13 Things to Do with Family in Detroit, Michigan

1. Learn About Ford History at The Henry Ford

Name and Location: The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village is located in the metro Detroit suburb of Dearborn, MI about 11 miles from downtown.

History and Significance: The Henry Ford details over 300 years of American history through historic buildings, technological innovations that changed society, the automotive industry’s story and more as one of the country’s premier history destinations.

What to Expect: Museum goers encounter iconic artifacts like the bus Rosa Parks sat in or the presidential limo JFK rode through Dealey Plaza plus pioneering innovations, machinery powering the industrial revolution, automotive exhibits and historic villages populated with costumed presenters demonstrating Victorian life as it was lived.

Visitor Information: The Henry Ford campus is open daily year-round aside from select major holidays in winter. Discounted admission available online. Free shuttles connect venues across the expansive campus.

Relive America’s automotive history by visiting the Henry Ford Historical Attractions in the Dearborn, Michigan, metro region. See Henry Ford’s famous Model T and learn about three centuries of ingenuity and resourcefulness at the Henry Ford Museum. See more than 100 historic buildings in Greenfield Village, a recreation of Ford’s hometown, and ride steam locomotives and Model Ts.

Experienced historians bring the displays to life. On a huge six-story screen during the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, IMAX films featuring Ford’s famous assembly line dazzle. At interactive stations, kids can try things like operating a robotic assembly line. Families gain a comprehensive appreciation of how Ford’s inventiveness influenced modern industry.

2. See Exotic Animals at the Detroit Zoo’s Australian Outback Adventure

Name and Location: The Australian Outback Adventure zone brings the wildlife of the Land Down Under to the Detroit Zoo.

History and Significance: Opened in 2018, this $30 million habitat expansion emphasizes species conservation close encounters showcasing red kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras and cassowaries roaming freely through detailed recreations of their Australian environments at the Detroit Zoo.

What to Expect: Zoo visitors can hand feed kangaroos, touch a lorikeet landing on their shoulder, grab selfies with rock wallabies or spot the flightless cassowary as they explore recreated Australian lake habitats that mimic the Antipodean feel through flora native to Queensland.

Visitor Information: The Australian Outback Adventure experience is included with regular Detroit Zoo admission. Timed entry tickets should be booked online in advance when possible, especially during peak months.

See kangaroos, wallabies, crocodiles, and other Australian creatures at the Detroit Zoo’s Outback Adventure. The terrain of Australia’s Northern Territory is replicated in this cutting-edge ecosystem. Watch as nimble wallaroos and red kangaroos wander the large yard.

Every day, anxious crowds of kangaroos are fed by volunteer guides. See ancient-looking creatures including crocodiles and a massive saltwater croc inside the 8,400-square-foot Hickman Outback Building. The species shown in the thorough immersion into Australia’s deep bush are unique to the zoo.

3. Tour the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

Name and Location: The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House is a historic home located at 1100 Lake Shore Road along the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores, just northeast of Detroit, MI.

History and Significance: Completed in 1929 for Edsel Ford and his wife Eleanor, this opulent estate exemplifies aristocratic life in the early 20th century as the Ford family cemented its wealth and influence. Its architecture and artworks convey unmatched extravagance.

What to Expect: Guided tours allow visitors to explore the elegant 20,000+ square foot English-style Cotswold mansion and its impeccably crafted interiors room-to-room as an immersive glimpse back in time when Detroit high society vacationed lakeside each summer to escape urban heat.

Visitor Information: The Ford House offers timed entry tour tickets to walk through the estate from May through early September. Gardens and grounds remain open longer seasonally. Reserved tickets should be booked online in advance.

The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores offers a glimpse into the lives of the well-known Detroit auto dynasty, the Fords. Experience upper-class living by seeing the stunning lakefront estate built for Henry Ford’s only son in the 1920s. Explore the lavishly furnished rooms that include unique artwork and furnishings.

Children love going on scavenger hunt-style tours, where they have to look for things like a suit of armor or the head of a rhinoceros. Children can pot plants to take home from the youth garden session. Throughout the year, there are unique family festivals that showcase hobbies like jewelry making, photography, and comic book art. Exploring the historic Ford family estate offers a hands-on educational experience.

4. See a Show at the Fox Theatre

Name and Location: The Fox Theatre is an elegantly ornate performing arts center and movie palace located at 2211 Woodward Ave in downtown Detroit, MI.

