There’s no better place to be than the D. There’s nothing like summer in the city, beat the heat on a hot day at a museum or have fun in the sun outside, there’s plenty to do in Detroit.
Wheter you’re a resident, metro Detroiter or out of towner, here are the special events and activities that all families will love.
Have Fun On The Detroit Riverfront
Take a family stroll or bike ride along the Detroit Riverfront and take in the sites of the city. From every day fun at carousel at Cullen Plaza, the playground at Robert C. Valade Park, or splash pad at Mt. Elliott Park to special events, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.
- Kids Fishing Fest – June 12th
- Shimmer On The River – June 23rd
- Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront – July & August
- LittleGuide Detroit’ Stroller Roll – August 20th
Monroe Street Midway
Throwback at Bedrock’s Monroe Street Midway and show your kids how to roller skate on the colorful outdoor rink. The Midway also features basketball courts, and a 9-hole minature golf course.
Friday Night Flicks @ New Center Park
Stay up late to watch FREE movies at New Center Park in Detroit located across from the Fisher Theatre. Cuddle up with your littles under the city skyline and watch your favorites like Encanto and Sing 2 on the big screen. You can also catch a FREE live stage performance of Rapunzel presented by Black and Brown Theatre July 29th – 31st.
Wayne County Family Aquatic Center
Let your littles cool down at splish-splash play land, bigger kids (and adults) can take a ride down two super-sized twenty-three foot waterslides and everyone loves the wave pool that goes from 0 to 6ft at the Wayne County Family Aquatic Center.
Spend Saturday Morning @ Eastern Market
Stock up on fresh food, delicious treats and beautiful flowers at Eastern Market on Saturdays. There are beautiful murals that make for perfect family photo-ops throughout the district and an entrance to the Dequindre Cut if you’re looking to take a family walk or stroll to the Riverfront.
Tour A Museum
Detroit is rich in art and culture, plan a family field trip to the Cultural Center in Midtown and visit these museums: Michigan Science Center, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Historical Museum, and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Take A Sightseeing Tour on The Detroit River
Go for a (big) boat ride with the kids on a Diamond Jack’s River Tour. Show the kids Detroit and Canada and learn fun facts about life on the Detroit River.
Soak Up The Sun On Belle Isle
Make a splash at the beach, fly a kite, go fishing, walk the trails, and visit the Aquarium, Conservatory or Great Lakes Museum. Belle Isle State Park is beautiful and there are plenty of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Save the date for the Detroit Kite Festival on Sunday, July 10th – it’s a LittleGuide Detroit favorite.
Family Fun @ Beacon Park
Stop by Beacon Park on Sundays for themed FREE Family Fun Days featuring oversized games, inflatables, live entertainment and more. On Wednesdays in July and August join a FREE Baby + Me Yoga class.
Explore Detroit Abloom
A hidden gem on Detroit’s eastside, Detroit Abloom is a FREE public garden space for guests to enjoy and get inspired. From beautiful flowers to delicious food, find inspiration and fun as you explore. Make it a picnic and stop by Yellow Light on your way for coffee and donuts.
Plan A Play Day @ Palmer Park
There’s plenty to do a Palmer Park. The modern playset is a metror Detroit favorite and great for all ages and abilities. Take a walk through the nature trails, check out the log cabin and historic fountain, the splash pad that is generally open during summer months, and the mounted police are stationed there so you can often see their horses. The People for Palmer Park also host great events inlcuding the annual Palmer Park Art Fair, June 4 to 5.
Visit The Stick Fort
Sidewalk Detroit has an incredible FREE art installation at Eliza Howell Park – featuring a hand-woven sculpture that’s perfect for a game of hide and seek, outdoor time, or creative selfies.
Root For The Home Team
Go to a ball game and cheer for the Detroit Tigers and Detroit City Football Club this summer. Both offer family-friendly environments and welcome all ages.
Cool Down With Ice Cream
Treat yourself – and maybe the kids too – with a sweet treat at one of these ice cream spots.
Make U-Pick Bouquets @ Brightmor Flower Farm
Receive a tour of the farm, learn the names of the flowers for cutting, a pair of snips to cut and design your very own bouquet at Brightmor Flower Farm!
Riverside Skate Park
The $800k Riverside Skate Park was built by Grindline Skateparks and supported by the Tony Hawk Foundation is the perfect place for skateboarders and bikers. The skatepark has a large bowl in the middle with plenty of quarter pipes and other transitions. There are large street obstacles on all sides of the large bowl.
Ford Fireworks
The 2022 Ford Fireworks, one of America’s most celebrated fireworks displays, is scheduled for Monday, June 27th. The evening show will celebrate the theme, Hey Detroit! The Sky Shines For You, and feature over 10,000 pyrotechnic effects accompanied by a special musical arrangement.
Photo credit: Monroe Street Midway
