Best Free Spring Activities for Kids in Metro Detroit

Springtime in Metro Detroit is a magical season for families. After a long winter, children are eager to get outside, explore, and make memories without breaking the bank. Fortunately, Metro Detroit offers a wealth of free activities and destinations perfect for kids in the spring – from hands-on museums and storybook libraries to nature centers teeming with new life. In the friendly spirit of our community (and with a touch of insider insight), we’ve compiled the best places where local families can enjoy spring together for free. Whether you’re a lifelong Detroiter or a new family in town, these spots will delight your children and maybe even teach them something along the way.

In this guide, we’ll cover 18 of the top free spring activities for kids in Metro Detroit. Each entry includes the location’s hours, address, contact info, and a description highlighting what makes it special for families. We’ve organized them by category – from nature adventures to cultural outings to indoor play spaces – so you can easily find the perfect activity. Grab the kids, pack a snack, and get ready to explore the Detroit area’s springtime offerings like a true local!

Belle Isle Nature Center, Facebook

Nature Centers and Outdoor Adventures for Spring

Spring is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy Metro Detroit’s parks, farms, and nature centers. Flowers are blooming, baby animals are being born, and the winter chill is fading away. These free outdoor attractions let kids encounter wildlife, learn about nature, and burn off energy in the fresh air. Don’t forget your camera – you’ll want to capture those smiles when your little ones meet a farm animal or spot a frog by the pond!

Belle Isle Nature Center

Open: Mon-Sun (10am-5pm)
176 Lakeside Drive, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 852-4056
Website: Belle Isle Nature Center

Located on Detroit’s picturesque Belle Isle Park in the Detroit River, this newly renovated nature center offers an immersive wildlife experience for kids. Inside, families can observe native Michigan animals up close – from turtles and snakes to playful river otters. Interactive exhibits teach children about local ecosystems, and there’s even a small indoor beehive and an active mudpuppy (water salamander) display. In spring, the surrounding park comes alive with migrating birds and budding trees, making it a great time for a stroll after exploring the center. Admission to the Nature Center is free (though note that driving onto Belle Isle requires a Michigan Recreation Passport annual pass or small entry fee – walking or biking in is free). This is a must-visit for Detroit families: kids love the mini walk-through “outdoors indoors” habitat, and parents appreciate the educational fun. If you have extra time, check out the nearby Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory (also free) to round out a full day of adventure on the island.

Belle Isle Aquarium

Open: Fri-Sun (10am-4pm)
3 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 331-7760
Website: Belle Isle Aquarium

Right next door to the Nature Center on Belle Isle is the historic Belle Isle Aquarium, the oldest aquarium in the United States. Housed in a charming 1904 Albert Kahn-designed building, this free aquarium is a kid favorite for its “under the sea” atmosphere – the arched ceiling is even tiled in deep green to make you feel like you’re inside a giant fish bowl. The aquarium may be boutique-sized, but it features a wide variety of fish and marine life from around the world. Children press their noses to the glass to see colorful clownfish, stingrays, turtles, and even gar fish native to the Great Lakes. Spring is a great time to visit as families start venturing out; it’s less crowded than summer and you might catch feeding times or special exhibits. Admission and parking are free (Belle Isle vehicle entry rules apply as mentioned above). A $5 donation is encouraged but not required. After enjoying the fish, you can wander the island’s trails or have a picnic by the river. The Belle Isle Aquarium’s blend of history and aquatic wonder will captivate both kids and adults – and it won’t cost you a dime.

Kensington Metropark Farm Center

Open: Mon-Sun (9am-5pm)
4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380
Phone: (810) 227-8910
Website: Kensington Metropark Farm Center

For a delightful farm experience, head to the Kensington Metropark Farm Center, nestled within Kensington Metropark’s rolling woodlands. This working farm is a paradise for kids, especially in spring when baby lambs, calves, and chicks make their debut. Your children can meet and pet farm animals like goats, sheep, cows, pigs, and horses. Don’t miss the daily cow milking demonstrations in the big red barn – a real eye-opener for city kids! The Farm Center features a 150-year-old restored barn, a poultry house full of clucking chickens and peeping ducklings, and an interactive kids’ area with historic farm equipment. There’s also a riverside “green” play area with a grass maze and little play buildings that spark imagination. Admission is free to walk around and enjoy all of this. (Note: A Huron-Clinton Metroparks vehicle pass is required to enter Kensington Metropark by car. You can purchase a day pass, or check out a free pass from many local libraries through the Michigan Activity Pass program.) This small caveat aside, the farm center itself costs nothing and provides hours of entertainment and learning. Pack a lunch and take advantage of picnic tables on site – and watch as your kids run around with big grins, breathing in that fresh farm air.

Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center

Open: Mon-Sun (9am-5pm)
65775 Wolcott Rd, Ray, MI 48096
Phone: (586) 752-5932
Website: Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center

Up in Macomb County, the Wolcott Mill Farm Center offers another authentic farm adventure for families – and it’s completely free to visit. Part of Wolcott Mill Metropark, this 250-acre working farm lets kids experience country life firsthand. In springtime, Wolcott is bustling with newborn farm animals: imagine your children’s excitement seeing fuzzy lambs and kid goats prancing around, or perhaps witnessing a calf being bottle-fed! The farm has all the classic barnyard residents (cows, horses, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits and more) and often features hands-on milking demos and animal feeding times. Stroll through the greenhouse and gardens to see early spring plantings, or take a peek at historic farming equipment on display. The setting is peaceful and scenic, with open fields perfect for little ones to run. Admission and parking at the Farm Center are free (vehicle entry to the Metropark requires a pass as noted above). Because it’s a working farm, every visit might offer something new – you could catch sheep-shearing season or a farm-themed kids’ activity if you time it right. Wolcott Mill Farm Center is a wonderful way to spend a spring day, giving Metro Detroit kids a taste of the farm life without leaving the metro area.

Stage Nature Center

Open: Tue-Fri (9am-3pm) | Sat (10am-4pm)
6685 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, MI 48098
Phone: (248) 688-9703
Website: Stage Nature Center

The Stage Nature Center in Troy is a 100-acre natural oasis where kids can explore forests, meadows, and wetlands right in the suburbs. It’s run by the Troy Nature Society and is free to the public (donations appreciated). Start inside the Nature Center building, which has kid-friendly wildlife exhibits including live reptiles, taxidermy Michigan animals, and even a viewing area for the on-site owl sanctuary (Stage is home to a few rescued owls that children love to observe). There’s an indoor play corner where young children can touch natural objects, do puzzles, and dress up as little scientists. On Saturdays, staff often lead casual programs or crafts included at no cost. But the real fun is outdoors: Stage Nature Center features two miles of trails that wind through the woods and along the Rouge River – just the right length for little legs. In spring, wildflowers carpet the forest floor and frogs croak from the ponds; you might spot deer or turkeys on a quiet morning walk. The Nature Center offers free trail maps and scavenger hunt sheets to make your family hike extra engaging. With its mix of indoor education and outdoor adventure, Stage Nature Center is a beloved spot for local families to reconnect with nature during spring.

Farmington Hills Nature Center

Open: Tue-Sat (10am-4pm) | Sun (12-4pm)
24915 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Phone: (248) 473-1870
Website: Farmington Hills Nature Center

Tucked inside Farmington Hills’ expansive Heritage Park is a hidden gem for families: the Farmington Hills Nature Center. This free public nature center is a cozy spot where kids can engage with hands-on nature displays and meet a few live animals. The building features aquariums and terrariums housing frogs, snakes, and turtles, plus cool natural artifacts like animal pelts, fossils, and microscopes for curious minds. There’s even a small kids’ activity area with books and puzzles, making it great for younger children. Outside, Heritage Park offers miles of easy hiking trails through woods and around a pond – in the spring you’ll see wildflowers and maybe a toad or two hopping across the path. The Nature Center staff often set up free self-guided activities: for instance, a seasonal scavenger hunt or nature craft table (around Earth Day they’ve been known to give out seed planting kits). If the weather is warm enough, you can also enjoy the adjacent splash pad and playground in Heritage Park after visiting the Nature Center. Families love coming here because it’s low-key, educational, and surrounded by beautiful nature. It feels like a mini-vacation in the middle of suburbia – and it’s completely free to enjoy.

