The best things to do in Detroit

36 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Detroit’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Shopping · Bakeries & Sweets · Nightlife · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Cafes · Health & Wellness · Home & Garden · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Arts & Culture · Pets · Parks & Outdoors · Sporting Goods

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Entertainment · 36 places · showing the latest additions first

Motor City Strikes

Entertainment

Motor City Strikes rolls a full mini bowling theater to your curb, with side-by-side mini lanes, ball return, automated scoring, lights and…

18121 E Eight Mile Rd Ste 304 (Eastpointe)

Motor City Strikes rolls a full mini bowling theater to your curb, with side-by-side mini lanes, ball return, automated scoring, lights and sound, plus a lounge with video games and karaoke. Perfect for birthdays, schools, churches, or block parties, and a Game Coach keeps everything moving without crowds.

From the Detroit newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Chuck E. Cheese

Entertainment

Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.

31920 Gratiot Ave (Roseville)

Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.

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Ford-Wyoming

Entertainment

Crack the windows, settle in, and let Ford-Wyoming make an ordinary weeknight feel like summer break again. Outdoor screens, easy audio…

10400 Ford Rd (Dearborn)

Crack the windows, settle in, and let Ford-Wyoming make an ordinary weeknight feel like summer break again. Outdoor screens, easy audio options, and watch-from-your-car comfort mean you get big-movie energy without the theater hassle, just bring a blanket and call it a plan.

From the Dearborn newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Rouge Park Golf Course is that classic Detroit muni with wide fairways, an 18-hole par 72 layout, and a river that gets involved on nine…

11701 Burt Rd

Rouge Park Golf Course is that classic Detroit muni with wide fairways, an 18-hole par 72 layout, and a river that gets involved on nine holes. Warm up at the driving range this week, then see if you can survive the notoriously tough No. 2 and still brag at dinner.

From the Redford newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Taylor Meadows Golf Club brings classic Arthur Hills design, smooth putts, and a layout that rewards smart shots without bruising your…

25360 Ecorse Rd (Taylor)

Taylor Meadows Golf Club brings classic Arthur Hills design, smooth putts, and a layout that rewards smart shots without bruising your Downriver ego. Book a tee time, then cap it at the Greenside Grill or keep the swing grooved on their golf simulators.

From the Downriver newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Chandler Park Golf Course is your low-stress Par 71 with rolling fairways, contoured greens, and a roomy practice putting green. Recognized…

12801 Chandler Park Dr

Chandler Park Golf Course is your low-stress Par 71 with rolling fairways, contoured greens, and a roomy practice putting green. Recognized by Golf Digest as a top women-friendly course, it’s a go-to this week for a relaxed round, leagues, outings, or a quick swing tune up.

From the Detroit newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Redford Theatre

Entertainment

Redford Theatre is Detroit’s historic movie house where films are the way they were meant to be seen, complete with a working Barton pipe…

17360 Lahser Rd

Redford Theatre is Detroit’s historic movie house where films are the way they were meant to be seen, complete with a working Barton pipe organ and serious vintage vibes. This Friday, August 7, they’re rolling Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) with those Jim Henson Creature Shop suits...

From the Redford newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

23000 Eureka Rd (Taylor)

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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Lochmoor Club

Entertainment

Private club featuring a golf course and tennis courts, plus pools and restaurants.

1018 Sunningdale Dr (Grosse Pointe Woods)

Private club featuring a golf course and tennis courts, plus pools and restaurants.

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Fox Theatre

Entertainment

Detroit’s crown jewel is calling. The Fox Theatre keeps the calendar stacked with big-name concerts, award-winning Broadway hits, and…

Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave · ✓ checked Sep 18

Detroit’s crown jewel is calling. The Fox Theatre keeps the calendar stacked with big-name concerts, award-winning Broadway hits, and interactive stage shows, all inside a historic stunner with unique views from the main floor, suite level, and balcony that make any night out feel a little extra.

From the Detroit newsletter, August 10, 2026

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Belle Isle Aquarium

Entertainment

Swim the globe without leaving the island at Belle Isle Aquarium, the country’s oldest original aquarium opened in 1904. Open during…

3 Inselruhe Ave

Swim the globe without leaving the island at Belle Isle Aquarium, the country’s oldest original aquarium opened in 1904. Open during construction and full of fish from around the world, it’s an easy, low-key this-week reset when you want a little wonder with your waterfront.

From the Detroit newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Country Club of Detroit pairs a Colt-designed championship course refreshed by the likes of Robert Trent Jones and Tom Doak with…

220 Country Club Dr (Grosse Pointe Farms)

Country Club of Detroit pairs a Colt-designed championship course refreshed by the likes of Robert Trent Jones and Tom Doak with hospitality from Certified Master Chef Brian Beland. Beyond golf, think tennis, paddle, a six-lane bowling center, pool days, and elegant spaces locals use for weddings and big milestones.

