5 Free Activities in Detroit

I wrote about our geocaching adventure the other day and a few people remarked that it would be a great cheap date activity. Another friend mentioned that there are some great “staycation” ideas on Detroit Moxie. It got me thinking and the end result is this list of ideas for inexpensive outings, either for a date or a family.

"Catching Up" is in the Grand Circus Park Station of the People Mover.

This is a mix and match list and you can always add lunch, dinner, or drinks to the activities too. This list is by no means exhaustive, it’s just some ideas I had on prior posts and a few new things as well.

1. Midsummer Nights in Midtown – This is a new series going on every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in June in Midtown. Admission is free and there are performances and events suitable for a date or a family. Check out the full schedule. Combine this with a Museum Adventure Pass and you have a full day.
2. Skyscrapers – I’ve already told you about the free tours at the RenCen but did you know the Guardian Building also gives free tours. The Guardian Building, an amazing art-deco skyscraper, has tours Monday through Friday from 10am-12pm. They last about 15-20 minutes and you don’t have to call ahead. If you haven’t been inside this building you’re missing out. I haven’t done the tour yet but I’ll post about it as soon as I do. Tour both buildings and then take a stroll on the RiverWalk.
3. Landmark and Sculpture Photo Op tour – This is so simple you’re going to think I’m nuts. Go to as many of Detroit’s great sculptures and landmarks and take your picture in front of them. Simple, right? I always forget to get a picture with both the husband and me in it. You have many options here but I would start with the Spirit of Detroit, the Joe Louis Fist, Hart Plaza Fountain (Noguchi’s Dodge Fountain), and the Comerica Park Tiger. Take goofy pictures, bring hats, glasses and props and pretend you’re on a photo shoot. Make sure to ask someone else to take at least one picture of your whole group.
4. Geocaching – I know I just wrote about this but it’s a great activity to get to know someone or to see how your family works as a team. Get the coordinates for a few different caches and pack a lunch. You can easily combine this with a hike or some sightseeing in your own town.
5. People Mover Art - We use the People Mover often to get from place to place when we're in the D but have you taken a look at the artwork? "Art in the Stations" features mixed media including Pewabic tiles, neon, and sculpture. The People Mover costs 50 cents.

I'll add an extra one as a bonus, go on a tour with Inside Detroit. The tours are $10 per person but so worth it. Seriously.

Comments

[Tim]

Great ideas. It's terrible that I've lived here 56 years and have yet to do a number of those things. The Guardian Building is on my list for sure.

FYI to add to #3 there is a self guided tour of public art on Wayne State's campus. You can get a pdf WSU Art Walk Brochure here http://www.alumni.wayne.edu/uploaded_pics/pdf/pdf-20080619215043.pdf

[Dominique]

Some great ideas!
Here are a couple more:
Check out the cheap vintage silent flicks next weekend at the Detroit Film Theater. Fifty cents gets you in to see classic Chaplin or Keaton comedies in the Detroit Institute of Arts beautiful movie theater http://www.dia.org/dft/ Regular prices are decent, too...we're members, and I've blogged about the DFT in the past.
Keep an eye on Urbane and Midwest Guest. I recent got the schedule from the Concert of Colors organizers and plan to do something on those blogs with some of my photos from previous Concert of Colors...we've been to this diversity music fest at least a half dozen times, and I'm so happy they're managing to pull it off this year in spite of losing some major sponsor $$

[Becks Davis]

Thanks Tim and Dominique, those are great suggestions, I'll have to check them out. I've heard great things about the Concert of Colors.