Detroit in 3 Days for Families - Michigan Science Center — interactive exhibits & planetarium
A practical, gently paced 3-day plan for families with young children visiting Detroit in June. Mixes hands-on museums, outdoor play, easy transfers, and kid-friendly meals with time for naps, snacks and stroller breaks.
Highlights
- Michigan Science Center — interactive exhibits & planetarium
- Detroit Institute of Arts — family-friendly galleries
- The Henry Ford & Greenfield Village — hands-on history
- Detroit Zoo — stroller-friendly loops and play areas
- Belle Isle Park — aquarium, conservatory and river views
Itinerary
Day 1
Midtown + Downtown: hands‑on science, art, a downtown play break and family meals with short transfers.
Breakfast — Hudson Cafe (family-friendly)
Quick, kid-welcoming breakfast to start the day; high chairs and easy seating for families.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a corner booth — more room for strollers and diaper bags.
- Hudson Cafe has a simple kids' menu; mention allergies so the kitchen can adapt pancakes or eggs.
- If you have a stroller, fold it briefly at the host stand and request a table near the door for quick in/out.
Michigan Science Center — interactive exhibits & kids' area
Hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations and a kid-friendly play area. Plan for a planetarium show if energy allows (separate tickets).
Tips from local experts:
- Enter early to avoid midday crowds; strollers are allowed but expect some busy aisles—use exhibit edges.
- There are family restrooms and quiet zones near the ground floor if a child needs a calm break.
- Book the planetarium show or feature demo when you arrive (shows fill up) — great sensory experience for 4+ years.
Lunch — Ford's Garage (kid-friendly menu and quick service)
Burgers, salads and kid-friendly options in a casual setting close to downtown attractions.
Tips from local experts:
- High chairs are available; order simple items (grilled cheese, plain burger) if picky eaters need familiar food.
- Ask for allergy adaptations — staff are used to accommodating common requests.
- If your child needs to move, pick a table by the window or walkway so they can stand and stretch safely.
Detroit Institute of Arts (family-friendly galleries)
Kid-friendly family guides and gallery labels make the DIA approachable — do a 60–90 minute highlights loop with a short scavenger hunt for kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick up a family guide at the welcome desk — it turns the visit into a short, engaging scavenger hunt for ages 4–12.
- Strollers are allowed; use the elevators and visit Kresge Court for a bright, calm space if a child needs a break.
- The DIA has changing tables and family restrooms near the main galleries—ask staff for the nearest location.
Play & Splash Break — Campus Martius Park (summer splash pad & playground)
Short outdoor break for kids to run, splash and relax before dinner; benches and shade for caregivers.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a change of clothes or a towel for toddlers—the splash pad is a favorite in June.
- Public restrooms and water fountains are nearby; lock up valuables in a stroller or small bag near you.
- There are shaded benches and seasonal vendors; mid‑late afternoon is usually less crowded than early evening.
Dinner — Buddy's Pizza (classic Detroit-style pizza)
Famous Detroit-style pizza with quick service and large pies for sharing — kids usually love the deep-dish.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a half-and-half or a small pie for younger kids to sample without waste.
- High chairs and quick table turnover help with early-dinner families; tell staff about allergies and they will advise on toppings.
- If the main dining room is busy, ask for a table near the entrance for quicker exits if bedtime approaches.
Evening rest / hotel downtime
Wind down with a short rest back at a centrally located family hotel (example location supplied).
Tips from local experts:
- If your stay is downtown, ask the front desk for extra towels to quiet the room (helpful for cooling and bedtime routines).
- Use the hotel lobby or a quiet corner to do a calm reading routine; many hotels offer pack-and-plays or crib rentals on request.
- Stroller parking in the entryway keeps it handy for tomorrow; ask bell staff to store it out of the way if needed.
Day 2
Full day in Dearborn exploring The Henry Ford (museum + Greenfield Village) with built-in buffers and an easy family dinner.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation — morning exhibits
Indoor, hands‑on history with cars, inventions and kid‑friendly interactives. Start in the museum galleries before moving to Greenfield Village.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve timed tickets in advance for peak summer weekends to avoid lines; arrive at opening for a calmer experience.