History and Significance: Constructed in 1928, the Fox Theatre stands as a pinnacle of extravagantly detailed architecture spanning 13 stories as an exceptional example of lavish movie houses from the pre-Depression boom era conveying Fox Theatres’ then-slogan: “Built for the ages”.

What to Expect: Modern audiences can take in classic movies or attend concerts, comedy shows and Broadway touring productions within the visually dazzling Fox overseen by a skilled restoration team who meticulously maintain the time-honored interior decor intact as a cornerstone of Detroit’s Theater District.

Visitor Information: The Fox Theatre hosts regular public tours detailing the interior design, architecture and history when no events are occurring. Tickets for movies and performances available on Ticketmaster.

At the lavishly furnished Fox Theatre, your child’s creativity will be ignited by a spectacular live performance. Glistening stars, clouds, and illuminating Buddhas take you to a another universe in this 1928 cinema palace with an exotic Asian motif. Fantastical tales are brought to life on stage by Broadway touring companies such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Lion King, and Frozen.

The Fox stage also features national touring musicians, comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, and symphonic orchestras. The Fox Theatre provides captivating family entertainment, from the thundering pipe organ to the sparkling roof.

5. Make a Splash at Great Wolf Lodge Michigan

Name and Location: Great Wolf Lodge in Michigan is a large indoor water park resort hotel located at 3575 N. Cedar Springs Rd. in Traverse City approximately 300 miles northwest of Detroit.

History and Significance: Opened 2021, Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City imported the family-oriented Great Wolf model blending a popular year-round indoor water park under an expansive glass roof housing thrill slides, play zones and pools suited for all ages paired with Northwoods-themed accommodation options onsite.

What to Expect: Overnight guests enjoy unlimited access to lightning racer body slides, a massive Fort Mackenzie sprayground treehouse, wave pool, lazy river and other wet attractions spread over 70,000+ square feet filling out days between adventures exploring Northern Michigan’s natural and cultural offerings just beyond the lodge doors.

Visitor Information: Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City offers over 500 family suites. Direct online booking available. Exclusive water park access limited to registered overnight guests for a bundled price.

Reserve a room at Great Wolf Lodge Michigan, which is a short drive north of Detroit in Traverse City, for year-round water park enjoyment. For nonstop fun, the enormous indoor water park has pools, slides, and spray features. Allow children to plunge down Alberta Falls and River Canyon Run. Throughout the lodge, use magic wands to participate in an interactive MagiQuest game.

At nightly Great Wolf kids programs, take part in a dance party and story time. Riding the Howlin’ Tornado funnel or descending the four-story Dropslide, you can howl with joy. The family stays together in the Northwoods themed suites, some of which have bunk beds and camping furnishings. Just a short drive from Detroit, Great Wolf Lodge provides the perfect family vacation with indoor and outdoor wet fun.

6. Pedal Along the Dequindre Cut and Detroit Riverfront

Name and Location: The Dequindre Cut Greenway spans 2 miles connecting Detroit’s riverfront to historic Eastern Market district through downtown.

History and Significance: Converting a former railroad, this urban recreational path developed green infrastructure stitching neighborhoods together since 2009. The Cut enables walkers, joggers, bicyclists and wheelchairs accessible access through Detroit while observing nature and public art.

What to Expect: Users of the Dequindre Cut encounter paved pathways following an old railroad bed flanked by native plants, trees, artwork murals depicting the city and its history connecting Lafayette Park through to the Detroit Riverwalk. Benches provide rest stops to enjoy views.

Visitor Information: The Dequindre Cut pathway is freely open for public access dawn to dusk year-round as a non-motorized route connecting communities across central Detroit.

You may ride two wheels around Detroit on the Dequindre Cut greenway, which runs from the Eastern Market to the riverfront. Following the path of an ancient railroad line, the rail-trail is located below street level. Walk 1.4 miles one way on the paved walkway while taking in the gardens and graffiti along the way.

Cruise along Detroit’s riverside to finish the circle. For almost five miles, you can ride by parks, sculptures, fountains, and marinas to reach Belle Isle. Wheelhouse Detroit provides tours and bike rentals. The Dequindre Cut and Detroit Riverfront Trail highlight Detroit’s natural beauty and offer flat terrain ideal for family cycling.

