# Free things to do with kids in Detroit this week

> Yes, plenty is free with little kids in Detroit this week: we found 16 free outings, including Trick or Treat @ Conely (Conely Branch), ECHO: Early Childhood Hour Out at Wint Nature Center and October Crafty Friday Crafts (Children’s Library at Main), plus 12 library programs. Four free days and events are coming up, including two museum or zoo free days, each with its date. And four places never charge admission, like Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory and Detroit Riverwalk.

- Last checked: 2026-10-19
- 16 free outings this week; 4 free days and events coming up; 4 always-free places
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/detroit/free/
- Indoor play (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/detroit/indoor-play/index.md
- This week (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/detroit/index.md
- City index for agents: https://littlesweekly.com/detroit/llms.txt

## Free days and free events coming up

- **Bank of America Museums on Us weekend** at Michigan Science Center, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit and Dearborn. When: Sat Nov 7, Sun Nov 8, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. Price: Free general admission for Bank of America, Merrill and Private Bank cardholders (one per card, with photo ID). Only the cardholder gets in free, so bring the card and an ID. Official page: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-partners (checked 2026-10-19)
- **America's Thanksgiving Parade (100th)** at Woodward Avenue, Kirby to Congress, Midtown to Downtown. When: Thu Nov 26. Time: Steps off at 8:45 a.m. Price: Free to watch along most of the route (grandstand seats are sold separately). The 100th parade. It takes about 90 minutes to march the three miles. Official page: https://theparade.org/americas-thanksgiving-parade/visitor-info/ (checked 2026-10-19)
- **America's Thanksgiving Parade** at Woodward Avenue, from Kirby to Congress, Midtown to Downtown. When: Thu, Nov 26, 2026. Time: Steps off at Kirby and Woodward at 8:45 a.m.; about 90 minutes. Price: Free to watch; grandstand tickets sold separately. The 100th parade, three miles down Woodward to the Celebration Zone. Parking along the route is paid. Official page: https://theparade.org/americas-thanksgiving-parade/visitor-info/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Museums for All at Cranbrook Institute of Science** at Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills. When: Any open day. Price: $2 general admission for two adults and all children under 18 with an EBT, Bridge or WIC card; under 2 always free. In Bloomfield Hills. Official page: https://science.cranbrook.edu/visit (checked 2026-10-19)

## Free this week

- **Toddler Story Time (Dearborn Heights JFK Jr. Library)** at Dearborn Heights Libraries, John F. Kennedy Jr. Library, 24602 Van Born Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 10:30am–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 2–3. Simple stories, crafts and play for 2- and 3-year-olds; all ages welcome. Official page: https://www.dhlibrary.org/event-details/toddler-story-time-at-jfkjl-2026-10-19-10-30 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby and Toddler Time (Sherwood Forest Branch)** at Detroit Public Library, Sherwood Forest Branch, 7117 W. 7 Mile Rd., Detroit, MI 48221. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 11am–12pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–3. Rhymes, songs, movement, books and free play to build little brains. Official page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/baby-and-toddler-time-tickets-2000189894819 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Trick or Treat @ Conely (Conely Branch)** at Detroit Public Library, Conely Branch, 4600 Martin, Detroit, MI 48210. When: Next: Mon Oct 19, Tue Oct 20, Wed Oct 21, Thu Oct 22 and 1 more. Time: noon–6pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–12. Show off a costume at the branch and get a treat any time during open hours, Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Official page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trick-or-treat-conely-tickets-2002084819590 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Story Time (Royal Oak)** at Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E Eleven Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:15am–10:45am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Stories, songs and rhymes for kids birth to 5 in the Youth Activity Room. Official page: https://royaloak.librarycalendar.com/event/family-story-time-ages-birth-5-years-32676 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Toddler Story Time (Dearborn Heights Caroline Kennedy Library)** at Dearborn Heights Libraries, Caroline Kennedy Library, 24590 George St, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30am–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 2–3. Simple stories, crafts and play for 2- and 3-year-olds; all ages welcome. Official page: https://www.dhlibrary.org/event-details/toddler-story-time-at-ckl-2026-10-20-10-30 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Story Time (Children’s Library at Main)** at Detroit Public Library, Children’s Library at Main, 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 4pm–4:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Fun books and songs at the Main Library's Children's Library. Official page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-story-time-tickets-1979747443898 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Toddler Story Time (Royal Oak)** at Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E Eleven Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10:15am–10:45am. Price: Free. Ages: 1–3. Stories and songs sized for ages 18 months to 3 years. Official page: https://royaloak.librarycalendar.com/event/toddler-story-time-ages-18-months-3-years-32953 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Wednesday Morning Storytime (Duffield Branch)** at Detroit Public Library, Duffield Branch, 2507 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48208. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10:30am–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A Wednesday morning storytime at the Duffield Branch on West Grand Boulevard. Official page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wednesday-morning-storytime-tickets-1998498791684 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Size! Story Time (Royal Oak)** at Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E Eleven Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 10:15am–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–1. A lapsit for babies birth to 18 months and their grown-ups. Official page: https://royaloak.librarycalendar.com/event/baby-size-story-time-ages-birth-18-months-32960 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **ECHO: Early Childhood Hour Out at Wint Nature Center** at Wint Nature Center, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston, MI 48348. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 10:30am–11:30am. Price: Free; no registration. Park entry free for Oakland County residents. Ages: 0–5. A caregiver-led hour of nature activities for babies, toddlers and young kids, with coffee and conversation for grown-ups. Siblings welcome; some activities go outside. Official page: https://www.oaklandcountymi.gov/community/oakland-county-parks/events/2026/10/08/default-calendar/echo-early-childhood-hour-out?occurrence=2026-10-22 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Arabic Story Time (Caroline Kennedy Library)** at Dearborn Heights Libraries, Caroline Kennedy Library, 24590 George St, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 11:30am–12:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–4. Stories read in Arabic, then a craft, for ages 0–4. No Arabic needed. Official page: https://www.dhlibrary.org/event-details/arabic-story-time-qss-rbyt-llsghar-2026-10-22-11-30 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Thursday Story Time (Children’s Library at Main)** at Detroit Public Library, Children’s Library at Main, 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 11am–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Stories, a few activities and a craft with the children's librarians. Official page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thursday-story-time-tickets-1969860490755 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Smiles & Sensory Stories (Children’s Library at Main)** at Detroit Public Library, Children’s Library at Main, 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 11am–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A sensory story adventure for little ones at the Children's Library. Official page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smiles-sensory-stories-tickets-2000655976883 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **October Crafty Friday Crafts (Children’s Library at Main)** at Detroit Public Library, Children’s Library at Main, 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 4pm–5pm. Price: Free. Ages: 3–12. Autumn and Halloween crafts: owls, spiders, cats and bats, LEGO-stamped corn and Halloween masks. Official page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/childrens-library-october-crafty-friday-crafts-tickets-2002472004671 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Story Time (Wilder Branch)** at Detroit Public Library, Wilder Branch, 7140 E. 7 Mile Rd., Detroit, MI 48234. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 11am–12pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A Saturday story time and craft on the east side. Official page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-tickets-1994683315492 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Halloween Party for Kids (Chase Branch)** at Detroit Public Library, Chase Branch, 17731 W. 7 Mile Rd., Detroit, MI 48235. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 2pm–5pm. Price: Free. Ages: 2–12. Get costumes ready for a spooky, fun-filled afternoon made just for kids. Official page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-party-for-kids-at-the-library-tickets-1994243622358 (checked 2026-10-19)

