Bring the kids to downtown Detroit this winter for festivals, ice skating, sports, shows and more. There’s still plenty to do while the weather is cold!

Winter @ Valade

Bundle up and head to the Detroit Riverfront for Winter at Valade Park! Each weekend, visitors can warm up by oversized outdoor fires, enjoy hot seasonal drinks, make s’mores on the custom marshmallow roasters, grab a sled from the Sled Shed (featuring free sleds when it snows), play winter games and more. Themed weekends include the Fire & Ice Fest, Motown Magic, Mardi Gras at Valade and Lunar New Year. Check out Fireside Fridays for more kid friendly activities at Valade!

Ice Skate @ The Rink

Strap on your skates and take laps on The Rink at Campus Martius surrounded by the downtown skyline. Open daily, admission is $12 for adults and $9 for kids. Skate rental is available for $6 per person.

Spend A Day At The Museum

Avoid cabin fever and get out the house and in from the cold at a museum. Learn something new at the Michigan Science Center (the new Above & Beyond exhibit opens on January 30th!), explore the great works of art and create your own at the Detroit Institute of Arts (admission is FREE for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties), travel back in time thru the city’s past at the Detroit Historical Museum, sing in the same studio as the Temptations at the Motown Museum, and take a trip to Belle Isle to visit the Great Lakes Museum and Nature Center.

Visit The ‘Stick Fort’ @ Eliza Howell Park

Sidewalkdetroit has brought this incredible art installation to Eliza Howell Park – featuring a hand-woven sculpture that’s perfect for a game of hide and seek, outdoor time, or creative selfies. Located at the entrance of the park, it’s easy to find and there’s plenty of parking. Soak up the sun and have fun outside in nature. And it’s FREE!

Stroll/Skate/Bike The Lexus Velodrome

Did you know there is a velodrome in Detroit? The Lexus Velodrome offers an indoor track that allows families to get in a walk, practice bike riding or skating from the comfort of inside during the winter season. Open hours cost $5 per adult and kids under 18 are FREE and may sign up for a FREE year-long membership.

Cheer for DEEETROIT Basketball

Plan a family night out at Little Caesars Arena to watch the Pistons take the court. With the Sprite Family 4-Pack you get a $15 credit for concessions with each ticket! Join the Jr. Pistons Kid Club for even more special offers and exclusive experiences.

Test Out The Sledding Hills

Make the most of snowy days and hit the best sledding hills in the city.

  • Milliken State Park: 1900 Atwater Street, Detroit, 48207
  • Robert C. Valade Park: 2670 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
  • Balduck Park: 5271 Canyon Street, Detroit, 48236

Go Bowling @ The Garden Bowl

Have some old-school family fun at the 100 year old Garden Bowl in Midtown. The historic 16 lane bowling alley offers bumper bowling, ball ramps and some of the best pizza in town!

Aim High @ DYNO Detroit

Challenge yourself and your kids to reach new heights.  DYNO Detroit will offer a 18,400 sf of indoor rock climbing,  89 rope anchors and classes for all levels of climbers at 3500 Orleans Street in the Eastern Market District. The new construction building brings a new horizon of fun to Detroit. Best of all it’s open to younger kids too!

Grab a Meal at a Family-Friendly Restaurant

Kids don’t stop eating ice cream just because it’s cold outside! Enjoy a juicy burger, hot fries – and don’t forget dessert – at one of these buzz-worthy spots.

  • JoJo’s Shake Bar will leave kids in awe and transport adults back to simpler times with its 80s/90s-inspired details, like arcade game tables and a walk-up window for sports fans on the run. 
    88 W Columbia St, Detroit, MI 48201
  • Sugar Factory has over-the-top entrees, legendary desserts, and their famous, celebrity-endorsed smoking candy goblet drinks!
    1000 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
  • Mister Dip’s offers griddle burgers, waffle fries, seasonal Dairy Dips and more. Located in Parker’s Alley adjoining the Shinola Hotel.
    19 E Grand River Ave, Parkers Aly, Detroit, MI 48226

Get Tickets To A Show

Let your littles see their favorites live on stage.