☀️ 50 Things to Do This Summer in Metro Detroit!
Get ready to make this your most exciting summer yet! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, family fun, or unique experiences that scream Pure Michigan, Metro Detroit and Detroit have something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate summer bucket list—50 things to do that will have you loving life right here in the D.
🌳 Outdoor Adventures & Nature
1. Stroll through the Detroit Riverwalk – Consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
2. Rent bikes and cruise Belle Isle – Explore the island’s natural beauty and check out the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.
3. Picnic at Stony Creek Metropark – Bring the whole crew or just your favorite book.
4. Kayak the Clinton River – A peaceful or thrilling paddle depending on where you go.
5. Hike through Paint Creek Trail – Gorgeous views and a great workout.
6. Catch the sunset at Lake St. Clair Metropark – A hidden gem with a sandy beach.
7. Explore Maybury State Park in Northville – Perfect for mountain biking or hiking.
8. Try stand-up paddleboarding on Cass Lake – Balance meets relaxation.
9. Go ziplining at TreeRunner Adventure Park – Climb, zip, and conquer the treetops!
10. Tour the historic Cranbrook Gardens – A lush landscape in Bloomfield Hills.
🎶 Events, Festivals & Music
11. Rock out at the Detroit Jazz Festival – Held Labor Day weekend and totally FREE.
12. Dance at Movement Electronic Music Festival – Downtown Detroit’s biggest EDM party.
13. Grab a beer at the Royal Oak Arts, Beats & Eats Festival – Music, art, and awesome eats!
14. Catch a concert at Pine Knob Music Theatre – One of Michigan’s best outdoor venues.
15. Attend Summer Fest in Milford – Classic small-town summer vibes.
16. Watch movies under the stars at Campus Martius – Free movie nights in the city.
17. Head to the Michigan Renaissance Festival – Medieval magic meets turkey legs.
18. Take in a Shakespeare in the Park performance – Check local theater groups!
19. Celebrate at the African World Festival at Hart Plaza.
20. Enjoy free concerts at Lake Orion’s Wildwood Amphitheater.
🍦 Foodie Finds & Sweet Treats
21. Eat your way through Eastern Market on a Saturday morning – Fresh produce, flowers, and local goodies.
22. Visit Detroit’s food truck scene at Cadillac Square.
23. Get a root beer float at The Root Beer Stand in Milford – Classic summer nostalgia.
24. Try a Coneys taste test: Lafayette vs. American – Which side are you on?
25. Chill with a scoop from Ray’s Ice Cream in Royal Oak – An institution!
26. Brunch outdoors at Detroit Shipping Company – Local food stalls & a chill vibe.
27. Savor Detroit-style pizza at Buddy’s or Loui’s.
28. Visit Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill for hard cider & donuts – Yes, even in summer!
29. Check out a Detroit brewery crawl in Corktown.
30. Explore the many patios in downtown Rochester, Ferndale, and Birmingham.
🎡 Family-Friendly Fun
31. Spend a day at the Detroit Zoo – The Polk Penguin Conservation Center is a must-see.
32. Ride the carousel and train at Greenfield Village – Living history + fun.
33. Take a boat tour with Diamond Jack’s River Tours – Learn about the city from the water.
34. Cool off at Red Oaks or Troy Family Aquatic Center.
35. Discover LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Auburn Hills.
36. Catch a Tigers game at Comerica Park – Bonus points if you get a hot dog.
37. Visit the Michigan Science Center – Tons of interactive exhibits.
38. Explore Sea Life Michigan Aquarium at Great Lakes Crossing.
39. Go mini-golfing at Paradise Park in Novi or CJ Barrymore’s in Clinton Twp.
40. Try go-karting, laser tag, or the arcade at Dave & Buster’s.
🖼️ Culture, History & Unique Detroit Vibes
41. Tour the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) – Free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties!
42. Snap selfies at The Belt & murals throughout Eastern Market – #DetroitArt
43. Take a tour of the Motown Museum – “Hitsville U.S.A.” where legends were born.
44. Hop on a guided Detroit walking tour with City Institute.
45. Explore the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
46. Take in the architecture at the Guardian Building – Art Deco perfection.
47. Visit the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores.
48. Experience the Heidelberg Project – Outdoor art with a story.
49. Check out the Detroit Historical Museum.
50. Cruise Woodward Avenue for classic cars – Especially during the Dream Cruise in August!
☀️ Metro Detroit is absolutely bursting with summer energy—from bustling city streets to peaceful nature escapes. Whether you’re planning a day out with friends, fun with the family, or a little solo exploring, this list has you covered.
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