The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) was recently named the top art museum in the country by USA Today. Its collection contains more than 65,000 pieces, including Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industryand Vincent van Gogh’s Self Portrait.
Quick details about the Detroit Institute of Arts:
Cost: Free/residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, children 5 and under and members; $14/adults, $6/ages 6-17; $7/parking
Tips for families when visiting the Detroit Institute of Arts
Photo credit: Detroit Institute of Arts
Discuss with your kids what exactly they will be seeing at the museum. You can check out plenty of art books from the library to show them different artists and pieces of artwork. That way when you’re showing them the art at the museum, they will think it’s cool that they already know about it.
Let your kids use your camera or phone to take their own pictures of the artwork. Make sure to turn the flash off though because the museum does not allow it.
Let your kids be the artist by bringing their own sketch pads, graphite pencils and kneaded erasers with them to sketch the art they see. All other art supplies are prohibited. Also, be sure to check out the drop-in art classes the DIA offers from noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays-Sundays.
Take a break if kids seem like they’re getting tired or overwhelmed. There’s no point in everyone being stressed out to finish the whole museum all at once. Take a seat in Kresge Court where there are beverages, small bites and Wi-Fi. You can also grab a quick bite at Café DIA, which is more of a cafeteria-style restaurant.
End the trip by browsing the DIA Shop to find some unique Detroit items.
Things to do near the Detroit Institute of Arts
Photo credit: Kari Zaffarano
If you would rather eat outside the museum, stop by HopCat for brunch or bar food. For the HopKittens, they have a Jr. Cheeseburger, Mac & Cheese, Kids Boneless Wings or a Cheese Quesadilla.
Head across the street to the Detroit Public Library – Main to see the beautiful stained-glass windows, arched ceilings and historic artwork. Check the website for story times happening when you visit.
Memories of past birthdays might invoke roller skating parties, trips to the movies or visiting a big game with friends, but the center of every memory is often the same: a delicious birthday cake topped with candles, baked by someone who cared.
For Goodness Cake, a nonprofit with a new metro Detroit chapter, is in the business of providing those meaningful, special birthday or graduation cakes for at-promise youth by linking volunteers to bake and deliver the cakes to agencies.
“The kids get to choose something all for themselves — the cake flavor, the frosting, the theme,” says Jaime Luczak, the founder and co-chapter leader of the metro Detroit branch. “It’s having someone say ‘I see you, I see what you want, and you matter.’”
Luczak, who runs the chapter with co-leader Dana Gannon, says the response since the chapter started in August 2022 has been great. There now are roughly 115 active volunteers and 10 partner agencies.
The stories she hears about the way the kids respond to the cakes makes it worth the effort, she says.
“I was told that one little girl carried it around with her the whole day and said, ‘Look at my cake, look! It’s mine!’” she says. “Another little boy sat amazed with it in the backseat of the car, eating with his hands.”
A special cake is more than just a sweet treat for many kids. Gifting a cake is another way to support children’s agency because they get to make their own choices, Luczak adds. They can choose to share or not, to eat it right away or save it; it’s all up to them. Plus, it helps lighten the load for foster families.
Luczak, a social worker, lives in Plymouth and is the mom of three young boys. Years ago, an out-of-state friend posted on social media tagging the nonprofit. It caught her eye, but there was no local chapter.
“One thing led to another and I was like, well, what if I actually started this?” she says. She founded the metro Detroit chapter in August 2022 and by September, they were delivering cakes.
Luczak wants potential volunteers to know that they don’t need to be located in Detroit to participate and that stellar baking skills are absolutely not a requirement.
“What matters is that you can tell it was baked with love,” she says.
Recently, a power outage from a winter storm left a volunteer unable to finish baking the cake she had in the oven. The agency said it was alright, they would tell the little girl what had happened and reschedule her birthday cake but Luczak and Gannon said no.
Instead, Gannon rushed to bake a cake and Luczak raced to the store for decorations.
