Family Neighborhood Guide: Canton

The city of Canton offers tons of fun for families with kids of all ages. Here are our top tips to visiting and exploring with kids.

Perfectly situated between Detroit and Ann Arbor, Canton is a village that is home to many parks, regular festivals and concerts, and prime shopping and dining. 

Mark your calendar for the Liberty Fest in June, a three-day festival of rides, live entertainment and food in Heritage Park. Every summer, the village hosts a series of summer concerts and variety acts in partnership with the schools and public library. 

For art lovers, the Village Theater at Cherry Hill hosts art exhibitions as well as live performances. 

Before you head to town, download the ShopCanton app to find ongoing deals and sales at area restaurants and shops, plus a map that will help you find exactly what you’re looking for. 

Getting there

Canton is on the western edge of Wayne County, easily accessed from I-275 or Ford Road. 

Eat

This Canton eateries offer delicious food and adult beverages that mom and dad will love. Plus, eats for the kids, too. 

Antonio’s Cucina

Go for the breadsticks and stay for the Italian fare that includes free cannolis on your birthday.

Basement Burger Bar 

No more asking for toppings to be taken off or put on the side. Kids can build their own burgers with as many as four toppings (any more are just $.35 extra) that include the basics — tomatoes, pickles, onions — and the exotic — carrot strings, basil and fresh jalapeños.  Add one of the premium toppings like Mac & Cheese Bacon Bites, peanut butter and Detroit Chili Sauce to really try something new

Black Rock

Steaks here are cooked to perfection on a 755-degree volcanic rock. The result is sizzling with every bite. For an appetizer, you really must try the Dueling Pretzel & Cheese Fondue, a trademarked item that is also served on the volcanic stone. 

Carvel Ice Cream

From hand-dipped to soft serve, these cones come rewarded with smiles. Stop in for an ice cream treat or a full-on ice cream cake for the family. 

Shop

Canton is home to Michigan’s only IKEA store and a magnetic toy building company. Here are details on these can’t-miss shops. 

IKEA

Michigan’s only IKEA store draws shoppers from across the state to Canton. The family-friendliness of IKEA includes kids-only craft and maker classes that are designed to entertain littles while parents shop. Plus, a treat from IKEA’s Swedish-style restaurant before leaving is part of the experience. 

Magformers

The magnetic building toy company has one retail location and it’s in Canton. The location is great for sales, deals and speciality items for kids who can’t get enough Magformers. 

Play

From escape rooms to local parks, Canton is filled with spots to take the kids. Here are four of our favorites. 

Parks and Leisure System

Canton’s parks and leisure system includes a splash playground, story trail, sports center, dog park and miles of scenic trails. Visit canton-mi.org for an updated list of events at the parks and on the trails.

Jungle Java

Kids as little as babies can let the energy escape at this indoor playground. During the pandemic, reservations must be made for open play so that occupancy rates are regulated. The space includes structures for climbing, sliding, running and even a snack bar.

Zap Zone Glo-Golf

Play neon minigolf, ride bumper cars or test your skills at laser tag. Reservations are required for now, and a Ninja Jr. Zone will let kids slide, jump and climb while practicing their ninja skills. 

Escape Room Zone

Great for tweens and teens — or a date night for parents — escape room options include Pirate’s Curse, Witching Hour, Kraken Steampunk Casino and Medusa’s Revenge. 

Explore

No matter your interest, you can find it in Canton. Here are some cool must-see spots including Canton’s history museum, a new outdoor fitness center and some public art displays, too. 

Outdoor Fitness Center

Families are invited to check out the newly opened Outdoor Fitness Center near the Park Creek subdivision, an outdoor gym with seven workout stations.

Canton Historical Society and Museum

The museum is home to a range of ever-changing exhibits and an agricultural exhibition in the summer months. If you won’t be able to visit, be sure to read up on the history of Canton online before you explore the town. 

Public Art Displays

  • Address: Ford Road, Canton

Check out 11 displays of outdoor art displayed on Ford Road. Highlights include Chuck the Rooster and a red steel giraffe

Village Theater

The 400-seat performing arts center hosts concerts, plays, experiences and art. Seating is also adjusted for dinner theater. 

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Metro Parent Editorial Team
Metro Parent Editorial Team
Since 1986, the Metro Parent editorial team is trained to be the go-to source for metro Detroit families, offering a rich blend of expert advice, compelling stories, and the top local activities for kids. Renowned for their award-winning content, the team of editors and writers are dedicated to enriching family life by connecting parents with the finest resources and experiences our community has to offer.

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