Exploring 8 Detroit Activities with Your Baby
So you just had a baby and you’re desperate to get out of the house?! But diving back into the real world can feel a little overwhelming. There IS a way to find activities that are enjoyable for both you and baby without it being too much too soon. As new parents, finding activities that are enjoyable for both you and your baby can be a delightful way to bond with your baby and still see the light of day. If you’re in Detroit, you’re in luck! The Motor City offers a range of baby-friendly activities that cater to the needs of new families. Here are some of the best Detroit activities with a baby to help you and your little one create beautiful memories together.
1. Take a Stroll Through Belle Isle Park
Belle Isle Park is a gem in the heart of Detroit, we all love its serene natural beauty, but it makes the perfect first outing for you and baby! With wide, paved pathways, the park is perfect for a leisurely stroller walk. You can enjoy the scenic views of the Detroit River, take in the fresh air while your baby naps, and get some movement in for yourself!
Don’t miss the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory! With the bright colors of lush botanical gardens, your baby will be visually stimulated and fill you both with invigorating fresh air.
Another can’t miss is the free aquarium! Open Fridays - Sundays 10am to 4pm.
Belle Isle Park is a top-of-the-list Detroit activity with a baby!
2. Visiting the Detroit Institute of Arts
When you think of museums, you might not think about how baby-friendly they can be, but, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is a wonderful Detroit activity with your baby. With spacious galleries and a welcoming environment, the museum is surprisingly baby-friendly. While your newborn might not appreciate the masterpieces just yet, the visual stimulation can be beneficial for their developing senses. The DIA offers family-friendly programming and quiet spaces where you can feed or change your baby, making it a great option for families!
3. Head to the Riverwalk for a calming Detroit Activity with your baby
The Detroit Riverwalk is another great spot for a relaxing stroll with your newborn. The picturesque pathway stretches for miles along the Detroit River, providing stunning views of the water and the city skyline. With plenty of benches and green spaces giving you a chance to stop, rest, or enjoy a picnic. This is a great activity option if you’re looking for something vibrant, without any obligation of “getting your money’s worth” or “staying for the whole thing.”
4. Enjoying the Detroit Public Library
The Public Library is a great spot to take kids of any age. It gets you, parents, out of the house and offers a calming, yet full-of-possibilities-opportuntiy. Plus, as your child begins to read, there is a never-ending supply of books. Although all branches are wonderful, we’d like to highlight the Main Branch located in the historic Cass Corridor in Detroit. The main branch offers beautiful architecture and art, plus a lot of history. They have a variety of programs and story times designed for families. Even if you’re newborn is too young to participate, the calming environment is a great place to introduce your baby to to the world of books.
5. Discovering the Michigan Science Center
While the Michigan Science Center is known for its interactive exhibits geared toward older children, but it is also a fantastic place for a family outing with a newborn. The facility is spacious and stroller-friendly, and the bright, colorful exhibits can capture your baby’s attention. There are designated areas for nursing and changing, ensuring that you and your little one have everything you need during your Detroit activity with baby!
6. Attending a Mommy-and-Me Class
Detroit has a variety of mommy-and-me classes that are perfect for bonding with your newborn and meeting other new parents. These classes often include activities like baby yoga, music, and movement, which can be enjoyable and beneficial for you both. Local community centers, gyms, and specialized studios offer these classes. If you call your local centers directly, they will be able to find you a class that is right for you and your baby. Mommy-and-Me classes provide a great opportunity to get out of the house and engage with others while enjoying a Detroit activity with your baby.
Here are some of our favorites:
Born Yoga in Birmingham
Nature’s Playhouse in Ferndale
Honey, for Moms in Ferndale
Motor City Music Together in Royal Oak & Detroit
Detroit Waldorf School in Detroit
7. Visiting Local Farmers Markets
Detroit’s farmers markets, such as the Eastern Market, are bustling hubs of activity and perfect for a family outing. The sights, sounds, and smells of the market can be very stimulating for your baby. You can enjoy fresh produce, artisanal goods, and even live music. The markets are stroller-friendly and provide a relaxed environment where you can spend a leisurely morning or afternoon exploring with your newborn. This summer, the Eastern Market is open every Sunday (10 am - 4 pm) and Tuesday (9 am - 3 pm).
8. Relaxing in Detroit’s Green Spaces
Detroit is home to numerous parks and green spaces where you can relax and enjoy nature with your baby. A park offers beautiful landscapes, walking trails, and picnic areas. These parks provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to unwind and enjoy quality time with your little one. Plus, with the wide open spaces, baby can squeal, cry, and laugh as loud as they want!
Finding the Right Detroit activities with your baby
Detroit is a vibrant city with a wealth of activities that cater to new families. Finding things that you, and your family, love to do allows you all to find refreshment by getting outside and fulfilled through joyful fun. Embrace the opportunity to explore your city in a new way - with your new baby!