- Stroller-friendly ramps and elevators connect galleries; family restrooms and nursing rooms are available—ask at information desks.
- Plan for shorter stops at favorite exhibits (30–45 min each) and use the museum's benches for snack breaks.
Lunch — Riverview Café (inside The Henry Ford)
On-site cafe with kid-friendly plates and quick service so kids can refuel without long transfers.
Tips from local experts:
- Eat early or slightly after typical lunch hour to avoid crowding; outdoor picnic spots are nearby if you prefer fresh air.
- High chairs are available; if anyone has food allergies inform staff — they are experienced with common requests.
- If a child nap is needed, bring a lightweight stroller to glide through Greenfield Village for a quiet ride after lunch.
Greenfield Village — outdoor history & tram ride
Open-air historic village with hands-on farm displays, playgrounds and a tram—excellent for kids to run and explore safely.
Tips from local experts:
- Catch the Greenfield Village tram for tired little legs—it covers the site and gives a fun break between walking segments.
- Shade and picnic areas are plentiful in June; bring sunscreen and a hat for little ones.
- There are child‑friendly demonstrations (blacksmith, farm animals) — check the day's schedule at the welcome center to time these in.
Dinner — Al Ameer Restaurant (family-friendly Lebanese fare)
Family-style Mediterranean dinner with familiar items for kids and plenty of vegetable and allergen-friendly options.
Tips from local experts:
- Mezze plates and grilled meats are easy to share with small kids; let staff know of allergies and they’ll recommend safe options.
- Large tables are available for families; go a little earlier (around 5–6pm) to avoid the rush and secure a booth.
- Nearby parking and a calm dining room make a post-museum meal less stressful for bedtime routines.
Return & quiet time at hotel
Short unwind period after a full day; helpful for naps or an earlier bedtime for kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask hotel staff for a fridge or microwave to warm bottles/children’s meals if needed.
- If someone needs fresh air, step outside briefly for a short walk—many downtown hotels have calm courtyards.
- Use the hotel's evening turndown (if available) to request extra blankets or night lights to help kids settle.
Day 3
Zoo morning, Royal Oak lunch, and a relaxed afternoon on Belle Isle with an easy downtown dinner to finish.
Detroit Zoo — stroller-friendly loops and family areas
Easy, mostly stroller-accessible paths with play areas and animal encounters; plan for 2‑3 hours with built-in snack stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a lightweight stroller — paths are paved but distances add up; use the zoo tram or train for younger kids if available.
- There are covered picnic spots and roomy family restrooms; feedings and keeper talks are great 20–30 minute mini-events for kids 3+.
- Check the cooled indoor exhibits (if warm) — good places for a short rest and calmer sensory time.
Lunch — The Emory (Royal Oak) or nearby family cafe
Relaxed sit-down lunch in Royal Oak before heading back toward Detroit and Belle Isle.
Tips from local experts:
- High chairs and children’s portions are commonly available; ask for a quieter table if a child needs to nap.
- If anyone has dietary restrictions, staff are used to accommodating requests—call ahead on busy days.
- Royal Oak has short parking walks; plan a 5–10 minute buffer to reach your table after parking.
Belle Isle Park — Aquarium & Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
Island park with river views, conservatory and a small aquarium — shaded walking paths and grassy picnic spots in summer.
Tips from local experts:
- Belle Isle paths are stroller-friendly; the conservatory is a quiet, shady spot for younger kids to regroup.
- Belle Isle Aquarium and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum are compact—good rainy-day backups if weather changes.
- Bring water, sunscreen and a small blanket for a riverside picnic; public restrooms are located near major attractions.
Dinner — Traffic Jam & Snug (family-friendly final night)
Quirky, relaxed spot with a bakery and varied menu; easy for picky eaters and has a welcoming vibe for families.
Tips from local experts:
- They have bakery items and simple kids' plates—order a sweet treat from the bakery to celebrate the trip.
- High chairs are available; staff are used to families and can advise on portion sizes and allergy needs.
- If kids are tired, ask for a table near the door for a quick exit; a short walk nearby helps settle little ones before bedtime.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Total Activities | 16 |
| Total Places | 16 |
| Activities Types | Restaurant, Attraction, Culture, Outdoor, Break |