7. Experience the Legend of Detroit Red Wings Hockey at Little Caesars Arena

Name and Location: Little Caesars Arena is located at 2645 Woodward Ave serving as the home venue to the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings hockey team and NBA’s Detroit Pistons basketball team.

History and Significance: Opened in 2017 near downtown Detroit, this state-of-the-art indoor arena hosts 19,000+ fans for Detroit’s pro hockey and basketball games alongside A-list concerts and other sports/entertainment events utilizing adaptable design suited to any occasion.

What to Expect: Visitors attend exciting Red Wings NHL and Pistons NBA home games in an electrifying environment outfitted with amenities serving gourmet concessions to create a world-class event experience including a 10,000-sqaure foot outdoor plaza.

Visitor Information: Tickets to Little Caesars Arena events can be purchased on Ticketmaster and the venue website. Year-round public tours available on non-event days exploring sports exhibits and behind-the-scenes spaces.

It would be impossible for ardent Detroit fans to visit without taking in some Detroit Red Wings play at the brand-new Little Caesars Arena. It’s exciting to witness future Hall of Famers compete up close in the 20,000-seat arena. To see players warm up and witness souvenir pucks thrown into the stands, arrive as soon as the gates open. Outside, updated LED visuals tell the tale of Detroit hockey.

Children will like taking pictures with enormous bobbleheads and statues of legendary Red Wings players. Enjoy elegant dining at upscale lounges such as the Coors Light Zamboni Club. The Red Wings hockey team provides family entertainment via thrilling play, heritage, and fan camaraderie.

8. Explore the Detroit Zoo

Name and Location: The Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, just north of Detroit, Michigan.

History and Significance: Founded in 1928, the Detroit Zoo sits on 125 acres with award-winning naturalistic habitats for more than 2,500 animals representing 300 species. It’s renowned for immersive panda and polar bear exhibits along with the Arctic Ring of Life.

What to Expect: Visitors explore zoo habitats like the African Grasslands, Australian Outback Adventure, Polk Penguin Conservation Center, reptile house, insect building plus simulated jeep and train tours. Shows and feeding encounters occur daily.

Visitor Information: The Detroit Zoo is open daily all year aside from select major holidays. Parking and admission fees apply. Memberships offering year-round entry are available.

One of Michigan’s most well-liked family attractions is the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, which occupies 125 acres. The zoo, which is home to thousands of creatures from about 300 species, has displays that mimic global environments. Get up close and personal with polar bears swimming underwater in the Arctic Ring of Life and greet gorillas in the Great Apes of Harambee outdoor habitat.

See an exhibit at the National Amphibian Conservation Center, a cutting-edge establishment that raises endangered frogs. For extra entertainment, take a ride on the carousel, zip line, and miniature Train Town. The Detroit Zoo offers family-friendly attractions, kid-friendly play spaces, and captivating animal encounters that make for an exciting day of exploration.

9. Tour a Great Lakes Freighter at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum

Name and Location: The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is located on Detroit’s historic Belle Isle park along the shores of the Detroit River.

History and Significance: Open since 1960, the Dossin Museum illuminates the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes through extensive exhibits and an acclaimed collection of model ships. Visitors can board an on-site freighter for tours.

What to Expect: Maritime exhibits trace navigational science, freighter life, shipwrecks, lighthouses and more. A bow-to-stern tour of the historically retired freighter lets visitors explore cargo holds, crew quarters, the pilothouse and observation deck.

Visitor Information: The Dossin Museum offers daily tours May through October. An admission fee is charged for the museum and included freighter ticket.

Visit the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle for an immersive look at the ships that were essential to Detroit’s development. The aqua-colored SS William Clay Ford ship, which is available for guided excursions, is a highlight. Explore the decks of the 1953 limestone carrier to get a close-up look at the crew quarters, engine room, pilot house, and cargo holds.

The history and workings of the maritime industry are covered in interactive exhibits. Models, paintings, equipment, and a surviving wooden cabin from a freighter from the 1890s are among the other marine treasures. Families develop a fresh respect for the ships that are crucial to Great Lakes trade and culture.

10. Skate Year-Round at Campus Martius Park

Name and Location: Campus Martius Park is a public square located in downtown Detroit bordered by Woodward Ave, Michigan Ave, Washington Blvd and Congress Street.

