Here’s how to have a great daddy-daughter date in Metro Detroit

For dads of daughters, quality time matters – and metro Detroit is bursting with events, eats and experiences for the perfect daddy-daughter date that will make her feel like the princess she truly is.

Whether it’s a hands-on activity, a sweet treat or a stroll through town, the recipe for a great daddy-daughter date is easy and fun for everyone. Continue reading for some of the best spots to spend your daddy-daughter date in metro Detroit:

A date in Detroit 

What to do: 

• Detroit Symphony Orchestra Family Events: Get dressed up and take your daughter out for a family-friendly concert experience at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, great for musical kids.
• Workshop at Pewabic Pottery: Pewabic Pottery hosts frequent tile-making classes for kids and their guardians – you and your daughter can get creative and make something for mom or each other.
• Michigan Science Center: For your future scientist, the Michigan Science Center is constantly updating their galleries for exciting exploration in STEM.

Sweet treats:

• Astoria Pastry Shop: A great starting or ending point for your outing, Astoria Pastry Shop has warm brunch pastries and sweet cookies and brownies available all day.
• JoJo’s Shake Bar: This restaurant doesn’t just have crazy shakes – there are also classic diner eats and fun arcade games on site.

Nearby sights:

• On a nice day, a stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk with your sweet treat is a great date option, ending at the Wlliam G. Milliken State Park and Harbor or the Delta Dental Play Garden.

A date in Royal Oak 

What to do: 

• Detroit Zoo: The zoo is a classic outing for dads and daughters, and there are tons of events and experiences coming up to check out.
• Creative Arts Studio: This studio offers walk-in classes from pottery to painting to get crafty with your daughter.
• Royal Oak Farmers Market: The farmers market in Royal Oak has plenty of vendors and produce to browse through – pick up some ingredients to make a homemade meal together when you return home.

Sweet treats:

• Ray’s Ice Cream: Ray’s Ice Cream has over 50 flavors of ice cream to choose from for your perfect daddy-daughter sundae.
• Págos Ice Cream and Bubble Tea: This joint serves up ice cream in a rolled style, and has tons of bubble tea flavors to go with it.

Nearby sights:

• The streets of Downtown Royal Oak are lined with boutiques and shops to look through. Check out Paper Trail Books for a new read or HiHi for cute collectibles.

A date in Sterling Heights and Utica

What to do:

• LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium: This animal experience features scaled creatures from the sea and dessert, with different showings throughout every day.
• Urban Air Adventure Park: Urban Air Adventure Park has trampolines, ropes courses and so much more to enjoy with your kiddo.
• Big! Zap Zone: Another indoor park option is Big! Zap Zone, which also has mini golf and laser tag.

Sweet treats:

• Custard Spot: The Custard Spot has cones, parfaits and shakes to satisfy your sweet tooth during your outing.
• Freskia Ice Cream: This ice cream spot has tons of toppings, as well as dairy-free ice cream options.

Nearby sights:

• The Sterling Heights Nature Center has walking trails and still-life exhibits for up-close learning. Another outdoor option in Utica is the Clinton River Heritage Park, with docks and bridges to sit by the water and pass time with your daughter.

A date in Birmingham 

What to do: 

• Birmingham Farmers Market: Walk through local vendors and freshly grown produce at the Birmingham Farmers Market. Consider attending their End of Season Celebration on Oct. 26.
• Design Cafe: The Design Cafe has drawing and painting workshops, mosaic sessions and other DIY activities to make together.
• Birmingham 8: For a retro movie date experience, the Birmingham 8 theater is perfect to take your daughter to. Their huge screens and luxury seating are another plus.

Sweet treats:

• Bakehouse 46: This bakery has cupcakes, cookies and donuts – try their seasonal cider donuts during the fall months.
• Shock Gelato: The newly opened Shock Gelato serves flavorful scoops in a wide range of authentic flavors.

Nearby sights:

• Walking through Downtown Birmingham is a relaxing way to spend time with your daughter. Stop by boutiques along the way, or stroll all the way to Shain Park for a scenic pitstop.

A date in Novi 

What to do: 

• Paradise Park: This amusement park has mini golf, laser tag, go karting and more for more lively activity options during your daddy-daughter date. 
• Escape Room Novi: The escape rooms at Escape Room Novi are great for curious girls who notice every little detail. Make sure to check the website for difficulty levels before making a reservation.
• Emagine Novi: This movie theater has unique experiences like Breakfast and a Movie to start your daddy-daughter date off early. 

Sweet treats:

• Stuart’s Ice Cream and Yogurt: Stuart’s has a huge selection of ice cream treats. They’re known for their create-your-own flurries with over 50 mix in options to choose from.
• Bober Tea: This spot specializes in bubble tea and yummy mochi donuts for a twist on a traditional American donut.

Nearby sights:

• Treat your daughter to a shopping spree at Twelve Oaks Mall, with stores like Claire’s and It’s Sugar that your little girl will love.

A date in Dearborn 

What to do: 

• Henry Ford Museum: The exhibits in the Henry Ford Museum give a glimpse into the early United States, showcasing things from auto racing to agricultural practices.
• Dearborn Ice Skating Center: The center has public skating time during select hours throughout the week to enjoy with your daughter.
• The Friendship Factory: The Friendship Factory in Dearborn has fun parties and craft workshops for girls to have a ball with.

Sweet treats:

• Treat You Batter: This dessert spot has a revolving menu of cookies that changes every day of the week. They are also known for their creative coffee drinks.
• La Gelati: Gelato is the best seller at La Gelati, but they also have delicious crepes and Middle Eastern desserts like Ashta and Baklava.

Nearby sights:

• Ford Field Park is a large park in Dearborn that is perfect for a picnic during a daddy-daughter date. There are also playing fields and trails to stroll through once you arrive.