Best Things to Do with Metro Detroit Kids This Spring

Photo credit: iStock/RiverNorthPhotography

Midwest winters are rough. Once the cold has finally passed, we welcome spring with wide open arms. There’s so much to look forward to during this season, including spring holidays, nature hikes, and museum visits. And, the most exciting part of spring is that families are ready to escape hibernation and explore southeast Michigan again!

To get the season started, we’ve put together this simple guide to help you plan out your spring activities for 2024. From March to May, there’s enough activities and creative ideas to guarantee you’ll have three months of fun planned before you know it. We’ve featured family guides for Easter, Mother’s Day, Earth Day and other spring holidays. Don’t worry, we also included plenty of indoor options, because April flowers are almost always guaranteed to bring May showers in Michigan! 

Take a look below to find our latest suggestions of things to do with your family in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor this spring. Also, be sure to bookmark or come back to this guide regularly because we’ll be adding more exciting spring activity ideas all season long!

Spring Family Activities | At-Home Spring Activities | Spring Break Ideas | Spring Holidays

Spring Family Activities

Detroit Tigers
Photo credit: Detroit Tigers

Metro Detroit springs to life once warm weather hits. Don’t let sorting through the seemingly endless choices of seasonal activities and events become just another chore on your spring cleaning list. 

We’ve made narrowing down your choices a bit easier for you with these kid-approved picks, from outdoorsy nature centers and family hikes to indoor learning and fun at museums and play spaces. 

Take a hike

After a long winter, your family will love soaking up the sun at one of these nature centers around southeast Michigan. Take the adventure up a notch by going on a family hike

Play your heart out

This spring, change up your normal routine and venture to a new playground. These awesome playgrounds have tunnels, slides, rope courses and endless obstacles to climb and explore. Rainy day? We’ve got you covered with great indoor fun centers.

Explore a new neighborhood

With blooming flowers, fresh grass and a bit of sunshine, spring is a great time of year to take in the sights of a new neighborhood. Our family neighborhood guides make exploring new communities a breeze with suggestions on what to do, where to eat and must-see attractions. Check out our latest family guides to Shelby Township, Royal Oak and Wyandotte

Catch a baseball game

Play ball! The Detroit Tigers 2023 season starts on April 6! For little fans attending their first game at Comerica Park, we’ve compiled this helpful guide full of tips, fun kid-friendly activities and the best concession stand picks for families. 

Try an extreme sport

Sure, there’s nothing wrong with spring sports like soccer or track, but why not let loose with these unique sports around metro Detroit and Ann Arbor? Hint: think adrenaline-filled activities like indoor skydiving, playing soccer in giant inflatable bubbles or (kid-safe) ax throwing. 

Learn something new 

There are so many museums located around metro Detroit and Ann Arbor, from history and art museums to centers for science, aircraft and music. These new and upcoming exhibits are great for families, and most museums offer free admission days

Go mini golfing

Miniature golf is a classic (and challenging!) activity for all ages. Your family will love checking out outdoor mini golf courses around Ann Arbor and metro Detroit. Rain delay threatening to end your game? Head to one of these indoor golf courses.

Shop at a farmers market 

Support local and fill your kitchen with the freshest ingredients when you shop at a farmers market. We have plenty of healthy recipes you can make using your fresh ingredients! 

Visit a scenic flower field

Strolling through picturesque fields of flowers is a beautiful way to appreciate the return of blooming greenery. Plus, having your kids pose in front of lavender fields or giant sunflowers is an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity! 

Jump Around at These Top Indoor Playgrounds for Metro Detroit Kids

Find the best indoor play places in metro Detroit for kids with fun activities, birthday venues and creative spaces!

Where to Play Indoor Mini Golf in Metro Detroit

Take your family to play putt-putt at one of these unique indoor spots.

Metro Detroit Museums Families Should Visit At Least Once

From compelling artwork to hands-on activities, these kid-friendly museum attractions at local museums are sure to be a hit.

Scenic Hiking Trails for Kids in Metro Detroit

Check out these scenic spots in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

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At-Home Spring Activities

three-plants-kids-can-grow
Photo credit: iStock

The urge to get out of the house can be overwhelming after a long Midwest winter. Avoid burning out on outdoor activities before summer gets here by relaxing with fun at-home activities. From crafty projects to relaxing with a family movie night, we have plenty of suggestions for staying busy at home this spring. 

Start a garden

April flowers are sure to bring May showers — so make use of the rain and use it to water your new garden. Start with plants that are easy to grow with kids and watch your garden grow! 

Host a family movie night

Cozy movie nights are great any time of year. Our Watch This, Do That series features kid-friendly titles and recommended activities you can do as a family once the credits have rolled to further the fun. 

Get crafty

A quiet craft is the perfect activity to keep kiddos relaxed and occupied. These fun spring crafts are the perfect way to spend a little downtime at home. 

Create a vision board

Making a vision board is an artistic way for kids to dream big. Get crafty with friends by hosting your very own vision board party

Try a science experiment

We’ve compiled a list of science experiments for kids that includes some super colorful, yummy and wild activities. Prepare to blow your little one’s mind with the power of science! 

Dig up dinos

Create your own excavation site at home and embark on your very own dino dig. This activity is great for inspiring curiosity and discovery in your kids, as well as helping younger kiddos develop their motor skills. 

Sweat it out with a virtual workout

You don’t have to go outside to work up a sweat! Kids will love these virtual and interactive workouts that feature some of their favorite characters and movies. There’s workouts for the whole family, too, including zumba, pilates and full-body routines. 

Do some spring cleaning

Don’t roll your eyes at this one! You don’t have to scrub the entire house to give your home a spring refresh. Use these simple strategies to start reorganizing and kick off your spring cleaning. 

Easy Peasy Plants to Grow with Your Young Green Thumbs

Instill a green thumb in your child with one of these plants that are easy to grow with kids.

Cool Science Experiments to Try at Home

Get ready for your kids’ minds to be blown.

Fun Spring Crafts To Try with Kids

For some low-key crafts for kids to do at home, take a peek at our roundup of fun and quiet spring crafts for a few cool ideas to try this week.

Free Online Workouts To Keep Your Family Energized

Feeling stuck indoors? Get the entire family on their feet with these free online workouts!

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Spring Break Ideas

midwest-destinations-to-visit-with-your-family-illinois-office-of-tourism
Photo credit: Illinois Office of Tourism

By the time spring break rolls around, it won’t just be your kids who are ready for a break! Recharge the entire family with a relaxing vacation, or hop in the car and hit the gas on a family road trip. If your clan is more of the stay at home and chill variety, we have some great staycation activities to keep the kids entertained while you take a break. 

Take a family vacation 

Ready for a family vacay? Travel to one of these spring getaway destinations to soak up the sun. If you’re more of a beach family, we’ve compiled the best places to play, eat and explore in Clearwater, Florida, to help you kick off your spring break vacation. 

If you’ll be flying to your final destination, be sure to read our tips for traveling with kids in our family guide to DTW airport

Go on a road trip

Buckle up! Nothing says spring break like a family road trip to one of these Midwest destinations. Not sure where to go? Start with one of these day trip destinations from Detroit or consider hopping the border to one of these Canadian destinations

For extra fun, stop at a wacky roadside attraction.

Stay and play

Have all of the fun without the time-consuming travel arrangements by planning a family staycation! Plan a weekend trip to an indoor water park or head to the city and show your kids all Detroit has to offer. Can’t spring for a staycation budget? There are plenty of free things to do during spring break. 

Sign up for camp

Can’t get away from work while the kids are on spring break? Send them to spring break camp. Choose a STEM camp for curious kiddos, or enroll your little artists in a creative arts camp. There’s nature camps, sports camps and even more unique opportunities for your child to have the best spring break ever. 

Plan the Perfect Spring Break: Activities That Kids Adore in Metro Detroit

Get ready to have the best spring break ever with these exciting day trips, fun activities and staycation ideas.

Make a Splash at Metro Detroit’s Coolest Indoor Water Parks

These family-friendly water parks in the Midwest are worth the drive!

Spring Break Camps for Metro Detroit Kids

Looking to keep your kiddos occupied during their break from school? Try these camps in southeast Michigan.

Exciting Spring Family Getaways for a Change of Scenery

Have an exciting spring break at these kid-friendly travel destinations.

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Spring Holidays

Photo credit: iStock/lisegagne

Spring officially kicks off on March 20, but there are so many other ways to celebrate. Go green on St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy a bunch of egg hunts for Easter, celebrate the planet on Earth Day and more. We’ve got plenty of ideas for families celebrating these spring holidays with crafts, recipes, events and other activities.

Women’s History Month – March 2024

March is Women’s History Month. Celebrate the strong women in your life and around the world all month long with these local events

Ramadan – March 10 to April 9, 2024

We’ve rounded up family-friendly activities, events and recipes to break fast and teach your kids about the importance of the holiday. 

St. Patrick’s Day – March 17, 2024

Celebrate the luck of the Irish at these events around town, or get into the spirit of the luckiest holiday at home with our St. Patrick’s Day Guide for Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor Families. Plus, we have some fun St. Paddy’s Day books to read with your kids! 

Holi – March 25, 2024

The Festival of Colors is a Hindu holiday that welcomes spring. Our Holi Guide for Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor Families is filled with colorful activities, crafts and events to celebrate the popular holiday. 

Easter – March 31, 2024

Consider our Easter Guide for Families your own personal Easter basket; it’s filled with holiday crafts, Easter egg hunts and activities and delicious treats you can make as a family. Plus, we have some great ideas for non-candy items you can put in your kids’ Easter baskets. 

April Fool’s – April 1, 2024

Don’t miss an opportunity to have a laughter-filled day of pranks and fun with your kiddos! We compiled some funny practical jokes (all in good fun!) to play on your kids this April Fool’s Day. 

Earth Day – April 22, 2024

Show Mother Nature a little extra appreciation on Earth Day with these volunteer opportunities and activities for families. Or, get outdoors by visiting a local nature center

Passover – April 22-30, 2024

Fill your Passover celebrations with fun activities and crafts, educational books about the story of Passover and delicious matzo recipes that kids will love.

Cinco de Mayo – May 5, 2024

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by learning about Mexican-American culture. Dine at a Mexican-owned restaurant, then end the day with delicious Mexican treats

Mother’s Day – May 12, 2024

Does your ideal Mother’s Day include going out with the family? Or maybe you’d rather stay in for a cozy family brunch and an afternoon of crafting with the kiddos? We put together a complete guide to celebrating the Best Mom Ever that even includes some amazing gift ideas

Our Favorite Passover Activities for Kids

From snacks to books and fun games, kids will learn so much about Passover.

Mother’s Day Guide for Southeast Michigan Families

Gift ideas, local celebrations and Mother’s Day recipes to spoil Mom — she deserves it!

Mexican-Owned Restaurants to Support on Cinco de Mayo

Support local Mexican-owned businesses this Cinco de Mayo.

Ramadan Guide for Metro Detroit Families

Looking for fun ways to celebrate Ramadan from home or around town? Check out this list of events and at-home activities for the Muslim holiday.