Burgess-Shadbush Teaching Gardens - Shelby Twp, MI, Facebook

Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center

Open: Wed-Sat (10am-6pm) | Sun (12-5pm)
4101 River Bends Dr, Shelby Township, MI 48317
Phone: (586) 323-2478
Website: Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center

In northern Macomb County, the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center offers an interactive way for kids to learn about the great outdoors. Located within Shelby Township’s River Bends Park, this 5,000-square-foot nature center is packed with exhibits that engage young visitors. Kids can see and touch natural history displays like animal skins, skulls, and mounted creatures, as well as observe live animals that call Shadbush home – think snakes, frogs, fish, and even a friendly rabbit or two. Seasonally, they often feature a maple sugaring demonstration (late winter/early spring) or caterpillar hatchery in spring, showing nature’s cycles up close. The center staff are super welcoming and will often introduce your kids to any animals they’re handling. Outside, River Bends Park has wooded trails and a river, so you can take a short family hike or look for bugs under logs after your indoor exploration. One highlight is the Nature Play Area just outside the center: an outdoor play space with logs, sand, and other natural elements where kids can climb and dig freely. Burgess-Shadbush is free to visit and has a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe. It’s the kind of place where your children might beg to stay just a little longer – and luckily, it’s open later hours (until 6 PM) on weekdays, making it easy to swing by after school on those longer spring days.

Sterling Heights Nature Center

Open: Tue, Thur-Fri (12-5pm) | Wed (1-8pm) | Sat (10am-5pm)
42700 Utica Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Phone: (586) 446-2710
Website: Sterling Heights Nature Center

The Sterling Heights Nature Center is a “small but mighty” nature discovery zone located next to Dodge Park in Sterling Heights. Inside this newer facility, you’ll find a bright and welcoming space filled with aquariums and exhibits showcasing Michigan wildlife. Kids can watch native fish swim in a 900-gallon aquarium that mimics a local river habitat, or peek into the terrariums to find frogs, turtles, and snakes. The center also has fun educational displays – one corner might have animal puppets and books for story time, while another area features a pretend “woodland campsite” where kids can play. A favorite for many families is the storybook corner, where there’s a little reading nook shaped like a tree (complete with a cozy “tree trunk” seat) – perfect for a quiet moment with a nature-themed picture book. The staff often puts out seasonal crafts or scavenger hunt sheets for kids to enjoy during the visit. Outside, you can extend the adventure: the Nature Center sits within a park that has paved walking paths along the Clinton River. In spring, take a short stroll and you might see ducks with their ducklings or turtles basking on logs. Entry to the Sterling Heights Nature Center is free, making it an easy stop on a day out. You can even pair it with a play session at the Dodge Park playground or a visit to the farmer’s market (in season) next door. It’s a wonderful example of how Metro Detroit’s cities bring nature to the community.

E. L. Johnson Nature Center

Open: daily from 8 AM to sunset
3325 Franklin Rd, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Phone: (248) 341-6485
Website: E. L. Johnson Nature Center

For a serene outdoor escape, the E. L. Johnson Nature Center in Bloomfield Hills is a must-visit. This 40-acre preserve is operated by Bloomfield Hills Schools and is free for everyone to enjoy. It’s a bit of a “hidden” treasure because the indoor Visitor Center hours are limited, but don’t let that deter you – the wooded trails and wildlife are accessible every day from dawn to dusk. Start by exploring the gentle trails that wind through forests, around a scenic four-acre pond, and past meadows. In the spring, the trails are alive with activity: chorus frogs chirp from the pond, wildflowers dot the forest floor, and you might spot deer quietly foraging in the early morning. The Johnson Nature Center is especially popular with kids for its resident animals: along one trail you’ll encounter an enclosure with friendly fallow deer, and in another area there’s a habitat for rescued birds of prey (keep an eye out for the great horned owl and red-tailed hawk who live there). These animal residents are permanent and always a delight to observe – essentially an outdoor mini-zoo in a natural setting. If you visit on a Saturday or the first Sunday of the month, pop into the Visitor Center building. There you’ll find additional hands-on exhibits, educational displays, and staff who can answer questions or show kids things like snakeskins or bird nests. It’s cozy but informative. Admission is free; they only ask you respect the peaceful environment. Johnson Nature Center is an ideal spot for a family nature walk or even a picnic on a nice spring afternoon, giving you a taste of Michigan’s natural beauty right in the suburbs.

Museums, Libraries, and Cultural Spots Kids Love

Metro Detroit boasts several world-class museums and cultural venues that are surprisingly budget-friendly for families. In fact, many are free – especially if you’re a local resident. Spring break or a rainy spring day is a perfect time to check out these educational attractions. We’ve also included one of the area’s most magical libraries in this list, because it offers more than just books for kids. These outings prove that learning and fun go hand-in-hand, and they make for great memories (plus a little break from outdoor pollen on high-allergy days!).

