You can’t beat a good library – FREE fun for families that’s educational and inspires the imagination. Metro Detroit has lots of wonderful libraries to visit but here are a few top picks to put on your list.

Clinton-Macomb Public Library 

40900 Romeo Plank, Clinton Twp., MI 48038

The Clinton-Macomb library has the most amazing Children’s Department and is easily our top pick. To begin, you’re greeted by Thomas the Train who  runs on an overhead track when you push a button (and what kid doesn’t love pushing a button. The entire section is designed as a play land and you can ride a firetruck, bus, airplane, train, boat and horse drawn wagon! There’s a theatre for puppet shows and blocks, legos and other STEAM toys available for imaginative play. With creative displays it’s easy to pick out a new book (or 10) and get immersed in the story with your imagination literally running wild with your surroundings. Looking for tech time? There’s a dedicated tablet area with kid friendly games for those who want to play.

West Bloomfield Public Library 

4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323

The West Bloomfield Public Library’s Children’s Department is the winner of the National Medal and we understand why. Not only is it a treasure trove of books, there are multiple play stations that allow your littles to put their imagination to work. Babies can climb around a toddler area, older kids can play house or play at the LEGO table and families can pick an activity from the STEM cart for quality time together. BONUS: Plan your visit for a day when the Nature Center is open. It’s located across the parking lot and has cool activities for kids.

Southfield Public Library 

26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076

If you want to get away and relax with the kids, go to the Southfield Public Library. The beautiful library features 3 fireplaces including one in the Children’s Department where you can browse a magazine while your kids read inside an indoor tree house. They can also visit a castle and peak in on a sleeping dragon before sitting on an over sized thrown to read in the castle. When the weather is nice, step outside to the reading garden and get a selfie by some bookish art. The Southfield Public Library is located in the Civic Center where you can play on a large playground, ice skate at the Arena in the winter months or swim in the pool during the summer.

Ann Arbor District Library – Westgate Branch

2503 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

The innovative library is located in a strip mall next to a TJMaxx and The Little Seedling children’s boutique, Zingerman’s Roadhouse is in the parkinglot and a full-service Sweetwater Coffee shop inside. The Children’s Department is a perfect meet up space for parents. With a round seating archway, you can grab a coffee beforing sitting to chat while the kids play with toys, keep busy with the light wall, find new games on the tablet or cozy up with books in the wall cubes. The creative wall feature is a show stopper and a ‘hideaway’ sure to entertain your kids for even longer than you need.

Farmington Community Library

32737 W 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334

The Children’s Department at the Farmington Community Library has great space for kids to play and be engaged. Kids can get creative on the play stage, build with life-size Lincoln Logs and check out the rotating themed hands-on room. You can also find crafts at the make and take station, join in on a story-time and have fun with some touch screens. Those with littles will want to check out Farmington’s downtown branch (23500 Liberty St.) for open space and climbing toys that will keep them safe and entertained inside.

Redford Township District Library 

25320 Six Mile Rd, Redford Charter Twp, MI 48240

The Redford Library is a gem that is will soon undergo major improvements! Currently your littles will love the big firetruck to climb on, puppet and play area, LEGO table and other kid activities. The Children’s Department hosts a series of fun activities and classes for kids of all ages, inside their classroom space and outside in the recently renovated outdoor patio.

Commerce Township Community Library 

180 E. Commerce Road, Commerce Twp., MI 48382

The Commerce Township Library is a must-visit for metro Detroit families. When you enter the main library you’ll quickly spot the automatic doors to enter the Children’s Department. The dedicated space is large and gives kids freedom to learn and play without being hushed. Cozy up in a chair and watch as your kids have fun playing with the magnet wall, train table, small climbing structure and digital table game located next to puzzles and other activities. There are traditional tablet stations for digital learning and a Maker cart when you’re feeling creative. After you’ve had fun inside, head outside to explore the story book trail and play on the playground. There is a structure with swings located across the building AND it is a less than 5 minute walk or even shorter drive to one of the regions most popular playgrounds – Scarlet’s Playlot.

Mount Clemens Public Library 

150 Cass Ave, Mt Clemens, MI 48043

There’s a NEW children’s section at the Mount Clemens Public Library and it is AMAZING! As soon as you walk inside, take the stairs down to the cheery kids’ section where you’ll find something for kids of ALL interests! There is a play kitchen, train ticket counter, dress up bins with props, train table, puzzles, toys, games and more. Make sure to check out their variety of story times (mornings/evenings and weekdays/weekends) available for different ages!