Kid-Approved Metro Detroit Summer Activities

By: Carolyn Hall | June 25, 2025
Family bike ride at Kensington Metropark

Photo courtesy of Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Metro Detroit is buzzing with activities perfect for family-friendly fun and creating cherished summer memories. From outdoor movie nights and adventure parks to interactive educational experiences, there’s no shortage of exciting opportunities for families this season. Whether you’re looking to spend some time outdoors or just limit screen time, these stops should be added to your family’s summer bucket list. 

Detroit Metro Football Club

9299 Goble Drive, Brighton

For sports enthusiasts, a family outing to cheer on the Detroit Metro Football Club is a must. General Manager and Head Coach Alex Lubyansky shares, “Detroit Metro Football Club (DMFC) is proud to represent the grit, passion, and rising talent of Metro Detroit. Our 2025 season has been electric, featuring the top two goal scorers in the division, Max Rugova and Jake Kunnath. We are now set to host the inaugural $10,000 Metro Merit Cup this summer. One of our standout players, Austin Yowell, even earned trials with three European clubs. But it’s not just about the soccer—DMFC home games are a full experience. With an incredible atmosphere, live DJ, bounce houses, halftime events, and a passionate local fan base, every match is a perfect family outing. Come cheer loudly and be part of the movement.” Experience the excitement of their live soccer matches like the friendly showdown against Legends Football Club on July 27 at the Legacy Center Sports Complex. With high-energy games and community spirit, the Detroit Metro Football Club offers a fantastic time suitable for all ages. It’s the perfect way to inspire young athletes and enjoy quality family time.

Detroit Metro Football Club fan with sign - family-friendly outing
Photo courtesy of Detroit Metro Football Club

Campus Martius Park

800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

traverse lounging

Designed for family outings and scenic getaways, the Chevy Traverse provides comfort and convenience for every journey.

Summer in Detroit becomes magical with the return of the popular “Movie Nights in the D,” hosted by the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Families can relax under the stars in Campus Martius Park every Friday night, starting at 7 p.m. through August 22. Enjoy classic family-friendly films like Shrek (July 25) and Moana 2 (August 22), along with live entertainment, giveaways, and gourmet popcorn from Detroit-based Jetta’s Gourmet Popcorn before the movie starts. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a movie under the stars. Additionally, the expanded Beach at Campus Martius Park offers a sun-soaked urban oasis perfect for building sandcastles and listening to live music. For interactive fun, Campus Kids Days, on select Sundays from July 13 through October 5, provides themed entertainment and hands-on activities, including the Baby Shark Bonanza and Back to School Bash, promising delightful experiences for children and parents alike.

Family-friendly movie nights at Campus Martius
Photo courtesy of Downtown Detroit Partnership

LegaSea Aquarium

45550 Van Dyke Avenue, Utica

LegaSea Aquarium offers an incredible family-friendly opportunity to engage kids in hands-on, educational experiences with marine life and reptiles. Marketing Director Stephanie Kent highlights, “Since our expansions, we’ve added over 100 new species…greatly enhancing the diversity of our collection.” Families will love the interactive feeding experiences and the thrill of viewing new additions like mammals and mesmerizing jellyfish. Continuously growing, LegaSea Aquarium promises endless exploration and unforgettable animal encounters for visitors of all ages.

Snake being returned to its exhibit at LegaSea Aquarium
Photo of LegaSea Aquarium courtesy of Carolyn Hall

TreeRunner Adventure Parks

6200 Drake Road, West Bloomfield Township

7553 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester

Adventure awaits at TreeRunner Adventure Parks, where families can enjoy ziplining, climbing, and even playing putt-putt golf surrounded by lush trees. CFO Jeremy Fishman emphasizes, “[TreeRunner is] the ultimate outdoor nature destination for birthdays, corporate and school outings, and family adventures.” With two Metro Detroit locations, families can easily plan a thrilling day filled with physical challenges and fun. At the Rochester location, be sure to check out the new Bounce Forest, created by a collection of suspended nets through the forest canopy. Open both day and night, TreeRunner delivers the exhilaration of an “up-north experience without the drive.”

Family duo going through a TreeRunner course
Photo courtesy of TreeRunner Adventure Parks

Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Multiple locations in Metro Detroit

Offering 13 beautiful park properties across Southeast Michigan, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks provide a variety of kid-friendly summer fun. “Available activities include fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, nature study, biking, golf, winter sports, and more,” shares the Huron-Clinton Metroparks team. Lower Huron Metropark, for example, features campgrounds and playgrounds, as well as the Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center, featuring two thrilling waterslides, a lazy river, and a playful 300-gallon dumping bucket. Lake St. Clair Metropark, on the other hand, has a beach, pool with waterslide, a splashpad, and more. Pack a picnic, bring your bikes, and enjoy what the Huron-Clinton Metroparks have to offer. Alongside recreational opportunities, the parks serve as excellent resources for educational programming about science, nature, and environmental conservation, fostering fun learning experiences for kids.

Playground at Stony Creek Metropark
Photo courtesy of Huron-Clinton Metroparks

This summer, Metro Detroit is brimming with exciting, family-friendly activities that promise adventure, education, and plenty of joy for kids and parents alike.

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