From the Detroit newsletter, September 9, 2026

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Experience films like an event at MJR Marketplace Cinema with Laser Ultra’s 4K laser projection, Dolby Atmos, and those heated recliners…

35400 M-53 (Sterling Heights)

Experience films like an event at MJR Marketplace Cinema with Laser Ultra’s 4K laser projection, Dolby Atmos, and those heated recliners that make you forget your couch. ScreenX’s 270-degree wraparound views, cozy VIP seats, and the Studio Bar & Lounge make weeknights feel like a mini getaway.

From the North of Detroit newsletter, August 24, 2026

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MJR Troy Cinema

Entertainment

If you want the big-screen fix without trekking downtown, MJR Troy Cinema brings an IMAX with a massive floor to ceiling screen, razor…

100 E Maple Rd (Troy)

If you want the big-screen fix without trekking downtown, MJR Troy Cinema brings an IMAX with a massive floor to ceiling screen, razor sharp 4K laser projection, immersive sound, and heated luxury recliners. Hit the Studio Bar & Lounge to sip a craft beer before the previews.

From the North of Detroit newsletter, September 14, 2026

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Zap Zone - Taylor

Entertainment

Round up the crew for laser tag that actually gets your heart rate up, then keep it rolling with bumper cars, neon Glo-Golf, and a…

9751 Telegraph Rd (Taylor)

Round up the crew for laser tag that actually gets your heart rate up, then keep it rolling with bumper cars, neon Glo-Golf, and a sprawling Adventure Park at Zap Zone - Taylor. Perfect for burning off back-to-school jitters this week, plus the arcade and interactive Lava Floor are sneaky-addictive.

From the Downriver newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Taylor Sportsplex

Entertainment

If your crew needs ice, turf or a reason to burn off energy, Taylor Sportsplex packs public skating, hockey, inline, indoor soccer and…

13333 Telegraph Rd (Taylor)

If your crew needs ice, turf or a reason to burn off energy, Taylor Sportsplex packs public skating, hockey, inline, indoor soccer and lessons for all ages, plus Lil' Kickers and learn-to-play programs. Bonus: legit party packages that make birthdays and team hangouts way easier.

From the Downriver newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Rackham Golf Course

Entertainment

Golf course with a simulation area, classic design and welcoming staff.

10100 W 10 Mile Rd (Huntington Woods)

Golf course with a simulation area, classic design and welcoming staff.

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TPC Michigan

Entertainment

Jack Nicklaus-designed fairways, year-round tune-ups in the Golden Bear Lounge, and dining that makes the post-round debrief linger... TPC…

1 Nicklaus Dr (Dearborn)

Jack Nicklaus-designed fairways, year-round tune-ups in the Golden Bear Lounge, and dining that makes the post-round debrief linger... TPC Michigan is set up for both serious play and serious connections, plus membership taps you into the Invited Network nationwide when you’re traveling.

From the Dearborn newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Small, casual movie theater with comfortable seating and offerings such as popcorn.

14920 Windmill Pointe Dr (Grosse Pointe Park)

Small, casual movie theater with comfortable seating and offerings such as popcorn.

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From fast go-karts and classic mini golf to laser tag, bumper boats, a bungee trampoline, batting cages, and an arcade, Fun Way Amusements…

30749 Grand River Ave (Farmington Hills)

From fast go-karts and classic mini golf to laser tag, bumper boats, a bungee trampoline, batting cages, and an arcade, Fun Way Amusements (formerly Sport-N-Fun) in Farmington Hills now even has new VR rides. Perfect for a quick after-work lap or an all-out party with pizza, wings, and Halal-friendly options.

From the North of Detroit newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Emagine Palladium

Entertainment

Elegant, circa-1927 building features an 8-screen multiplex showing 1st-run & indie films.

209 Hamilton Row (Birmingham)

Elegant, circa-1927 building features an 8-screen multiplex showing 1st-run & indie films.

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This week, Detroit Film Theatre serves up classic and contemporary films, indie docs and shorts with the kind of thoughtful curation that…

5200 John R St

This week, Detroit Film Theatre serves up classic and contemporary films, indie docs and shorts with the kind of thoughtful curation that turns a night at the movies into a mini festival. When your streaming queue feels like homework, this is where Detroit goes to actually be surprised.

From the Detroit newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Game On Sports Center is the go-to spot for birthday parties, fundraisers, and anyone itching for court time, with three all-sport courts…

14110 Pardee Rd (Taylor)

Game On Sports Center is the go-to spot for birthday parties, fundraisers, and anyone itching for court time, with three all-sport courts and four batting cages ready to book.

From the Downriver newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Airborne Adventure Park in Taylor is wall-to-wall action with a dedicated dodgeball court, a zip line and trapeze, and a triple-laned…

Taylor Retail Center, 23261 Eureka Rd (Taylor)

Airborne Adventure Park in Taylor is wall-to-wall action with a dedicated dodgeball court, a zip line and trapeze, and a triple-laned warped wall that will humble your inner ninja. Perfect for post-school wiggles or friend hangouts, plus easy party setups when you’d rather skip the cleanup.

