The Staycation Series – Family Weekend!

By: Katie Goncalves | April 12, 2023
Father and toddler son eating ice cream cones

Traveling with a family can be an expensive and overwhelming experience. While it’s always fun to travel and get away, why not consider a fantastic staycation right in downtown Detroit? There are so many fun and unique things to do in the city with your kids that everyone will have a wonderful time. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your kids to what life is like in the city and spend some time together without the hassle of driving or flying too far. 

Places to Eat 

Breakfast

Dooped Donuts 

Who doesn’t love donuts for breakfast?! Every donut at Dooped Donuts is made by hand and they’re vegan-friendly too. 

Cadillac Square Diner

For classic breakfast staples Cadillac Square Diner is a simple and delicious place to grab a filling breakfast. From eggs to pancakes, everyone will be satisfied with their breakfast selection.

Lunch

American Coney Island + Lafayette Coney Island

The battle for the best coney in the city is alive and well at American and Lafayette Coney Islands. Get one or two coneys from each place and split them and have the family vote on which is their favorite. After all, every true Detroiter has an opinion on this topic. 

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Mootz Pizzeria & Bar

With a wide variety of pizza options as well as other entrees, Mootz Pizzeria & Bar is a winner for an easy and delicious lunch. While you’re there, check out the murals in The Belt and the Z Lot and take some fun photos with your family. 

Dinner

Detroit Shipping Company 

Detroit Shipping Company is great for families because it’s six restaurants in one. Grab a seat and order from one or multiple places to get anything from burgers to curry to Caribbean chicken. 

Union Assembly 

2131 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

With a convenient location and an extensive menu, Union Assembly is sure to please everyone in your family. They have everything from sandwiches to Detroit-style pizza, and kids can even order Eminem’s famous Mom’s Spaghetti from next door. 

Dessert 

No staycation is complete without dessert, especially for kids. Check out these places to grab something sweet: 

Huddle Soft Serve

Milk & Froth Ice Cream

Detroit Water Ice Factory

Sugar Factory

Ice Cream cone from Milk & Froth Ice Cream
Ice Cream cone from Milk & Froth Ice Cream

Things To Do

Spend the day learning and playing at the Michigan Science Center.

Young girl experiments with electricity exhibit at Michigan Science Center
Kids love exploring the exhibits at the Michigan Science Center

Let your kids run wild at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center.

Take a look at the schedules and get tickets to a Tigers game at Comerica Park, a Red Wings or Pistons game at Little Caesars Arena, or a Lions game at Ford Field.

Spend a couple of hours enjoying the sights and sounds of Disney at the Disney Animation Immersive Experience.

Tour around Belle Isle and enjoy the aquarium, the greenspaces, and the playgrounds.
Hang out in Campus Martius no matter the season. Check out the skating rink in the winter and the city beach in the summer.

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