Best Upcoming Exhibits For Kids In Detroit
5020 John R. St.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 577-8400
www.mi-sci.org
Open up an entire world of science and exploration when you visit the Michigan Science Center. Take your pint-sized techie on a journey into learning they will never forget: Robot Lab. Open to members and the public, this limited engagement exhibition teaches children computer basics. Instructors will provide kids with a basic introduction to coding, including commands that make a robot move. Children can put these skills to the test as they translate their newly-acquired language into commands that control a Finch robot. They can even try their hand at creating sound effects.
Rivard Plaza
1340 Atwater St.
Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 566-8200
www.detroitriverfront.org
RiverWalk has been transformed into an outdoor gallery. This unique and stunning display features over 1,000 images adorning the waterfront. The photos were submitted by residents and visitors and depict scenes shot from areas throughout the state of Michigan. Kids will love jumping from picture to picture while shouting out which is their favorite. This is an excellent way to show them the beauty of their surroundings while engaging them with the world around them. The exhibition is separated by city and can be viewed from Rivard Plaza and the Renaissance Center. While you're enjoying this artistic stroll, set aside some time to stop by the carousel. On hot summer days, kids will also love splashing around in the fountains made especially for them. Consider renting bikes at Wheelhouse Detroit for an unparalleled family adventure on the riverfront.
3600 Heidelberg St.
Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 974-6894
www.heidelberg.org
Introduce kids to art in a fun and imaginative way by gathering up the crew for a field trip to The Heidelberg Project. The art is the neighborhood in this outdoor art installation on the East Side. Homes themselves are decorated in an array of designs using found materials combined with an explosion of colors, encouraging imaginations to run wild. This compelling open-air art space is an example of a local artist taking matters into his own hands, and addressing issues that are important to the community at large in this provocative display of homes that will delight children. Show curious minds the wondrous world of art that is available to them just outside their doorsteps. Check out the Heidelberg Project's Facebook page for fun projects created especially for kids.
Inside|Out
5200 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-7900
www.dia.org
It's time to partake in the coolest art exhibit around — Detroit Institute of Art's Inside|Out exhibition. This latest installment opened in April and can be found in a town near you until July 19. The DIA placed replicas of some of its most important works on the streets surrounding the city. Ten different areas will showcase the artwork, which is scattered in public spaces. Kids will love acting like detectives as they use a special map to locate the places where these paintings are on display. Get the fun started today by downloading your own map, available here. If you visit the museum itself, be sure to have the kids participate in the "Eye Spy" game set up throughout the museum's galleries. Kids will love reading the clues then solving the mystery they uncover "hiding" in a piece of art.
100 Strand Dr.
Belle Isle
Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 833-5538
www.detroithistorical.org
Dive into the depths of the Great Lakes waterways and the kids will never forget it. This maritime museum has everything an underwater enthusiast or budding sea captain dreams of: a substantial collection of model ships, giant anchors, gigantic cannons and interactive exhibits. The temporary "Guardians of the Great Lakes" exhibit welcomes all ages to witness how those in-sea services make the waterways safe for everyone. An array of permanent exhibits also delight visitors. Kids can hop into one of the replicas that show children the importance of water to the surrounding area as they navigate the canoe as the trappers once did. Once they step into the pilot house, kids can take the helm of an authentic freighter that once sailed the open seas and steer the ship into calmer waters. These hands-on installations illustrate how local communities depend on waterways for multiple uses.