“I said no, this girl needs her purple Squishmallows cake, and nothing is going to get in the way of letting someone know that they matter,” she says. “I know my parents would have done that for me, and I need her to know that someone would do it for her.”
Photo credit: For Goodness Cakes Detroit
Another time, Luczak got a call from a foster care worker telling her that a child had just arrived but his 13th birthday had been a few days prior. Would they be able to make him a cake on short notice?
“I’ve learned to just say ‘yes’ to requests because our volunteers are incredible,” she says, but something about this request made her want to tackle it herself. She decorated the Dragon Ball Z cake and topped it with themed action figures.
“Can you imagine? You’re turning 13, a special birthday, and you’re in foster care for the first time,” she says. “Even if it’s something small, if it even brings one moment of happiness, that’s what matters.”
Luczak’s main hope for the Detroit chapter of For Goodness Cakes is for kids who received the cakes to look back and remember a time when a stranger knew how important they were.
“Do I think a birthday cake solves everything? No. But healing has to start somewhere,” she says. “No act of love is ever too small.”
Those interested in volunteering must be at least 18 years old and complete a mandatory online orientation before baking. Sign up through the website.
There’s always so many fun things to do with kids in southeast Michigan, so how is a busy parent supposed to keep track of it all? With our list of the best things to do this month, of course!
This April, we’ve found tons of family-friendly fun, including Earth Day events, Easter Bunny events and egg hunts and marshmallow drop events. Here is our curated list of the can’t-miss activities for metro Detroit and Ann Arbor in April 2023.
So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at our list and start the advanced prep for your next family outing.
Don’t see an event you love? Check out our online calendar for even more events and fun things to do.
This annual event features face painting, balloons, egg hunt and a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny. The hunt will be broken up into two different age groups, one for ages 3-5 and another for ages 6-10. Pre-registration is required.
See a royal sensory-friendly performance, which features a sing-along and meet and greet your favorite characters. This performance will have low level lights and sound, designated quiet and calm spaces and more.
Ages 5 and up will learn how to use natural items to create dyes and then discover some creative ways to decorate their eggs. All materials will be provided, including the hardboiled eggs and tools needed to bring home your eggs. Pre-registration is required by March 31, 2023.
Little ones can hop around and collect eggs at this scramble, specifically for their ages. Make a craft and visit with the Easter Bunny. A snack and drink will be included. Wagon rides will be available for an extra cost. For ages 2-4. Pre-registration is required by March 25, 2023.
Ages 9 and under will enjoy an egg hunt, train rides, pictures with the Easter Bunny, face painting, crafts and a petting zoo. Make sure to bring your own basket and dress for the weather. Registration required.
Check out the animals at the farm, visit with Rosco the Clown and the Easter Bunny, enter a coloring contest, hunt for eggs and more. For ages 2-12. Pre-registration required by March 29, 2023.
Join Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center to celebrate Earth Day. Meet live animal ambassadors and learn how you can be kind to wildlife. There will also be eco-friendly crafts, scheduled guided hikes and educational stations. Registration preferred.
Follow The Little Mermaid on her magical journey under the sea and delight in colorful fish, slithering eels, majestic jellyfish, an evil Sea Witch and a tale of true love. For all ages. The show runs for 90 minutes and includes an intermission. Meet and greet after all four performances.
This event is an opportunity to talk to professionals from local companies and meet experts that will help you design and build your dream home. Purchase your tickets in advance to save 20%. Parking is an additional charge.
A helicopter will rain Easter eggs from the sky at this hunt at Canterbury Village. The afternoon will also include lawn games, a petting zoo and photos with the Easter Bunny. Makes sure to bring your own basket to collect your eggs. Advanced registration required.
Ages 10 and under can bring their own baskets to search for hidden eggs in themed locations along the trail. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny, too. Pre-registration is required by March 31, 2023.
Teens ages 13 and up can enjoy an epic teen night glow party at Launch Trampoline. There will be music and special appearances by local DJs, SFX lighting and black lights, glow in the dark body paint and more.