## Always free

- **Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory**, Belle Isle. A historic aquarium and a glass conservatory on the island park. Official page: https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Detroit Riverwalk**, Downtown riverfront. Miles of flat path, splash features in summer and playgrounds. Official page: https://detroitriverfront.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Campus Martius and Beacon Park**, Downtown. Downtown parks with seasonal festivals, an ice rink in winter and open lawns. Official page: https://downtowndetroit.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Detroit Historical Museum**, Midtown. The Streets of Old Detroit and the Glancy toy trains. Official page: https://detroithistorical.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)

## Free library storytimes

- **Detroit Public Library**: Weekly; days and times vary by branch. Free storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers at the Main Library in Midtown and neighborhood branches. Suburban libraries run their own. Calendar: https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/
- **Royal Oak Public Library**: Weekly at the Royal Oak Public Library; Tuesday–Thursday. Free baby, toddler and preschool storytimes. This fall's regular sessions include Family Story Time: Ages Birth to 5 Years (Tuesdays 10:15am) and Baby Size! Story Time: Ages Birth to 18 Months (Thursdays 10:15am). Calendar: https://royaloak.librarycalendar.com/events/month
- **Troy Public Library**: Weekly at the Troy Public Library; Monday–Wednesday. Free baby, toddler and preschool storytimes. This fall's regular sessions include Babytime (0-2yrs) (Mondays 10am) and Toddlertime (2-3.5 yrs) (Tuesdays 10am). Calendar: https://troypl.librarycalendar.com/events/upcoming

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
- How we choose and check listings, and how to send a correction: https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/ (corrections: hello@littlesweekly.com).
- Sponsored spots are labeled on the HTML pages and are not part of this editorial list.
- How to cite: “According to Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/…), …” and link the page you quote.

## FAQ

### What’s free to do with kids in Detroit this weekend?
This week we found 16 free outings for ages 0–6, including Trick or Treat @ Conely (Conely Branch), ECHO: Early Childhood Hour Out at Wint Nature Center, October Crafty Friday Crafts (Children’s Library at Main) and Halloween Party for Kids (Chase Branch). See [free this week](https://littlesweekly.com/detroit/free/#this-week); the list is rebuilt every Thursday.

### Are there free museum or zoo days in Detroit?
Bank of America Museums on Us weekend: Sat Nov 7, Sun Nov 8, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. America's Thanksgiving Parade (100th): Thu Nov 26. Museums for All at Cranbrook Institute of Science: Any open day ($2 general admission for two adults and all children under 18 with an EBT, Bridge or WIC card; under 2 always free). Dates come from each venue’s own page; see [free days and free events](https://littlesweekly.com/detroit/free/#free-days).

### What free holiday events are there for kids in Detroit?
America's Thanksgiving Parade is free this season. Dates and times are on each card under [free days and free events](https://littlesweekly.com/detroit/free/#free-days).

### Where can we go for free any day in Detroit?
Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory, Detroit Riverwalk, Campus Martius and Beacon Park and Detroit Historical Museum don’t charge admission. Some charge for parking or special exhibits; the cards say so where the place does.

### Is there free indoor play in Detroit?
Yes: Ward Church Playscape and Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory. See all of them on [indoor play places in Detroit](https://littlesweekly.com/detroit/indoor-play/#places).

### Are library storytimes free in Detroit?
Yes. Detroit Public Library, Royal Oak Public Library and Troy Public Library run free storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Times change by branch, so check the calendar linked below.

### How do you check these free listings?
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 19, 2026, and we recheck them every Thursday for dated events and once a month for free places. [How we choose and check](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).