From the Downriver newsletter, August 21, 2026

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Bel Air Luxury Cinema keeps it simple and fun with new releases, easy advance tickets, and a solid coming-soon lineup to plan around. Line…

10100 8 Mile Rd · ✓ checked Sep 18

Bel Air Luxury Cinema keeps it simple and fun with new releases, easy advance tickets, and a solid coming-soon lineup to plan around. Line up a movie night this week, sink into the story, and let your brain reboot for a couple hours.

From the Detroit newsletter, August 14, 2026

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Cinema Detroit

Entertainment

Cinema Detroit is a nonprofit, community-based arthouse popping up around Metro Detroit with a curated mix of first-run indies, docs, cult…

4126 3rd Ave

Cinema Detroit is a nonprofit, community-based arthouse popping up around Metro Detroit with a curated mix of first-run indies, docs, cult favorites, and classics, often with filmmaker Q&As and thoughtful talkbacks.

From the Dearborn newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Detroit Golf Club

Entertainment

With two classic 18-hole Donald Ross designs and a stately Albert Kahn clubhouse, Detroit Golf Club blends pure golf pedigree with a legit…

17911 Hamilton Rd

With two classic 18-hole Donald Ross designs and a stately Albert Kahn clubhouse, Detroit Golf Club blends pure golf pedigree with a legit hang. The North Course restoration is underway, so if you score an invite this week, bring your best swing and soak up the history.

From the Detroit newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Heritage Park

Entertainment

Heritage Park packs everything for a low-key Downriver day... new lighted pickleball courts in 2026, trails, a playscape getting a big…

12111 Pardee Rd (Taylor)

Heritage Park packs everything for a low-key Downriver day... new lighted pickleball courts in 2026, trails, a playscape getting a big upgrade, and the Heritage Park Petting Farm for easy kid smiles.

From the Downriver newsletter, August 15, 2026

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Whether you’re itching to drag race your siblings on the go-karts, sink mini-golf putts you’ll definitely brag about later, or get your…

19640 Allen Rd (Brownstown Township)

Whether you’re itching to drag race your siblings on the go-karts, sink mini-golf putts you’ll definitely brag about later, or get your swing tuned in the batting cages, Sportway of Brownstown is the easy, no-fuss fun spot when you need laughs, friendly competition, and fresh air.

From the Downriver newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Arthur Hills designed Lakes of Taylor Golf Course is a scenic, championship-level track with well kept greens. Warm up at the range, book a…

25505 Northline Rd (Taylor)

Arthur Hills designed Lakes of Taylor Golf Course is a scenic, championship-level track with well kept greens. Warm up at the range, book a lesson if you’re feeling ambitious, then cap it with something tasty at Lake House Grill.

From the Downriver newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.

30090 Plymouth Rd (Livonia)

Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.

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Birmingham 8

Entertainment

1920s-era cinema with original marquee offers 8 small theaters showing new releases & indie films.

211 S Old Woodward Ave (Birmingham)

1920s-era cinema with original marquee offers 8 small theaters showing new releases & indie films.

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Skip the algorithm and let the Detroit Mural Project be your real-world feed, a locally built database by Viranel Clerard that maps and…

4191 W 634 Hwy

Skip the algorithm and let the Detroit Mural Project be your real-world feed, a locally built database by Viranel Clerard that maps and documents more than a thousand public murals with artist backstories, so you can plan a weekend wander through Eastern Market, the Grand River Creative Corridor, and beyond.

From the Detroit newsletter, August 23, 2026

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Whether you’re grooving a new move or just escaping the group chat, Belle Isle Golf Range gives you Toptracer shot tracking, a chill…

175 Lakeside Dr

Whether you’re grooving a new move or just escaping the group chat, Belle Isle Golf Range gives you Toptracer shot tracking, a chill practice area, and a short chip-and-putt loop right on the island. Lessons and leagues mean you can actually back up that “I’m close” talk this season.

From the Eastpointe newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Five Iron Golf

Entertainment

Indoor golf complex offering 13 simulators plus games like shuffleboard and foosball.

600 W Lafayette Blvd Ste 5I

Indoor golf complex offering 13 simulators plus games like shuffleboard and foosball.

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Midway Sports & Entertainment is that easy Downriver go-to when the crew wants variety... two Caribbean-themed mini-golf courses, go-karts,…

22381 Van Born Rd (Taylor)

Midway Sports & Entertainment is that easy Downriver go-to when the crew wants variety... two Caribbean-themed mini-golf courses, go-karts, batting cages, and a Toptracer-powered driving range that actually makes practice fun.

From the Downriver newsletter, September 13, 2026

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