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Things to Do in Detroit

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DETROIT LIFE + CULTURE

Article by City Lifestyle

Photography by Stock Images

Are you feeling adventurous?

If you are ready to take life by the horns, it’s time to head to Detroit. The biggest city in Michigan has plenty to offer for everyone. Whether you are looking for a romantic night for two or you want to plan a week-long vacation for the whole family, you can find what you are looking for in Detroit. 

There are the top things to do in Detroit for every lifestyle and every budget. Let’s dig into the best this city has to offer. Who knows, you might even stumble upon exciting things you’ve never heard of before! 

What Are the Most Fun Things to Do Near Detroit?

There are fun things to do in Detroit that have something for everyone. No matter what your definition of fun is, you can unleash your adventurous side in this wonderful city. 

Detroit has some of the best history in the country. The Motor City is the ideal place for car lovers. You can get up close and personal with everything that made four-wheeled vehicles great. 

Detroit isn’t without other forms of fun. Adults can enjoy a lively nightlife scene while the kids have fun at the several different water parks near the downtown area. 

Speaking of kids, let’s look at fun things for the youngest members of your family. 

How to Find Things to Do in Detroit With Kids

There are countless things to do in Detroit with kids. 

When you bring the whole family to Detroit, you’ll never run out of ways to keep the youngest members of your family entertained. 

Kids of all ages will enjoy Detroit Kid City, Legoland, and when you are ready for a break from those activities, you can stop into a show at the Meadow Brook Theater Children’s Series

Kids might be easy to plan for, but what about teens? 

What about Teens?

Finding things to do in Detroit for teens might seem hard, but Detroit makes it easy. 

Your teens will love Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum  or the Michigan Science Center

If you are looking for something that is pure fun, head into any of the arcades and laser tag centers near Detroit. 

Work Hard and Play Hard With Adult Things to Do in Detroit

There are adult things to do in Detroit that will keep you entertained night or day. 

The Eastern Market features shopping options for even the most discerning tastes. You’ll be able to explore the city's finest markets and get to know the local vendors as you explore Detroit. 

When we think of Detroit, we tend to think of cars, but did you know Detroit is also home to the world’s largest book store? The bookworm in your life will never be happier! 

Adults can also take full advantage of all of the theaters, music venues, and bars in downtown Detroit. 

Save Money with Free and Cheap Things to Do

Whether you’ve brought the kids or it’s your honeymoon, there are free and cheap things to do in Detroit that are right for you. 

You can find inexpensive activities for all ages wherever you look. You can start with the free architectural and walking tours offered by the city to help people learn about Detroit’s unique history. 

If you’re feeling slightly more adventurous, the Belle Isle Nature Center and Belle Isle Aquarium are free of charge if you skip on the “Adventure Pass” which only costs $11 anyway. 

If you’re staying downtown, there are more things to do in Detroit than you can get done in a lifetime! 

You Need to Try These Things to Do in Downtown Detroit

When you hit downtown Detroit, you need to start with a visit to Cadillac Square. This thriving urban center features the heart of Detroit’s automotive history. 

The Belt is a walking route that takes you through exotic shops and lets you visit the city’s most upbeat shops and eateries. You won’t want to miss it. 

If you’re searching for more things to do in downtown Detroit, you can head to the riverfront. This downtown neighborhood features hiking trails, walkways, and tons of local flavor. If you catch it at the right time of year, you might even catch the local festival Detroit River Days! 

Night Owls Will Love These Things to Do in Detroit at Night

Are you ready to stay up to the early morning with these things to do in Detroit at night?

You can start your nighttime crawl at Hamtramck Disneyland. The name might throw you for a loop. No, this isn’t a daytime theme park; it’s a local art installation and house that provides endless excitement. 

When you’re done checking out Detroit’s exciting local art scene, head into any of Detroit’s well known restaurants and bars. Detroit has developed a thriving food scene and some of the nation’s best chefs are starting to call this city home. 

If food’s not your thing, the home of Motown still has all night music and dance venues for party loving adults. 

If you’re up this late, you might be looking for something to do with your date. 

Cozy Up to These Things to Do for Couples

Have you been looking for things to do for couples in Detroit? Well here are the best ideas for some romantic fun. 

You can start your day at any of Detroit’s cozy coffee shops. These local sights are perfect for a warm day out. Detroit is also home to the Offworld Arcade which gives you and your date something a bit more upbeat. If you are looking for a refined night out, you can try out any of the many art and music museums this city has to offer. 

Romantic Things to Do Each Season 

Are you looking for romantic things to do in Detroit during the winter? What about the summer? Here are some ideas that can work for any season. 

The winters in Detroit can be chilly, but inside any of the botanical gardens you can find a warm reprieve for you and your date. 

Summer months offer tons of fun including the many festivals that happen all year long in this energetic city. 

If autumn is rolling around and you are looking for something spooky to do, you can take your date to a scary movie at a local theater or try out one of Detroit’s famous haunted houses. 

If you’re feeling really brave, you can find something unique to do with your date. 

Cool Things to Do

Cool things to do in Detroit start with a haunted tour. Detroit has a spooky history that is full of ghosts and mysteries. You’ll be able to take the whole family, only the bravest family members of course, on these historic and entertaining tours. 

Detroit is also well known for its unique museum celebrating everything from contemporary art to the rich history of African beads. 

Let’s find some things to do you can’t have in any other city. 

Unique Things You Can’t Find Anywhere Else

Detroit has become famous for embracing its local flavor. More so than any other major city, this place is home to some pretty wild places you can visit. 

We’ve already talked about Hamtramck Disneyland, but you can make your next stop at the Heidelberg Project. This wild house is full of neon lights and electronic displays. You’ll be able to stroll through this art display and have a truly one of a kind experience. 

What’s a vacation without stopping at at least one tourist trap? The Giant Uniroyal Tire is 264 feet tall and was once an active amusement park ride. Imagine taking a picture with that! 

With all the things to do in Detroit, how can you pick between indoor or outdoor activities. 

Deciding Between Indoor or Outdoor Things to Do

It can be tricky to pick between indoor or outdoor things to do in Detroit. 

During the colder months, indoor activities will be your best bet. Going on a downtown shopping adventure, enjoying an artisanal beverage from one of Detroit’s legendary mixologists, or taking the kids on an adventure through Detroit’s Aquarium can all be great ways to warm up. These places are also a great choice for beating the heat. 

If you want to catch some rays, nothing tops the riverfront. After a long day of strolling along the city’s most beautiful walkway, you can relax one of Detroit’s outdoor concert venues.

If you want something that offers both indoor and outdoor fun, the zoo is another exciting location that is a great choice for picky audiences. You’ll get to encounter some pretty unique animals as well as enjoy the zoo’s many events, activities, and gift shops. 

Detroit truly does have a little something for everyone. 

Where Do You Have Fun in Detroit? 

What are the things to do in Detroit that you are most excited to try? 

Detroit is one of America’s best hidden gems. Head to the Motor City with your family and let the fun discover you! 

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