from a fishing boat simulator
-
Ride snowmobile and mountain bike simulators
-
Explore the roots and canopy of a giant bur oak tree
-
Climb aboard an airplane
⭐Good to Know
-
Best for ages 4–12
-
Great rainy-day activity
-
Easy stop while exploring the Riverwalk or Dequindre Cut
-
Usually takes 2 hours
⭐Hours
-
Monday: Closed
-
Tuesday: Groups by appointment only
-
Wednesday–Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
-
Sunday: Noon – 4:00 PM
⭐Admission (May 2026)
-
Adults (13–61): $7
-
Seniors (62+): $5
-
Children (2–12): $5
-
Under 2: Free
⭐Before or after: Coffee/Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch - Red Hook Coffee or The Clique Restaurant.
Near Belle Isle along Detroit River
Outdoor Only
The Mt. Elliott Park Splash Pad & Park is a favorite summertime stop along the Detroit riverfront offering family-friendly fun and waterfront views.
⭐What to Expect
-
The primary water feature is a Great Lakes schooner shipwreck
-
This interactive water venue includes exciting water cannons, wind chimes, and playful spray features kids love.
-
Families can also enjoy beautiful picnic grounds, shaded tables, and an on-site snack shop.
-
Short walk along the Detroit Riverwalk to Belle Isle. Rent a bike here and travel the Riverwalk.
⭐Good to Know
-
Best suited for toddlers through elementary-age children
-
Great spot for the entire family, easily stay 2-3 hours.
⭐Hours
-
Splash pad season: Memorial Day through Labor Day
-
Daily hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (weather permitting)
⭐Admission - One of the best FREE family activities in Downtown Detroit
⭐Before or after: Coffee/Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch - Red Hook for coffee or Warda East for Coffee/Food or try The Clique Restaurant. We also suggest nearby Legends Grille for a casual family meal.
Belle Isle State Park
Located just east of Downtown Detroit
Outdoor Only
Belle Isle State Park is a 985-acre island park in the Detroit River. Spectacular skyline views of Detroit to the north and Canada to the south.
⭐What to Expect
-
Untouched natural forest areas and large picnic spaces throughout the island
-
Picnicking, jogging, biking, kayaking, fishing, golfing, swimming, and nature walks
-
Home to a 200-acre forested wetland, one of the largest wet-mesic flatwoods remaining in existence
-
Habitat for rare plants, wildlife species, and migrating songbirds
-
Wildlife sightings may include Bald Eagles, Beaver, Fallow Deer, and more
⭐Good to Know
-
Fun for all ages
-
A unique experience, you can spend all day here
⭐Hours
-
Daily hours: 5 M – 10 PM
⭐Admission (May 2026)
-
Free for pedestrians and bicyclists
-
Vehicles require a Michigan Recreation Passport or day pass ($11)
⭐Before or after: Coffee/Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch - Red Hook for coffee or Warda East for Coffee/Food or try The Clique Restaurant. We also suggest nearby Legends Grille for a casual family meal.
Daily: 10 AM – 5 PM
Located on south side of Belle Isle
Indoors & Outdoors
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is one of the oldest continually operating conservatories in the United States. Featuring a beautiful glass-domed conservatory overlooking the Detroit River.
⭐What to Expect
-
Features exotic tropical plants, seasonal flower displays, cacti, palms, orchids, and rare botanical collections
-
Popular destination for families, photographers, and nature lovers year-round
-
The conservatory’s Fernery is considered one of the finest historic fern collections in North America
-
Adjacent outdoor gardens include lily ponds and landscaped walking paths
⭐Good to Know
-
Good for all ages
⭐Admission - FREE admission
⭐Hours
-
Wednesday–Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
-
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Belle Isle – Near Downtown
Indoor Only
The Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest public aquarium in the United States, originally designed by famed Detroit architect Albert Kahn and opened in 1904 on Belle Isle Park.
