Family vacations are always a great time to get out of town, bond, and explore places you don’t see much of. If you’re looking at a city break for your family before school starts (or planning early for next year) Detroit has plenty to offer for families with kids of all ages. With so much to do, it’s challenging to whittle down to just a few ideas, but here are the top five family-friendly things to do when you visit Detroit.
Detroit Zoo
Although some zoos get a bad reputation (and some are more than earned) Detroit Zoo takes the focus away from the novelty of seeing animals you wouldn’t see at home and strives to educate visitors about why this conservation approach is so crucial. The zoo is packed with exhibits that offer something for all animal lovers, including Arctic areas as well as reptile houses, and more. Rather than simply collect animals like Pokemon, Detroit Zoo aims to rescue and rehabilitate animals that require conservation, making it a great way to teach your kids about the importance of taking care of every living being.
CJ Barrymore’s
If you’d prefer to get your heart racing and test your mettle, CJ Barrymore’s is the perfect place for kids who are a little older. This huge park has both indoor and outdoor areas and includes a Ferris Wheel and saddle swing as well as a free fall drop for anyone who prefers to watch their life flash before their eyes. Of course, it’s all perfectly safe, and it’s not too far from the city, taking just 35 minutes to drive north for a day full of excitement and adventure.
Ford Field
If your kids (and partner) are into sports, you can treat them to a football game at Ford Field during the NFL season. There are few things better than getting swept up in the moment with a live crowd and you may even see a victory, which is always a great way to cap off your day.
Mount Elliot Park
Sometimes, you want to spend the day without too much stress and relax. If that sounds like something you need, Mount Elliot Park is perfect. The acres of green space means that you can bring your dog as long as you stay at a Pet-Friendly Hotel during your visit. There are also water play parks for your kids to cool off and splash around, so bring a change of clothes so they don’t drip water all over the Qline on the way back.
Many Museums
Detroit is home to an array of exceptional cultural and educational attractions. For kids, the various hands-on museums offer the chance to learn while having fun, and what’s better than that? They can visit the Henry Ford Museum or even The Reptarian if they didn’t get their fill of animals at the zoo, with the chance for them to hold a snake if they’re brave enough.
Fun For the Whole Family
Every parent wants their kids to enjoy their vacation and there’s no better way to ensure you catch all the fun and adventure that Detroit can offer. Whether you check out exotic animals or embrace the always-enjoyable atmosphere of live sports, these ideas are perfect for any family.
Jessi is the creative mind behind The Coffee Mom, a popular blog that combines parenting advice, travel tips, and a love for all things Disney. As a trusted Disney influencer and passionate storyteller, Jessi’s authentic insights and relatable content resonate with readers worldwide.