Arrive in Metro Detroit and settle into your suburban lodging—drop bags, refresh, and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Avalon Bakery in Birmingham or Sister Pie in Detroit’s western neighborhoods to kick off the weekend with fresh pastries and kid-friendly options. Afterward, take a short scenic drive to the Cranbrook Art Museum and Gardens (Bloomfield Hills) or, if you prefer downtown, stroll along Campus Martius Park to stretch your legs and let kids explore the outdoor play areas and seasonal displays.
Head into downtown Detroit for light sightseeing: visit the Detroit Institute of Arts for a family-friendly highlights tour (don’t miss the Rivera Court) or stop at the Michigan Science Center for hands-on exhibits that entertain all ages. Grab a casual lunch at Hudson Cafe or Lafayette Coney Island for classic Detroit flavors, then wander along the Detroit Riverwalk to enjoy views of the river and Canada while the kids burn off energy at the playgrounds and open promenades.
Return to your suburban base or stay downtown for a cozy evening—order comfort food from Slow's Bar BQ or Buddy’s Pizza for a laid-back family dinner, or reserve a table at Antessa or The Apparatus Room for a slightly more festive atmosphere. Finish the night with a short drive to see neighborhood holiday lights, or catch an early family movie at Emagine Entertainment, then relax back at your accommodations and prepare for a full day of Detroit highlights tomorrow.
Start your day in the heart of Detroit with a family-friendly visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts—focus on the Rivera Court mural and the DIA’s interactive family guides so kids can connect with the masterpieces. If your group prefers hands-on science, head to the nearby Michigan Science Center for planetarium shows and engaging exhibits; afterwards grab an early lunch or snack at the museum café or swing by nearby Hudson Cafe for hearty plates before continuing your exploration.
Spend the afternoon along the Detroit Riverwalk, strolling from the Renaissance Center toward Belle Isle; let children play at the riverfront playgrounds and explore the Esplanade while adults enjoy skyline views and photo ops. For a cultural detour, visit the Motown Museum for a brief guided tour celebrating Detroit’s musical legacy or stop at the Henry Ford’s temporary downtown exhibits if available, then warm up with a classic Detroit coney or sandwich at Lafayette Coney Island or American Coney Island.
Wrap up the day with a relaxed dinner that suits the whole family—order iconic Detroit-style pizza at Buddy’s or a lively barbecue meal at Slow’s Bar BQ in Corktown—and consider a post-dinner walk through the illuminated Campus Martius Park and the holiday-lit streets. If energy remains, catch a family-friendly performance or concert at the Fox Theatre (check schedules) or head back to your lodging for board games and stories to wind down before departing the next day.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Avalon Bakery (Birmingham) | USD $8-20 per person (pastries $3-8, coffee $3-6, sandwiches $8-12) |
| Sister Pie (Detroit) | USD $6-18 per person (pie slices $4-7, savory items $6-12, drinks $2-4) |
| Cranbrook Art Museum and Gardens (Bloomfield Hills) | USD $10-18 adults, $6-12 youth/children, under 5 often free; family ticket options vary |
| Campus Martius Park (Downtown Detroit) | Free (parking or nearby paid lots $5-20 depending on duration) |
| Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) | Suggested admission: USD $14 adults; youth 17 & under free; some special exhibitions may have extra fees |
| Michigan Science Center | USD $18-22 adults, $14-18 children (ages vary by policy), planetarium show $5-8 extra per person |
| Hudson Cafe | USD $12-25 per person (breakfast/brunch entrée $10-18, beverages $2-5) |
| Lafayette Coney Island / American Coney Island | USD $5-12 per person (coney dogs $3-6, sides/drinks $2-6) |
| Detroit Riverwalk (including Esplanade and playgrounds) | Free (parking or paid lots $5-20 depending on location and duration) |
| Motown Museum | USD $15-20 per person (children rates may be lower), advanced reservation recommended |
| The Henry Ford (Downtown temporary exhibits / Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn alternative) | Downtown exhibits vary (often free or small fee); The Henry Ford (Dearborn) USD $29-$32 adults, $19-$22 youth; membership discounts available |
| Slow's Bar BQ (Corktown) | USD $15-30 per person (entrées $12-25, sides/drinks extra) |
| Buddy’s Pizza | USD $12-25 per person (Detroit-style pizza by the pie or by the slice; drinks extra) |
| Antessa | USD $30-60 per person (mid- to higher-end dinner options, cocktails extra) |
| The Apparatus Room | USD $25-50 per person (cocktails/entrée pricing adds up) |
| Neighborhood holiday lights drive | Free (gas/parking costs only; if organized displays may request donation or parking fee $5-15) |
| Emagine Entertainment (movie theater) | USD $10-18 per ticket (matinee vs evening), concessions extra |
| Fox Theatre (family-friendly performance) | USD $20-100+ per ticket depending on show and seating; family shows usually $20-60 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | USD $220-760 (per family of 4 for this 2-day itinerary) or USD $55-190 per person Cost breakdown (estimates for family of 4): - Meals: $120-300 (2 days: breakfast $20-60, lunches $30-90, dinners $70-150) - Attractions & activities: $80-240 (DIA suggested admission, Michigan Science Center, Motown tour, Emagine or Fox tickets) - Parking & local transit: $20-80 (parking downtown/riverfront, short rideshares) - Incidentals & snacks: $20-60 - Optional upgrades (nicer dinners, private tours, The Henry Ford full visit): +$100-300 Notes: wide range reflects choices (free/low-cost museum options and picnics vs paid exhibits, upscale dining, or visiting The Henry Ford in Dearborn). Local currency: USD. |