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Detroit in the summer sizzles. The sun reflects off the river, families fill the parks, and neighborhoods burst with life. One of the best places to experience this energy is along the Detroit RiverWalk, where a bike ride becomes more than just exercise. It becomes a way to see how much the city has grown and changed. If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly way to discover Detroit this summer, this is where to start.
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The Detroit Riverwalk
The Detroit RiverWalk stretches about 3.5 miles along the river and was named the Best Riverwalk in America by USA TODAY readers three years in a row. It welcomes over three million visitors each year and is part of the larger 5.5-mile Detroit International Riverfront. Once lined with factories, this area has been completely transformed into a safe, beautiful space for families to walk, bike, play, and enjoy the waterfront together. It’s truly one of Detroit’s best spots for a day outside with kids, which is why I try to take my boys there at least once each summer. Recently, I took my 11-year-old son, Michael, out for a bike ride along the Detroit River.
Just the two of us. © Steffy McCourt
Cullen Plaza: Our Starting Point
We started our biking adventure at Cullen Plaza, where we rented Michael a bike (I brought my own peach Batch Comfort bike).
Wheelhouse Detroit is right next to the parking lot. It’s an open-air shop that rents cruisers, hybrids, kids’ bikes, tag-alongs, and trailers. Helmets and locks are included.
Cullen Plaza is the perfect launching point for a ride down the riverfront. There is a beautiful old-fashioned carousel that kids can ride, a cafe with plenty of outdoor seating, and lots of free parking. Right next to the carousel, we saw the boarding area for the Detroit River Cruise. Families and couples were lining up to board, and we enjoyed people watching for a few minutes before heading out for a ride on the RiverWalk.
No need to reinvent the wheel. © Steffy McCourt
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
About 15 minutes from Cullen Plaza, we stopped at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center. Even though it is called an “outdoor adventure center,” it is actually all indoors. This museum gave us a cool break from the summer heat. My son climbed into a real fishing boat and pretended to reel in a big catch, tested out a mountain bike simulator, walked behind a waterfall, and even tried out an archery range. It was a perfect way to cool off before heading back out on our bikes.
Dequindre Cut: Graffiti Gallery
Next, we rode into the Dequindre Cut, a wide, paved path that runs below street level. What makes it so special is the street art. Nearly every wall and bridge along the way is covered with colorful graffiti and murals. We stopped a few times to admire the designs and take a few selfies together, which are technically usies. Some of the paintings featured animals, city scenes, and creative lettering. The Dequindre Cut felt like a secret art gallery right in the heart of the city.
Michael checking out the graffiti art on the Detroit Riverwalk. © Steffy McCourt
Milliken State Park and Harbor
We finished our ride at Milliken State Park and Harbor, one of my favorite parts of the RiverWalk. The park has a wide green lawn, a marina filled with boats, and a pretty lighthouse that made a great photo backdrop. Michael and I hopped off our bikes and sat near the water for a while, skipping stones and watching the boats cruise by.
Seriously obsessed with my peach Batch bike! Is it normal to take a picture of your bike like this? © Steffy McCourt
What to Do Beyond the RiverWalk with Kids
The city truly comes alive when the weather warms up each summer. The neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces buzz with families out enjoying the sunshine. While the RiverWalk is a perfect place to spend a day, there’s even more just a short distance away. This is what makes Detroit an easy, family-friendly destination. Here are three of our family’s favorite destinations near the Detroit River.
Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts
Just a few miles north of the RiverWalk, the Detroit Institute of Arts is a cool, inspiring stop for families. The museum’s collection is world-class, but there are also plenty of interactive spaces and programs designed just for kids. Families can explore everything from ancient artifacts to modern art, and the Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera are a must-see. The museum is large enough to explore for a few hours, but small enough to manage with little ones in tow.
DON’T MISS! 16+ Cool Things to Do in Detroit
Explore Belle Isle Park
Belle Isle is Detroit’s island park, sitting right at the eastern end of the RiverWalk and connected by a short bridge. The park has a beautiful beach, shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, and open spaces that are perfect for running around or flying a kite. Families can visit the Belle Isle Aquarium or stroll through the Belle Isle Conservatory, both feel just the right size for kids.
Catch a Tigers Game at Comerica Park
For sports-loving families, catching a Detroit Tigers game is a fun way to experience the energy of the city. Comerica Park is less than a 10-minute drive from the RiverWalk and offers plenty for kids, including a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and family-friendly concessions. Even families who aren’t die-hard baseball fans will enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of a game day downtown.
Checking out Canada from the Detroit Riverwalk. © Steffy McCourt
When You Go
Where to Stay In Detroit
There are two beautiful hotels near the RiverWalk. The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center is a full-service hotel right on the river with floor-to-ceiling views and easy access to the trail. The Roberts RiverWalk Hotel is a boutique hotel in a historic building located along the east RiverWalk.
Best Time To Visit Detroit
Late summer and early fall are ideal times to visit. July and August bring warm, sunny weather, while September and early October offer cooler air and beautiful fall colors along the riverbanks. The RiverWalk is open year-round, but these months feel especially pleasant for afternoon rides.
Getting To Detroit From Los Angeles
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is about 21 miles from downtown. Visitors flying in can rent a car, take a taxi or rideshare, or hop on a SMART or DDOT bus to downtown Detroit. The Detroit People Mover has a stop at the Renaissance Center, which is a perfect starting point for a RiverWalk ride.
An excellent discount site for rental cars and flights is Booking! We literally save hundreds using it.
The Detroit RiverWalk offers so much more than just a path along the river. It’s a beautiful introduction to Detroit’s culture, energy, and family-friendly spirit. From carousels and public art to boat watching and museum stops, this stretch of Detroit is packed with places where kids can play and parents can relax. Add nearby destinations like Belle Isle Park, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and Comerica Park, and a day here easily turns into a full weekend getaway.
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