Detroit may be economically depressed, but it remains a great place for children. The city and its suburbs contain a number of activities, events and point of interest that kids and adults can enjoy together. Please note that the city's public transportation system is meager, so when visiting, be sure to secure the use of a car.
History
Even since Henry Ford popularized the Model T, Detroit has been a motor city, and many of its charms remain themed around automobiles. The city is home to several large races each year, including the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, while the Automotive Hall of Fame brings out the kid in even the most grown-up adult.
Museums
Detroit features a number of top-flight museums. The Henry Ford, which features a a smorgasbord of Americana, including an awesome number of cars, and a variety of interactive exhibits, should be of particular interest to kids. For kids into oldies, the Motown Museum may be of interest, while the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History offers a handful of kid-friendly displays.
Places of Interest
The city features a slew of places that should be of interest to children. The Detroit Zoo has a world-class collection of animals, while the renowned Detroit Puppet Theater continues to be a great show. At night, the Ford-Wyoming Drive-In Theatre in Dearborn lights up, while on Saturdays, the Eastern Market offers fresh produce and, when the weather's nice, BBQ and live music.
Activities
Some kids like to catch Detroit Tigers baseball, while others like to play catch out on the grassy fields of Belle Isle. One of the city's big attractions is feather bowling, offered at the Cadieux Cafe, a game in which pins are knocked down using wooden balls shaped like wheels of cheese--a surefire hit with the kids.
Events
The city have a number of events that can be fun for kids, including the annual Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival, the Detroit Tigers baseball season, and the Woodward Dream Cruise, in which a line of classic cars cruise down Woodward Avenue.
Warnings
Sadly, the crime rate in Detroit is quite high, and some parts of the city should be avoided altogether by those without business there, particularly when traveling with children. Sticking to main arteries will prevent visitors from becoming lost or drifting into high-crime ares. However, the downtown of the city remains quite safe for both people and property.
Misconceptions
Detroit, the city, is sometimes confused with Metropolitan Detroit, which encompasses not just the city but the ring of cities that surround it. When visiting, be aware that many of the destinations that are referred to as being located in "Detroit" may in fact be in another town entirely.
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