The snow has melted and the air smells of spring, that means it’s time to take in all this warm weather! Metro Detroit is an amazing hub of activities for families ranging from zoos, to museums, to interactive parks and playgrounds. There’s a lot to see and explore and we will list all of our favorites below for some easy planning. This is our guide to the best spring activities for families in Metro Detroit.

Head Out to Visit the Animals

Plants and animals are all starting to wake up from a winters hibernation too. Why not head to one of these amazing locations to visit the waking animals,

Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo is our personal favorite place to start celebrating spring. The Polk Penguin Conservation Center is home to more than 80 penguins of four species with a stunning viewing area. Or you can hop like a kangaroo through the Australian Outback where a kangaroo or wallaby might just hop along with you.

Sea Life Michigan Aquarium

The Sea Life Michigan Aquarium in Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is another exciting stop to get you out of the house this spring. You can find aquatic exhibits and interactive stations where you can see and touch the small, beautiful creatures of the ocean.

Farm Life

There is so much to learn at a farm! Take your little ones to the farm to learn about its importance and to meet all the animals. If they have a farm stand, maybe pick up some items for dinner too!

Heritage Petting Farm (Taylor)
Dominos Farm (Ann Arbor)
Maybury Farm (Northville)
Kensington Farm Center (Milford)
Wolcott Mill Farm Center (Ray)
Calder Dairy Farm (Carleton)

Visit a Metro Detroit Park

Metro Detroit is home to some outstanding parks. There’s plenty of springtime sunshine family fun to be had. These are all some budget-friendly options too!

Belle Isle Park

Belle Isle Park is a stunning island park located in the Detroit River with views of the Detroit skyline and Canada. You can enjoy the green spaces, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, Belle Isle Aquarium, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, and the newly reopened Belle Isle Nature Center, which offers free admission. You can also join the conservation efforts with their frequently hosted clean up days!

Detroit RiverWalk & Riverfront

The Detroit riverfront is a lovely spot for a leisurely bike ride along the Detroit River, ride the carousel, hitch a ride on the Detroit People Mover, or stop at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center (find more under Visit A Museum or Educational Center).

Heritage Park

With 211 acres of land, this park has 4.5 miles of trails for hiking and nature study. Our favorite area is the picnic area on the north end of the park. You can find a splash pad, picnic shelter, playground, and the Nature Discovery Trail. The Nature Discovery trail will walk you and your family through many different stations including a pollinator garden, a tree life cycle station, a free-play building area, and so much more! Plan to spend a lot of time on this trail, bring lots of snacks and water - your kids will want to play at each section for a while!

Heritage Park // 24915 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48336

Innovation Hills

This park boasts 110 acres of green space, boardwalks, solar lighting, glow pavement, ponds and waterfalls, and kayak launch and landing. But the most impressive part is a 3-acre inclusive playground central to the park’s theme. The park features a real life treehouse, hill for sliding, zip line, climbing area, and smaller toddler play area. To avoid crowds, try visiting first thing in the morning during weekdays if possible, or head out to explore away from the playground. This is another park where you should plan to spend at least a few hours, if not all day. I recommend packing lots of snacks, drinks, and sunscreen.

Innovation Hills // 2800 W Hamlin Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309

Thorn Park

This park is entirely fenced in, allowing for a safe space for kids to free-play! They can enjoy two play structures, swings, a sand pit, plash pad, safety town and so much more. The playground is treehouse themed, making for a unique park and play experience.

Thorn Park // 23999 King Rd, Brownstown Charter Twp, MI 48183

Kiwanis Park

Come visit this train-themed park! Every third weekend of the month has free mini train rides at the park from 12-4pm as well. You can find the train play structure, a rock wall, and slides.

Kiwanis Park // 13901 Leroy Southgate, MI 48195

Inglenook Park

After you spent the day exploring farm life, finish your day with this barn-themed playground! There is one large play structure on the playlot. There is also a fitness trail, ballfields, picnic area, and nature area.

