Designed for family outings and scenic getaways, the Chevy Traverse provides comfort and convenience for every journey.
Photo courtesy of Mother Handsome
Weekends are prime time for getting out of the house, burning off kid energy, and finding spots where the grown-ups can enjoy themselves too. Around Metro Detroit, there are plenty of places that make it easy to mix playtime with good food, kid-approved treats, and relaxed, family-friendly vibes. Whether you’re starting with indoor play, grabbing a casual pizza dinner, or capping the day with ice cream and arcade games, these stops help turn an ordinary weekend into a mini adventure.
Mother Handsome
14661 West Eleven Mile Road, Suite 500, Oak Park
Mother Handsome is built for all-ages hangouts, blending pizza, coffee, and cocktails in a bright space. Owner Aaron Tye describes it as “a relaxed, family-friendly setting” where “every visit feels like visiting your mother—warm, welcoming, and just a little indulgent.” Families can share classic pies like the Cheesy Dad or Pep Talk, or go all-in on loaded options like Mom’s House with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, veggies, and olives, or the Meat Lovers with four kinds of meat paired with a house cheese blend. If stopping in for lunch, picking out pizza slices is great for families with varying tastes. Handsome Bread and Cheesy Handsome Bread are perfect for little hands, while Cinnamon Sugar Handsome Bread doubles as a shareable dessert. For the café portion, adults can sip Nutella lattes, Maple Bourbon Cold Brew, or signature espresso drinks, and the menu of breakfast burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, soups, and more makes it easy to stretch a quick visit into a full family meal.
Ferndale Project
567 Livernois, Ferndale
Ferndale Project brings together craft beer, coffee, and kid-friendly comfort food in a casual setting that works just as well for a daytime family outing as it does for an early evening meal. The shareables menu makes group snacking easy, with options like Dill Cheese Curds, Soft Pretzels, and Bang Bang Wings. Detroit-style pizzas keep everyone happy, from spicy pepperoni and margherita to more adventurous combinations like Honolulu BBQ with marinated chicken, red onions, and fried jalapeño, or Elote topped with chorizo, street corn mix, and cotija. Handhelds like smashburgers, wraps, and a Nashville Hot Tofu sandwich give grown-ups plenty of options, while the kids’ menu keeps it simple with chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and cheeseburgers. Parents can grab a Pistachio Honey Latte, Lavender Latte, or house coffee while the kids dig into their favorites, making it a one-stop spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
High Score Ice Cream & Arcade
5020 Rochester Road, Troy
High Score Ice Cream & Arcade is the kind of place that can easily take over an afternoon, thanks to a blend of retro arcade fun and scoop-shop treats. The arcade is packed with old-school games, pinball, and more, giving kids (and their adults) plenty to do between bites. At the counter, there’s a huge lineup of Hershey’s hard-scoop ice creams in flavors that range from Superman, Playdough, and Cotton Candy to Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle, Graham Central Station, Cappuccino Crunch, and Oatmeal Cookie Craving. Shakes can be made from any flavor, and there are slushies and fruity sorbets for dairy-free options. With simple snacks like popcorn and jumbo pretzels, it’s an easy choice for a post-dinner treat, a rainy-day outing, or a reward after a full day of family adventures.
Justin Jacob Café
35970 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights
Justin Jacob Café leans into that old-school, neighborhood spot feeling where families share a meal without breaking the bank. Owner Jacob Ankawi says the café is “all about good food and genuine customer service,” built so “families with kids and longtime locals” have a place where they feel at home. It’s common to see families splitting pizzas like BBQ Chicken, Buffalo Chicken, Veggie, or a classic cheese, while kids can enjoy ice cream, and regulars come back for the toasted subs. The menu includes halal pizzas, subs, and hot dogs, plus salad options like Greek and antipasto, making it easy to find something for everyone at the table. “We’re proud to be one of those easygoing spots where you can slow down, eat something delicious, and enjoy the simple moments with family and friends.” Sit back, chat, and enjoy your family time, whether grabbing a quick bite or lingering over a shared pizza or two.
Agape Play Cafe
14700 19 Mile Road, Sterling Heights
Agape Play Cafe is designed with both kids and parents in mind, offering a bright indoor play space alongside a café stocked with drinks and easy snacks. Families can drop in for open play or sign up for memberships and weekly activities, knowing that the environment is screen-free and focused on imaginative play. While kids explore, parents can enjoy coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and flavored options such as Peach Cobbler, Chocolate-Covered Strawberry, Caramel, or Mocha. The café keeps things low-key with plenty of kid-friendly snacks, ranging from fruit snacks, cookies, chips, popcorn, bars, and more, and fun choices like Glitter Lemonade and other colorful kids’ drinks. With extras like pastries, bagels, and special flight options for coffee or fizzy drinks, Agape Play Cafe makes it easy to turn playtime into a full family outing where adults get a small break, too.
Weekend fun with the family around Metro Detroit doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re starting your day off with some open play and a coffee or ending a long day with a family-friendly pizza spot before ice cream, these businesses have you covered. Spots like these keep things relaxed and welcoming, giving families plenty of ways to eat well, play hard, and make memories together, all in a single free weekend.
