Midtown Detroit is one of the city’s most active neighborhoods, known for its mix of restaurants, museums and major entertainment venues all within walking distance. This cultural hotspot is packed with kid-friendly attractions, making it perfect for a short visit or a full weekend. There’s always something to do in Midtown, and we’ve put together this guide to help you and your family start exploring the heart of Detroit.
Indoor adventures
Looking for a fun way to get out of the house while encouraging kids to learn outside the classroom? Midtown Detroit is home to several of the city’s most popular museums, making it a great destination for a family day of fun.
If you’re expecting rain, you’re in luck: these locations are completely indoors and all within walking distance of one another. With hands-on displays and many activities designed especially for kids, you and your child can learn, explore and share a memorable day together.
Michigan Science Center
Encourage curiosity at the Michigan Science Center, where hands-on exhibits explore everything from space and health to motion, math and engineering. Families can catch a larger-than-life film in the IMAX Dome Theater, reach the final frontier in the planetarium, or watch live, interactive demonstrations on the Science Stage. For little ones ages 5 and under, discover Kids Town, a space for imaginative play featuring a market, café and veterinary clinic. With so much to see and do, the Michigan Science Center is a Midtown must-visit for every kind of curious kid.
- Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
- Address: 5020 John R St., Detroit
- Phone: (313) 577-8400
- Tickets: Ages 3 & up: $23; Under 3: Free
Detroit Institute of Arts
Got a future Van Gogh in the family? The Detroit Institute of Arts invites kids to create, play and look closely at art through gallery games and family-friendly activities. All over the museum, Eye Spy prompts encourage children to spot small details in artworks, turning a visit into an interactive scavenger hunt. Families can also join drop-in art-making workshops on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, plus enjoy puppet shows, music, and other family-friendly programs included with museum admission almost every weekend. The DIA is a creative, kid-friendly Midtown favorite for families.
- Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-9p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Closed Mondays
- Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Phone: (313) 833-7900
- Tickets: Adults: $20; Seniors and college students: $10; Ages 6-17: $7; Ages 5 & Under: Free; Free admission for members and residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.
Detroit Historical Museum
At the Detroit Historical Museum, families can uncover the city’s history in a fun, easy-to-follow way. Kids will enjoy seeing classic cars, exploring old-time Detroit shops and learn about the history of Motown music. With interactive displays and rotating exhibits, there is always something new to learn about. It’s a great Midtown stop for families who want to mix fun with a little local history.
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday; Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
- Address: 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit
- Phone: (313) 833-1805
- Tickets: Adults: $15; Seniors, Students ages 13-17 and College, Active Military, First Responders, Educators: $12; Ages 6-12: $8; Ages 5 & Under: Free; Free admission for members.
Best bites
Midtown Detroit has no shortage of casual, kid-friendly dining options, all within easy reach of popular attractions. Whether you’re in the mood for can’t-miss Detroit-style pizza, a more adventurous kids’ meal at Ima Noodles or a delicious dessert, Midtown has something everyone will enjoy—and you may just find a new family favorite.
Ima Noodles
After a visit to the nearby museums, families can walk over to Ima Noodles for a wide range of options that are easy to share. For kids willing to step out of their comfort zone, menu highlights include several ramen bowls, udon, pho and other warm noodle and rice dishes. Ima offers families an easygoing dining experience, with plenty of opportunities for kids to try something fun and new.
- Location: 4870 Cass Ave., Detroit
- Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-10 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: (313) 883-9788
Buddy’s Pizza
Just south of Midtown, near Comerica Park, you’ll find Buddy’s Pizza, a historic city staple known for the original Detroit-style square pizza. For families looking for a bite to eat after exploring, Buddy’s has plenty of options, from pizza and salad to pastas and grilled cheese on the “Lil’ Buddy’s” menu. It’s a casual place to relax and refuel after a busy day in the city.
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Sunday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- Address: 1565 Broadway St, Detroit
- Phone: (313) 765-1500
JoJo’s Shake Bar
Can’t decide between dinner and dessert? Jojo’s Shake Bar delivers on both. The menu includes familiar favorites like sandwiches, salads, wings, nachos and fries, along with a full brunch menu from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The real showstoppers, however, are the over-the-top milkshakes, stacked with candy, cookies and just about any topping you can imagine. Kids will love the colorful presentation, and parents can appreciate having plenty of savory options to balance out the sugar rush.
- Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Sunday; 11 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday
- Address: 88 W Columbia St., Detroit
- Phone: (313) 462-4315
For the Love of Sugar
For families with a sweet tooth, For the Love of Sugar is a Midtown bakery known for both its creative desserts and interactive baking classes. The menu features everything from cookies and cakes to macarons, as well as specialties like homemade cosmic fudge brownies, making it easy for everyone to find something they love. In addition to grab-and-go treats, For the Love of Sugar hosts seasonal kids’ classes, such as Valentine’s treat decorating and St. Patrick’s Day cupcake workshops, with registration details posted on the bakery’s website as events are announced. It’s a fun stop for dessert after dinner, or a special treat to kick off a day in the heart of Detroit.
- Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
- Address: 100 Erskine St., Detroit
- Phone: (313) 788-7111
Entertainment and events
One exciting way to wrap-up a visit to Midtown is by planning an evening of family-friendly entertainment. After spending time exploring museums and grabbing a bite to eat, it’s the perfect time to plan an activity the whole family can take part in. Midtown Detroit keeps neighborhood entertainment and large event venues easily accessible in one central area. Here are a few popular options worth checking out.
Garden Bowl
Opened on Aug. 1, 1913, The Garden Bowl has stood the testament of time in Midtown Detroit, combining history, games and great food all in one place. Families can enjoy a few rounds on the historic bowling lanes, grab pizza from Sgt. Pepperoni’s and experience a piece of Detroit history without even trying. It’s a great way to wind down after a busy day visiting museums and restaurants across Midtown. Just keep in mind that The Garden Bowl is 21+ after 8 p.m., so planning an earlier evening visit is best for families with young kids.
- Hours: 11 a.m.- midnight Monday and Sunday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday
- Age Policy: All ages until 8 p.m., then 21+
- Address: 4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Phone: (313) 833-9700, ext. 205
Little Caesars Arena
Whether you’re cheering on the Detroit Redwings or the Detroit Pistons, or simply just enjoying the excitement of a live sporting event, the Little Caesars Arena in Midtown will create an unforgettable experience for sports-loving kids and families. Even if your group isn’t full of die-hard fans, the arena also hosts concerts, shows and special performances throughout the year, making it worth checking the event schedule during your visit. Spending an evening at this Midtown landmark is a high-energy and memorable way to wrap up a day exploring Detroit.
- Address: 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit
- Phone: (313) 471-7000
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