Watch CBS News

Best Family Activities In Detroit To Do Before The Summer Ends

The sun is shining. The weather is warm. Everyone is in a good mood. Does this mean it is time to spend some quality family time together? Instead of taking an elaborate trip (because some people don't have the vacation time) why not take small day trips? Whether living in Detroit or visiting Detroit, these are some of the classic family events everyone should enjoy.
Comerica Park
2100 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 962-4000
www.detroit.tigers.mlb.com

"Take me out to the ball game; take me out to the crowd!" Nothing beats a good game of baseball and hot dogs. Get great seats at the stadium and you might even be able to catch a fly ball from one of the players. Stay after the game to get a signed autograph from one of the players. Baseball is remains "America's pastime," and a staple experience for any kid. This is one of the best family activities a family can participate in each summer.

Michigan Science Center
5020 John R St.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 577-8400
www.mi-sci.org

Let kids learn about anything science related. At this museum, kids can get hands-on experience and pretend they are an astronaut, a scientist, a marine biologist, an astronomer, etc. The whole point is to get involved and learn something new. Even though the science center is geared towards children's learning, the adults can explore and have fun, too. Check out the tornado exhibit, what makes electricity, learn about the ocean and the stars, and so much more. Being at the center can take a couple hours or an entire day, it depends on how involved you (and your kids) are willing to be when learning about science.

Detroit Film Theatre
5200 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-3237
www.dia.org

We study English literature and all the classic books. Why not study old films and what makes these films great? And why not introduce your children to these timely classics? At the Detroit Film Theatre, the architecture is beautiful — you will feel like you are back in the 1920's. Enjoy a good movie with Ginger Rodgers, Fred Astair,or several of the other great actors and actresses in these movies. Sing, dance, smile, cry, get emotional, feel like you are part of the movie itself, and learn what makes a movie really great while spending time with family.

Related:  Five Fun Activities To Get The Family Outdoors

Greenfield Village
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 982-6001
www.thehenryford.org

Two places in one: The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. This is a large museum where no one will get bored. Spend time inside and learn a little bit about history, Henry Ford, how cars evolved and about interesting ways of life in the United States. (Henry Ford collected artifacts from all over the world; in his museum you will see the different things that inspired him.) Or spend time outside in Greenfield Village. In Greenfield Village learn how people used to live when they churned butter, had a farm, went to a parlor and so much more. This place shows how times used to be in America compared to where we are today. If it weren't for trailblazers like Ford, we wouldn't be where we are today.

Detroit Institute Of Arts Museum
Wayne State University
5200 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-7900
www.dia.org

Take time to learn about art. Do you like watercolors, pastels, oil paintings, sculptures? Are you interested in modern art or classic art? At the Detroit Institute of Arts you will see all sorts of classic art pieces. Learn about the painters and what inspired them. Talk them over with family, and hear the sure to be varied interpretations of the works. Enjoy the peacefulness at the museum and see if something inspires you.

Detroit Zoo
8450 W. 10 Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 541-5717
www.detroitzoo.org

"Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" Have fun walking through the zoo and seeing the reptiles, birds, mammals and the aquatic life. Summer is the perfect time to go, when the animals are active and the entire zoo is humming with activity. Learn why each animal is special. Learn about the animal's environment and how they survive. If you are lucky, you might even be able to feed an animal or two — or watch when it is feeding time if a zoo guide is around. Nothing beats the sun, the animals, family and shopping in the gift shop at the zoo.

Related: Best Summer Vacation Activities Around Detroit

A feisty and intelligent young woman who resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When she isn't hitting the pavement digging up stories, she enjoys music, sports, animals, and having fun with friends and family. Contact her through the following: jenn.straka@gmail.com, Examiner.com, or be bold and read 365withJenn.blogspot.com.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.