Skip to main content
General

20 Fun Things to do in Detroit for Everyone

Written by

AAA Travel Editor, WA

From its vibrant neighborhoods that are rich in culture and history to its iconic museums and attractions, Detroit is the perfect destination for people of all ages. However, deciding which spots fit your interests best can be a large task due to the vast number of things to see and do in the Motor City.

If you’re trying find the perfect stops for your upcoming trip, this list will have you covered with 20 fun things to do in Detroit:

1. Visit the Motown Museum

  • Address: 2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208
  • Cost: $20 per person

Located inside historic Hitsville U.S.A., the Motown Museum tells the story of Motown music and how it moved not only a city — but also inspired an entire generation. Guided tours are available, taking guests through Berry Gordy's apartment, the iconic Studio A and a handful of expertly curated exhibits about this timeless music.

2. Walk to Riverfront

  • Address: 588 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
  • Cost: Free

Stretching along Jefferson Avenue, the Detroit Riverfront Walk is living proof of the city's commitment to revitalization and beautification. The quiet and peaceful walk not only features riverfront views, but it also winds toward the city's only lighthouse. Whether you are strolling along in the afternoon or soaking up the sunset, this is one of the most scenic places in the city.

3. Go Sailing

  • Address: Grayhaven, State Harbor, Detroit, MI 48215
  • Cost: $295

Detroit Sails, a local tour company based in the city, offers sailing tours along the Detroit River, allowing you to enjoy the city from the waterfront. From private sailing tours to group excursions on electric boats, you can choose the adventure that is right for you.

4. Explore the Detroit Institute of the Arts

  • Address: 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
  • Cost: $20 per person

Long known as one of the top attractions in Detroit, the Detroit Institute of Arts —referred to by locals as the DIA — is one of the most breathtaking art museums in the state. Home to famed masterpieces such as Caravaggio's Martha and Mary Magdalene and Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry: West Wall, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring this impressive museum.

5. Catch a Show at the Fisher Theater

  • Address: 3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202
  • Cost: Ticket prices vary

The Fisher Theater, famous for being a shining example of the Art Deco architecture that defined the 1920s in the United States, is currently home to Broadway in Detroit. Throughout the year, various Broadway shows take up residency in the Fisher, making it a great place to spend a night on the town in the city.

6. Shop at Eastern Market

  • Address: 2934 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
  • Cost: Free Admission

There's no better place to shop local in Detroit than at Eastern Market. Throughout the year, you will find flowers, fresh food, artisan products and holiday decor.

7. Take the Kids to the Outdoor Adventure Center

  • Address: 1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
  • Cost: $5 per adult, $3 per child

Considered to be one of the top things to do in Detroit for kids, the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center is an indoor attraction that invites children of all ages to experience the wonders of the great outdoors. From simulator rides to climbing equipment, there's something for everyone at this unique local spot.

8. Spend the Evening in Campus Martius

  • Address: 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
  • Cost: Free Admission

Having recently earned nationwide recognition for being one of the country's best public spaces, you would be remiss to visit Detroit without stopping by Campus Martius. During the summer, it's home to an urban beach, but in the winter, it transforms into a holiday wonderland — complete with the city's Christmas tree and an outdoor skating rink.

9. Grab Food in Corktown

  • Address: Neighborhood Near I-75 and Bagley and Porter Streets
  • Cost: Free Admission

Corktown is the city's oldest neighborhood and it's currently home to some of the most recent additions to the city's food scene. Home to places such as Ottava Via and Mercury Burger + Bar, you are sure to find someplace to satisfy your cravings in Corktown.

10. Kayak the Canals

  • Address: 14601 Riverside Blvd, Detroit, MI 48215
  • Cost: About $50 per person

Perhaps one of the most surprising things to do on this list is kayak through historic canals. Detroit River Sports offers guided excursions through the historic Eastside Canals, offering insight into the history of the riverfront.

11. Eat a Coney Dog at Lafayette Coney Island

  • Address: 118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
  • Cost: $1-$10 Menu Items

You've never truly had a coney until you have had one from Lafayette Coney Island, which has long been considered one of the Detroit best attractions.

12. Cheer for Your Favorite Detroit Sports Team

  • Address: Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, Ford Field
  • Cost: Ticket prices vary per team and event

Detroit is one of the few cities where all major sports teams have a facility in the heart of the downtown area. Cheer on the Red Wings and Pistons at Little Caesars Arena, the Tigers at Comerica Park or the Lions at Ford Field.

13. Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

  • Address: 315 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
  • Cost: $25 per person

Celebrating the legacy and contributions of African Americans in the United States, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has been one of the top attractions in Detroit for more than 50 years.

14. See the Heidelberg Project

  • Address: 3600 Heidelberg St, Detroit, MI 48207
  • Cost: Free Admission

Described as an outdoor art environment, the Heidelberg Project will take your imagination to new heights. You could spend hours exploring the various installations in this fluid art project, regarded as one of the more vibrant spots in the city.

15. Take a Photo with the Spirit of Detroit

  • Address: 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
  • Cost: Free

Standing guard over Woodward Avenue, the Spirit of Detroit is the city's most iconic statue. On any given day t's decked out in various gear and attire making it a great spot for a memorable Detroit picture or selfie.

16. Spend the Day on Belle Isle

  • Address: 99 Pleasure Drive, Detroit, MI 48207
  • Cost: $11 One-Day Pass

Belle Isle is the city's beloved island park and it's home to the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Belle Isle Nature Center and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. Fans of aquatic attractions won't want to miss the beach or the famed Belle Isle slide.

17. Watch the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Perform

  • Address: 3711 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
  • Cost: Ticket prices vary per performance

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra performs throughout the year at Orchestra Hall in Midtown. The intimate performance venue combined with the unparalleled talent of the orchestra makes this an amazing stop in Detroit.

18. Soak Up the Culture of Greektown

  • Address: Neighborhood near Gratiot Avenue and Lafayette Avenue
  • Cost: Free Admission

Filled with the sights, sounds and scents of Greece, Greektown is a great place to go for a mouthwatering meal and an exciting night of gaming at the Hollywood Casino at Greektown.

19. Go Skating at RollerCade Detroit

  • Address: 2130 Schaefer Hwy, Detroit, MI 48217
  • Cost: $7 per-person, $3 skate rentals

RollerCade is an indoor skating rink that beckons an era gone by, offering open skates for adults, children and families, as well as skating lessons if you need a few tips.

20. Tour the Masonic Temple

  • Address: 500 Temple St, Detroit, MI 48201
  • Cost: $20-$30 per person

Famously known as the largest Masonic Temple in the world, Detroit's Masonic Temple offers guided tours for visitors who want to learn more about this historic building, the way it was built and the way it is used today.

Plan Your Trip to Detroit with AAA

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Detroit today. Dream up the perfect trip and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.

Written by

AAA Travel Editor, WA

More Articles

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP