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Ice Skating at Campus Martius.
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The 20 best things to do in Detroit with kids

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Ice Skating at Campus Martius.
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From the Detroit Institute of Arts to the Motown Museum, Detroit is full of intriguing spots sure to impress any seasoned traveler or local. But what about families with kids? The city may not have the flashy kid-centric tourist traps like Disneyland, but there's still plenty for the younger crowd.

We've rounded up the 20 best spots that will keep the entire family happy while exploring the Motor City. Whether it's checking out the aquarium on Belle Isle or munching on snacks in the Eastern Market, there's something for everyone on the list.

Traveling to other cities with your kiddos? Don’t miss Curbed’s maps of the best family activities in Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, New Orleans, Austin, and New York City.

Note: Map points are ordered west to east.

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Greenfield Village

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As the outdoor living history museum section of the Henry Ford complex, the 90-acre Greenfield Village is worth its own day of exploring. With 83 historical buildings from the 17th century to the present, kids will love the costumed interpreters who demonstrate period tasks like glass blowing or husbandry on the working farm.

Other highlights include a ride in a real Model T car, a trip in a horse-drawn omnibus shuttle, and the Weiser Railroad that navigates around the village. 

A post shared by I love nature. (@daryl.k) on

The Henry Ford Museum

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Although it’s a 25 minute drive west of downtown Detroit, the Henry Ford Museum is worth the trek for kids looking to learn about auto mogul Henry Ford and the history of transportation in the United States. The living history museum boasts 18 interactive touch screens and a huge collection of activities and games.

Older children will love building their own race cars, while younger kiddos can service their own 1960s replica car in a garage. Pro tip: Don’t miss the Rosa Parks Bus which is on exhibit in the "With Liberty & Justice for All" section of the museum.

A post shared by The Henry Ford (@thehenryford) on

Detroit Zoo

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Since the 1880s, the Detroit Zoo has been entertaining kids of all ages, and the parklike grounds spread over 125 acres offer adults a scenic experience too. Don’t miss the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, a 33,000-square-foot marvel where visitors can see more than 80 penguins in action.  

Motown Museum

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As the hometown of Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and more, there’s a reason Detroit’s Motown Museum is also known as Hitsville U.S.A.. Not far from downtown you’ll find Motown’s first recording studio, Michael Jackson’s hats, and lots of original instruments.

Tours are given by museum docents and tickets often sell out, especially on Saturdays.

A post shared by Motown Museum (@motownmuseum) on

Detroit Historical Museum

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This free museum located in Detroit’s cultural center takes a deep dive into the region’s history with permanent exhibitions like the Streets of Old Detroit, Doorway to Freedom: Detroit and the Underground Railroad, and America’s Motor City.

There’s all kinds of kid-friendly activities and events planned throughout the year, so check the museum’s calendar to stay up-to-date.

Detroit Public Library

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The weather is getting colder and it’s time to get some winter reading done. The Detroit Public Library is open on Sundays now and hosting Sunday Family Sundays, which includes special family programming.

Detroit Institute of Arts

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Adults will love this world-class museum with a permanent collection that includes African art, Impressionist paintings, and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals. But kids can also have a great time too thanks to eye-spy activities, audio tours, and weekend art demonstrations. 

Michigan Science Center

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Called Mi-Sci for short, the Michigan Science Center features over 300 hands-on exhibits that give kids of all ages (there’s even a 5-and-under area) real-life experiences with engineering, space, health, and physics. You can also expect live stage shows, demos, and the state’s largest IMAX movie screen. This is a perfect indoor spot. 

Garden Bowl

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Hit the lates at one of the country’s oldest continuously operating bowling alleys. The Garden Bowl has some groovy neon lights the kiddos are sure to love. There’s also pizza available at Sgt. Pepperoni’s, which shares the space.

Detroit People Mover

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It’s a known fact that kids love to ride on things that move: trains, rollercoasters, horses. And if they can be high above everything, all the better. The People Mover offers all this in a tight loop around downtown Detroit, as well as some pretty cool station art, all for 75 cents a ride. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better entertainment value than that.

In the foreground is an elevated train track. There is a train riding on the track. On the other side of the track are many tall city buildings. Michelle Gerard

Campus Martius Park

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Anchoring a two-square block in the heart of downtown, Campus Martius offers year-round fun with plenty of gardens, lawns, and fountains. From November to March, kids can skate on the city’s most popular outdoor rink.

Kids and parents skate on an ice rink downtown at night. Nearby trees are strung with festive lights. Photo by Michelle Gerard

The Fowling Warehouse

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Gather up the kiddos and check out fowling, the best game you’ve never played. A lot like bowling, fowling uses a football to knock over pins instead of a bowling ball, and it all happens in a 34,000-square-foot warehouse in Hamtramck.

Older kids will love it, and the Fowling Warehouse allows families with children 10 and older to play from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 

POP + Offworld Arcade

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There’s fun for the whole family at the bar and arcade. Kids (and adults) get to play any one of the dozens of classic arcade games while parents get to drink. Plus, everyone loves pizza.

