If you’re looking for free things to do in Detroit, you might want to check out some of the free museums! We found museums that are free all the time and museums that are free on certain days.
Need free things to do in Detroit? These museums are always free!
The Detroit Institute of Arts is a nationally recognized institute of art museum. It features art in various mediums that caters to many different tastes. The museum is always free to enter. Donations are accepted, but the museum does not require a donation. You may need to pay admission for special events at the Institute of Arts.
The Detroit Historical Museum offers free admission. While you’re at the museum, you can learn about the influence the city has had on the rest of the country and what it did to make things better. There are several different exhibits and a lot of information about the city that you can learn about while you’re there!
The Cranbrook Institute of Science features science exhibits. While the museum is not a hands-on experience, it does feature a lot of information that can be useful if you’re interested in science or learning more about it in general. The museum has several exhibits you can learn more about while you’re there.
Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum was voted one of the most unique experiences in Detroit and in the country. When you’re visiting the museum, you can check out different things that you won’t find anywhere else. In fact, the museum was one of the many inspirations for Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium.
The GM Renaissance Center is one of the top free things to do in Detroit because of all the information you can learn from the center. It’s not a museum, but it does offer free information and even a few museum-like exhibits. The center is open varying hours throughout the year.
These aren’t museums, but they’re always free.
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House and Grounds give you a chance to walk through and learn different things about Detroit’s famous Ford family. You can learn more about the family and the history behind the brand. While you’re there, make sure you check out the beautifully maintained gardens throughout the museum.
The Detroit Riverwalk is a fun experience you can do during any time of the year, but it’s truly a sight during the autumn months. The riverwalk features awesome views and you can walk, run, skate or ride your bike on the paths.
Yates Cider Mill is open during the fall and winter seasons. Even though it’s outside of Detroit, it’s worth the short drive. If you’re visiting during the fall months, you can get a tour of the grounds and of the cider mill. You might also get a free sample at the end.
Visiting Belle Isle is an experience that will take you between Michigan and Canada. If you’re going to the island, you can make a day trip out of it. The island features a visitor center, a conservatory and even an aquarium you can check out.
The Heidelberg Project is an art and creativity project unlike any other. The experience is one that you can visit any time of the year and any day. Keep in mind the Heidelberg Project is outside so plan accordingly.
The Sanders Candy Factory Tour lets you see how the world-famous fudge is made. It’s a free tour and you get a bonus sample at the end. If you want to take a self-guided tour, you can go at any time the factory is open. If you want a guided tour, you just have to make a reservation, but it’s still free!
Here are free things to do in Detroit on Wednesdays!
Cliff Bell’s Open Organ Jam is free every Wednesday evening throughout the year. It’s one of the free things to do in Detroit that is outside so keep that in mind before going. You can listen to the large outdoor organ and take in other sights at the park.
We found free things to do on special days.
The Monthly Blues Jam happens once per month usually around the same time. Different times of year might cause the monthly jam to be moved to a different time during the month. Anyone is welcome to enjoy the music at the jam. It’s free, but donations are always accepted!
There are Free Summer Concerts at Chene Park Amphitheater that you can enjoy. These concerts are listed monthly and sometimes last into the early Autumn months. You can also enjoy the amphitheater at different times during the year.
Take advantage of Experience Detroit by using their free self-guided tour maps! You can find the maps online and print them off or you can use them conveniently on your smartphone. If you are looking for a print copy of the maps that you don’t have to print out, you can visit any of Detroit’s visitor centers.
Want free access to even more museums in Detroit? Check this out!
The Detroit Museum Adventure Pass is a free pass you can rent from the library! It’s not always available so check ahead before trying to get it. The museum grants low-income residents and visitors a chance to explore the museums that would normally charge an admission fee!
Bank of America Cardholder? You could get into these museums for free!
The first weekend of each month, the Detroit Science Center offers free admission to Bank of America cardholders. You simply have to show your card to get into the museum for free! It’s a hands-on museum that the whole family can enjoy.
