30 Downriver Adventures Every Kid (and Parent) Will Love

Downriver Michigan offers a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that promise fun for both kids and parents.

 

From engaging animal encounters to thrilling water parks, there's something for everyone.

 

Visit Animals

 

At Heritage Park Petting Farm in Taylor, families can meet cows, horses, goats, pigs, and more.

 

For a unique experience, the Children’s Pony Ranch at Elizabeth Park offers pony rides for children under 100 pounds, accompanied by adults on a scenic 15-minute trail.

 

After the ride, visitors can interact with donkeys, goats, and a llama.

 

Don't miss Calder’s Dairy Farm, where you can enjoy farm-fresh ice cream while observing the very cows that produced it.

 

Additionally, the Gibraltar Bay Alpaca Farm provides an opportunity to meet alpacas and shop for unique gifts.

 

Playgrounds and Nature Trails

 

Embrace the outdoors with nature walks at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, Crosswinds Marsh, Grosse Ile Nature Trail, or Elizabeth Park.

 

Top playgrounds include:

 

Lake Erie Metropark in Brownstown features two modern playgrounds with stunning views of the Great Lake.

 

Kiwanis Park in Southgate is a train lover's dream, boasting a large train play structure and miniature train rides from May to October, courtesy of the Great Lakes Live Steamers.

 

Thorn Park in Brownstown offers a miniature town for imaginative play, forest-themed playgrounds for various age groups, a massive sand pit, swings, and a splash pad.

 

Northwest Park in Taylor caters to climbers of all ages with its new play structure, featuring two fast slides, permanent gaming stations like foosball, basketball courts, and a paved trail leading to a second play area.

 

Make a Splash

 

For beach enthusiasts, Sterling State Park offers a Great Lake swimming experience, complete with picnic areas, trails, and a modern playground.

 

Kennedy Aquatic Center in Trenton provides a zero-entry and lap pool, kids' splash area, and water slide.

 

In Taylor, families can choose between diving into the pool or enjoying the splash pad at Lamarand Splash Field.

 

The Woodhaven Civic Center offers a free splash pad, perfect for cooling off after a day of play at their impressive playground.

 

Thorn Park Splash Pad is another excellent spot for kids to run around, featuring a shaded park and a large playground suitable for all ages.

 

Relax at the zero-entry pool with a waterslide at Willow Metropark in New Boston.

 

Rainy Day Fun

 

Keep the fun going indoors at Rev’d Up Fun or Mandee’s Funtastic Play Center in Woodhaven, United Skates of America in Lincoln Park, or Airborne Adventure Park in Taylor.

 

Outdoor Movies

 

Stay up past bedtime and watch a movie under the stars at Memory Lane Drive-In Theater in Monroe.

 

With such a diverse array of activities, Downriver Michigan is the perfect destination for families seeking adventure and quality time together.