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Things to Do in Detroit with Kids
Detroit is a great surprise for families: a riverfront made for scooters and strollers, a downtown square with a beach in summer and a skating rink in winter, an island park with an aquarium, and the Henry Ford a short drive away. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Detroit donut and pastry tour walks downtown, so it's an easy, delicious way to start a family day in the city.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: Campus Martius Park, the Detroit RiverWalk, Belle Isle, Eastern Market on Saturdays, the Detroit Historical Museum
- Rainy day picks: Michigan Science Center, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum
- Sweet treat: Our Detroit donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Detroit, by neighborhood
Downtown and the Riverfront
Campus Martius Park
FreeThe heart of downtown, with a sandy beach and lawn games in summer and an ice rink in winter.
Detroit RiverWalk
FreeMiles of paved paths along the river, with playgrounds, splash fountains and a carousel.
Detroit People Mover
An elevated train that loops around downtown in about 15 minutes.
Parent tip: Ride the People Mover loop for a cheap elevated tour of downtown. Kids love the views, and it's an easy way to rest tired legs.
Midtown
Michigan Science Center
Rainy day pickHands-on science, live demos, a planetarium and a giant-screen theater.
Detroit Institute of Arts
Rainy day pickDiego Rivera's famous murals, armor, mummies and family art activities.
Detroit Historical Museum
FreeWalk the cobblestone Streets of Old Detroit and see how the city built the car.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
A powerful, kid-accessible journey through history.
Parent tip: Midtown's museums sit within a few blocks of each other, so you can pair a big museum with a shorter one.
Belle Isle and beyond
Belle Isle
FreeAn island park with a beach, a giant slide in summer, a nature center and the Belle Isle Aquarium.
Parent tip: Belle Isle is a Michigan state park, so a vehicle needs a Recreation Passport to drive on.
The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village
Historic trains, a working farm and Model T rides in Dearborn. Plan a full day.
Eastern Market
FreeA huge Saturday market with food stalls, murals and flowers.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our Downtown Detroit Donut and Pastry Adventure walks the heart of the city with stops for donuts, pastries and local favorites, plus stories about the buildings and neighborhoods along the way.
Taste Detroit's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
What families say about our Detroit tours
"It was a great way to explore the city with kids ages 10 and 15."
Marie D., TripAdvisor, August 2026
All 5-star guest reviews.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Detroit guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Detroit covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: Downtown and the river
- Morning: donut and pastry tour downtown.
- Play at Campus Martius Park.
- Ride the People Mover.
- Scooters and the carousel on the RiverWalk.
Day 2: Midtown museums
- Michigan Science Center when it opens.
- Lunch in Midtown.
- Detroit Institute of Arts or the Detroit Historical Museum.
- Dinner downtown.
Day 3: Big day out
- The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village in Dearborn.
- Or the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak.
- Saturday option: start at Eastern Market.
- Sunset on Belle Isle.
Detroit with kids by season
Holidays
- Campus Martius: a giant Christmas tree and ice skating downtown all season.
- America's Thanksgiving Parade: floats and balloons through downtown on Thanksgiving morning.
- Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo: a walk-through light display on select winter nights.
- Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village: carolers, horse-drawn wagons and fireworks in December.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Detroit.
The rest of the year
- Spring: RiverWalk strolls and the first warm days on Belle Isle.
- Summer: the Campus Martius beach, the Belle Isle giant slide and riverfront festivals.
- Fall: crisp days for Greenfield Village and Eastern Market.
- Winter: skating downtown and plenty of indoor museums in Midtown.
Detroit with kids FAQ
Is the Detroit donut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, the route is a downtown walk, and guides set the pace for families. Kids' tickets start at $55.
What are free things to do in Detroit with kids?
Campus Martius Park, the Detroit RiverWalk, Belle Isle, the Detroit Historical Museum and Eastern Market.
Is the Henry Ford worth it with kids?
Yes. Greenfield Village in particular is a full day of trains, farm animals and old-time rides. Check which areas are open before you go, as some are seasonal.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
The Michigan Science Center, the Detroit Institute of Arts or the Detroit Historical Museum.