Open seven days a week, it’s a great option during the colder months.

Eastern Market

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One of the oldest and largest year-round markets in the U.S., Eastern Market is a gathering place that just so happens to have Detroit’s freshest produce, top-notch cheese and meats, and more. There’s lots to do year round, including the Saturday market and special holiday markets.

The kids will love the popcorn vendors, the candy at Rocky’s, and the murals on seemingly every building.

In the foreground are fresh vegetables on a stand at a market. A person is touching one of the vegetables. There are other people in the background. Michelle & Chris Gerard

Rivard Plaza

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Although the river-themed carousel and splash fountains only operate in warmer months, the entire Rivard Plaza offers much for kids to explore. If the gorgeous carousel isn’t running, check out the in-laid granite map of the Detroit River, a standing glass sculptured map fo the St. Lawrence Seaway, or the nearby Wheelhouse Detroit, which offers rentals and tours.  

In the foreground is a pedestrian plaza with people. In the distance is a city skyline with tall buildings. Michelle & Chris Gerard

Outdoor Adventure Center

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Located in the historic Globe Building on the riverfront, the Outdoor Adventure Center exposes kids to the great outdoors without leaving the city. It’s full of hands-on activities, like waterfalls, a real fishing experience, and a snowmobile simulator.

Kids will also learn about state parks, forests, and wildlife, and there’s even a small aquarium. This one’s a don’t miss for kiddos of all ages. 

A rope bridge above a floor in an outdoor adventure center. There are trees above the rope bridge. Michelle & Chris Gerard

Detroit City Fieldhouse

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This 75,000-square-foot multi-sport indoor facility is a boon to the sports community. Kids can register to play soccer or lacrosse on the indoor fields, and a restaurant provides much-needed snacks post-practice.

Checking out a Detroit City FC soccer match at Keyworth Stadium is also fun and kid-friendly.

Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

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Located in the sprawling Belle Isle Park, the Anna Scripps Whicomb Conservatory was designed by renowed architect Albert Kahn and opened in 1904. Adults will love the building’s domed architecture while kids will have fun exploring the gorgeous 13 acres of plants. 

The conservatory recently completed a major renovation and is once again open to the pubic.

A post shared by Laura Jude (@laurajude_) on

Belle Isle Aquarium

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The oldest aquarium in the United States has more than 1,000 fish and 118 species of sea life. Though this detail is more for the parents, it’s also Albert Kahn designed with an iconic, green-tiled and vaulted ceiling.

Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it’s a perfect weekend destination.

Arts & Scraps

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This eco-friendly, hands-on center is great for a day of crafting with your kids while integrating STEM learning. Arts & Scraps uses recycled industrial materials not just to create art, but also as an entryway for learning about the environment. There’s even an on-site store to buy goods for crafting in your own home.

A great option for groups and birthday parties.

Greenfield Village

As the outdoor living history museum section of the Henry Ford complex, the 90-acre Greenfield Village is worth its own day of exploring. With 83 historical buildings from the 17th century to the present, kids will love the costumed interpreters who demonstrate period tasks like glass blowing or husbandry on the working farm.

Other highlights include a ride in a real Model T car, a trip in a horse-drawn omnibus shuttle, and the Weiser Railroad that navigates around the village. 

A post shared by I love nature. (@daryl.k) on

The Henry Ford Museum

Although it’s a 25 minute drive west of downtown Detroit, the Henry Ford Museum is worth the trek for kids looking to learn about auto mogul Henry Ford and the history of transportation in the United States. The living history museum boasts 18 interactive touch screens and a huge collection of activities and games.

Older children will love building their own race cars, while younger kiddos can service their own 1960s replica car in a garage. Pro tip: Don’t miss the Rosa Parks Bus which is on exhibit in the "With Liberty & Justice for All" section of the museum.

A post shared by The Henry Ford (@thehenryford) on

Detroit Zoo

Since the 1880s, the Detroit Zoo has been entertaining kids of all ages, and the parklike grounds spread over 125 acres offer adults a scenic experience too. Don’t miss the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, a 33,000-square-foot marvel where visitors can see more than 80 penguins in action.  

Motown Museum

As the hometown of Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and more, there’s a reason Detroit’s Motown Museum is also known as Hitsville U.S.A.. Not far from downtown you’ll find Motown’s first recording studio, Michael Jackson’s hats, and lots of original instruments.

Tours are given by museum docents and tickets often sell out, especially on Saturdays.

A post shared by Motown Museum (@motownmuseum) on

Detroit Historical Museum

This free museum located in Detroit’s cultural center takes a deep dive into the region’s history with permanent exhibitions like the Streets of Old Detroit, Doorway to Freedom: Detroit and the Underground Railroad, and America’s Motor City.

There’s all kinds of kid-friendly activities and events planned throughout the year, so check the museum’s calendar to stay up-to-date.

