20 affordable kid-friendly Detroit activities to try before the summer ends

Hit the Splash Pad at Mt. Elliot Park

At this recently renovated park, the Gilbert Family Schooner Splash Pad is open daily during the summer season from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. All water features in the park were designed alongside Water Odyssey, an international designer of fountains and water parks.

Ride the carousel at Cullen Plaza

Kids love carousels and this one can be paired with beautiful views of Canada. It used to cost a few dollars, but it can be ridden this summer free of charge, open daily from noon-7 p.m.

Play mini golf or roller skate at Monroe Street Midway

In the heart of downtown Detroit, Monroe Street Midway offers free family-friendly activities including mini-golf and basketball, as well as roller skating for $13. The summer playground is open to all ages from noon-7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and noon-9 p.m. on Sunday.

Have a day of adventure on Belle Isle

Whether you want to have a picnic, swim at the beach, or visit the oldest aquarium in the country, Belle Isle has something to offer for everyone. Kids may love the nature center or museum, open only on weekends.

Besides a $10 annual recreation pass (which is only needed if a park ranger is actually at the entrance booth), all Belle Isle activities are free of charge.

Build a sandcastle at the Campus Martius ‘beach’

Just a few hundred feet from Monroe Street Midway is Detroit’s “beach,” with tons of sand in the center of the city’s prime gathering spot. You can watch your kids play in the sand while you sip on a drink from BrisaBar.

Visit some local museums

From our world-class art museum the Detroit Institute of Arts to local wonders like the Dabls MBAD African Bead Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Arts Detroit, affordable art museums are plentiful in the city. If your kid is more of a science geek, you can visit the Michigan Science Center for $18 or the Ann Arbor Hands-On museum for $16.

Eat good food at the lunchtime food trucks downtown

Some kids love eating and some hate it. But the wide variety of food trucks downtown Detroit every day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. offer at least something that everyone can enjoy.

Visit the Detroit Zoo

Head to Royal Oak and visit the Detroit Zoo for $20 per child and $25 per adult. Children love animals, and the trip will be worth it if all of the animals are actually out. The zoo is celebrating its 95th anniversary with events and deals throughout August.

Eat some local ice cream

Downtown, there is Cold Stone or Detroit Water Ice Factory. Or, for something new, you can go to Mangonadas Del Barrio or La Michoacana in Southwest Detroit and try delicious Mexican-style desserts.

Cheer on the Tigers at Comerica Park

Maybe your kid loves baseball and would enjoy sitting in the stands at a Tigers game. Tickets can be purchased as low as $15.

Check out Detroit Riverfront’s newest park

Robert C. Valade Park at Detroit’s East Riverfront was renovated in recent years to feature the city’s only floating bar, Bob’s Barge, as well as an expansive, sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas, a musical garden for children, colorful playscapes, and a community barbeque pavilion.

Taste-test coneys at American and Lafayette

Get your kid in the Detroit spirit early and have them choose which of the downtown rivals is their favorite.

Catch a Studio Ghibli movie at Michigan Theater

Every week this summer, Ann Arbor’s Michigan Theater is showing a different movie from Studio Ghibli, the beloved Japanese animation studio. Set to play the last three weeks of the season are Grave of the Fireflies, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and Kiki’s Delivery Service. Screenings are 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and tickets are $10.50.

Get a sugar high at the Sugar Factory

Having just recently opened a Detroit location, the Sugar Factory claims to be “the most Instagrammed restaurant in America.” The eatery features a candy retail store and sit-down dinery offering over-the-top entrees and desserts.

Go to the library and grab some books

Whether in the city or in the suburbs, there is normally a library close enough to home to visit regularly. Stop at your favorite and let your kid pick some books to take home and read with you, or on their own. Get those brain juices flowing.

Take a walk at Dequindre Cut

With beautiful art, playscapes, and photo opportunities, kids can get some upgraded exercise during a walk through this great Detroit greenway.

Ride the the People Mover

While not the best way to get around Detroit, children should enjoy the adventure of simply riding an above-ground train in circles. It’s a nice view of the city.

Family Fun Days at Beacon Park

Every Sunday from 1-5 p.m., this Detroit park hosts a family day full of food and fun. From puppet shows to lawn games to interactive dance performances and more, this event offers free activities for community members of all ages. This year, the event has added a variety of hands-on science and technology such as robotics and virtual reality in hopes to promote STEM to Detroit youth.

Leave your kids at Småland while you shop at IKEA

Kids love hanging out with other kids and making new friends. So, if you’re in need of some new furniture or home appliances or simply want to visit the museum-esque maze that is IKEA, head to Canton and drop your kids off at the store’s playpen while shopping. It’s the best price: free (for an hour).

Go to a drive-in movie at Ford-Wyoming

There are not many drive-ins left, but this one has been open since 1950 and is still standing… at least for now. You can bring your own cheap Dollar Tree snacks and experience nostalgia while watching a brand-new or old movie from your car for $28 a vehicle.