Check out RARA’s 9th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Bring a camera so your child can get a photo with the Easter Bunny, play games and hunt for eggs during this annual event. Dress for the weather. Different time slots available for ages 1-4, 5-7 and ages 8-11. Pre-registration for each child is required.
Ages 6 months to 12 years old can enjoy a fun, Easter-themed event with an egg hunt, crafts, petting zoo and visit with the Easter Bunny. Leave your baskets at home.
Toddlers and their parent or guardian can enjoy children’s music throughout the park, a special appearance by Joey the Kangaroo and a jump time just for their age.
Cost: $25-plus/ages 13-plus, $18-plus/ages 4-12, $20-plus/family or group bundle and for students and seniors, free/ages 3 and under | Get tickets
Take a trip to Choco Town to try some tasty treats, play games, solve riddles and discover your chocolate personality. Take photos against the chocolate backdrops and shop goodies at the gift shop.
Ages 1-4 can take part in their own Easter egg hunt, which also has a train ride, petting farm and visit with Mr. Bunny. Make sure to bring your own basket. Registration required.
Ages 7-12 can participate in this nighttime egg hunt with flashlights. Make sure to bring your own basket and flashlight. Dress for the weather. Registration required.
This annual two-day event features a golden egg hunt, live entertainment, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, inflatables and more. Bring non-perishable food items to donate to Gleaners.
Join Catalpa Oaks for its Easter event where 15,000 marshmallows drop from a helicopter. Turn in one marshmallow for a prize. The four drop zone groups are ages 4 and under, ages 5-7, ages 8-12 and individuals with disabilities.
Families can enjoy a story read by local author, Glenys Nellist, get their picture taken with the bunny and purchase sweet treats from the Detroit Mini Donut food truck. The egg hunt will be after the story time and will be broken up by age. Make sure to bring your own baskets to collect plastic eggs filled with candy and prizes.
Enjoy exploring the park looking for hundreds of colorful eggs filled with candy, toys and free attraction tickets. A lunch buffet will also be served from noon-1:15 p.m. There will be homemade pizza, breadsticks, salad, beverages and an assortment of desserts. Advanced registration is required.
Join The Fairytale Fun Place for a day of royal treatment and magical princess performances, along with dances, photographs and even a crowning ceremony. Advanced tickets are encouraged.
Explore the Outdoor Natural Play Area and celebrate Mother Earth with a recycled craft, live animal interactions and guided hikes. Register with or without the hike. Pre-registration required.
Join the Farmington Hills Recreation Department for a Mother and Son Night Out at the HAWK Fitness & Activity Center. There will be music, dancing, snacks, games, activities and more at this event. Registration required.
Ages 7 and up can enjoy lots of crafts and projects to celebrate Earth Day at this camp. Bring your own lunch and wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. April 19.
Oakland County communities will take administrative action to fight against the climate crisis while creating justice, protecting future generations and creating sustainable jobs at this march. The Earth fair will feature live music, art, a march and speeches from political leaders.
Head to The Hawk on Super Bounce Days and jump around. Once a month on special mornings and afternoons staff members set up the inflatable bouncers in the gym to make an arena of fun! Kids will enjoy the big bouncer, bouncer obstacle course and giant inflatable slide.
Parents can plan a special night out while kids get to enjoy a night in at the Hawk Community Center. Hawk Recreation Staff will plan and oversee activities for a fun-filled night. For ages 5-11.
Cost: $10/non-member adults, $9/members, $8/non-member children ages 2-12 and seniors, free/enhanced members and children under 2. (Non-members must pay general admission, too) | Get tickets
This traveling exhibit comes from the Field Museum in Chicago and features an exact cast of SUE’s skeleton, measuring in at 40 feet from snout to tail and 13 feet tall at the hip.
Join the Eddy Discovery Center for a lively presentation featuring frogs, salamanders and quivering masses of eggs from local ponds. The program will start in the outdoor pavilion followed by a walk to a nearby pond to see and hear frogs singing in the night. Make sure to bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required.
