19 Epic Things to Do in Detroit: Kayak Canals, Skate the Midway, Dine Downtown & Experience the Riverfront - grkids.com (2024)

The Best Things to do Downtown Detroit – And a Few Beyond

Summer is here! And that means it’s time for Michigan summer vacations.

It’s the perfect time to visit Detroit.

But what are the best things to do in Detroit?

From restaurants and shops to unique neighborhoods and coffee shops, Detroit is full of delightful surprises.

Biking, walking tours, kayaking, live music, culture – in addition to serendipitous urban spaces – make this city a that’s fun to explore with friends or family.

Exploring Detroit on foot will let you discover the little spots that aren’t even on Google maps.

Read on to see how we spent our time and our suggested things to do in the Detroit area.

Start In the Center of the City

Campus Martius Park

Resident DJs play on the weekends as people dance and vibe out to the music by the beach. The city is so alive and will engulf you right into its chill atmosphere.

We’ve visited Campus Martius both on summer weekends and during the week. Although the crowd differs greatly between the two times, the consistent dreaminess remains.

Winter in Detroit?

Absolutely!

To visit Detroit in the Winter and holiday season has become a tradition for our family. One year they had a walkable pine tunnel lining Woodward Ave that smelled like Christmas itself. Another year it was light tunnels.

Each year, Santa awaits families in several locations around the area and the entire destination is bursting with interactive holiday cheer.

You can expect markets, restaurants, and coffee shops, all pop-ups amongst the bustling buildings. It truly feels like another wonderful world.

But it doesn’t stop during the holidays or summer. You can visit this area throughout the year and there will always be something magical happening.

Capitol Park

1201 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226

Restaurants, bakeries, a dog park, coffee shops, and more make this little neighborhood a wonderful downtown Detroit destination. One of the spots we adored here was Eatóri Market a tiny adorable market and patio.

Eatóri Market

We happened on this spot in Capitol Park on our recent visit. We arrived for dinner and stayed past sunset because their patio feels like a cozy set you’d see in a movie or at someone’s perfectly currated backyard party.

Lights span across the whole park lighting up the night as if it’s just for you. The drinks were gorgeous and the food was tasty.

Make it to the Riverfront

Any spot you pick to start is gorgeous. A couple of our favorites, though, are in front of The Renaissance Center and at Mt. Elliot.

If you visit The Renaissance Center, head outside to the river where you’ll be greeted with lounge chairs, a splash pad, and the bright blue of the Detroit River.

Mt. Elliot Splash Pad

You can walk, bike, rollerblade, or however you like to saunter, over to Mt. Elliot from this location where you’ll run into a carousel on the way.

At Mt. Elliot, you’ll love the ship splash pad, a hilly green space, and tables to stop and eat or chill. And this is all on the chill days!

Many days out of the year, the Riverfront is popping with events and fun things to do.

Head to Belle Isle State Park

The Island is a state park so during peak months you’ll need the state park pass or have to pay to get in.

During off-peak months the park is free to visit. You’ll want to check their website to plan your trip as some attractions are open at certain times of the year.

You can make this stop a full day trip of activities or just pop over for a bit and take in the wonder for a short moment, picnic, or sunset.

However long you spend on Belle Isle, beware, you’re going to fall in love with the architecture, with the beauty, with the city.

Bike the Dequindre Cut

You’ll like it because of the graffiti art, it’s below street level, and it takes you out to the Eastern Market.

If you’re lucky, you’ll go on a day when fun activities are happening as well: concerts, pop-up bars, yard games, and more.

Shop the Eastern Market on a Saturday

FIVE sheds of fresh stuff to choose from – it was sensory overload in the best kind of way. This is why Eastern Market repeatedly tops lists of things to do in Detroit.

If you visit the Saturday Market, find that cinnamon roll lady from the Thumb and stock up on those delicious morsels. Wish we would have brought home more and frozen them!!

But, the Eastern Market district is actually more than just the “market” or the sheds.

Intertwined on the surrounding streets are so many shops restaurants, coffee shops, local businesses offering amazing goods and services, and wrapped around all of this are Murals in the Market!

You haven’t experienced Eastern Market until you’ve seen this portion as well.

So, if you haven’t yet, it’s just another great reason to get back there soon!

Kayak the Canals

Admire the Guardian Building

Drive the Streets of Indian Village

We stopped at The Red Hook in neighboring West Village for coffee and pastries before exploring the amazing homes that span so many architectural types from 1895-1920s.

_{Red Hook Coffee Shop in West Village}

Look for Murals Everywhere

Just walking around Detroit, you’ll encounter a lot of art, including architecture. Get ready to walk!

Plan to spend part of a day just walking around the city to take in what the city is saying, what it’s all about, and plan to learn along the way.

Here are a few places to get you stared:

The BELT: 1260 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226
Z Lot: 1234 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226
Parker’s Alley: 1413 Farmers St, Detroit, MI 48226
Murals in the Market: Russell St, Detroit MI 48207

Enjoy the Midway

_{RollerCade in the Bedrock Building – two stories of fun!}

We roller-skated in Downtown Detroit, y’all! It took a second to feel comfortable on skates again, but after a few turns around the rink, we were golden.