⭐What to Expect
-
Families can explore fish and aquatic environments from around the world, including Great Lakes species, tropical fish, rocky shoreline habitats, and sandy river ecosystems.
-
The aquarium is especially known for its large collection of air-breathing fish and one of the only collections featuring all seven species of gar found in North America.
-
The aquarium is small, viewable in about one hour. Pair with the conservatory next door for a longer visit.
⭐Good to Know
-
Great family stop while exploring Belle Isle
-
Best for ages 4+
-
Easy to pair with the conservatory, nature center, or riverfront
-
Usually takes about 30–60 minutes to visit
⭐Hours
-
Friday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
-
Monday–Thursday: Closed
⭐Admission - FREE admission
⭐Before or after: Coffee/Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch - Red Hook Coffee or The Clique Restaurant.
Located east end of Belle Isle
Mostly Indoor - Some Outdoor activities
Belle Isle Nature Center offers free, family-friendly nature exhibits and wildlife experiences on Belle Isle
⭐What to Expect
-
Features live native Michigan animals including turtles, snakes, frogs, fish, and birds of prey
-
Indoor exhibits focus on local ecosystems, wetlands, forests, pollinators, and Great Lakes wildlife
-
Popular deer viewing area located behind the building
-
Walking trails and outdoor nature areas surround the center
⭐Good to Know
-
Best for ages 3–12
-
Takes about 2 hours
⭐Hours
-
Daily: 10 AM – 5 PM
⭐Admission - FREE admission
⭐Before or after: Coffee/Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch - Red Hook for coffee or Warda East for Coffee/Food or try The Clique Restaurant. We also suggest nearby Legends Grille for a casual family meal.
Outdoor Only
There are two wonderful, very popular children's play areas on Belle Isle. Each can easily entertain children for 1-2 hours.
⭐Belle Isle Children's Playground
-
Large central playground area on Central Avenue
-
Includes swings, tunnels, slides, climbing features, and picnic pavilion
-
Designed for kids of multiple age groups
-
Located near the famous Giant Slide and seasonal food trucks
-
Daily hours: 5 M – 10 PM
-
Admission - FREE
⭐Kids ADA Playground on Oakway Rd., next to Nature Center
-
Modern playground near the Belle Isle Nature Center
-
Features zip-line style swings, climbing structures, and a tall treehouse-style slide
-
Accessible design for a wide range of abilities
-
Daily hours: 5 AM – 10 PM
-
Walk to Belle Isle Nature Center
-
Admission - FREE
Located north shore of Belle Isle
Outdoor Only
Large sandy swimming beach with a buoyed swim area. Popular for swimming, sunbathing, picnics, and skyline views of Detroit and Canada
⭐What to Expect
-
Nearby amenities include picnic areas, restrooms, walking trails, and playgrounds
-
Open seasonally, generally from late spring through Labor Day
-
Located on the north side of Belle Isle
-
Typically accessible daily from 5 AM – 9 PM during summer season
⭐Good to Know
-
Best for ages 3–12
⭐Admission - FREE
⭐Hours
-
Daily: 10 AM – 5 PM
Located on the south side of Belle Isle Park
Indoor Only
Small maritime museum focused on Great Lakes shipping, Detroit River history, historic boats, and hands-on exhibits for families
⭐What to Expect
-
Features include the restored pilot house of the SS William Clay Ford, ship models, Great Lakes history exhibits, and views of the Detroit River
-
The museum offers exhibits including the Miss Pepsi hydroplane, the Edmund Fitzgerald’s bow anchor, and the Gothic Room from the S.S. City of Detroit III
⭐Good to Know
-
Best for ages 5+
-
Typical visit length is about 60 minutes
-
Family-friendly and stroller accessible
-
Pairs well with:
-
Belle Isle Aquarium
-
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
-
Belle Isle playgrounds
-
⭐Admission (May 2026)
-
$5
-
Children under 6: FREE
⭐Hours
-
Friday–Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
-
Sunday: 1 PM – 5 PM