Detroit Institute of Arts

Open: Tue-Thur (9am-4pm) | Fri (9am-9pm) | Sat-Sun (10am-5pm)
5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 833-7900
Website: Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) isn’t just for grown-ups and art buffs – it’s actually a fantastic (and free!) destination for families. This immense art museum in Midtown Detroit offers “something for everyone,” including many exhibits and programs geared toward children. Start with the famed Rivera Court, where Diego Rivera’s massive wall murals of Detroit industry will captivate even young eyes with their color and detail. The museum provides kid-friendly guides and scavenger hunt booklets that turn an art exploration into a game. Don’t miss the Ancient Egypt gallery, where kids love seeing real mummies, and the African masks and sculptures which often spark imaginative questions. The DIA also has an “Art-Making Studio” open on weekends where children can create their own crafts inspired by exhibits (activities rotate and are free with admission). Speaking of admission: the DIA is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties – just show your ID at the door. That means your family can pop in for an hour or two anytime without worrying about cost, which is great with young kids who might have a shorter museum attention span. Even if you’re not a resident, children under 6 are always free, and others have low fees or special free days. The atmosphere is welcoming; you’ll see plenty of other parents with strollers wandering the beautiful galleries. After exploring inside, step out to the DIA’s lawn where, in spring, there may be outdoor art installations or family events (in past years they’ve hosted drawing stations and storytimes on the lawn). The Detroit Institute of Arts is more than an art museum – it’s a community hub that inspires creativity in visitors of all ages.

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

Open: Tue-Sun (10am-4pm)
1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: (734) 764-0478
Website: University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

If your kids are into dinosaurs, space, or science of any kind, the U-M Museum of Natural History in Ann Arbor will be a highlight of their spring. This modern museum (newly rebuilt in 2019) is full of hands-on exhibits – and admission is completely free for the general public. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by the jaw-dropping sight of a full-size mastodon skeleton in the atrium. On the second floor, kids can stand in awe under the gigantic T. rex and mammoth fossils (don’t worry, the scary teeth are safely out of reach!). The museum’s galleries cover prehistoric life, Michigan wildlife and geology, and even a journey through evolution complete with lifelike models of early humans. Interactive touch screens and specimen tables let kids play junior scientist – they can examine fossils, compare bones, and more. One favorite spot is the Under the Microscope exhibit, where children peer through microscopes at everyday objects to see them magnified. There’s also a dedicated Nature Lab room that often has staff-led demonstrations; sometimes you’ll catch a live snake showing or a pop-up science experiment. On the top floor, the museum has a planetarium (small fee for planetarium shows) and an exploring space exhibit, plus an outdoor terrace that opens in spring offering a great view of campus. Families often combine a museum visit with a stroll around Ann Arbor’s campus or a picnic on the grassy “Diag” nearby. With so much to discover, the U-M Museum of Natural History turns a free afternoon into an epic science adventure that will leave your kids wide-eyed and curious.

Roush Automotive Collection

Open: Mon & Fri (9:30am-4pm)
11851 Market St, Livonia, MI 48150
Phone: (734) 779-7290
Website: Roush Automotive Collection

Car-loving kids (and parents!) will be in heaven at the Roush Automotive Collection, a free museum showcasing the impressive car collection of Jack Roush, the famous motorsports and engineering entrepreneur. Tucked in an unassuming warehouse in Livonia, this collection is open to the public on weekdays without charge. The moment you step in, you’re surrounded by classic and rare vehicles – over 110 in total – ranging from polished vintage Mustangs and hot rods to actual NASCAR race cars driven by Roush Fenway Racing drivers. Children can get right up close to these shiny speedsters; it’s a thrill to see their reflections in the flawless car paint and watch them marvel at the engines. The museum also displays cool automotive memorabilia, engines and parts, and trophies from racing history. There’s a retail store area too, where you might pick up a die-cast car souvenir or Roush hat (though there’s no pressure to buy anything). One of the highlights for kids is the occasional interactive engine display – a cutaway engine that shows the moving pistons at a push of a button, for example. Spring can be a great time to visit because the museum sometimes freshens up its exhibits or brings out different cars from storage after winter. It’s generally quiet and uncrowded, so your family might even get a personal tour from the friendly staff or volunteers, who love to share stories about each vehicle. Keep in mind it’s weekdays only, so perhaps make it a day off school or a spring break outing. The Roush Automotive Collection turns a simple afternoon into a vroom-vroom adventure that costs nothing – and it might just spark your child’s passion for engineering or racing.

