VISITING Detroit · Motor City
Visiting Detroit with toddlers and little kids: the plan.
Detroit is a driving city, but the Midtown museums and the riverfront are close together, and the Zoo is a straight shot up Woodward. Here’s how we’d spend one or two days with nap in the middle.
Top 5 can’t-miss spots
#1Midtown
Michigan Science Center
Go straight to Kids Town while it’s quiet, then add a planetarium show if they’re still up for it.
Kids $23Under 3 freeIndoor
See it in the guide→
#2Royal Oak
Detroit Zoo
Plan a full morning and go early. The polar bear tunnel is the one thing not to miss.
See it in the guide→
#3Belle Isle
Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory
A short, free stop that suits toddlers. Walk over to the conservatory next door afterward.
FreeIndoor
See it in the guide→
#4Downtown riverfront
Detroit Riverwalk
Flat, wide and good for strollers. Aim for a playground and turn around when they’re done.
Free
See it in the guide→
#5Midtown
Detroit Institute of Arts
Look for the drop-in family art making, then wander a few galleries.
Indoor
See it in the guide→
Nap breaks built in
One day or two in Detroit
A couple of big stops, a real lunch and a nap in the middle. Tap a stop for the full listing.
If you have one day
MORNINGMichigan Science CenterKids Town first · Midtown · $23 kids
LUNCHDetroit Shipping CompanyMidtown · MidtownNAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPDetroit RiverwalkStroll to a playground · Downtown riverfront · FreeIf you have two days
Day 1 is the one-day plan above. Day 2:
MORNINGDetroit ZooGo early · Royal OakLUNCHBuddy’s PizzaThe closest location · Locations across Metro DetroitNAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPBelle Isle Aquarium and ConservatoryA short free stop · Belle Isle · FreeWhere to stay
Kid-friendly areas near the big attractions
Pick the area by the stops you’ll make most, then plan around nap.
BEST FOR FIRST-TIMERSDowntown and the riverfrontWalk to the Riverwalk and Campus Martius, with Belle Isle a short drive east.Near Detroit Riverwalk and American Coney Island
FOR MUSEUMSMidtownSteps from the Science Center, the DIA and the Historical Museum.Near Michigan Science Center, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Historical Museum and Detroit Shipping Company
FOR THE ZOORoyal OakThe Zoo is right here, and it’s an easy drive down Woodward to Midtown.Near Detroit Zoo
Eat
Easy restaurants near the big stops
Kids’ menus, quick service and a short drive from the attractions. Prices come from each restaurant’s own menu.
Plan B
Rainy-day backup plan
If the forecast turns, swap the outdoor stop for one of these. More options: indoor play places in Detroit.
MidtownMichigan Science CenterA planetarium and hands-on floors, all indoors.Kids $23Under 3 freeIndoorBelle IsleBelle Isle Aquarium and ConservatoryA warm aquarium and glasshouse.FreeIndoorMidtownDetroit Institute of ArtsHuge galleries for a wet afternoon.IndoorMidtownDetroit Historical MuseumIndoor streets and toy trains.FreeIndoorDearbornThe Henry FordThe museum side is all indoors.IndoorBefore you go
Practical tips
Parking, strollers, changing tables and the best times to go.
Parking
Michigan Science Center: There’s a museum lot plus meters on the surrounding streets. The museum also suggests the Rackham Memorial garage, entered from Warren Ave.
Detroit Zoo: $8. Park in the structure or one of the three surface lots (Woodward, Water Tower and 10 Mile Road). Lots can fill early on busy days.
Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory: Park near the Aquarium once you’re on the island. Every car needs a Michigan Recreation Passport or a day pass to drive onto Belle Isle.
Detroit Riverwalk: The Bank of America Playscape at Cullen Plaza is right next to the parking lot.
Detroit Institute of Arts: The secured lot behind the museum on John R St is $8 a day and takes cash or cards. Street meters nearby max out at two hours.
Detroit Zoo: $8. Park in the structure or one of the three surface lots (Woodward, Water Tower and 10 Mile Road). Lots can fill early on busy days.
Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory: Park near the Aquarium once you’re on the island. Every car needs a Michigan Recreation Passport or a day pass to drive onto Belle Isle.
Detroit Riverwalk: The Bank of America Playscape at Cullen Plaza is right next to the parking lot.
Detroit Institute of Arts: The secured lot behind the museum on John R St is $8 a day and takes cash or cards. Street meters nearby max out at two hours.
Strollers and accessibility
Detroit Zoo: Rent a single stroller for $8, or a double stroller or wagon for $12.
Changing tables
Michigan Science Center: Family restrooms are on the Main Level and both lower levels, and there’s a nursing room on the Main Level.
Bring a Recreation Passport for Belle Isle
Every car driving onto the island needs one. Plan for it before you head over the bridge.
Midtown museums in one stop
The Science Center, the DIA and the Historical Museum are a few blocks apart in Midtown.
Visiting in November or December?
Santa and Christmas lights in Detroit
If your trip lands in the holiday season, these two pages have the dates, prices and booking links.
On a budget
Free and cheap wins for visitors
Spend less without skipping the good stuff.
This week
Happening while you’re here
This week’s top events in Detroit. The full list, with hours and the forecast, is on the this-week page.
#13pm–8:30pm
Zoo Boo at the Detroit Zoo
The final Zoo Boo weekend: trick-or-treat stations, character meet-and-greets, craft and story zones, a kids DJ with a light-up dance floor, and the whole zoo open until 6pm.
$21–$25 online
Hours, food & parking→
#2Fri 5–9pm; Sat–Sun 10am–4pm
Fall Festival at Bowers Farm
Animal visits, wagon rides, a Cornfield Quest, bounce pad, hay climbing tower and crafts on Oakland County's working farm. Pony rides, the apple launcher and pumpkins cost extra.
$15 Oakland County residents
Hours, food & parking→
#3Fri 6–8:30pm; Sat–Sun 12–4pm
Sugar Skulls Drop-In at the DIA
Learn how sugar skulls are used in Day of the Dead celebrations, then decorate one. Also Friday 6–8:30pm. Capacity is limited.
Free with admission: tri-county residents freeIndoor
Hours, food & parking→
#4Sat 2pm–5pm
Halloween Party for Kids (Chase Branch)
Get costumes ready for a spooky, fun-filled afternoon made just for kids.
Free
Hours, food & parking→
#510am–4pm
Kids Town at the Michigan Science Center
Mi-Sci's area for ages 5 and under: a market, cafe and vet clinic for pretend play, a sports arena, a STEAM lab and the water feature. Open Tuesday–Sunday; Kids Town closes 12:30–1pm daily for cleaning.
$23 ages 3 and upIndoor
Hours, food & parking→
Good questions
Visiting Detroit with toddlers: the FAQ
Is Detroit kid-friendly?
For a family with kids under 6, yes. Our Detroit guide lists 19 places we checked for little kids, plus 4 free places and 3 picks for babies and toddlers. This page adds 3 easy restaurants near the big stops and free storytimes at 3 library systems. This week’s list has 20 dated outings for ages 0–6. See free things to do in Detroit and this weekend’s list.
Where should we stay in Detroit with little kids?
Downtown or Midtown. The Riverwalk and the Midtown museums are close by, and the Zoo is about 20 minutes north.
Do you need a Recreation Passport for Belle Isle?
Yes, every car needs a Michigan Recreation Passport or a day pass. Out-of-state visitors can buy a pass when they arrive.
How many days do you need in Detroit with a toddler?
Two days: one in Midtown and on the riverfront, and one at the Zoo and Belle Isle.
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