My Granny is one of my favorite people in the world. When I was a kid it was fun to just hang out and run errands with her, the extra special days were when we went downtown. My love for the city comes from Granny showing me places she’d go as a kid, riding the People Mover and dreaming about getting a house in Indian Village. Make memories that last a life time and plan a day trip to the city with the grandkids. Here are four fun places to check out:

Eastern Market // 2934 Russell St, Detroit MI 48207

Let Mom and Dad sleep in and take the kids to Eastern Market Saturday morning. The Farmers Market is open 6am to 4pm every Saturday and attracts visitors from across the region and state. Pick out fruits, veggies and other homemade goodies for lunch later. Take pictures at murals and listen to street music. If you want to avoid the crowds arrive before 10am or after 1pm.

While you’re at the Market you can find the Dequindre Cut a 2 mile recreational path that leads you to the Riverfront and the Outdoor Adventure Center.

Cost: FREE

Where to park: Eastern Market has free parking and multiple surface lots. I like to park at the surface lot on Wilkins and Riopelle – click here for Google map location.

Where to eat: Eastern Market has plenty of food options. Check out a food truck, get a sandwich at Stache International, pizza at Supino or something healthy at Beyond. Don’t forget to load them up on sweets before bringing them back home – get candy at Rocky’s or ice cream at Mootown Ice Cream Shoppe.

Outdoor Advenutre Center // 1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources operates the Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) located on the Detroit Riverfront at the entrance of the Dequindre Cut. Since 2015, the hands-on center has been a popular destination for Michigan families and visitors. Have fun flying a plane, riding an ATV, go fishing, see an indoor waterfall and more!

While you’re at the river, enjoy the Detroit Riverfront. A short walk west is Rivard Plaza, home to the Cullen Family Carousel, the RiverWalk Café and Wheelhouse Detroit (a bike shop offering bike rentals, tours, retail and service).

Cost: $3-5 per person

Where to park: The Outdoor Adventure Center has a free gated surface lot.

Where to eat: The Renaissance Center is a 15 minute walk along the riverfront from the OAC. The iconic skyscraper is fun to explore and has plenty of kid-friendly dining options, including Panera, Potbelly’s, Zoup and Granite City Food & Brewery. On bad weather days you can park at the Beaubien Place Garage (Atwater & St. Antoine). Parking fees are hourly and maximum daily rates on weekdays are $20 and $15 on the weekend.

Dossin Great Lakes Museum // 100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle, Detroit, MI 48207

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle has fun interactive exhibits that are great for all ages. Share memories of visits to Belle Isle and tell your littles about fun times on Boblo Island. You can also learn about the lakes together and see who has the best ship skills. While visiting Michigan’s newest State Park be sure to admire the city skyline, play at the James Scott Memorial Fountain and visit the Conservatory, Aquarium and Nature Center.

Cost: FREE

Where to park: There is free parking on Belle Isle (but you need a State Park Recreation passport $11 annually for entry to all state parks) and the Dossin Museum has parking in front of the building.

Where to eat: When you’re back on the penninsula cross Jefferson Ave and check out West Village. The burgeoning neighborhood is a family-friendly hotspot. Detroit Vegan Soul offers meatless soups, salads, sandwiches and smoothies – kid’s menu included. If going vegan sounds intimidating, go to Sister Pie, not only do they offer award winning sweets their menu includes savory items for breakfast and lunch.

Museums in Midtown // 5200 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48202

Midtown Detroit is a flourishing cultural mecca that provides plenty of choices for how you want to spend the day. From art at the DIA, to science and space at the Michigan Science Center, cultural diversity at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and our history as Detroiters at the Detroit Historical Museum, there is a lot to see and do on Woodward Avenue.

Cost: DIA and Detroit Historical Museum, FREE. Wright Museum, $5-8. Science Center, $16-28.

Where to park: The Detroit Historical Museum (park next to the building) and the DIA (park behind the building on John R. St., south of Kirby St. and north of Warren Ave) for $7 in secured lots. The DIA lot is also next to the Wright and Science museums.

Where to eat: Have lunch in the museum and under the skylight in Kregse Court at the DIA.  Take a 10 minute walk to Cass and Warren and eat at Sweet Lorraine’s Fabulous Mac N Cheez. Or take a ride on the QLine and try HOPCAT Detroit, they have a kid’s menu (get off at the Canfield exit).

Photo credit: Facebook

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