Southfield Public Library

Open: Tue-Thur (10am-8pm) | Fri (10am-5pm)
26300 Evergreen Rd, Southfield, MI 48076
Phone: (248) 796-4200
Website: Southfield Public Library

A library might not be the first place that comes to mind for an “activity,” but the Southfield Public Library is far from ordinary – it’s often described as a storybook wonderland for kids. This expansive library boasts one of the best children’s sections in Metro Detroit, and it’s completely free to visit and enjoy. As your kids enter the Youth Room on the first floor, they’re greeted by a life-sized storybook castle complete with towers and a friendly dragon’s cave beneath! The decor makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. There’s also a whimsical “tree house” reading area – a cozy nook that looks like a giant hollow tree, where kids can curl up with a book or play make-believe. Throughout the children’s area you’ll find play stations: there’s a play kitchen, train tables, puzzle and LEGO tables, and even an interactive alphabet wall for toddlers. Of course, there are thousands of books for all ages, plus comfy kid-sized furniture to settle in for a good read. The library frequently hosts free events in spring, such as storytime sessions, craft afternoons, or even children’s concerts and puppet shows. Check their calendar – you might coordinate your visit with a special event to double the fun. Beyond the kids’ room, the entire library is an architectural beauty with soaring ceilings and a café area, so parents will enjoy the atmosphere too. Many families make an outing of it: spend an hour or two exploring books and play areas, use the self-checkout to borrow a stack of new bedtime stories, and then wander outside. (The library is on the Southfield Civic Center grounds, which include fountains and walking paths; on a nice spring day, you can let the kids run outside on the grassy hill afterward.) The Southfield Public Library truly turns reading into an adventure – and it’s an outing that’s as enriching as it is entertaining.

Indoor Playgrounds and Community Fun

Spring weather in Metro Detroit can be unpredictable – sunny one day, rainy the next. Thankfully, there are plenty of free indoor play spaces where kids can climb, slide, and socialize regardless of the forecast. Many of these are community-built play areas (often inside large churches or malls) that welcome the public with open arms. They typically feature towering play structures, slides, and sometimes even cafes for parents to grab a coffee. It’s like having the benefits of an indoor play center without the entry fee. Here are some of the best around the metro area:

Ward Church Playscape

Open: Mon-Fri (9am-12pm, 1-4pm) | Sun (11:30am-1:30pm)
40000 Six Mile Rd, Northville Township, MI 48168
Phone: (248) 374-5909
Website: Ward Church Playscape

Inside Ward Church’s Northville campus is a massive indoor playscape known as “The Playground” (or sometimes called Climb ‘n Slide), and it’s a dream come true for energetic kids – completely free and open to the community on weekdays. Picture a multi-level play structure with giant slides, tunnels, and climbing towers reaching toward the ceiling. It’s brightly colored and big enough to entertain toddlers up through elementary-age children. There’s a separate small tot lot area for the littlest ones, too. Parents, you’ll appreciate that the space is clean, safe, and enclosed (so your little adventurers can’t wander off). One wonderful feature is the adjacent RēNū Coffee Cafe right next to the play area – run by the church, it serves lattes, tea, and snacks. Many caregivers treat this as a playdate hotspot: you can relax with a coffee at a nearby table while keeping an eye on the kids climbing and laughing together. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming; you do not need to be a church member (or religious at all) to come in – Ward Church built the playscape as a true community space. They do close it midday for an hour of cleaning (which speaks to how well-maintained it is). It’s hard to overstate how popular this spot is for Metro Detroit parents in the know, especially on chilly or rainy spring days when the outdoor parks are less appealing. Insider tip: try to arrive early in the morning for smaller crowds, as it can get busy with playgroups by late morning. But even at its busiest, the Ward Church Playscape is large enough to accommodate lots of kids and is a fantastic free resource on the west side of town.

playparknovi, instagram

Play Park

Open: Tue-Thur (9am-4pm)
50200 W 10 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48374
Website: Play Park

