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Detroit with kids

Things to Do with Kids in Detroit

Aquariums, giant slides, science centers and miles of riverfront to run on. Here are the family outings Detroit parents come back to, plus the resources that make raising kids here easier.

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  • Free and low-cost outings
  • Rainy day and summer ideas
  • Schools, libraries and help lines

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Family favorites

Best family outings in and around Detroit

Belle Isle Aquarium

Opened in 1904 and billed as North America's oldest aquarium, with freshwater fish from the world's great lakes and rivers.

About Belle Isle →

The Belle Isle giant slide

Six lanes of classic Detroit summer fun. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall.

About Belle Isle →

Michigan Science Center

Hands-on galleries in Midtown, including Kids Town and a Space Gallery, plus a dome theater.

Explore Midtown →

Detroit Zoo

Animal encounters, exhibits and events just north of the city in Royal Oak.

Explore Royal Oak →

Detroit RiverWalk

Flat, stroller-friendly paths, parks and plazas along the Detroit River, with a kids and family section on the Conservancy's site.

Explore Rivertown →

Greenfield Village

Part of The Henry Ford in Dearborn, with seasonal events like Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village each October.

Explore Dearborn →
By season

Family things to do in Detroit all year

Rainy and cold days

Head to the Cultural Center. The Michigan Science Center, the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Charles H. Wright Museum are close together. DIA general admission is free for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County residents with an ID. The Belle Isle Aquarium and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory are warm indoor breaks on the island.

Summer

Belle Isle has a designated swim beach, fishing, bike loops and the Belle Isle Nature Center, run by the Detroit Zoological Society. Food trucks gather on the island from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The Outdoor Adventure Center on the riverfront is another good stop for curious kids.

Fall and holidays

October brings Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village. Thanksgiving morning is America's Thanksgiving Parade on Woodward, and Midtown's Noel Night kicks off the holidays. Dates are on our Detroit events calendar.

Getting around with kids

The QLINE and the People Mover are free. On SMART buses, K-12 and college students with a valid student ID ride fixed routes free. See our transportation guide.

Family resources

Detroit family resources

Schools

Public, charter and private school options across the city.

See schools →

Education and training

Programs for students, parents and adult learners.

See education →

Youth programs

Activities, mentoring and summer programs for young people.

See youth programs →

Health

Clinics, hospitals and health resources for families.

See health →
Free help

Numbers and services every Detroit parent should know

  • Emergency: call 911. Our Detroit safety guide lists utility emergency lines too.
  • Poison help: call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, free and confidential.
  • Michigan 211: dial 211 to connect with local help for food, utilities, housing and more.
  • Library cards: the Detroit Public Library offers free cards and free programs at the Main Library and neighborhood branches.
  • Museum access: tri-county residents get free general admission at the DIA.
At home

Childproofing an older Detroit home

  • Lead paint: homes built before 1978 are more likely to have lead-based paint, according to the EPA. Peeling paint and dust near windows are the main risks. Compare lead abatement pros for testing and safe repair.
  • Smoke and CO alarms: put smoke alarms in every bedroom and on every level, and install CO detectors near sleeping areas. An electrician can hard-wire them; see smoke detector installation.
  • Outlets: swap older outlets for tamper-resistant ones with child-proof outlet installation.
  • Yards: a secure fence keeps kids and pets in. Compare fence installation pros.
  • Buying a home? Book a buyer home inspection before you close.
Growing family?

Find room to grow in Detroit

Detroit homes for sale

Search family-sized homes across the city.

See homes →

Compare neighborhoods

Home values, parks and character for every Detroit neighborhood.

Compare neighborhoods →

Rentals

Houses and apartments for rent in Metro Detroit.

See rentals →
Questions

Detroit with kids FAQ

Families love Belle Isle for the aquarium, giant slide, beach and nature center, the Michigan Science Center in Midtown, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak and the RiverWalk. The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village in Dearborn are a short drive away.
The RiverWalk, the QLINE and People Mover, library programs and DIA general admission for tri-county residents are all free. Belle Isle is free to enter on foot, by bike or by DDOT bus; vehicles need a Recreation Passport.
Riders must be at least 48 inches tall, according to the Michigan DNR.
Yes on SMART. K-12 and college students with a valid student ID ride SMART fixed routes free, a change that started May 4, 2026.
Dial 211 to reach Michigan 211, which connects callers with local programs. You can also text, chat or search its online database.

Find the right neighborhood for your family

Compare parks, home values and character across Detroit neighborhoods.

Explore Neighborhoods

Sources

Updated September 2026. Rules and procedures change; confirm with the responsible office before a decision.

Call (833) 313-2434 Find a Family Neighborhood