8 events in Detroit to take your kids to before summer ends

Soak up the last weeks of summer by taking your family to these eight events in Detroit. 

Although the countdown to school starting is now officially in motion, I refuse to let summer be over, too. There’s still time to squeeze in a few last-minute summer bucket items off your list. For instance, I just booked our family on a last-minute trip to Mackinaw, literally the day before school starts. Call me a dreamer, but I’m all about the end-of-summer fun.

If you’re a dreamer like me, we’ve rounded up some summer events in Detroit to take your kids to before summer ends. It’s always worth the drive to the city for that last bit of summer fun!

1. Dragon Forest at the Detroit Zoo

• Where: Detroit Zoo, 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
• When: Through Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: Regular zoo admission, plus a Dragon Forest ticket: $6, total experience with 4D Theater, train, and carousel: $15; free for children under 2

The Detroit Zoo should always be a must-have stop on any Michigan family’s summer bucket list, but this month, you can add on some mystical and magical fun with their Dragon Forest. The Dragon Forest is a 3-acre adventure with 30 fantastical sculptures and animatronics. Along with dragon sounds and sights, some of the sculptures are climbable for truly interactive fun.

Zoo guests can choose a “character” to take on for their quest, from a Creature Whisperer to Seeker or Guardian. And in August, and a few select dates in September, the kids can do some special character meet-and-greets with a fairy of the forest.

2. Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront

• Where: Gabriel Richard Park, 7130 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit
• When: Thursdays and Fridays through August 15 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
• Cost: Free

Take your family to enjoy the Detroit scenery by the riverfront, and while you’re there, catch a storytime together. The six-week literacy program has been running through the summer and features 45-minute storytime sessions along the river for families. You will need to pre-register to participate because all participants receive a free book at the end of storytime.

The event takes place at Gabriel Richard Park, on the riverfront oasis off of Jefferson Avenue at the foot of the Belle Isle Bridge.

3. Sail Detroit 2025

• Where: Port Authority Headquarters, located between Hart Plaza and the Renaissance Center
• When: August 7 – 10, 2025
• Cost: Adults: $25, Children under 12/Seniors/Military: $15, Family Pass $60

A family-friendly festival open to all ages, Sail Detroit invites families to come aboard the majestic vessels to get an up-close view of the ships. A general pass lets you visit all the ships all weekend long, and there are also private, paid events like tours, sails, and a Captain’s dinner you can add on.

In addition to the ships, local and professional musical entertainment is also lined up all weekend long, allowing families to enjoy learning more about Detroit’s maritime history.

4. MOCAD Family Day

• Where: 4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
• When: August 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Cost: Free on family day for all events

The Museum of Contemporary Detroit Family Day is a whole day dedicated to art and fun for the entire family. It takes place in the MOCAD Cafe and invites teens, youth, and kids in the art galleries to explore art exhibits, chat with gallery experts, and participate in collaborative projects.

The cafe is also a great place to pick up coffee, tea, snacks, or even wine for the adults while you browse or create.

5. Wellness Wednesday: Youth Outdoor Play & Sports

• Where: 360 Park, 1404 Virginia Park Street, Detroit, MI 48206
• When: Wednesdays, August 6, 13, 20, 27 · 5:45 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Have some kiddos who aren’t sure what sport they want to play this fall? Wellness Wednesdays in Detroit are a wonderful way to introduce them to new activities they might just fall in love with. Children aged four and up can gather together for a fun-filled outdoor play and sports day featuring activities such as soccer, field hockey, volleyball, and more.

Along with the pure fun of the sport, there are also giveaways and prizes for attendance and participation. And the fun isn’t just for kids—adults can join in other 360 Detroit Park Events, such as yoga (registration and waiver required) and line dancing.

6. Family Fun Carnival

• Where: Palmer Park Shelter 3 (by splash pad) 910 Merrill Plaisance St, Detroit, MI 48203
• When: August 9, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Kick off the last weekend of summer by attending this family fun event filled with exciting games, giveaways, and surprises galore. The entire playground is set to be transformed into the “ultimate playground of excitement,” according to the event’s organizers.

Then, when you’re done enjoying the fun, cool off in the splash pad by the park. The event is free, but if you plan to attend, the organizers kindly request that you pre-register to secure your free tickets.

7. Movies in the Parks

• Where: Detroit Public Parks
• When: August 8 and 9
• Cost: Free

Round out your summer by catching some free movies in the park with your family. Along with some great flicks, you can enjoy concessions for some sweet treats to go along with the show. Head over to Kensington Metropark, Maple Beach on August 8th for a showing of “The Wild Robot.”

Spend the day playing on the ADA-accessible playground, enjoy the water of Kent Lake, or explore the Hike-Bike Trail before snuggling up with your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a movie for the whole family.

8. Renaissance Festival

• Where: 12600 Dixie Hwy, Holly, MI 48442
• When: August 16 – September 28, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Cost: Gate admission: $27.95 adults, $19.95 children 5-12, free for children four and under (early admission, parent/child, and family passes available)

Last but not least, add the classic Renaissance Festival to your family’s bucket list. If you don’t catch the opening weekend on August 16, there are plenty more weekends through September to check out the medieval-themed fun. For instance, Festival Friday on September 26 is a day specially designed for school-aged children, featuring toned-down, age-appropriate shows and a family-friendly atmosphere.

No matter when you visit, you’ll find fantasy, adventure, crafts, games, and interactive experiences like magical quest adventures. There are also dedicated children’s areas like the Fairy Village for pint-sized whimsy and exploration, and each day ends with a masquerade ball for all festival-goers. Get your appetite ready for that turkey leg!

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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