This list of things to do this summer in Detroit with kids sounds cool just glancing through them! Summer in Detroit with kids outdoors can be crazy fun for everyone. The days are tiring in the best way because they’re filled with active engagement, interactive fun, and new learning possibilities. Your children can roam more freely inside and outside with the weather this season.
Enjoy natural curiosity at its finest in natural environments and watch creativity bloom. Leave room for some fun educational activities too to keep the mind active & sharp. Graze through the grass and everywhere in between. Everything is greener with the mindset of an endless summer in front of us still.
Detroitisit rounded up an enriching list of popular things to do this summer in Detroit with kids of various ages. These events and activities for July and into August are mainly geared toward outdoor endeavors. Embrace the youthful spirit that summer naturally exudes and make the most out of these times you have together with your growing family.
IN MOVIE NIGHTS AT RALPH WILSON PARK
Dates & Times: Runs every Wednesday evening beginning at 7 p.m. from July 8 through August 12
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy always has great refreshers on what to expect for summer in Detroit activities that involve being at the Detroit Riverfront and the parks/area surrounding. Things to do this summer in Detroit include “Movie Nights at Ralph Wilson Park”. This recurring event kicked off recently at the newer park in Detroit and it’s here to bring variety to your outdoor summer plans in the city. Enjoy beautiful visuals, both natural and on-screen. Breathe in the wide-open space that serves as a natural amphitheater. The line up of family-friendly movies will include something for everyone, such as the thriller “Jaws,” action/sci-fi “Jurassic Park,” musical/drama “dreamgirls,” the Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” and the animated “Hoppers” and “Goat.” Click HERE to view the website for more information and to know about food & drink details.
Location: 1801 Jefferson Ave W, Detroit
MOVIE NIGHTS AT RALPH WILSON PARK LOGO, PHOTO @DETROITRIVERFRONTCONSERVANCY ON INSTAGRAM
READING & RHYTHM ON THE RIVERFRONT
When: takes place every Thursday and Friday through August 14
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy celebrates its 16th season of Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront (R3). Things to do this summer in Detroit with kids involve this popular literacy program for kids provides free and family-friendly fun on the Detroit Riverfront. Hosted by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and made possible through the generous support of General Motors, join in for R3 at Gabriel Richard Park for morning sessions. The interactive and creative program gives young readers a picturesque view of the Detroit Riverfront as it’s intended to assist in making reading during the summer more fun. Pre-registration is required to guarantee event giveaways. Click HERE for a group registration (10 or more children) and click HERE for individual registration.
Location: Gabriel Richard Park-east of the bridge to Belle Isle at 7130 E. Jefferson in Detroit
MT. ELLIOTT PARK SPLASH PAD, PHOTO DETROIT RIVERFRONT CONSERVANCY
HEAD TO A LOCAL WATER PARK OR SPLASH PAD
For affordable outdoor fun in the water, check out Detroit splash pads and water parks nearby. Here are a few to plan your visit with the kids. Once your kids are in swim lessons, the rest is fun. There’s a schooner-themed splash park, a splash pad near the Detroit River, a neighborhood splash pad, and more.“Splish-Splash Land” and more are awaiting! Keep in mind the seasonal aspects of when these are open.
- Wayne County Aquatic Center (location 12600 Chandler Park Dr., Detroit).
- Mt. Elliot Splash Park (located along the Detroit Riverfront)
- Riverside Park Splash Pad (location: 3085 W Jefferson Ave, Detroit)
- Palmer Park Splash Pad (location: Palmer Park- 910 Merrill Plaissance in District 2, Detroit)
- Belle Isle Park (location:99 Pleasure Drive, Detroit)-Great for all kinds of play and relaxation! Not to mention, the blissful views of the Detroit River can’t be beat.
MUISC IN THE PARK WITH THE DETROIT SYMPHONY, PHOTO NW GOLDBERG CARES
MUSIC IN THE PARK-DETROIT SYMPHONY
Dates & Times: 10:30am to 12:30pm June 19-July 24
A list of things to do in Detroit with kids wouldn’t be complete without something musical! Music in the Park is a free, community-centered early childhood program for youth ages 0–10, delivered in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Be up and early with your young children and NW Goldberg to dance with live music and interactive arts experiences every Friday. Free to attend, click HERE to view more information
Location: Spotlight Park-5945 Linwood, Detroit
2026 YOUTH RACING ADVENTURE
Dates to know about (registration is CLOSED):
July 30th – July 31st (Bayview Youth Regatta)
August 4th – August 5th (Detroit Yacht Club Youth Regatta)
August 11th – August 13th
If you’re looking for more exciting programs to sign your children and older-aged youth up for, then check out the several youth sailing programs on the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair that hosts Youth Regattas during the summer months. The Youth Racing Adventure program introduces sailors to the exciting world of regattas with local adventures and challenges. The program emphasizes decision-making and the basic skillset for a knowledgeable sailor to set forth with confidence as well as camaraderie among peers. The program is no longer accepting registrations, but it’s good to know about the fun & challenging water activities in Detroit to sign up for. Click HERE to view the website for more information. Learn more about Adult and Youth Sailing in Detroit.
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