Best Free Things to Do with Kids This Summer in Metro Detroit

Looking for free things to do with kids in Metro Detroit this summer? Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or a weekday escape, there are plenty of family-friendly activities that won’t cost a thing. From splash pads to outdoor concerts and library programs, here are the best no-cost options to make your summer memorable.

💦 Free Splash Pads & Spray Parks in Metro Detroit

Beat the heat at one of the area’s many splash pads. Cities across Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties offer safe, interactive water play zones for children of all ages.
👉 Check out our updated Splash Pads & Spray Parks Guide

My Top Picks:

• Heritage Park in Farmington Hills
• Martin Road Splash Pad in Ferndale
• Dodge Park in Sterling Heights
• Pop Jet Fountains at Partridge Creek in Clinton Township
• H2O Zone Spray Ground in Westland
• Mt. Elliott Park on the Detroit Riverfront

🎶 Free Outdoor Concerts for Families

Enjoy live music while the kids dance and play! Many cities host free outdoor concerts throughout the summer. Bring a blanket, snacks, and enjoy a fun night out.

Popular spots include:

• Heritage Park – Farmington Hills
• Campus Martius – Downtown Detroit
• Clawson Park – Clawson
• Park It 4 Fun – Free Concert and outdoor movie with locations all over Metro Detroit

🎵 See more Summer Concerts Near You

🎬 Outdoor Movies in the Park

Catch a movie under the stars with free outdoor family movie nights happening all across Metro Detroit.

Look for screenings in:

• Rochester Hills
• South Lyon
• Downtown Detroit

🍿 Explore Outdoor Movie Events Across Metro Detroit

🎉 Free Summer Festivals for Kids

Many summer festivals are free to attend and packed with family-friendly fun including crafts, bounce houses, live entertainment, and food trucks.

Don’t miss:

• Sterlingfest – Sterling Heights
• Arts, Beats & Eats – Royal Oak (free before 5 p.m. on select days)
• Taylor Summer Festival – Taylor
• Farmington Founders Festival – Farmington

🎪 Browse Metro Detroit Summer Festivals

🏖️ Free & Low-Cost Beaches for Summer Fun

Make the most of sunny days with a trip to the beach! Metro Detroit is home to several family-friendly beaches perfect for swimming, sandcastle building, and lakeside picnics. Many parks offer free or low-cost admission and are within easy driving distance.

A few kid-friendly favorites include:

• Walter and Mary Burke Park – FREE This park offers a beach, pavilion, picnic areas, volleyball, walking trails, restrooms, and also playscapes.
• Stony Creek Metropark – Eastwood Beach – Clear water, sandy shoreline, and shaded picnic spots
• Lake St Clair Metropark – Beach, water play area, and nature trails
• Camp Agawam – FREE Sandy beach area, swimming zones, picnic facilities, volleyball courts, horseshoes, cabins, campsites, nature trails.

Whether you’re looking for a hidden gem or a popular spot with full amenities, you’ll find it in our full guide.

👉 Check out the Best Beaches Near Metro Detroit

🌿 Family Nature Walks & Trails

Enjoy the outdoors with free hiking trails and nature centers perfect for curious kids.

Great family spots:

• Stage Nature Center – Troy
• Red Oaks Nature Center – Madison Heights
• Belle Isle Nature Center – Detroit
• Kensington Metropark (entry fees waived on select days)

🌳 Read: Best Nature Centers for Kids in Metro Detroit

🐐 Petting Farms & Outdoor Exploration

Some local farms and nature preserves offer free access or low-cost entry on special days.

Try:

•  Lou’s Pet Shop in Grosse Pointe Woods
• Upland Hills Farm 
• Maybury Farm – Northville

Find one of the many Petting Zoos near me in our guide.

📚 Free Library Events, Crafts & Storytimes

Libraries are packed with summer fun for all ages, and it’s all completely free! Most offer summer reading challenges, STEAM activities, puppet shows, and more.

Top libraries for family events:

• Redford Public Library
• West Bloomfield Township Public Library
• Clinton-Macomb Public Library’s Children’s Section
• Canton Township Children’s Library

Library Locations in Oakland County

🎆 Free Fireworks Shows for Families

Summer just isn’t complete without a night of fireworks lighting up the sky. Many Metro Detroit communities host free fireworks displays throughout June, July, and early August, often paired with local festivals, parades, or concerts.

Here are some family-favorite spots to catch a free show:

• Detroit Riverfront Fireworks – A spectacular show over the Detroit River, typically held in late June
• Clinton Township Fireworks – Part of the annual Sparks in the Park celebration
• St. Clair Shores Fireworks – Hosted at Veterans Memorial Park with pre-show entertainment
• Hazel Park Fireworks Festival – Features food trucks, live music, and a large carnival
• Sylvan Lake Fireworks – A more laid-back waterfront viewing experience

Don’t forget to bring blankets, bug spray, and maybe even some glow sticks for the kids! For a full list of shows with dates and locations, check out our Fireworks Guide for Metro Detroit.

🎳 Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long

Looking for an easy way to stay cool and active this summer? The Kids Bowl Free program is a nationwide initiative that gives children two free games of bowling each day, all summer long, at participating bowling centers.

With over 30 locations in Michigan, including many in Metro Detroit, it’s a fantastic way to add fun and movement to your family’s weekly routine—rain or shine!

How it works:

• Parents sign up their kids online (ages vary by location)
• Registered kids receive coupons for two free games per day
• Shoe rental may not be included (check with your local alley)
• Family passes are available so adults can join in too

Amber (Metro Detroit Mommy) has participated in the program several times with her own children and highly recommends it—it’s a budget-friendly way to get out of the house and make memories together.

👉 Sign Up and Find a Participating Location

🎟️ MJR Family Film Festival – $3 Summer Movies

Families looking for a fun and budget-friendly way to enjoy the big screen can catch the MJR Family Film Festival this summer—tickets are just $3 per person at 10 Metro Detroit theaters, every Monday through Thursday from June 16 to August 21, with a lineup of family favorites.

🎬 Why Families Love It:

• Big-screen family favorites without the big-ticket price
• Consistent weekly schedule, perfect for summer evenings
• Modern theaters equipped with IMAX, VIP seating, and concessions

MJR Family Film Festival – $3 Summer Movies