Detroit Public Library

The weather is getting colder and it’s time to get some winter reading done. The Detroit Public Library is open on Sundays now and hosting Sunday Family Sundays, which includes special family programming.

Detroit Institute of Arts

Adults will love this world-class museum with a permanent collection that includes African art, Impressionist paintings, and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals. But kids can also have a great time too thanks to eye-spy activities, audio tours, and weekend art demonstrations. 

Michigan Science Center

Called Mi-Sci for short, the Michigan Science Center features over 300 hands-on exhibits that give kids of all ages (there’s even a 5-and-under area) real-life experiences with engineering, space, health, and physics. You can also expect live stage shows, demos, and the state’s largest IMAX movie screen. This is a perfect indoor spot. 

Garden Bowl

Hit the lates at one of the country’s oldest continuously operating bowling alleys. The Garden Bowl has some groovy neon lights the kiddos are sure to love. There’s also pizza available at Sgt. Pepperoni’s, which shares the space.

Detroit People Mover

It’s a known fact that kids love to ride on things that move: trains, rollercoasters, horses. And if they can be high above everything, all the better. The People Mover offers all this in a tight loop around downtown Detroit, as well as some pretty cool station art, all for 75 cents a ride. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better entertainment value than that.

In the foreground is an elevated train track. There is a train riding on the track. On the other side of the track are many tall city buildings. Michelle Gerard

Campus Martius Park

Anchoring a two-square block in the heart of downtown, Campus Martius offers year-round fun with plenty of gardens, lawns, and fountains. From November to March, kids can skate on the city’s most popular outdoor rink.

Kids and parents skate on an ice rink downtown at night. Nearby trees are strung with festive lights. Photo by Michelle Gerard

The Fowling Warehouse

Gather up the kiddos and check out fowling, the best game you’ve never played. A lot like bowling, fowling uses a football to knock over pins instead of a bowling ball, and it all happens in a 34,000-square-foot warehouse in Hamtramck.

Older kids will love it, and the Fowling Warehouse allows families with children 10 and older to play from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 

POP + Offworld Arcade

There’s fun for the whole family at the bar and arcade. Kids (and adults) get to play any one of the dozens of classic arcade games while parents get to drink. Plus, everyone loves pizza.

Open seven days a week, it’s a great option during the colder months.

Eastern Market

One of the oldest and largest year-round markets in the U.S., Eastern Market is a gathering place that just so happens to have Detroit’s freshest produce, top-notch cheese and meats, and more. There’s lots to do year round, including the Saturday market and special holiday markets.

The kids will love the popcorn vendors, the candy at Rocky’s, and the murals on seemingly every building.

In the foreground are fresh vegetables on a stand at a market. A person is touching one of the vegetables. There are other people in the background. Michelle & Chris Gerard

Rivard Plaza

Although the river-themed carousel and splash fountains only operate in warmer months, the entire Rivard Plaza offers much for kids to explore. If the gorgeous carousel isn’t running, check out the in-laid granite map of the Detroit River, a standing glass sculptured map fo the St. Lawrence Seaway, or the nearby Wheelhouse Detroit, which offers rentals and tours.  

In the foreground is a pedestrian plaza with people. In the distance is a city skyline with tall buildings. Michelle & Chris Gerard

Outdoor Adventure Center

Located in the historic Globe Building on the riverfront, the Outdoor Adventure Center exposes kids to the great outdoors without leaving the city. It’s full of hands-on activities, like waterfalls, a real fishing experience, and a snowmobile simulator.

Kids will also learn about state parks, forests, and wildlife, and there’s even a small aquarium. This one’s a don’t miss for kiddos of all ages. 

A rope bridge above a floor in an outdoor adventure center. There are trees above the rope bridge. Michelle & Chris Gerard

Detroit City Fieldhouse

This 75,000-square-foot multi-sport indoor facility is a boon to the sports community. Kids can register to play soccer or lacrosse on the indoor fields, and a restaurant provides much-needed snacks post-practice.

Checking out a Detroit City FC soccer match at Keyworth Stadium is also fun and kid-friendly.

Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

Located in the sprawling Belle Isle Park, the Anna Scripps Whicomb Conservatory was designed by renowed architect Albert Kahn and opened in 1904. Adults will love the building’s domed architecture while kids will have fun exploring the gorgeous 13 acres of plants. 

The conservatory recently completed a major renovation and is once again open to the pubic.

A post shared by Laura Jude (@laurajude_) on

Belle Isle Aquarium

The oldest aquarium in the United States has more than 1,000 fish and 118 species of sea life. Though this detail is more for the parents, it’s also Albert Kahn designed with an iconic, green-tiled and vaulted ceiling.

Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it’s a perfect weekend destination.

Arts & Scraps

This eco-friendly, hands-on center is great for a day of crafting with your kids while integrating STEM learning. Arts & Scraps uses recycled industrial materials not just to create art, but also as an entryway for learning about the environment. There’s even an on-site store to buy goods for crafting in your own home.

A great option for groups and birthday parties.