When you live in the Great Lakes State, there's no shortage of sandy beaches, but most of them require a…
6 Reasons To Visit Downtown Detroit This Winter

Don’t let chilly weather keep you indoors this winter. Bundle up and head downtown for some family fun! Bedrock is bringing fun to Detroit that the entire family will enjoy.
Monroe Street Drive-In
Pack up the car with pillows and snacks and get ready for a classic movie night at the Monroe Street Drive-In. Reserve your spot online, tickets are $20 per vehicle, and enjoy a 7pm show Thursday – Friday beginning January, 22nd. Movie schedule is announced each week and features family-friendly films.
Special Delivery: Parker’s Alley Letters for Hope Mailbox
Looking for a fun way to kick-off the new year? Pick up a special postcard at any participating Parker’s Alley retailer’s checkout counter, fill it out with your New Year’s resolution/wish/hope, and drop it in the Parker’s Alley Letters for Hope mailbox. In the nearby windows, all of the postcards will be put on display – so come back soon to see yours up!
Explore The Garden Maze at Capitol Park
Pick out sweet treats and cocoa from Cannelle and then step out on to Capitol Park to explore the garden maze that serves as a winter oasis, with socially-distanced seating and enchanting décor.
Family Selfies @ Street Art
Stroll the courtyard at Cadillac Square and explore six greenhouses that feature stationary art installations from local Detroit artists. Afterwards take a walk to 1401 Woodward Avenue to see the festive window displays created by three Detroit artists.
Take Laps Around The Rink
Take a spin on the ice at The Rink at Campus Martius! It is open daily but reservations to skate are required. Adults can skate for $11 and kids $9, skate rental is available for $5. Afterwards, take a lighted stroll down the Woodward Esplanade and enjoy the light installations. One-way paths have been established to provide a safe environment, and nearby seating is perfect for taking a break with a cup of hot cocoa.
Outdoor Winter Dining
Plan a family dinner at a downtown restaurant and eat in opened cozy and safe outdoor dining areas, each featuring its own partially enclosed pergolas and heaters! See a list of restaurants below and find a map here
- Besa
- Buddy’s Pizza
- Calexico
- Cornerstone Barrel House
- Eatori Market
- The Hudson Cafe
- Maru Sushi
- Mootz Pizzeria and Bar
- San Morello
FREE PARKING! It’s hard to beat free parking downtown. When you grab a bite to eat or shop at one of over one hundred stores you get 8 hours of validated parking. Pull into on of the garages on this map, take a ticket and request a validation from the merchant after your purchase. Some garages require a credit card instead of a ticket for entry and exit, but you won’t be charged for any parking less than eight hours as long as you present your validation upon exiting the garage.
Photo credit: Bedrock Winter Blast
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About Carrie Budzinski
Carrie Budzinski is the Vice President of LittleGuide Detroit. She grew up in Livonia and Detroit and continues to live life in both cities. Carrie loves exploring the city and finding hidden gems in the suburbs..
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