The newest addition to Metro Detroit’s free indoor play areas is the Play Park at Oak Pointe Church in Novi – and it’s quickly become a hit with local families. Opened in recent years, this huge indoor playground was built as part of Oak Pointe’s community outreach, and it’s open to the public for free on weekdays and Saturdays. What will you find? An enormous, modern play structure that’s four stories tall, featuring multiple slides (including an awesome twisty tube slide that kids zoom down repeatedly), climbing nets, bridges, and lookout platforms. The design is incredible – it’s like a mini theme park inside, with sections suitable for different ages. There’s a toddler play zone on the ground level for little ones not ready to climb high, complete with soft blocks and small slides. Older kids can scale all the way to the top of the structure and come down on a super fast slide that spits them out through a faux rock wall facade. Parents often comment that this is one of the cleanest and most well-designed indoor playscapes they’ve seen (it was built by a professional playground company and it shows). The Play Park has seating around the edges and a relaxed policy that allows you to bring your own snacks or buy coffee at the church’s café in the lobby. Spring is an ideal time to visit – if it’s a muddy day outside or you’re waiting for the playgrounds to dry out, you can bring the kids here to run wild. Saturdays are especially popular since it’s one of the few free play places open on weekends, so expect other families and maybe plan for a slightly quieter weekday if you have little ones who prefer a calmer environment. Whether you stay for 30 minutes or a whole morning, Oak Pointe’s Play Park will have your children climbing, sliding, and grinning ear to ear – and your wallet will stay happy, too.

Baxter’s Cafe & Metro City Church Playscape

Open: Mon (10am-6pm) | Tue-Thur (10am-3pm)
17760 M-85 Suite A, Riverview, MI 48193
Phone: (734) 287-2366
Website: Baxter’s Cafe & Metro City Church Playscape

For families in the Downriver area (or anyone up for a short drive south of Detroit), Baxter’s Cafe and the Metro City Church Playscape in Riverview offer a fantastic free indoor play experience. Metro City Church’s Riverview campus houses a huge “Cityscape” indoor playground that rivals any paid play center. It’s open to the public weekdays during the day, and it’s completely free – you don’t need to be a church member, just come on in. The playscape is multi-level with tunnels, climbing structures, slides, and a mini zip-line/track ride that zooms kids from one platform to another. The theme is a bit like a city adventure – there are faux building facades and colorful designs that ignite imagination. Adjacent to the play structure is Baxter’s Café, a cozy coffee shop within the church that welcomes parents to grab a drink or light lunch. They have a full espresso bar and often treats like muffins or bagels. The best part? You can sit in the cafe area, which has clear views into the play area, and relax while your kids entertain themselves in a safe, gated environment. It’s truly a win-win: kids burn off energy; parents get a little breather (or social time with other parents). The community vibe is strong – you’ll likely be greeted by friendly staff or regulars, and don’t be surprised if you end up chatting with another parent while waiting for your latte. During spring, this indoor playscape is especially handy for those rainy days or when the spring chill hasn’t quite left. By offering a free, climate-controlled playground, Baxter’s and Metro City Church have become a beloved hangout for Downriver families. Pro tip: check their Facebook page or call ahead occasionally, just to ensure they haven’t closed for a special event that day. Generally though, you can count on it as a reliable play spot throughout the week. It’s community hospitality at its finest – providing fun for kids and a welcome break for parents, all at no cost.

2|42 Community Center & Indoor Playground

Open: Mon-Thur (9am-2pm, 5-8pm) | Fri (9am-2pm)
648 S Wagner Rd #9002, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 707-4995

Open: Tue-Sat (9am-8pm)
7526 Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI 48114
Phone: (810) 231-0190

Website: 2|42 Community Center & Indoor Playground

The 2|42 Community Church’s Ann Arbor campus is more than just a church – it’s a full-fledged community center complete with an indoor sports field, café, and a gigantic indoor playground, all designed for local families to use freely. On weekdays, the community center opens its doors to everyone (not just church members) and invites kids to enjoy one of the coolest indoor play structures around. The play structure here includes multiple slides, rope climbs, obstacle course-style elements, and even a ball pit or foam block pit that kids can leap into. It’s the kind of place where kids immediately kick off their shoes and vanish into playland, emerging red-faced and happy an hour later! In addition to the playground, the Ann Arbor 2|42 facility features an indoor turf field and basketball courts – often when we visit, we see older kids kicking a soccer ball around or families playing a pickup game, and yes, that’s free to use too when not reserved. For parents, there’s a café (The 2|42 Café) on site serving coffee, smoothies, and snacks, plus plenty of tables and comfy chairs dotted around the play areas. Many local parents have discovered that this is a perfect spot to meet up with friends for a playdate: you can sip coffee and chat while the kiddos entertain themselves in a safe, weather-proof environment. Springtime often means the playground is a mix of relieved parents (who survived winter here!) and excited kids finally able to run freely. Admission is free; the Community Center is truly intended as a public gathering space. Keep in mind the slightly unusual hours – they close in the afternoons and reopen in the evenings, and are generally closed on weekends to focus on church services (during which the playscape is available to attending families). If you have flexibility on weekdays, this is a must-do. The 2|42 Community Center playground exemplifies the welcoming, family-focused spirit of Metro Detroit’s communities – it’s not every day you find a place with a two-story slide and a café that doesn’t charge a penny for open play!