History and Significance: Redeveloped in 2004, Campus Martius offers year-round recreation through an outdoor ice skating rink in winter converted to a fountain and beach during summer months amidst green public spaces.

What to Expect: From November to March visitors enjoy free public ice skating with daily programming like lessons, skate rentals and special events from music to Winter Blast festivals. Family activities continue through summer months.

Visitor Information: Campus Martius Park is free to access year-round dawn to dusk. Some special events and rentals require paid tickets. Parking garages are nearby.

Detroit’s downtown Campus Martius Park is transformed into a fun ice skating rink that’s ideal for families when the winter months arrive. Put on your skates and glide over the ice, which is surrounded by the highest skyscrapers in the city as well as elaborate historic buildings. There is a warming hut and the option to rent skates.

Fun isn’t just for winter thanks to the artificial ice. The park offers skating all year round, including during the summer. Entertaining elements are added by special events like Skate to the Classics, Happy Hour Skate, and Skate with Santa. In the center of Detroit, Campus Martius offers festive entertainment with music, decorations, and sparkling lights.

11. See a Detroit Tigers Baseball Game at Comerica Park

Name and Location: Comerica Park is an open-air baseball stadium located at 2100 Woodward Ave downtown that hosts the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball.

History and Significance: Open since 2000, the Tigers completed the move to their new ballpark at Comerica Park from historic Tiger Stadium. Today it hosts over 2 million fans per season through 81 home games each year.

What to Expect: Tourists can catch regular season Tigers games through the summer into fall while enjoying good views of the field, multiple food concessions and an onsite gift shop. The park offers a lively gameday atmosphere.

Visitor Information: Comerica Park runs daily public tours on non-game days. Single game and season ticket packages can be purchased through the Tigers official website.

Take the family to a Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park to see the fast-paced action of Major League Baseball. A carousel and Ferris wheel enhance the kid-friendly atmosphere at the gleaming stadium, where the Tigers have played since 2000. Come early so you may take a walk in the lovely Ernie Harwell Park outside the gates before the first pitch.

On certain Sundays following games, children are allowed to run the bases. Games are followed by fireworks on Fridays. Attend the yearly NCAA Detroit Little League Classic to watch aspiring baseball players compete. A memorable family adventure can be had at Comerica Park thanks to its reasonably priced tickets, concessions, and engaging activities.

12. Explore Hands-On Science at the Michigan Science Center

Name and Location: The Michigan Science Center is an interactive museum located in Midtown Detroit focused on STEM exploration.

History and Significance: Founded in 1970, the Michigan Science Center (formerly the Detroit Science Center) is a world-class showcase for inspiring curious minds of all ages to discover and explore science, technology and math principles through hands-on permanent and visiting exhibits.

What to Expect: Interactive galleries let visitors explore concepts like space science, physics, chemistry, biology, geometry and more through stimulating displays and activities like manipulating objects with giant air vortices or collecting bee pollen. An IMAX Dome theater, planetarium, lab spaces, live science shows and visiting exhibitions immerse guests of all ages in wonder.

Visitor Information: The Michigan Science Center is open daily aside from Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission fees apply with discounted rates for Michigan residents.

The Michigan Science Center’s ten acres of interactive displays are sure to provide children with an enjoyable first-hand science experience. Visit the Space Gallery to learn about space exploration and Mars excursions. Race derby cars made of pine wood down a 40-foot track.

Learn the fundamentals of coding and design robots. Kidstown, a place for children aged five and younger, allows even young children to participate in the fun. New experiences are offered by traveling exhibits, live science shows, and giant screen IMAX films. Located in the bustling Midtown section of Detroit, the Michigan Science Center uses interactive science education to entertain and educate visitors.

Conclusion

Detroit dazzles with a variety of family-friendly events, ranging from sports, parks, and family entertainment to museums and cultural sites. Before and after games, there’s pleasure to be had on foot in District Detroit, which surrounds the stadiums. Classics like the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Zoo are given new life by the revitalized Midtown.

Children are introduced to Detroit’s cultural heritage through visiting a Motown legend’s boyhood home and learning about the auto legacy at The Henry Ford. Family-friendly outdoor activities include kayaking the Detroit River, ice skating at Campus Martius Park, and cycling along the riverbank. Detroit provides families with new experiences and a renewed admiration for Motor City thanks to its growing development and cultural revival.