Summertime is the time to make family memories, but it can be tough to find a spot that offers something for every member of the family. The best park in the city is located right in the middle of the Detroit River, and it offers a wealth of recreational activities. Plan to spend an entire day at Belle Isle Park, where you can paddle in a kayak, burn some energy on the playground, wander through a historic conservatory, and much, much more.
Editors Note: Currently, several of the attractions at the park are closed due to COVID-19. Visit the website for updates, and put them on your bucket list for later.
For a day full of family fun, cross the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle Park.
Philippe P/Tripadvisor It’s a 982-acre island in the middle of the Detroit River, and you’ll want to spend the entire day here.
This park has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s.
Nicanor C/Tripadvisor Check out the James Scott Memorial Fountain, built in 1925. This gorgeous memorial fountain has a spray that reaches 125 feet.
The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory was built in 1904, and is one of the oldest of its kind in the entire nation.
autismadvocate/Tripadvisor
This botanic wonderland is full of exotic plants. Wander through the perennial garden, lily pad garden, and visit throughout the year to see the changes in the seasonal gardens.
lumpyviper/Tripadvisor
Everyone in the family will enjoy a visit to the Belle Isle Aquarium.
Dafman72/Tripadvisor The historic building was constructed in 1904, and at the time was the third largest in the world. It was recently renovated, and today offers a huge, unique collection of fish and sea creatures.
Catch some thrills on the Giant Slide!
A Duffy/Google Local Riders 48 inches and taller can ride for just $1. The slide is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The swimming beach is the perfect place to splash and play on a hot summer day. Bring your beach towel and some sand toys for a few hours of sun-soaked fun.
melissa w/Tripadvisor
The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is free to visit (a $5 donation is suggested), and it has hands-on activities for kids, a huge collection of model ships, and plenty of maritime history.
StockholmKindaGuy/Tripadvisor
UMBlueMitten/Tripadvisor
The four-acre Belle Isle Nature Center is another great place to spend an hour or two.
Russ Goheen/Google
The Deer Encounter, where you can feed the fallow deer and see them up close, is one of the most popular activities, but visitors young and old will also enjoy the turtle exhibit, indoor beehive, and spider exhibit.
Jo Rohloff/Google
Even after visiting the conservatory, nature center, aquarium, beach, slide, and museum, there’s still more to see and do! Check out the large playground…
Jim Chan/Google
…rent a kayak and paddle around…
StockholmKindaGuy/Tripadvisor
…and enjoy a picnic on the shores of the river.
TracieMichelle333/Tripadvisor
Belle Isle Park is open year-round, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Take the DDOT bus, walk, ride your bike, or get a one-year Recreation Pass for just $12 so you can park on the island.
StockholmKindaGuy/Tripadvisor Attraction hours and fees vary, so make sure to check the website before heading out.
Learn more about Belle Isle Park on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. Have you visited Belle Isle Park? We’d love to hear about your family adventures there – tell us in the comments!
Philippe P/Tripadvisor
It’s a 982-acre island in the middle of the Detroit River, and you’ll want to spend the entire day here.
Nicanor C/Tripadvisor
Check out the James Scott Memorial Fountain, built in 1925. This gorgeous memorial fountain has a spray that reaches 125 feet.
autismadvocate/Tripadvisor
lumpyviper/Tripadvisor
Dafman72/Tripadvisor
The historic building was constructed in 1904, and at the time was the third largest in the world. It was recently renovated, and today offers a huge, unique collection of fish and sea creatures.
A Duffy/Google Local
Riders 48 inches and taller can ride for just $1. The slide is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
melissa w/Tripadvisor
StockholmKindaGuy/Tripadvisor
UMBlueMitten/Tripadvisor
Russ Goheen/Google
Jo Rohloff/Google
Jim Chan/Google
TracieMichelle333/Tripadvisor
Attraction hours and fees vary, so make sure to check the website before heading out.
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Address: Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USA