Bring your little ones aged 2-5 to the Humane Society of Huron Valley for a story time, which features stories, crafts, finger plays and animal interactions. Pre-registration is required.
Ages 12 and up can join Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center to practice yoga with their furry feline yoga masters. You may bring your own yoga mat or borrow one of theirs. Pre-registration and advance payment required.
This drop-off event is for ages 6-11. This program includes reading to our adoptable animals, a group read-aloud and a dog meet-and-greet. Pre-registration is required.
Ages 12 and up can join Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center to practice yoga with their furry feline yoga masters. You may bring your own yoga mat or borrow one of theirs. Pre-registration and advance payment required.
Come to Tiny Lions on Wednesday mornings for a story time designed for toddlers ages 2-5 with stories, crafts, finger plays and animal interactions. Pre-registration is required.
Ages 8-16 will love the extra challenge of this special nighttime egg hunt searching for eggs in different themed areas outdoors. Bring a basket or bag and a flashlight. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Ages 10 and under can bring their own baskets to search for hidden eggs in themed locations along the trail. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny, too. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Pre-registration is required by April 7, 2023.
Ages of 12-17 are invited to join the felines at Tiny Lions once a month for a special Teen Mewvie Night! Pop and popcorn are included, but you’re also welcome to bring any snacks and drinks of your own choice. You may bring any pillows, sleeping bags or blankets.
Ages 6 to 11 can enjoy adoptable animal interaction, a cheese pizza dinner and an animal-themed movie with popcorn. Wear your pajamas, bring a sleeping bag and pillow and be ready for some animal-themed fun, while parents enjoy a night to themselves.
Celebrate the end of this year’s Family Read with a virtual visit by award-winning author Lisa Yee and a conversation led by their tween book group. There will be snacks and an art project after the reading.
Come and meet the many fascinating and little-known creatures that live the spring ponds at Eddy Discovery Center. No boots are required, as you will be viewing the creatures in their special “pour-a-ponds” outside on the deck. Pre-registration is required.
Join Becky Green, beekeeper and certified pollinator champion, to learn about pollinators. She will also have some of her local honey available for sale. Advanced registration required.
It is just like their regular story time, but a welcoming space for those with sensory sensitivities. All ages are welcome, but it’s designed for ages 2-5. Advanced registration is required.
Join the Leslie Science Center as they bring live animals, such as bats, owls and arachnids, to show you why these creatures choose to work in the dark and how they are adapted for life at night. Registration required.
Stop by anytime during the event to walk the trail in search of hidden eggs. After the hunt, there will be treats and crafts at the nature center. Pre-registration required by March 31, 2023.
Hop along the bunny trail at the Ford House for an Easter-themed scavenger hunt all throughout April. Your little one will also get a treat inside the Visitor Center. Registration required.
Michigan Science Center educators, edibleWOW and Girl Scouts representatives will explore the science behind baking cookies and lead hands-on activities for visitors. Girl Scout troops will also sell cookies at the event and host an online voting contest for visitors to select their favorite Girl Scout cookie, with opportunities for participants to win prizes.
Caroline Kennedy Library offers simple stories, music, crafts, bubbles and fun for little ones and their caregivers every Thursday. Recommended for ages 2-3, but all ages are welcome.
Thousands of marshmallows will drop from the sky as they tumble from the Easter Bunny’s helicopter! Turn in one marshmallow for a prize. This event will be broken up into spare age groups – 4 and under, 5-7 years old and 8 and older.
Thousands of marshmallows will drop from the sky as they tumble from the Easter Bunny’s helicopter! Only one marshmallow is needed for a prize. For ages 12 and under. They will be broken up into three separate age groups (4 and younger, 5-7 years old and 8 and older).
There will be three different age groups for the hunt in searching for more than 12,000 eggs. Each age groups will have 15 “magical eggs” to turn in for a special prize! Bring your own bag or basket to collect your eggs in. No registration required.
All ages can head to Lake Erie Metropark for an egg hunt, crafts, games and more during this festive spring program for the kids. Pre-registration required by April 7, 2023.