Visit the Siren Hotel – And Take Those Selfies

Give Yourself Time for the Museums

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

315 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Located on Wayne State University’s campus, the Museum of African American History is the world’s largest permanent exhibit on African American culture.

It is a compelling place to learn about the African American experience and celebrate what it means to be African American.

Michigan Science Center

5020 John R St, Detroit, MI 48202

TheMichigan Science Centeris a mix of over 200 hands-on exhibits, working labs, an IMAX theatre, a planetarium and multiple entertaining shows. It’s quite a treat!

The building is located in a cute little area adjacent to theDetroit Institute of Artsand theMuseum of African American History, all three miles from the center of town. You can also get a peek at Canada while you’re here.

Detroit Historical Museum

5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

The Detroit Historical Museum is the only museum dedicated to telling the area’s history.

Go back 300 years in the history of the Motor City in the permanent exhibits such as The Streets of Old Detroit.

Rotating and visiting exhibits round out your trip.

Motown Museum

2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208

Music lovers will dig a trip to Motown Museum.

Come stand in Studio A, where some of your favorite historic musicians recorded their hits. View artifacts and become inspired.

Pretend It’s Just the Kids Having Fun at the Outdoor Adventure Center

The kids loved the experience simulators and hands-on exhibits at theOutdoor AdventureCenter. I loved the low price tag.

I’d say this place is good for kids up to age 12.

Plan to spend at least a few hours playing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, kayaking, and practicing archerywhen you visit.


Ride the People Mover

One of the Classic Things to Do in Detroit: Catch a Game

If you have the chance, stay a little longer and start exploring. The neighborhood near Little Ceasars Arena, Brush Park, is undergoing major revitalization right now and it’s amazing to see these historic mansions in various states of transformation.

It’s a great time to cheer for your team and cheer for Detroit, too.

Make a Pit Stop in Ferndale

The Rust Belt

_{The Rust Market in Ferndale}

We lunched across the street at Como’s Pizza and were served the BEST gluten free pizza we’ve ever experienced in our lives. No contest. They know how to do Detroit style pizza. And everything else.

_{Como’s Restaurant Detroit Style Pizza}

There are so many other unique shops to peruse and we wished we had an entire day to hang out in Ferndale.

It’s home to many popular festivals and events, so whatever weekend you visit, you’re bound to find something exciting happening.

Spend a Morning at the Detroit Zoo

Learn All of the Things at the Henry Ford Museum

This staple attraction in Metro Detroit has been hosting visitors for decades and we don’t see why that would change anytime soon.

The Henry Ford Museum is also the site of Greenfield Village (see the next stop on our list) and makes a great day trip for families.

Lest you think that the Henry Ford Museum is all about cars and the man Henry Ford, let me share about our visit.

Yes, there are Model T automobiles in this large indoor/outdoor history museum, and yes, you will learn about Assembly Lines and Henry Ford.

But, you will also be transported to unexpected worlds, including a retro 50s round aluminum house, a world of numbers brought to life (Mathmatica), and special exhibits.

Restaurants and gift shops round out a trip to the Henry Ford.

Plan to spend a full day at this destination if you can.

The Henry Ford Museum is an indoor attraction.

Do All of the Things at Greenfield Village

Definitely take a ride on the steam engine, model T, or carriage if you can.

You’ll also want to find and play on the playground built for children of all abilities, the Donald F. Kosch Village Playground.

Designed to look like a 1930s construction site, the playground is a mixture of new play elements and real historical objects, including a 20-foot long boiler tunnel and 1931 Model AA truck.

You can get a combo ticket to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village or just visit Greenfield Village on its own. Either way, plan to spend a full day at this stop in Detroit’s suburbs.

Pro Tip 1: Dress for the weather when visiting Greenfield Village. Getting from one attraction to another will take you outdoors, where you’ll spend most of your time.

Pro Tip 2: Check their website when planning a visit – Greenfield Village is not open every day of the week.

Coffee Shops in Detroit

Have you even experienced a city if you haven’t done the coffee? I think not.

Coffee shops are everywhere in Detroit, most unique in atmosphere, and worth the cup.

Here are some of our favorites to get you started:

_{Baked Goods at Red Hook}

Where to Stay in Detroit, MI

We LOVED our room at the DoubleTree – Fort Shelby.

I mean, it came with a fish for the kids to feed!

As a family of five, it’s hard to find hotels in cities that can accommodateus. But our two-room suite had more than enough space for us to spread out.

And since it was located just a block away from the people mover, we could get around the city without driving and worrying about parking.

Another spot we’ve stayed in Detroit and can recommend for its great location is the Hilton Garden Inn on Gratiot. We parked and walked almost everywhere downtown.

What Are Your Favorite Things to do in Detroit?

I can’t wait to visit again – there are so many more things for us to explore, like the Motown Museum.

Do you have tips or destinations for us to consider? Please drop us a note in the comments.

If you do plan a visit, Metro Detroit Mommy and Visit Detroit are two amazing resources.

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