30 Downriver Adventures Every Kid (and Parent) Will Love!

Embark on a journey through Downriver's diverse attractions, offering unforgettable experiences for families.

 

VISIT ANIMALS

 

At Taylor's Heritage Park Petting Farm, children can interact with cows, horses, goats, pigs, and more.

 

Children's Pony Ranch in Elizabeth Park offers pony rides for kids under 100 lbs, accompanied by adults on a 15-minute trail. Additional animals like donkeys, goats, and a llama are also present.

 

Calder's Dairy Farm provides farm-fresh ice cream while visitors watch the cows responsible for the treat.

 

Gibraltar Bay Alpaca Farm allows families to meet alpacas and explore unique items in their gift shop.

 

PLAYGROUNDS + NATURE TRAILS

 

Enjoy nature walks at Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, Crosswinds Marsh, Grosse Ile Nature Trail, or Elizabeth Park.

 

Top playgrounds include:

 

Lake Erie Metropark (Brownstown)

 

Features two modern playgrounds with scenic views of the Great Lake.

 

Kiwanis Park (Southgate)

 

A train-themed play structure and miniature train rides from May to October, courtesy of the Great Lakes Live Steamers.

 

Thorn Park (Brownstown)

 

Offers a miniature town for imaginative play, forest-themed playgrounds for various age groups, a large sand pit, swings, and a splash pad.

 

Northwest Park (Taylor)

 

Features a new play structure suitable for climbers of all ages, 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 swimming in a Great Lake, picnic areas, trails, and a modern playground.

 

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

 

The City of Taylor provides both a pool and the Lamarand Splash Field for cooling off.

 

Woodhaven Civic Center's splash pad is a free spot to cool down after enjoying their impressive playground.

 

Thorn Park Splash Pad offers a shaded area for kids to run around, complemented by a large playground suitable for all ages.

 

Huron-Clinton Metropark's Willow Park in New Boston features a zero-entry pool with a waterslide.

 

RAINY DAY FUN

 

Indoor activities include Rev'd Up Fun and Mandee's Funtastic Play Center in Woodhaven, United Skates of America in Lincoln Park, and Airborne Adventure Park in Taylor.

 

OUTDOOR MOVIES

 

Stay up past bedtime and watch a movie outside this summer at Memory Lane Drive-In Theater in Monroe.

 

For more information on these attractions, contact the respective venues directly.