The post below is sponsored by the Downtown Detroit Partnership. All opinions expressed belong to me.
As you all may know, downtown Detroit is becoming quite a destination for families, especially during the holiday season. We recently had a day downtown and had a blast making memories together.
Below you will find things to do with kids in downtown Detroit this holiday season. As you go about planning fun in the weeks ahead, make sure to add these ideas to those bucket lists.
8 Things To Do With Kids in Downtown Detroit This Holiday Season
Enjoy snacks, hot beverages and game in Cadillac Lodge
As one of my readers pointed out, the Cadillac Lodge in Detroit’s Cadillac Park looks like a “Hallmark movie,” and she’s not wrong. This amazing pop-up feels like you are stepping into the living room set of an HGTV show!
During our visit, we enjoyed several games of checkers, dice, and tic tac toe. The kids LOVED it. We didn’t get there in time to grab a giant Jenga game, but that looked like a blast too!
It was very busy when we arrived when they opened, so we rushed to find seats. There were lots of photographers there for family photos, which was such a great idea! Definitely try to go mid-week or an off time to get a prime spot. The outdoors area was super cute too.
While there, we enjoyed hot delicious adult drinks, cider and donuts for the kids and s’mores. So fun!
PRO TIP: There are portable bathrooms in the back!
Check out the cute shops called the Detroit Markets
These cute glass huts in front of Cadillac Lodge are the perfect excuse to shop small this holiday season! This list highlights all of the vendors, all of which are Detroit-based and woman- and/or minority-owned.
Shoppers can find bath and body care, clothing, treats, and more.
Visit Detroit’s Christmas Tree
Stop by Campus Martius Park for a photo in front of Detroit’s Christmas tree, sponsored by DTE Foundation. It’s HUGE, and photos don’t do its majestic beauty justice. The tree has 19,000 lights on it, making it extra gorgeous at night, too!
Go ice skating at the Frankenmuth Ice Rink
For the first time this year, The Rink at Campus Martius will be known as The Frankenmuth Rink at Campus Martius Park, with Frankenmuth {yes, as in the city}, serving as the lead sponsor.
You can find the hours of operation for the Rink here. It’s $10/adults, $8/kids {12 and under} and skate rental is $5.
Fun Fact: This rink rivals the Rockefeller Center one in NYC! The skating surface in Rockefeller Center is 122 feet long and 59 feet wide. The Detroit rink is 120 feet long and 60 feet wide.
PRO TIP: There’s also a bathroom outside the skate rental!
Catch a Holiday Show
There are tons of holiday-inspired shows heading to Detroit, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, Twas A Girls Night Before Christmas: The Musical, Straight No Chaser, and more.
{For the 313 Presents shows, use the code GIFT for buy one get one free tickets through Dec. 4!}
See Santa and Shop at the GM Renaissance Center
For three weeks in December, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays from Dec. 2 through Dec. 20, people can shop for gifts, tasty treats and more by visiting the rotating local pop-up shops in the Renaissance Center.
Additionally, complimentary photos with Santa are also available in the Jefferson Lobby {the main entrance off Jefferson Ave.} from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday through Monday, Dec. 23. Santa’s North Pole will have a whole new snowy look with an all-new sports car “sleigh,” and children will also receive a goody bag.
Grab holiday greenery at Capitol Park
Nab a tree, beautiful outdoor planters, winterberry, and more at Greystone Gardens inside Capitol Park.
I was ecstatic to get a gorgeous plant for my front porch, a succulent for my kitchen island, and cedar swag that gives our living room that fresh tree scent.
Capitol Park is just two blocks away from Campus Martius and definitely worth checking out! In fact, the park is about to undergo a major renovation, including an off-leash dog park, a mister and water table, beverage kiosk and public restrooms. You can view the full plans here. Can’t wait to keep checking out this little gem!
TIP: You will pass Avalon Bakery & Cafe on your way. This spot has my absolute favorite cookies ever — chocolate chip with sea salt. Yum!
Check Out Beacon Park
Beacon Park is a fabulous green space in the city just a few minutes drive from Campus Martius. The park is home to the restaurant Lumen, and also features lots of special events, which include a day with Santa and a NYE Kid’s Countdown party. Visit at night to enjoy the park’s 125,000 lights too!
Parking
Parking is a reason that keeps a lot of families from heading to Detroit. Please don’t let this deter you! There are SO many options.
I suggest setting up the Park Detroit app before you go to make it easier. We visited on a Sunday morning and got FREE parking at the meters. When in doubt, try your best to find street parking before resorting to a lot or parking garage where you need to pay quite a bit. If it’s an especially busy event or time, the ParkWhiz app is extremely helpful and some lots even allow you to book your parking in advance, which saves the stress once you arrive.
Learn More About Detroit
Learn more about what’s coming to downtown Detroit in the months ahead by following Downtown Detroit Partnership on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Additional options for kid fun around town: Michigan Science Center, DNR Outdoor Adventure Center and Belle Isle Park.
Giveaway
I am excited to be able to giveaway an amazing Detroit family package to one lucky winner. The package includes a $100 gift card gift card to enjoy lunch, hot chocolate, s’mores, and/or snacks at the Artic Zone or Cadillac Lodge and 4 free skating passes for the Frankenmuth Ice Rink.
Giveaway ends on December 11, 2019. Good luck!
