A Weekend in Detroit With Kids

by Jessica Pawl

This culturally rich Midwestern city is having a moment. With Canada just beyond its brilliant-blue river, and the Great Lakes easily accessible in most directions, Detroit is the ideal starting point for your next family adventure. Or a destination unto itself, as we dig into below.

A lifelong Detroiter, it seems that it’s taken moving out of state for me to see the city through the fresh eyes. But now that I’m based elsewhere, I’ve become a bit melancholy for my hometown. If you’ve never had the chance to explore the Motor City, allow me to pull back the curtain. Throughout its crisscross of “mile-designated” roads and against a backdrop of automotive heritage, newcomers will also find a burgeoning entrepreneurial and art scene, access to international waters as seemingly vast as oceans, and a solid offering of family-friendly attractions that lean heavily into edutainment.

Boy at splash pad — *Cooling off at the Mount Elliott splash pad along the Detroit Rive*r

If you’re able to carve out a weekend for this Midwest gem, here are the sights and flavors that we think are worth your time:

What to see

Detroit’s 5-Mile Riverwalk
Splitting Canada and the U.S., the Detroit River is a brilliant blue waterway that stretches along the downtown. Five and a half miles in length, it makes for an ideal morning or late afternoon walk, winding past parks and playgrounds until it ends near Belle Isle, the city’s beloved state park. Pack a picnic lunch and swing by Valade Park to find a sandy spot to dine. Or, meander up through Dequindre Cut for a bit of greenery as you explore the city’s main paths.
Eastern Market on Saturday
The largest historic, public market in the U.S., this farmer’s market is made up of several sheds, chock full of vendors peddling fresh fruits, flowers, baked goods and more, every Saturday morning throughout the year. Bordering the vendor area, you’ll find fresh smoothies, coffee shops and boutique retailers, as well as one of our favorites, Eastern Market Brewery, where you can sit outside with a cold sip and let the kids stretch their legs near the colorful street murals.
Corktown’s Michigan Central Building
One of the city’s newest gems is the renovated train station referred to simply as Michigan Central. Towering above every other building in the historic Corktown neighborhood, this stately station is a testament to the city’s reinvention and the investment required of it. You can pop inside the lobby to marvel at the grand architecture or reserve a space on one of the guided public tours. From there, walk around Corktown, pop into shops and grab an easy lunch outside at an eatery like Supergeil, where you must order the Chicken Schnitzel Salad.

*Eastern Market is full of street art and murals like this one.*

What to do

Experiment at Michigan Science Center
Located in Midtown, the Michigan Science Center never disappoints. It’s a great space for kids to roam, experiment and also learn about the history and significance of the region – from the Mini Mac Bridge to a Space Gallery, Kids Town and more. Plan to spend a morning or afternoon exploring each level of the science center and book a show in the IMAX theater or planetarium if you’ve got time.
Explore at the Outdoor Adventure Center
Located near the river, you’ll find this genius kid’s attraction created by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Dubbed the Outdoor Adventure Center, it’s exactly as the name suggests: a space to learn about animals up close, understand the state’s geography, and also (of course) play indoors. Climb a rope bridge, sit in an eagle nest and climb aboard a plane in this fun destination, which can be easily tackled in an hour or two.
Henry Ford Greenfield Village
One of the region’s most lovely and educational historical hubs is this 80-acre historical village that’s located 15 minutes outside of the city. Featuring seven districts, re-enactments, family activities and food options, it’s also just next door to the equally impressive Henry Ford Museum. There, you’ll find the theater chair in which President Lincoln was assassinated, the infamous Rosa Parks bus and an array of real-life transportation relics that will wow kids and grown ups alike.
Lions and Tigers and Pistons, oh my
I can’t possibly talk about a visit to Detroit without mentioning the city’s iconic sporting teams. From ballgames at Comerica Park to basketball and hockey games in Little Caesars’ Arena, sports culture is alive and well (and loyal) in this town. Take in a Lion’s football game at Ford Field or visit the Detroit City Football Club for their loud and colorful games in the city’s Polish town, Hamtramck.

*Running along the Mini Mac Bridge at the Michigan Science Center in Detroit.*

*Taking in a rainy-day baseball game at Comerica Park in Detroit.*

Parks and playgrounds

Splish splash at Mt. Elliott Splash Pad
Right along the river, you’ll find a fun pirate-themed splashpad with plenty of green space to bring a picnic lunch or dinner along. We love that this is an easy stop along the Riverwalk, and often pair a visit with a bit of sand-castle building further down the waterway at Valade Park.
A little bit of everything on Belle Isle
Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach, a nature hike or a vast green space to run around in, you’ll find it on Belle Isle, which sits in the middle of the Detroit River and offers lovely cityscape views at sunset. Peek into the small but gorgeous Belle Isle Aquarium (free) and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.
Joe Louis Warren Gateway
One of the city’s newer playgrounds, the Warren Gateway on the Joe Louis Greenway is an impressive play structure along the 27-mile bikeable (and stroller-friendly) path that weaves through several city neighborhoods.

*Seasons Market and Cafe in Midtown, Detroit.*

What to eat

For a fun and lively atmosphere, head to Detroit Shipping Company for a shipping-container food hall and bar with ice cream on site. (Chicken nuggets, too, of course.)
We love Lumen for its excellent menu, but also it’s location right on Beacon Park, which ensures plenty of green space for kids to run while waiting for their food orders to arrive.
In Midtown, Seasons Cafe offers a small grocery and grab-and-go options with a park next door for easy and convenient dining. Kids can search the shop for hidden rubber ducks (they’ll get a sticker if they find them!) and the fairy door out near the gardens.
The Congregation – housed in an old church – offers light food, coffee and a full bar and has a lovely green space to lounge in with live performances regularly in the summer months.
Dose Coffee is conveniently located across from Wigle Park, the perfect stop for all ages.
For the Love of Sugar is a Midtown bakery serving up delightful treats and is open late if you just need one last little nibble before bedtime.

*Views from a balcony at the chic Shinola Hotel on Woodard Avenue.*

Where to stay

Live like a local in Midtown
I might be bias, but we loved living in Brush Park and the neighborhood is ripe with cozy vacation rentals in historic homes, that are easily walkable to some of the city’s key sights and experiences. This two-bedroom Lumber Baron Mansion rental offers a great location and plenty of space for families, while the Rooftop Urban Cabins at the El Moore Detroit can sleep up to four between a king bed and pull-out sofa. They offer expansive city views and the convenience of shops and eateries at street level.
Room service life in the city
You can’t beat the elevated but cozy vibes of the Shinola Hotel in Detroit, but you may want to call to inquire about rooms that comfortably accommodate a family. The location is ideal, situated between the iconic Woodward Ave. and photogenic Parker’s Alley with the Huddle ice cream window only a few steps away. Element Hotel neighbors this location with the added bonus of kitchenettes and one-bedroom suites (early bedtime, kiddos!). Also new and with rooms that sleep four are the AC Hotel Detroit in Midtown and the Cambria Detroit.