08/17/2026
Need a few more ideas for making the most of the last few weeks of summer break? Try a no-spend family day! From museums and aquariums, to sprawling parks, there are SO many amazing ways to spend a family day in the Detroit metro area.☀️🐟🥾🖼
A few specific recommendations, and helpful details:
• Visiting Belle Isle: Free if you walk, bike, take transit, or rideshare into the park. Otherwise, you’ll need a Recreation Passport ($14), which is good for the year.
• Exploring the DIA: Free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. And MOCAD: Free on Family Days, held the second Saturday of each month from 11 AM–3 PM.
• Oak Park Woods: located within David H. Shepherd Park in Oak Park, it is home to a huge, new, nature inspired playground and is the perfect spot to pack a lunch and spend the whole day outdoors. Free!
• Take a hike: Many local parks have beautiful trails and free entry. Metroparks require a pass or $10 daily entry, while Michigan state parks require a Recreation Passport. Alltrails.com is a great place to look for a walk or hike that suits you and your family!
• Board game or movie night: Learn a new game, or watch a classic movie. Perfect when the weather isn't right for time outside, but you still want to make a fun (completely free) evening for the family.