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets – Kids Play Area

Open: Mon (12-7am, 10am-9pm) | Tue-Sat (10am-9pm) | Sun (11am-12am)
4420 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Website: Great Lakes Crossing Outlets – Kids Play Area

Sometimes you just need a free outing where kids can play and you can get a bit of shopping done (or at least window shop). Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills – Michigan’s largest indoor outlet mall – delivers on both fronts. Scattered throughout this huge mall are several free play areas for young children. The main Kids Play Area is located in the food court corridor: it’s a soft-surface playground with a Up North Michigan theme, featuring climbable log tunnels, a mini Mackinac Bridge, and cuddly animal sculptures (like a bear and moose) that kids can climb on. The floor is padded, and there’s a seating ring around it, so parents can easily supervise. It’s a nice pit stop for ages 0-6 to stretch their legs and play pretend while shopping. Another lesser-known play spot is near LEGOLAND Discovery Center – there’s often a small LEGO building station or interactive displays outside the ticketed area that are free to use. And speaking of LEGO, the LEGO Store inside the mall has a play table where kids can build with bricks (completely free to drop in). Beyond the designated play areas, Great Lakes Crossing has other kid-friendly free sights: the massive fish aquarium inside Bass Pro Shops, where little ones love watching the fish swim, and sometimes the Rainforest Café entrance, which has animatronic animals and a thunderstorm show that you can experience without dining there. If you schedule your visit right, the mall also hosts free seasonal events – for example, spring might bring an Easter scavenger hunt or free craft workshops at the outdoor goods stores. Essentially, Great Lakes Crossing can be a half-day family adventure: a bit of shopping for the grown-ups, ample play breaks for the kids, and maybe a free sample from the fudge shop for everyone. And if you do decide to splurge on something extra, the mall houses SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium and LEGOLAND (both cost money) – but honestly, many families find the free attractions and play zones within the mall are enough to keep kids happy. It’s a clean, safe environment to let kids play especially when spring showers roll in. Plus, you’ll head home with happy kids and any bargains you scored along the way!

Spring in Metro Detroit is a time of renewal – not just in nature, but in our communities as well. As the weather warms up, families across the region emerge from hibernation to enjoy all the wonderful free activities available for kids. From bonding with baby animals on a farm to digging into interactive museum exhibits or conquering a towering indoor playscape, there’s no shortage of adventures that won’t cost a penny. These experiences showcase what we love about Metro Detroit: a rich blend of culture, nature, and community spirit. (It’s no wonder local real estate experts often mention our area’s parks, museums, and family-friendly events as a major perk of living here!)

Now it’s your turn to make the most of the season. Pack up the kids and explore some of these free spring activities – create your own Metro Detroit family adventure. Visit a new neighborhood, try out a different nature trail, or meet fellow parents while the children play. You’ll be building memories without building up a big expense. And as you do, you’ll feel more connected to the wonderful community we call home. So go ahead – embrace the fun, enjoy spring with your family in Metro Detroit, and let these free opportunities remind you that the best things in life are indeed free. Happy exploring!

For location and Directions, Please see the interactive map below

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$1,250,000

588 Green Road, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,646 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025039059

$1,250,000

↓ $150,000

4944 Scio Church Road, Scio township

5 Beds 3 Baths 3,788 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025035742

$1,250,000

↓ $45,000

290 Shelby Court, York charter township

4 Beds 6 Baths 6,429 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025006058

$1,249,900

↓ $25,100

4115 Elmhurst Avenue, Royal Oak city

4 Beds 6 Baths 4,637 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025047304

$1,249,900

↓ $50,000

37337 Lakeshore Dr, Harrison charter township

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,854 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250029821

$1,249,000

61784 Bunker Hill Dr, Washington township

3 Beds 5 Baths 6,502 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050190343

$1,249,000

↓ $146,000

530 N Division Street Unit: Unit A, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 4 Baths 1,997 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025037368

