Detroit · Wayne County, MI

Family things to do in Detroit

Scout analyzed 141 Detroit places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

141

Matches

Typical spend

$20

Typical visit

1.7 hr

Complete outings

Family Afternoon at Detroit Historical Museum

Dive into Detroit's vibrant past with interactive exhibits and recreated street scenes at the Detroit Historical Museum, perfect for curious minds of all ages. Afterward, refuel with a satisfying and casual meal in a historic setting, ending with a sweet treat.

Scout-verified spots

Foxtown

Fox Theatre

This grand theater is good for an evening show, often paired with dinner nearby. Expect to spend 3 hours and $50-200 per person on tickets.

ArtsLive musicViews

★ 4.7$50–$200 typical3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Cranbrook House & Gardens

Cranbrook House & Gardens is suitable for a 2-3 hour visit, offering both garden exploration and house tours. Expect to spend $10-20 per person on entry, ideal for a relaxed afternoon activity or part of a weekend adventure.

OutdoorsHistoryViews

$10–$20 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown Detroit

The Skip

The Skip is a colorful outdoor cocktail bar perfect for a relaxed afternoon drink or an evening social outing. Expect to spend $15-40 per person on drinks and linger for 1-2 hours.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Family

Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo is a full-day family outing, typically lasting 3-4 hours, with tickets around $20-25 per person plus food and parking. It's best experienced in good weather, offering a mix of outdoor animal habitats and indoor exhibits.

AnimalsOutdoorsViews

$20–$40 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve

This nature preserve offers walking trails through forests and wetlands for a free outdoor experience, suitable for a 1-2 hour visit. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a standalone activity.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Stony Creek Metropark

Stony Creek Metropark is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor excursion with family or friends, offering activities like hiking, biking, or picnics. Expect to spend $10-25 per person, mainly for park entry and potential rentals.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$10–$25 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Corktown

Ima Izakaya

Ima Izakaya is suitable for a casual evening meal or drinks, often paired with another activity in the Corktown area. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-50 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Cass Corridor

HopCat

HopCat is a brew pub for a casual meal or drinks, offering a large beer selection and pub fare. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $20-40 per person, making it a good stop before or after a local event.

FoodCocktailsShopping

$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Proud Lake Recreation Area

Proud Lake Recreation Area is suitable for a half-day or full-day outdoor adventure, including hiking, boating, or fishing. Entry requires a Michigan Recreation Pass ($12 annual or $11 daily for non-residents), making it a relatively inexpensive outing.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$12 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Rivertown - Warehouse District

Detroit Riverwalk

The Detroit Riverwalk is ideal for an active, scenic outing, especially on a nice day. It's a free activity that can be paired with a meal or other downtown attractions, typically lasting 1-2 hours depending on how much ground you cover.

OutdoorsViewsSports

$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Rivertown - Warehouse District

Mt. Elliott Park

Mt. Elliott Park is ideal for a sunny afternoon, especially with kids enjoying the water feature. It's a free outdoor activity that can be paired with a walk along the riverfront or a picnic.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Rivertown - Warehouse District

Big Pink

Big Pink is a live music venue in Detroit, suitable for an evening out to catch a band. Expect to spend a few hours and $20-75 per person on drinks and cover if applicable, pairing well with a casual dinner beforehand.

Live musicCocktailsArts

$20–$75 typical2.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown Detroit

Museum of Illusions

This museum offers an hour or so of interactive, photo-friendly fun, suitable for all ages. It can be paired with a meal downtown and costs around $20-30 per person.

ArtsViewsShopping

$20–$30 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Stage Nature Center

Stage Nature Center is ideal for a 1.5-hour outdoor activity, such as a family walk or solo hike, with potential for educational programs. It's a low-cost outing that can be paired with a picnic or other local attractions.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$5 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Spend 4-6 hours exploring American innovation and history, perfect for families or out-of-town guests. Expect to spend $30-40 per person on admission.

ArtsHistoryViews

$30–$40 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Cultural Center

Michigan Science Center

The Michigan Science Center is a good stop for a 3-hour family or solo outing, offering interactive exhibits. Expect to spend $14-20 per person for admission, plus parking.

ArtsHistoryEducational

$14–$20 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Maybury State Park

Maybury State Park offers a range of outdoor activities like hiking and biking, suitable for a 2-4 hour visit. It can be a free outing with a Recreation Passport or cost around $12 for a day pass.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$12 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Elijah McCoy

Lincoln Street Art Park

This free outdoor art park offers a unique urban exploration for an hour or two. It's a good standalone activity for families or solo adventurers, best enjoyed on a clear day, and doesn't require any prior booking.

OutdoorsArtsViews

$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Gold Coast

Gabriel Richard Park

Gabriel Richard Park is ideal for a free, relaxed outdoor stop, perhaps paired with a drive along the riverfront. Expect to spend about an hour enjoying the views and open space.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

DTE Plaza

Beacon Park

Beacon Park is a free urban green space perfect for a relaxed family outing or solo walk, especially when paired with a meal downtown. Expect to spend an hour or two here, with parking being the primary cost.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Oakwoods Metropark

Oakwoods Metropark is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, featuring hiking trails and a nature center. Expect to pay a vehicle entrance fee (typically under $10) unless you have a pass.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Capitol City

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit

This coffee shop is good for a casual solo stop or a relaxed meetup with friends, especially if live music is scheduled. Expect to spend about an hour and $5-$15 per person for coffee and a pastry.

FoodShoppingLive music

$5–$15 typical45 min visithard parking

Rivertown - Warehouse District

Robert C. Valade Park

This park is suitable for a 1-2 hour outdoor visit, ideal for families or solo exploration. Expect to spend little to nothing, but bring money for food trucks or concessions if desired.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Crosswinds Marsh

Crosswinds Marsh is a free outdoor nature preserve with walking trails, suitable for a 2-hour family or solo walk to observe wildlife. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a destination on its own.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking