Being at home alone with a newborn can be pretty lonely for new parents. So, grab your diaper bag and check out some of these fun things to do with babies in metro Detroit.
This article was recently updated on Sept. 16, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. Questions? Please reach out to katina@metroparent.com.
Attend a story time
There are many kid-friendly play areas and story times at local libraries. A few of our favorites are Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown, Clinton-Macomb Public Library-Main Branch, Detroit Public Library-Main Branch, Mount Clemens Public Library and Southfield Public Library.
Explore some nature
Experience the great outdoors at these nature centers in southeast Michigan. We love all the nature centers in the Huron-Clinton Metroparks and the Outdoor Adventure Center, which brings nature from outside into the building for you and your kids to explore during any season.
Go to the zoo
If you’re looking to hit up a zoo nearby, check out The Detroit Zoo, which is open all-year-round. If you don’t mind traveling a little farther, try Toledo Zoo for a fun day trip away.
Check out a farmers market
Stroll through the aisles of the fruits and veggies at a farmers market. Your little one will enjoy some fresh air and be able to people watch at the same time. One of our favorites is Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market.
Head to the mall
If you’re out and about shopping at the mall, take a break and let your children get out of the stroller for a little bit and enjoy these mall play areas.
Stop at an indoor play space
Let your kids get some of their energy out before nap time at these indoor play places. Some of them have their own infant and toddler sections, so your little one isn’t playing with kids that aren’t their age. A few of our favorites for infants are Jungle Java, Peppa Pig World of Play, Under the Sea Playground, Rochester Play! and Kidcadia Play Café.
Check out a museum
Visit one of the many museums in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor where almost babies are free. We love the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, which is free for babies 0-23 months old. They can splash in the water tables, play dress up and play on the child-sized fire engine. The Michigan Science Center is also free for children under 2 and has an “Early Learning Space” that stimulates babies senses, fosters their developing minds and offers a modern and fun STEM experience.
Take a train ride
If your little one is into trains, check out these train activities and take them on a ride on a historic steam or diesel locomotive in Greenfield Village. You can also check out the Michigan Transit Museum, which offers train rides on select dates from June-December.
Spot some fishies
Take your kids to an aquarium to check out the sea life in the Great Lakes state. Two of our favorites are Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit and SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium in Auburn Hills.
Take a swim
Take your babies to these public pools in southeast Michigan. You can also check out these fun swimming classes if you’re looking for them to learn more.
Enjoy a cider mill
Get some fresh air at a local cider mill. Infants can enjoy the Funlands at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill and Blake’s Big Apple. Children 2 and under are free with a paying adult. Some of the attractions here include a storybook barn, giant tire sandbox and animal petting farm. Also Wiard’s Orchards & Country Fair has a Lil’ Folks Playground, specifically for little ones, a petting farm, Old West wagon rides and more.
Go to an outdoor playground
Take the kiddos to get their energy out at a playground in metro Detroit. Some of the playgrounds have areas specifically for babies and toddlers, which is great! Some of our favorites playgrounds are at Lake St. Clair Metropark, Innovation Hills and Country Farm Park.
Smell some flowers
Take your babies to see and smell some flowers at these beautiful gardens. Make sure to bring your phone or camera and have a mini photo session in the flowers.
Hit up the beach
Check out some of the family-friendly local beaches with your little ones. Bring sand and water toys to help make the most out of your baby’s beach day. Some of the beaches even have splash pads that you can enjoy.
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