If you are looking for something to do during the long summer days in Metro-Detroit, check out these fun and exciting places.

Detroit Zoo-

   The Detroit Zoological Park is located in Royal Oak, Michigan right off highway I-75. The 125 acre zoo has more than 2,000 animals and 250 different species inhabited on its grounds. Within the park, there are many different exhibits that display these critters. Some of the most popular ones include: Polk Penguin Conservation Center, Great Apes of Harambee, Reptile Conservation Center, the Butterfly Garden, and the Arctic Ring of Life. The zoo also offers a variety of different events throughout the year but during the summer of 2022 they are bringing back Dinosauria, from May 28th to September 5th. Dinosauria brings you back to the Mesozoic Era with an interactive walk where you can take pictures with the dinosaurs. The zoo is also hosting Sunset at the Zoo, on June 24th. If you’re looking for a fun getaway this summer, definitely check out the Detroit Zoo. 

Stony Creek-

   Stony Creek Metropark is 4,461 acres of hiking trails, beaches, and gorgeous scenery surrounding Stony Creek Lake. It is located in both Washington Township and Oakland Township and is open year round. Although during the summer the beaches appeal the most to the crowds as Eastwood Beach offers rental paddle boards, playgrounds, and a giant waterslide. Stony Creek also has its own Nature Center that leads to hiking trails where you can witness animals in their natural habitat. The park also offers a ten-mile scenic drive around the entire lake that takes you past all that Stony Creek has to offer. Including the 18-hole golf course, fishing piers, and canoe rentals. If you are in the area Stony Creek is definitely worth a stop, even if it is just to drive the ten mile drive.

TreeRunner Rochester Adventure Park-

   Looking for some thrills this summer, but not wanting to leave Metro-Detroit, definitely check out TreeRunner. Located on Oakland University Campus in Rochester Hills, the adventure park offers over 75 different obstacle and ziplining courses. With four levels of difficulty and seven courses overall, you could spend all day here and not do everything. The park is entirely outdoors and closes seasonally so you have to take advantage of the park during the summer. The park hosts events throughout the summer, the most popular being Glownights. Glownights is held every Friday and Saturday night from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm and features different themes each week. 

Sealife-

   Sealife Aquarium is located within Great Lakes Mall in Auburn Hills and is Michigan’s largest aquarium. There are over 250 different species of animals in the aquarium and 2,000 creatures including: sharks, stingrays, and rescued green sea turtles. With both freshwater and saltwater fish exhibits, it brings an exciting aspect to the aquarium to see both native Michigan fish and tropical fish. It also is home to Michigan’s only 180 degree underwater tunnel that has stingrays and sharks swimming over guests. Sealife also offers many different exhibits that allows visitors to get a close look at marine life including: Tropical Ocean, Shoaling Ring, Interactive Touchpool, and Stingray Bay. If you need an escape on a hot summer day, Sealife is definitely the place to go.

Detroit Institute of Arts-

   The Detroit Institute of Arts in Midtown Detroit is definitely a place to visit if you haven’t before. With one of the most significant and largest art collections in the U.S. it holds paintings from all different cultures and regions of the world. There are over 100 galleries and more than 65,000 objects representing hundreds of cultures. The museum is completely free for anyone who lives in Oakland County, Macomb County, and Wayne County. Although you have to make a reservation on the DIA’s website to be able to go to the museum. It is closed on Mondays but is open every other day of the week from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Tuesday through Thursday, Friday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. 

Henry Ford Museum and GreenField Village-

   The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn Michigan holds many important objects throughout history. Including the bus Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on, the car John F. Kennedy was assassinated in, and the chair that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in. The museum has many different exhibits that feature these major historic objects, but during the summer the main exhibits are located in GreenField Village. The 80 acre village is right next to the museum and offers a walk through 300 years of American history. With seven districts that represent different time periods, you can actually step into the lab where Thomas Edison created the first light bulb. They also have special events throughout the day including watching glass blowing being created. 

Blakes Lavender and Sunflowers Festival-

   Looking to take a train ride through a lavender field, or run through a maze of sunflowers this summer, make sure to stop by these festivals. Both of these festivals are something that Blakes Farm hosts annually during the summer. With the Lavender Festival falling on July 15th-17th, and the Sunflower Festival on September 4th-6th. Both offer a farmers’ market and the ability to pick your own flowers from their giant flower fields. With live music, DIY workshops, and photo stations both of these festivals appeal to everyone.

Peach Festival-

   Ready to end the summer with one last thrill before school starts, make your way up to Romeo Michigan on Labor Day weekend. With craft shows, a parade, and a fair, it’s really the best way to spend your last days of summer. The Peach Festival dates back to 1931 and is supposed to represent when peaches are the ripest. The fair lasts until 10:00 pm each night, but during the day there is live music and great food.

Michigan Science Center-

   Wanting to spend some time indoors away from the summer heat, go check out the Michigan Science Center in Midtown, Detroit. This is a Smithsonian affiliated museum, whose main goal is to inspire young minds. It is completely a non-profit organization, and only costs $14.00 for adult admission. The museum has an 8,700 square foot exhibit hall that has live shows, a 4D theater, and a planetarium. The Science Center really has something that appeals to everyone.

Detroit Tiger Games-

   With major league baseball being in full swing during the summer, Comerica Park becomes a very popular spot. Comerica Park is known as the home of the Detroit Tigers, it is located in Midtown Detroit, right next to Ford Field. A few times a week you can watch the Tigers fight for another win, well enjoying some of the great food and drinks the stadium has to offer. Even if you are not a big fan of baseball, the stadium has stores, restaurants, and even a Ferris Wheel that appeals to everyone. If you find yourself in Detroit during a warm summer night, definitely check out a Tigers Game.