Inglenook Park // 20901 W 12 Mile Rd., Southfield, MI 48076

Tattan Park

This park is being renovated into an elaborately designed “Mission to Mars” playground. You can find towering rocket ships, lunar rovers, slides, and play activities that let you experience zero gravity. There will be ADA accessible structures, sensory play, and innovative activities. The city also updated their H2O Zone Splash Pad into a dinosaure themed attraction with interactive sounds and lights.

Tattan Park // 36601 Ford Rd, Westland, MI 48185

Taste Some Frozen Dessert

Spring means opening day for ice cream! The best way to end an activity filled day is always with ice cream. Metro Detroit has a number of amazing spots to grab your favorite ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, and so much more.

Guernsey Farms Dairy (Northville)
The Custard Hut (Dearborn Heights)
Bob Jo’s Frozen Custard (Wyandotte)
The Original Dairy Dan (Westland - the BEST vegan ice creams)
The Detroit Ice Water Factory (Detroit)
Plymouth Depot (Plymouth)

Attend a Spring Sporting Event

There’s nothing quite like watching a sporting event in person - ordering a hot dog, cheesy nachos, or a giant pretzel, and sitting in the stands.

Comerica Park

You can attend kids opening day Thursday, April 6th and every Sunday kids can ride the carousal + ferris wheel for free. After the game, kids can run the bases.

Jimmy John’s Field

Friday night ends in fireworks and Sundays are filled with themed nights, lots of family fun!

Little Caesars Arena

Watch the Detroit Pistons or Detroit Red Wings game at the Little Caesars Arena before the end of their season in April.

Keyworth Stadium

Root for Le Rouge, or any of the youth teams, at the Keyworth Stadium! You can bring empty water bottles to be filled at the water stations as well.

Visit a Museum or Educational Center

Charles H. Wright Museum

Explore rich African American cultural history and the largest exhibition of African American history in the world, with over 30,000 artifacts.

Detroit Institute of Arts

The DIA houses some of the finest art in the world! You can find rotating exhibitions, with occasional interactive pieces. Throughout the museum, you can find Van Gogh, Monet, a Michigan History exhibit, and other renowned names.

DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

Located on Detroit’s riverfront in the historic Globe Building, you can find an exciting outdoor adventure with hand-on activities, exhibits, simulators and more - the perfect way to spend a rainy spring day. The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center hosts over 20 interactive and educational exhibits from a beaver lodge and wetland, a big tree, a campsite, a pine forest and trails, kayaking simulator, and so many more amazing interactive stations.

Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village

Head to this amazing source of history, including Abraham Lincoln’s Chair, John F. Kennedy’s limousine, and Rosa Parks bus! It is actually the largest indoor-outdoor museum in the United States with over 1.5 million visitors each year. Experience firsthand the sensations of American history and immerse yourself in American innovation, whether you are walking through the indoor museum or heading outdoors to the wright brothers’ workshop.

Michigan Science Center

You can explore STEM in a creative and dynamic learning environment at this science museum for all ages. During your time you can expect hands-on activities, engaging exhibits, theater shows, and programs that put you at the center of discovery.

Motown Museum

There’s no trip to Detroit without stopping at the Motown Museum, the heart of it all. You can be transported back in time by walking through Berry Gordy’s actual apartment, along with the original recording equipment, and legendary Studio A.

Enjoy Patio Dining

If it’s warm enough outside, add patio dining to your spring itinerary. Many of the restaurants in and around Detroit offer patio and outdoor seating. Here’s some of our favorites:

Megdelanos (Wyandotte)
Whiskeys on the Water (Wyandotte)
The Waterfront (Wyandotte)
Andiamo Detroit Riverfront (Detroit)
Townhouse Detroit (Detroit)
Central Kitchen + Bar (Detroit)
Salute Tavern a (Taylor)
Mike’s on the Water (St. Clair Shores)
BJ’s Restaurant + Brewhouse (Livonia)
Sean O’Callaghan’s (Plymouth)

Dive Bars

Mick’s on Roosevelt (Allen Park)
Trina O Malley’s (Allen Park)

It’s time to get out and have some spring fun! What do you love to do after the snow melts away?

Best Family Activities in Metro Detroit This Spring