Join Daphne as she combs the Hall of Portraits, find the details in the music room and library, check the Kitchen and the Villain’s Tinkering Workshop for clues and take a selfie with the whole gang when the case is closed.
Families can enjoy a hands-on farm experience that connects them to the animals and agriculture at Maybury Farm. All tours include a dedicated Farm Educator and use of the playground and picnic area.
Kids ages 2-11 can enjoy an egg hunt, live animals, seed planting, face painting, crafts and more. Prize bags are limited to the first 800 children ages 2-plus.
Fans of all ages will get to see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli as the Heelers embark on their very first live theater show. It will feature live actors, puppetry and iconic sets. Based on an original new story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm.
Ages 6-15 can enjoy sunset views while enjoying a guided paddle at Crosswinds Marsh Interpretive Preserve. Canoes, paddles and life jackets will be provided. Registration required.
Families can head to the Alexander Blue House for a hands-on encounter with Dan the Creature Man. Kids will also create their very own take-home plant terrarium. Advance registration required.
Ages 8 and up can join Lake Erie Metropark for a look at real-life heroes and fictional heroes from the Marvel Universe. Pre-registration required by April 21 at 4 p.m.
Join Lake Erie Metropark for a nature hike to celebrate Earth Day. Discover the history of the holiday and how you can help the environment. Pre-registration required by April 21 at 4 p.m.
See little orphan Annie in one of the best-loved musicals of all time. The open captioned performance will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023. The performance is 2 hours and 40 minutes long, including an intermission.
Located in the With Liberty and Justice for All section of the museum, see the infamous bus where Rosa Parks took a stand in the Civil Rights Movement by refusing to give up her seat to a white man.
Orlando is known for its world-class theme parks. Once you’ve had your fill of rollercoasters, there’s still so much more to see and do. Here are some top family-friendly attractions, from animal adventures to outdoor excursions.
Ride the Waves at Aquatica
Aquatica Orlando, a SeaWorld water park, secures accolades for being one of the best outdoor water parks in the world. Slide past leopard sharks in the clear-tubed body slide, Reef Plunge. Feel weightless as your group rafts up the massive wave-shaped KareKare Curl water slide. See if you’re brave enough to plummet down the steepest multi-drop tower in Orlando, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls. Turi’s Kid Cove opened in spring 2023 with spray jets, dumping buckets and a slide for the little ones. Parents can relax and unwind in pool chairs or cabanas. There’s also wave pools, lazy rivers and sandy beaches as well as dining and shopping.
Drive Through a Safari and Take an Airboat Ride at Wild Florida
Photo credit: Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park
About 45 minutes south of Orlando, you’ll find all sorts of untamed adventures at Wild Florida. Take a breezy airboat ride through the Everglades to experience native Florida wildlife. Giggle and gawk as you drive through a Safari Park, where emus and zebras roam. Walk through the Gator Park, where you can also purchase up-close encounters with animals like sloths, lemurs and porcupines.
See the Sights from the Wheel at ICON Park
ICON Parkis home to attractions like Madame Tussauds wax museum, the Museum of Optical Illusions, a 7D motion theater, ax throwing, dining, shopping and more. Take a spin onThe Wheel for some of the best views of Orlando from one of 30 climate-controlled capsules. You can even play your own music during the 22-minute ride.
Play Pinball, Ride Bumper Cars and Go Karts, Bowl and Bounce at Dezerland Park
Photo credit: Dezerland Park
Escape the heat and rain inside Florida’s largest indoor attraction. Dezerland Park is over 800,000 square feet of family fun in one huge complex. Burn off energy at the trampoline park. Swing for glow-in-the-dark miniature golf. Light it up at Pinball Palace, home to one of the largest collections of pinball games in the country. Race around the go-kart course or bump into friends and family on bumper cars. You’ll also find bowling, laser tag, virtual reality, arcades, an auto museum, candy shops and restaurants.