$1,245,400

115 Arden Park Boulevard, Detroit city

6 Beds 7 Baths 8,173 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025039352

$1,230,000

↓ $120,000

64164 Campground Rd, Washington township

4 Beds 5 Baths 7,304 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050180513

$1,230,000

↓ $50,000

000 Knights Bridge Rd, Addison township

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,397 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240056642

$1,225,000

N/A, Scio township

1 Bed 2 Baths 800 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025029630

$1,200,000

19199 Lahser Rd, Detroit city

24 Beds 18 Baths 15,845 SqFt Multifamily MLS® # 58050188317

$1,200,000

15211 Fenkell St, Detroit city

20 Beds 20 Baths 10,800 SqFt Multifamily MLS® # 58050188297

$1,200,000

5750 South Ridge, Wayne city

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,750 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250027013

$1,200,000

3595 E Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor city

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,486 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025042458

$1,200,000

441 S Ashley Street Unit: 405, Ann Arbor city

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,665 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025000692

$1,200,000

512 Fernhurst Crt, Orion charter township

2 Beds 2 Baths 981 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20221055222

$1,200,000

820 W Baltimore St, Detroit city

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,159 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250000860

$1,200,000

↓ $490,000

46351 W Main Street, Northville township

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,574 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025022588

$1,200,000

23831 John R Rd, Hazel Park city

0 Beds 5 Baths 5,425 SqFt Multifamily MLS® # 20250022739

$1,199,900

60 Timber Ridge Court, York charter township

5 Beds 4 Baths 6,477 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025019371

$1,199,000

↓ $51,000

3093 Overridge Drive, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 3 Baths 3,144 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025043691

$1,199,000

↓ $51,000

5971 Barclay Drive, Genoa township

5 Beds 5 Baths 5,513 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025038487

$1,199,000

↓ $91,000

5011 Rockaway Lane, Village of Clarkston city

5 Beds 6 Baths 6,797 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025029041

$1,199,000

1833 N Washington Ave, Royal Oak city

4 Beds 5 Baths 4,045 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250037529

$1,199,000

↓ $51,000

29135 Scotten St, Farmington Hills city

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,829 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250020254

$1,198,000

↓ $41,000

2735 Blue Bird Lane, Highland charter township

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,430 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025004721

$1,187,535

4775 Curtis Rd, Superior charter township

4 Beds 5 Baths 4,593 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250008254

$1,185,001

↑ $1

2673 Pine Bluffs Ct, Highland charter township

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,800 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240033950

$1,179,000

11762 Encore Dr, Shelby charter township

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050175239

$1,175,000

877 Quarry Dr, Rochester Hills city

4 Beds 5 Baths 5,365 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050174664

$1,169,000

↑ $1,168,999

614 S 7th Street, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,482 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025049933

$1,169,000

↑ $69,000

3960 Harvest Creek Crt, Oakland charter township

4 Beds 4 Baths 6,160 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250031556

$1,164,243

↑ $9,385

7331 Mulberry Dr, Washington township

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,433 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050189199

$1,160,000

9470 Pontiac Lake Rd, White Lake charter township

0 Beds 15 Baths 2,700 SqFt Multifamily MLS® # 20240009340

$1,159,000

6411 Lapham Court, Salem township

5 Beds 6 Baths 5,887 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025050821

$1,150,000

↓ $100,000

1928 Lorraine Place, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 6 Baths 3,677 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025044234

$1,150,000

↓ $50,000

209 N Seventh Street, Ann Arbor city

5 Beds 4 Baths 2,701 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025031502

$1,149,900

3829 Waldenwood Drive, Ann Arbor city

6 Beds 5 Baths 3,470 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025045732

$1,135,000

1704 Shadford Road, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,454 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025049417

$1,125,000

↓ $125,000

3401 Michigan Ave, Detroit city

2 Beds 2 Baths 3,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250028849

$1,114,995

3440 Maple Ridge Dr, Ann Arbor charter township

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,904 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250031963

$1,100,000

63240 Indian Hills Dr, Washington township

4 Beds 3 Baths 4,145 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050189927

$1,100,000

↓ $100,000

438 State Park Rd Rd, Groveland township

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,142 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050188557

$1,100,000

↓ $74,000

32830 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores city

5 Beds 3 Baths 4,763 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250022356

$1,100,000

93 Merriweather Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms city

6 Beds 5 Baths 5,200 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050180494

$1,100,000

↓ $85,000

2316 Brockman Boulevard, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,612 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025024043

$1,100,000

511 S Gulley Rd, Dearborn city

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,719 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250036590

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