For families interested in exploring Motown, this guide goes over five free activities to do with teens in Detroit.Â
Whether you’re only planning a short afternoon excursion or multiple days of fun, there’s plenty to do around Metro Detroit. From art, culture and in-depth city exploration, this list includes five free activities to keep you and your teen going all day long. Â
The Heidelberg ProjectÂ
This outdoor art exhibit originated with local artist Tyree Guyton, who was inspired to change the culture of his neighborhood by transforming vacant lots and abandoned homes into works of art. This eclectic display of found object art contains projects like a polka-dotted home, a tower of bicycles and a pink Hummer buried almost completely into the ground.
Why You’ll Love It: Comprised of approximately 20 individual art projects, this unique space uses artistic expression to uplift the socioeconomic well-being of the local community.Â
Hours and Location: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, 3600 Block of Heidelberg, Detroit.
Eastern Market
Operating as one of the oldest markets in the nation, this space holds a weekly Saturday market that hosts around 45,000 visitors each weekend. Seasonally, from June to September, visit their Health & Wellness and Street Markets every Tuesday and Sunday. Meander through the vendors while admiring vibrant murals on every block, with year-long art displays created during the annual Murals in the Market festival. Outside of weekly markets, they host events throughout the year such as football tailgates, fitness classes and holiday celebrations.
Why You’ll Love It: While roaming the six-block expanse of the market, browse more than 500 vendors ranging from local produce suppliers, jewelers, dessert shops and florists.Â
Hours and Location: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday (June-September), 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (June-September), 2934 Russell St., Detroit.
John K. King Books
Voted the best bookstore in Detroit, this four-floor collection contains over 1 million novels. This local treasure serves as America’s largest used and rare bookstore, and has even been featured on PBS for its extensive collection. An escape from the busy city, this charming establishment invites visitors to explore for hours and still feel like they’ve only scratched the surface.
Why You’ll Love It: A literary-lover’s dream, the store’s rare book department contains autographed Mark Twain editions, a Bible signed by Henry Ford and a 1833 first edition of Frankenstein.Â
Hours and Location: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 901 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit.
Detroit People Mover
An iconic part of the Detroit landscape, this high-tech light rail system travels along a three-mile elevated loop through Detroit’s business district. Operating with 13 stations, each stop contains internationally acclaimed art ranging from giant murals to Venetian glass mosaics.Â
Why You’ll Love It: For those looking to explore the entire city, the People Mover takes passengers through iconic Detroit areas like Greektown, the Renaissance Center and Grand Citris Park. Come up with your own itinerary, or follow the system’s station guide for local recommendations at each stop.
Hours and Location: 6:30 a.m.-midnight Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, 500 Griswold St., Suite 2900, Detroit.
Campus Martius:
Named the No. 1 “Top Public Square” in the U.S. by USA Today, this Detroit gem has gorgeous green spaces, decorative fountains, historical monuments and much more to explore. The park has seasonal changes throughout the year, such as The Rink and an eye-catching Christmas tree from November to March, and The Beach, a sandy hangout space with 400,00 pounds of sand filled with lounge chairs and live music from June to October.
Why You’ll Love It: With a constant variety of free park events like fitness classes, film festivals, art installations and trivia nights, this event center has programming to keep you entertained for hours.Â
Hours and Location: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