Interact with Marine Animals at Discovery Cove
If your wish is to swim with dolphins, Discovery Cove is a beautiful day resort with rave reviews to make this dream a reality. Snorkel with tropical fish and stingrays, hand-feed colorful birds and interact with marine animals. Relax in a gorgeous beachy setting with waterfalls and underwater caves at this all-inclusive day resort.
Zipline, Off Road and Rock Climb at Gatorland
Feed your taste for adventure and get to know Florida’s alligators atGatorland. You can zipline over a gator-infested swamp, off-road with hilarious guides, rock climb and even spy glowing eyes in the water on a night tour. Up-close encounters with snakes, spiders and capybaras are fun for the more adventurous visitors, too.
Take a Detour to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
About an hour outside of Orlando, but well worth the drive, is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where NASA launches rockets. Kids and adults alike will be riveted by the outstanding videos, engaging exhibits and space-tacular experiences offered for astronaut enthusiasts and even those mildly interested in outer space. It’s an inspiring destination well worth a day trip.
New and Renovated Places to Stay in Orlando
Off the beaten path, yet only a mile and half from the magic of Walt Disney World Resort, Caribe Royale recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation. Spread out in a suite or 2-bedroom villa with a full kitchen. The whole family will enjoy the outdoor pool with waterslide, hot tubs and waterfalls. Play basketball and tennis on the outdoor courts. Seven on-site restaurants range from refined at The Venetian Chophouse to relaxed at the pool bar and grill.
Universal’s New Endless Summer Resort features two extra-affordable hotels, the first in the value category for Universal. The Dockside Inn and Suites has two towers and two pools, and the Surfside Inn and Suites is smaller with water views and a surfboard-shaped pool. Both offer standard rooms and two-bedroom suites. Plus, staying at Universal’s hotels includes perks at Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay, such as complimentary shuttle bus transportation and early park admission. Consider those perks your magic spell for making an early morning beeline to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and riding the new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Bundle theme park tickets with your stay and save even more.
After a bitter winter, seeing Michigan bloom with beauty in the spring is a magical feeling. Take some time to smell the flowers, as they say, with a visit to a botanical garden, community green space or conservatory.
Enjoy an afternoon stroll through one of these local gardens and take a little extra time to appreciate the season.
The botanical gardens at University of Michigan are some of the most beautiful learning opportunities for your kids. Visit the Great Lakes Garden or Perennial Garden and learn about Michigan’s ecosystems. Play at the Gaffield Children’s Garden, a natural play space with a builder’s garden, picnic plaza, sensory garden and more fun surprises, including a fairy and troll knoll!
Just a few miles from Matthaei Botanical Gardens is the Nichols Arboretum. Take time to smell the roses (and peonies, blooming shrubs and more!) with a visit to The Arb. Elevate your garden stroll by walking one of the arboretum’s landscaped trails. May we suggest the Peony trail?
After being closed for an extensive renovation, the outdoor gardens at the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory will reopen in May. Smell the flowers and spot tiny pollinators on the lawn of the conservatory while you wait for the magnificent indoor showrooms to reopen in May 2024.
Explore the signature gardens of the Cranbrook Estate. Discover colorful tulips and annuals in the Sunken Garden; milkweed and monarchs in the Butterfly Garden; sculptures and statues throughout the grounds and more. Make sure to stop at the Japanese Garden or the Reflection Pool Garden for a few moments of meditation. Let your senses take you on a self-guided tour, or book a tour of the grounds.
Follow the paved walking paths of the Heritage Garden to find flowers, gazebos, tiny fairy gardens and ducklings galore. The garden offers peaceful views of Heritage Lake, and is a favorite spot for photographers. Visit the Shelby Township Heritage Garden and find out why for yourself!
Lafayette Greens
This green space in the heart of downtown Detroit is maintained by The Greening of Detroit, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating sustainable growth by planting trees and plants in urban settings.
At Lafayette Greens, an outdoor meeting area and event space, flowers and chemical-free veggies and herbs grow in raised planters. The garden is also a certified pollinator habitat with plants and flowers for native butterflies, honey bees and birds. Next time you’re downtown, stop by and enjoy a few moments of peace in this respite from city dwelling.
