We’re switching gears this week and covering a weekend itinerary’s worth of “to dos” in the Motor City. Dubbed the Paris of the Midwest, this culturally diverse hub is having a moment, and now is the perfect time to spend a few days, soak in the energy and perhaps plot a visit to one of the gorgeous Great Lakes, too…

If you’ve got travel plans on your calendar, don’t forget to use our subscriber-exclusive discount and scoop up our Kids Pre-Trip Packet to amp up the excitement (and learning!) ahead of your trip. And if you need some inspo for a trip to add to your schedule, scroll below to consider a boot-stomping resort designed by a country crooner you likely know and adore. 🎵👢

Now’s the time to visit the Motor City and here’s WHY…

This culturally rich Midwestern city is having a moment. With Canada just beyond its brilliant-blue river, and the Great Lakes easily accessible in most directions, Detroit is the ideal starting point for your next family adventure. Or a destination unto itself, as we dig into below.

A lifelong Detroiter, it seems that it’s taken moving out of state for me to see the city through the fresh eyes. But now that I’m based elsewhere, I’ve become a bit melancholy for my hometown. If you’ve never had the chance to explore the Motor City, allow me to pull back the curtain. Throughout its crisscross of “mile-designated” roads and against a backdrop of automotive heritage, newcomers will also find a burgeoning entrepreneurial and art scene, access to international waters as seemingly vast as oceans, and a solid offering of family-friendly attractions that lean heavily into edutainment.

If you’re able to carve out a weekend for this Midwest gem, here are the sights and flavors that we think are worth your time:

WHAT TO SEE:

• Detroit’s 5-Mile Riverwalk
  Splitting Canada and the U.S., the Detroit River is a brilliant blue waterway that stretches along the downtown. Five and a half miles in length, it makes for an ideal morning or late afternoon walk, winding past parks and playgrounds until it ends near Belle Isle, the city’s beloved state park. Pack a picnic lunch and swing by Valade Park to find a sandy spot to dine. Or, meander up through Dequindre Cut for a bit of greenery as you explore the city’s main paths.

• Eastern Market on Saturday
  The largest historic, public market in the U.S., this farmer’s market is made up of several sheds, chock full of vendors peddling fresh fruits, flowers, baked goods and more, every Saturday morning throughout the year. Bordering the vendor area, you’ll find fresh smoothies, coffee shops and boutique retailers, as well as one of our favorites, Eastern Market Brewery, where you can sit outside with a cold sip and let the kids stretch their legs near the colorful street murals.

• Corktown’s Michigan Central Building
  One of the city’s newest gems is the renovated train station referred to simply as Michigan Central. Towering above every other building in the historic Corktown neighborhood, this stately station is a testament to the city’s reinvention and the investment required of it. You can pop inside the lobby to marvel at the grand architecture or reserve a space on one of the guided public tours. From there, walk around Corktown, pop into shops and grab an easy lunch outside at an eatery like Supergeil, where you must order the Chicken Schnitzel Salad.

WHAT TO DO:

• Experiment at Michigan Science Center
  Located in Midtown, the Michigan Science Center never disappoints. It’s a great space for kids to roam, experiment and also learn about the history and significance of the region – from the Mini Mac Bridge to a Space Gallery, Kids Town and more. Plan to spend a morning or afternoon exploring each level of the science center and book a show in the IMAX theater or planetarium if you’ve got time.

• Explore at the Outdoor Adventure Center
  Located near the river, you’ll find this genius kid’s attraction created by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Dubbed the Outdoor Adventure Center, it’s exactly as the name suggests: a space to learn about animals up close, understand the state’s geography, and also (of course) play indoors. Climb a rope bridge, sit in an eagle nest and climb aboard a plane in this fun destination, which can be easily tackled in an hour or two.

• Henry Ford Greenfield Village
  One of the region’s most lovely and educational historical hubs is this 80-acre historical village that’s located 15 minutes outside of the city. Featuring seven districts, re-enactments, family activities and food options, it’s also just next door to the equally impressive Henry Ford Museum. There, you’ll find the theater chair in which President Lincoln was assassinated, the infamous Rosa Parks bus and an array of real-life transportation relics that will wow kids and grown ups alike.

• Lions and Tigers and Pistons, oh my
  I can’t possibly talk about a visit to Detroit without mentioning the city’s iconic sporting teams. From ballgames at Comerica Park to basketball and hockey games in Little Caesars’ Arena, sports culture is alive and well (and loyal) in this town. Take in a Lion’s football game at Ford Field or visit the Detroit City Football Club for their loud and colorful games in the city’s Polish town, Hamtramck.

Have I gotten you thinking about a potential visit yet? Read on for more details on Parks and Playgrounds, What to Eat (yum!), and Where to Stay…

Max out your travel investment for less than $10 ;)

You’re buzzing with excitement over the sights, sounds, flavors and anticipated vibe of your upcoming travels. Shouldn’t your child be, too?

Happiness researchers have confirmed that not only do we feel happier when we have a trip planned, we have greater levels of energy leading up to a trip. PLUS, science reveals that the happiest part of travel just may be the anticipation in the months before it.

When we’re dropping hundreds (or thousands) on family travel, spending less than $10 to maximize the impact for your littlest adventurers feels like a no brainer. And that’s exactly what you’ll pay for the discounted “Let’s Get Excited” Kid’s Pre-Trip Packet, creating a rich learning and excitement-building experience for your child.

In a 20-page downloadable PDF, you’ll get loads of tips and tricks, offering easy ways to introduce and educate kids on your soon-to-visit destinations, as well as 12 printable activity pages designed for ages 3-8 years old. Exclusive to newsletter subscribers is limited-time 50 percent discount totaling just $6.49 for your download. Use code SUBSCRIBER to nab this deal today! 

*Please expect a link to your downloadable PDF to arrive via email, within 12 hours of your purchase—thank you!

Dolly goes all in on chic comfort at this Great Smokies resort

Near the spectacle of Pigeon Forge, this retreat by Dolly Parton is a comfortable and family-friendly escape that’s a perfect alternative to Airbnbs in Pigeon Forge, TN. It offers playground, pools, splash pad, family-centric Camp Dolly and even story time around the bonfire each evening.

Guestrooms sleep up to seven and include bunks in many set ups. In fact, the family suite offers a separate sleeping nook for the bunk bed, making it easier for mom and dad to stay up late.

See more photos on Instagram: dollywood

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