40+ Places To Take Toddlers and Preschoolers in Southeast Michigan

The school year has begun and that means one thing to parents of little ones: LESS CROWDS!

Seriously, I used to not do things in summer just to avoid all the big kids. Now being stuck to the school calendar, I miss the simple days of just having younger kids and getting to do fun things while the bigger kids were at school.

Lucky for us, there is no shortage of fun spots to take little ones.

Here’s a list of my family’s favorites. Make sure to chime in and let me know your favorites too!

40+ Places To Take Toddlers and Preschoolers in Southeast Michigan

Museums To Visit

Ann Arbor Hands On Museum {Ann Arbor} This Ann Arbor hot spot always has amazing special events, in addition to having one of the coolest preschool rooms out there. There is also a guarded door so there shouldn’t be any escapees! {Babies under 23 months are FREE}

Detroit Kid City {Clinton Township, Dearborn and Southfield} A mini city that also serves coffee? Yes please! When my kids were young, they enjoyed delivering mail and making pizzas the most!

The Henry Ford Museum {Dearborn} Hear me out…Not only does this museum have some great programming for the younger set, but there is also SO MUCH to look at. Sometimes that’s enough. They will love the cars, trains and tractors! Check out these ideas for upcoming kid fun, including the free PNC Tinkering for Tots series.

Impression 5 {Lansing} The water play and toddler room here is so fun! Best of all, it’s a contained space, which makes taking more than one child there while solo parenting a breeze. Bonus points for having a nursing room too!

Flint Children’s Museum {Flint} This gem is full of hands on experiences perfect for the pint size crew. There is a small baby area, and toddlers will love playing pretend at the pizzeria, grocery store, fire station and more.

Michigan Science Center {Detroit} There is tons to explore here, and even the “older kid” exhibits will captivate little ones. In the basement, there is a cute kid’s town play area specifically made for little ones.

DNR Outdoor Adventure Center {Detroit} Little ones can learn about Michigan’s great outdoors inside this incredible place! Experience exciting hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators and more. Just bring an extra pair of hands if you have a child that wanders in case it’s busy — there’s lots to explore!

Sloan Museum {Flint} This cute spot is currently taking up space at the Courtland Center Mall while the museum is being renovated, however, don’t let that deter you — with fun rotating exhibits and one of the cutest play areas for little ones, it’s a place not to miss!

Spots To Burn Energy

Sometimes kids just need to climb, spin and jump and burn some energy. These spots are perfect for that! Many of these have discounted days for little ones — always check their calendar before you go!

A few favorites:

• Jungle Java {Canton, Clinton Township and Farmington Hills}
• Chelsea Treehouse {Chelsea}
• Castaway Play {Howell}
• Extreme Fun {Roseville}
• Fort Clarkston {Clarkston}
• Kensington Kids Clubhouse {Milford}
• Kids Gotta Play {New Hudson}
• Peppa Pig World of Play {Auburn Hills}
• Play. {East Lansing}
• SkyZone {Brighton, Canton, Taylor, Shelby Township} — Check out the weekly toddler times!
• Tiny Town Play Lounge {Northville}

Community Pools. Check for times designated specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. Such a great way to introduce children to water! This is an activity I tried to do with a friend once I had more than one kid. Having an extra set of hands is definitely helpful! Goldfish Swim Schools are wonderful too, and locations have open swim times so you can check out the facilities {the warm water is a huge plus in this mama’s book!}.

Gymnastics Centers. There are too many to list, but check your local area for open gym times, or time slots just for toddlers and preschoolers! {We absolultey love Bounce in Hartland if you are local to me!}

McDonald’s. I’m just being honest here 😉 The golden arches have saved me more times than I care to admit! Sometimes a PlayPlace + lunch is exactly the inexpensive energy burn a child needs.

FREE Indoor Fun

If you have unpredictable tots, paying admission can be tough at times! Try one of these spots for some FREE fun:

Church Community Centers. The 2|42 community centers in both Ann Arbor and Brighton are absolutely FREE to visit, and there is absolutely no obligation to attend church there. Both also have a great little cafe full of snacks if you don’t have your own. Another two spots I’ve been told are fantastic are Ward Church in Northville and Ignition Church in Redford!

Library story time. Our libraries are such a powerhouse of FREE fun for kids — do not forget about them! From baby story times to special crafty events just for the preschool crowd, libraries have amazing programming, so take advantage!

Barnes & Noble Storytime. Most B&N locations have FREE weekly story times. This is a great opportunity to let your child socialize with other children.

Mall Play Areas. Shopping, eating and playing in ONE spot? YES! When my kids were tiny, the mall was a very way to get out of the house and do some stroller walking on yucky days. Great Lakes Crossing, Twelve Oaks, Laurel Park Place and Genesee Valley Center are a few I know have cute areas for tots to play!

University Museums. Both the MSU Museum and the University of Michigan Natural History Museum are fun FREE spots to explore. The content is a bit more for older kids, but there are dinosaur bones and lots to see. You never know what will strike a chord with little ones!

FREE Outdoor Fun

Outdoor time is crucial, no matter the season, so bundle up those little ones and head outside!

Try one of these fun FREE spots to get a little Vitamin D:

• Check out the farm playground at County Farm Park {Ann Arbor}
• Play at the all-inclusive playground at Gallup Park {Ann Arbor}
• Explore the nature center and treehouse at For-Mar Nature Preserve {Burton}
• Visit the sensory trail and nature center at Heritage Park {Farmington Hills}
• Check out the animals and treehouse at Howell Nature Center {Howell} — check out a MAP Pass for FREE entry
• Play in the adorable wooden structures at the Imagination Station {Brighton}
• Check out one of Michigan’s largest playgrounds — Kid’s Kingdom Playground at Seymour Lake Park {Oxford}
• Head to a local cider mill for some fun {and maybe donuts, too!}
• Hunt for fairy doors in Ann Arbor or Northville
• Take a peaceful walk in nature at the Oaken Transformations Sculpture and Poetry Park {Brighton}

Where are your favorite spots for toddlers and preschoolers?