Located on Belle Isle, this artistic three-acre garden is run completely by volunteers. Divided into the Main Garden, the Rain Garden and the Meadows, Oudolf features perennials, shrubs and trees that are sturdy, beautiful and bright in all four seasons.
Photo credit: Taylor Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
This peaceful floral oasis is a popular wedding venue location. Arches of bright, beautiful blooms and colorful arrangements are at every turn. Schedule a 30- to 45-minute children’s tour to learn about the plants and their care, or visit during the summer for Music & Art in the Gardens.
It’s March and we’re in that sweet spot between winter and spring. There’s still a lot of fun to be had while enjoying colder weather activities and peeks of spring temperatures outside, but there are also tons of indoor activities to check out during your next visit to Detroit! Check out these 10 can’t-miss events and things to do happening in the city and the metro area this weekend, March 24-26!
The Nain Rouge has been a harbinger of doom since the time of Detroit’s founding. Each year Detroit holds a parade in the Cass Corridor to trick the Nain with terrible French …and costumes!
History comes alive on this walking tour which documents the important role Detroit played on the Underground Railroad due to its proximity to Canada with actors portraying significant historical figures of the era to tell important events in American history.
Come one, come all! The Detroit Brew Trail is here and ready to help you experience Detroit brew culture, the metro area’s craft beer scene, and everything in between. The Detroit brew trail is the perfect opportunity for visitors, locals, and beer savants alike, to explore the city, support local businesses, and immerse themselves into all things Detroit-centric. Designed to guide you to some of the best craft breweries all over – Oakland County, Macomb County, Wayne County, and even downtown!
Come cheer on the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena as they take on the St. Louis Blues! Need a bite to eat around LCA? Check out this guide with some of the best spots within walking distance.
Little Caesars Arena Red Wings fans
Walt Disney Animation Studios recently announced that it will collaborate with Lighthouse Immersive Studios, the producers of the blockbuster Immersive Van Gogh, to develop Disney Animation: Immersive Experience, which is going to Lighthouse ArtSpace, Detroit and across North America in late 2022/early 2023. Tickets to this one-of-a-kind immersive experience starts at $39.99 and are on sale in Detroit at disneyimmersive.com
Disney Immersive Experience, @exploremichiganmore
Welcome to Choco Town…an immersive journey into a sweet village! Get ready to explore a sensorial journey in this peculiar village full of interactive experiences, taste bud-tingling treats, photo ops and many more surprises! Interact with the locals and unveil the secrets of the town at this appetizing experience for all ages.
Head to Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck for an experience like no other! One place to hang out a few hours before the game is the Detroit City Fieldhouse. It’s located at 3401 E. Lafayette and is just over a mile east of Downtown Detroit. It’s home to a ton of different soccer leagues, and the Detroit City Clubhouse, a soccer bar, and a restaurant.
DCFC, @motor.city.mindset
For over five decades, the members of Mystery Inc. have shown that through courage, teamwork, and ingenuity, even the toughest mysteries can be solved. They have another mystery on their hands in Scooby-Doo!™ Mansion Mayhem! A jewel-thieving ghost has dodged the police and was last seen in this spooky mansion. Can you meddling kids (and grown-ups, too!) help the gang solve the mystery in this immersive exhibit?
The Explore Detroit Pass from Visit Detroit will help you see the city and have a ton of fun while saving money, and who doesn’t like to save some money? With nearly two dozen partners, the pass has different discounts and offers many different opportunities for anyone looking to have fun in metro Detroit.
Outdoor Adventure Center, Jacob Lewkow
The Easter Bunny will be visiting The Village of Rochester Hills inside the beautifully decorated Spring themed Gazebo in Festival Park. All visits are walk-ups and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests are asked to bring their own cameras as a photographer will not be present. Plus, there is a new scavenger hunt addition this year!
Are you looking for weekend fun on a budget? Check out these fun and free things to do in Detroit.
