I’m always on the hunt for cool things we can do as a family that are free or low-cost. There are so many great adventures to be had…try these for a day of family fun around Detroit at zero cost.
5. Museum Adventure Pass. Pick up a pass at any participating library to gain FREE access into all sorts of places (entry for 2 or 4 typically). The passes are good for 7 days and can be used at places like the Cranbrook Institute of Science, Holocaust Memorial Center, Detroit Historical Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Perfect for a rainy or winter day. More info can be found here.
4. Ford Free Sundays at the Detroit Institute of the Arts. Get your art on for free at the DIA on the second Sunday of each month starting this Sunday, Sept. 11. See here for program details. Getting in free reduces the amount of stress on a family – just in case junior gets antsy and you need to head out early.
3. Take a tour of the Morley/Sanders Chocolate Factory. Start off a tour by learning about the history of chocolate. After, stroll along the chocolate assembly line, then get a sample of the delicious treats in the candy shop. See here for more info. Tour lasts about 1 hour.
2. Wander around Tyree Guyton’s Heidelburg Project. Guyton’s outdoor art project will amaze little eyes since it looks like a scene straight out of a Dr. Suess book. See here for location and details. And, if you want a book on how to explain how this trash-turned to art came to be, check out the book Magic Trash here.
1. Visit a local library. As simple as it sounds, the library can be hours of fun. Many local libraries do not require you to be a member to participate in story time (always double check though). Also, if you’re looking for a change in scenery, go to another library to read books to little ones. The main Detroit Library branch across from the DIA is gorgeous and there’s no cost to wander around and admire the art in the children’s section and throughout the entire library.
The gorgeous main hall inside the Detroit Institute of Arts.
What are your favorite FREE family-friendly things to do around Detroit?
I’m SO happy that you added visit a local library. Many people/families don’t realize there is so much to do and see for children and adults alike. Plus, DPL Main Library is so architecturally fascinating!
That was just for you, girlfriend! I will be dedicated an entire post to libraries in the future, just working on some research first 🙂
I love the library but I don’t dare take Andrew (19m) with me! I can only imagine the havoc that child would create there! To scary.
Now that I think about it all of those activities I’d do without him and bring the girls. They’re old enough to behave!
Yes, not all of these are super toddler-friendly. Another freebie that is always a hit with my nephew is parks! There’s plenty of free, cool ones around here 🙂