My husband, 15 year old son and I will be visiting Detroit in early August for 4 nights and 3 days. It will be my husband’s and son’s first visit to Detroit. I’m a native Detroiter but have been away for nearly 30 years. When my son asked what was there to do in Detroit, I said, “Well there’s the Henry Ford museum, Greenfield Village, seeing a Tigers’ game and...and...” I drew a blank. I need help from the experts to correct my faulty memory and help fleshing out our itinerary.

For our three days, I’m planning on two days for the Henry Ford—one each for the museum and village. Does this sound reasonable? If we want to take the factory tour, could we fit it in during one of those days, or should I plan on doing it the morning of the third day? I should mention my son likes history but he is a hands-on type of guy. He doesn’t care for just looking at stuff. I vaguely remember the HF museum as not being hands on.

Our third day (Weds.) ends with a Tiger game at Conamerica Park. In the morning, I thought we could head down to the cultural center. I know the art institute is closed. My son is interested in the Science Center. Would there be enough there to interest a nearly 16 year old kid and his parents for several hours, or are the exhibits geared for younger kids? Is the $25 admission worth it for the human body exhibit? I was thinking we head downtown around 3ish to find a parking spot for the game, take the people mover around downtown, and walk the river walk before getting dinner around 5. Game starts at 7:05.

Any help you can give me is much appreciated. I am sure I will be posting again with questions on restaurants and safety in certain areas. Thanks in advance for your help.

I helped chaperone a group of High School Juniors/Seniors to the Science Center for the Body Exhibit in May. It was a fascinating display, didn't get squeamish. The remainder of the center is hands-on, not sure if it appeals to the teens.

The DIA is open but with limited exhibits open. I go for the Diego Rivera murals alone.

Good luck with the planning.

Thanks for the info, Suzie!

ttt

madcitysue

Welcome Home! Detroit can't wait to see you again and welcome your family to your home.

Henry Ford Musuem is a great place to visit. Detroit Science center is a good place for a hands on kinda guy. The River Rouge Ford plant does tours as well. That might be something your men would like. As for Comerica Park, your family will be really impressed. It's one of the nicest ball parks in the US. I suggest you all get there when the ball park opens so you can walk around and check out all the venue's and see the statues and history of the Detroit Tigers. Before the game your son will be allowed to go down to the dug out area in the stands and wait for a chance to get an autograph from some the of the players, "who's your tiger" is the slogan this summer. Bring your camera for some good shots in the stadium. Go Tigers.

The People mover is a good choice to take you around the Downtown area. Greektown is a great place to have dinner before the game. Parking around Comerica Park is very expensive. up to 20.00. But there are some other area's nearby cheaper. You could go to one of the bars on Woodward have a drink and use their transportation. Free and easy.

Please if I can help with anything else let me know.

Theresa in Detroit.

Thanks, Theresa. I was thinking of Greektown for dinner. What are some of your favorites in the area? I'm also looking for a good Lebanese restaurant in Dearborn. Do you know of any?
Thanks again.

Sue

Hi Sue, if I were you I would go to Mamaw's (Theresa) restaurant. She has been a poster here on Fodor's for quite awhile and her posts are fantastic. I never felt the urge to go to Detroit but every time I read about Theresa's restaurant I wish I could go there and enjoy it. If you click on her screen name you will see what I mean. Best regards.

The DIA is completely closed until November. However, you can play miniature golf on the lawn.

http://www.dia.org/closed07.html

http://www.traditionalhome.com/trave...troit_ss1.html

Traditional HOme magazine did quite a lengthy piece on Detroit a couple months ago. Their website isn't very helpful that I can see (but I posted a link, above). But if you have access to a good library, you could probably dig it up. I think it was sometime this spring and the article got into great old neighborhoods to explore as well as food/places of interest, etc.

Pat,

Thanks for the info about the DIA. I was there with DD in April and didn't realize they were planning the closure.

SuzieTrue

Thanks for all your responses! Too bad the DIA is closed; I would have liked to see the Rivera murals again. The miniature golf on the lawn sounds like fun, though. LoveItaly, I did as you suggested and, yes, Theresa's restaurant sounds wonderful. It's in the NE part of the metro area, though, and we'll be staying in Dearborn in the SW section.

Thanks again and I'll be back if I have more questions.