Every journey is more fun when you're together. Grab your friends and hit the road in style in the Chevy Trax.
Photo courtesy of LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium
When weekends start feeling dominated by screens, it helps to have a reliable list of places that make it easy to get out the door and do something together. Metro Detroit has family-friendly spots that naturally pull attention away from phones and tablets. These seven picks work across seasons and cover a wide range of ages, from toddlers who need safe spaces to roam to teens who want something that feels challenging, all screen-free. Each one keeps planning simple so you can focus on shared time instead of complicated logistics.
Detroit Axe
1375 Michigan Avenue, Detroit
344 West Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
Detroit Axe offers an activity that feels fresh for families with older teens and adults who want something hands-on and goal-oriented. The focus on instruction and technique of axe throwing keeps everyone engaged, since you are learning, practicing, and improving throughout the session. For households with younger children, it is important to note that Detroit Axe has an age requirement, as axe throwers must be at least 14 years old and with a guardian. If your group meets the guidelines, it can be a memorable way to bond through shared coaching, encouragement, and a little friendly challenge. Both locations have a variety of food and drink choices if you want to make it a longer experience, and you can either schedule a lane in advance or go for a more spontaneous walk-in session, as lanes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pkaboo Playcafe
15201 West Warren Avenue, Dearborn
Pkaboo Playcafe is a strong choice for families with younger children who want an indoor outing that feels both fun and manageable. The setup encourages movement, imaginative play, and low-pressure social interaction, which is ideal for toddlers and early elementary kids who thrive with hands-on activity. Parents can stay close and supervise without the outing feeling chaotic, making it easier to relax and stay present. Set up for ages one through seven, it also works well for shorter windows of time, like a morning energy burn or an early afternoon reset, especially when the weather makes outdoor plans harder. For light snacks or coffee, check out their on-site cafe. Signed waivers and grip socks are required for play, but the latter can be purchased when you arrive if someone forgets theirs. You can choose from a one-time two-hour session or sign up for monthly plans to make it a regular screen-free reset.
LegaSea Aquarium
45550 Van Dyke Avenue, Utica
LegaSea Aquarium turns a simple weekend plan into a memorable, screen-free adventure by making animal encounters feel up close and genuinely engaging. Families can move through exhibits at their own pace while still finding plenty of moments that invite questions, conversation, and curiosity from kids and adults alike. As Marketing Director Stephanie Kent shares: “Sometimes it’s just nice to just unplug and spend time together as a family. That’s what we’ve created at LegaSea Aquarium and The Reptarium: we’re a place where you can take a break from screens and leave with big smiles, kids, parents, and everyone! Rub a baby Capybara’s belly, smell a Binturong, explore a fever of stingrays, and meet a friendly giant snake at our Big Snake Show. Our team makes you feel like part of the family while you uncover fascinating facts in our brand new 30,000 square foot facility and learn about the amazing creatures that share our world. It’s hands-on, interactive, and with a touch of magic – perfect for connecting with nature… and with each other. We can’t wait to sea you here!” Younger kids often love the sensory excitement of seeing animals move and feed, while older kids tend to enjoy the surprising facts and guided moments that go beyond a typical walk-through.
Heritage Park Petting Farm
12803 Pardee, Taylor
Heritage Park Petting Farm offers an easygoing outdoor option that helps kids connect with animals in a calm, approachable setting year-round. It is a great fit for preschoolers and elementary-aged kids who want a hands-on experience, and it can also be enjoyable for older siblings who still like getting close to animals and being outdoors. The pace is naturally flexible, so families can keep the visit short and sweet or linger a bit longer depending on attention spans and the season. Because it is outdoors, it is a refreshing way to reset after a busy week and gives everyone a reason to slow down. With over 90 animals to check out, this is great for animal lovers who like to be more hands-on. Beyond the daily admission option, there’s also a Family Farm Pass available for a one-time cost that’s good for a year of admission, including special events, for five members.
Fōwling Warehouse
3901 Christopher St, Hamtramck, MI 48211
Fōwling Warehouse is a lively, active outing that gives families a shared game to focus on instead of screens. Fōwling is a mashup of football and bowling, as you throw the ball with the intention of knocking down ten bowling pins. The experience is designed to be easy to jump into, so first-timers can start playing without feeling intimidated by complicated rules. It tends to work best for families with older kids, teens, and adults who enjoy friendly competition and a bit of movement, as participants must be at least ten years old to play. Because it is indoors, it is also a reliable all-season plan when you want an energetic activity that feels different from the usual weekend routine. For those planning on an afternoon out, be sure to bring your own food, or you’re welcome to have something delivered. Head out for some open play time or reserve a lane, which is recommended for weekends.
Detroit Zoo
8450 West 10 Mile, Royal Oak
The Detroit Zoo is a classic screen-free space that supports a full range of family ages. Little ones can enjoy the simple excitement of spotting animals and walking the paths, while older kids often get more engaged by reading exhibit signs and noticing behavior differences from habitat to habitat. The visit naturally creates a comfortable rhythm of walking, stopping to observe, taking breaks, and choosing what to see next, which helps families tailor the day to nap schedules and energy levels. With over 2,000 animals of over 200 species, everyone can try to spot their favorites. It can be a quick half-day trip or a longer outing with plenty of room to pause, snack, and regroup without pressure.
Belle Isle Aquarium
3 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit
Belle Isle Aquarium is a calming, visually rich outing that invites families to slow down and take in the exhibits together. Aquariums naturally hold attention because there is always motion, color, and detail to notice, which makes it easy for kids to stay curious without needing constant entertainment. It works well for a wide age range, from toddlers who are captivated by movement in the tanks to older kids who like identifying species and asking questions. The setting also supports a gentle pace, making it a good choice when your family wants a quieter activity that still feels special and shared. Open year-round Thursdays through Sundays, you can take your time exploring the oldest aquarium in the country. A few steps away is the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which can continue the educational yet exciting experience with its tropical fruit trees and seasonal flowers.
To make screen-free weekends easier to stick with, choose one destination that matches your family’s current energy level and put it on the calendar early. These Metro Detroit outings offer built-in engagement that encourages conversation, movement, and shared discovery across ages. With options that span indoor play, animal encounters, outdoor time, and skill-focused activities, it is simple to rotate plans through the seasons without overthinking it. The result is more connections, more memorable moments, and a weekend that feels genuinely well spent.
