Tips for Traveling with Kids in Detroit, United States

1. Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)

Explore a vast collection of art and culture at this world-class museum, perfect for engaging kids with interactive exhibits.

Family-Friendly Tours: Offers special tours tailored for families and children.
Activity Packs: Provides activity packs to help kids engage with the exhibits.
Free Admission: Admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

Encounter over 2,000 animals in this expansive zoo featuring unique habitats and interactive exhibits.

Ride the Wild Safari: An open-air vehicle tour that takes visitors through African and Asian habitats.
Kids' Zoo: An area specifically designed for children to interact with small animals.
Free Admission for Kids: Kids under the age of 2 are admitted free.

Discover the history and impact of Motown Records in this immersive museum filled with memorabilia.

Hitsville Studio Tour: Tour the very studio where legends like The Supremes and Michael Jackson recorded.
Educational Programs: Offers programs for kids to learn about music history and production.
Musical Performances: Features live performances and concerts throughout the year.

Step back in time with a collection of historic buildings and exhibits, including homes, workshops, and a working farm.

Henry Ford Museum: Included within Greenfield Village, the museum showcases American innovation.
Train Rides: Take a ride on the historic Edison Illuminating Company's steam train.
Costumed Interpreters: Meet costumed interpreters who bring history to life.

Explore the wonders of aquatic life at this free, historic aquarium featuring Great Lakes species.

Touch Tank: Kids can interact with starfish and other marine animals in the touch tank.
Free Admission: Admission is free for all visitors.
Seasonal Programs: Offers educational programs and events throughout the year.

Learn about the history and importance of Great Lakes shipping at this museum featuring historic vessels.

Ship Models: Features intricate ship models, including some dating back to the early 1900s.
Vessel Tours: Offers tours of historic vessels like the S.S. City of Cleveland.
Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits for kids to learn about shipping history.

Ride a classic carousel inside the iconic Compuware building in downtown Detroit.

Indoor Location: The carousel is located indoors, making it a great rainy-day activity.
Carousel Animals: Features unique and imaginative carousel animals.
Free Admission: Rides are free for kids under the age of 5, and only $3 per ride for everyone else.

Explore an outdoor art environment filled with colorful houses and found objects.

Unique Art Experience: Provides a unique, immersive art experience for kids.
Self-Guided Tours: Offers self-guided tours so visitors can explore at their own pace.
Community Project: A community project aimed at promoting art and creativity.

Investigate science through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities at this engaging museum.

Dynamotion Theatre: Features a motion simulator ride for an immersive, scientifically accurate experience.
Planetarium Shows: Offers planetarium shows to educate kids about space and the universe.
Kids' Exploration Area: A special area for young children to explore and learn through play.

Take a scenic stroll along the Detroit River, enjoying views of downtown and Canada.

Waterfront Views: Offers stunning views of the Detroit River and downtown skyline.
Food Vendors: Features food vendors offering snacks, drinks, and meals along the way.
Outdoor Activities: Offers opportunities for biking, skating, or simply taking a leisurely walk.

Witness the manufacturing process of iconic Ford vehicles at this interactive factory tour.

Factory Tour: Tour the factory to see how Ford vehicles are made.
Theater Presentation: Includes a theater presentation about the history and innovation of Ford.
Eco-Friendly Focus: Highlights the factory's efforts to be eco-friendly and sustainable.

Interact with a variety of animals at this petting zoo located in Westland.

Petting Zoo Experience: Offers hands-on opportunities to interact with farm animals.
Pony Rides: Kids can enjoy pony rides for an additional fee.
Party Packages: Offers party packages for birthdays and other celebrations.

Spend a day on a farm with animals, hayrides, and pony rides in the countryside of Detroit.

Farm Activities: Offers activities like petting animals, taking a tractor ride, and picking pumpkins.
Party Packages: Provides party packages for birthdays and other celebrations.
Farm-Fresh Products: Sells farm-fresh products like eggs, honey, and jams.

Browse merchandise from local celebrity Kid Rock at his retail store.

Merchandise Selection: Offers a wide variety of clothing, music, and accessories.
Meet Kid Rock: Occasionally, there are opportunities to meet Kid Rock in person.
Local Artisans: Features products from other local artists and artisans.

Experience the excitement of gaming at this casino hotel in downtown Detroit.

Kid-Friendly Amenities: Offers kid-friendly amenities like a movie theater and arcade.
Hotel Accommodations: Provides hotel rooms for families visiting Detroit.
Dining Options: Features a variety of dining options, from casual to upscale.