Looking for free things to do in Detroit besides gambling arena? There are numerous activities that cater to a wide range of interests. 

Belle Isle, a municipal island park, is home to some of the free attractions, including an aquarium and a nature center with animals. There are numerous parks in which visitors can relax and have fun. 

Best Free Things to Do in Detroit

There are free tours and festivals in various locations of the city at various times of the year. Some attractions are only free on particular days, so check ahead of time. Certain attractions may be closed temporarily or require reservations in advance. 

Currently, some eateries only provide pickup. It’s possible that the hours and availability have changed.

1. Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the country’s oldest continuously functioning conservatory, is home to a diverse collection of rare and unique plants from all around the world.

The Show House, the Sunken Fernery, the Cactus House, the Tropical House, and the Palm House are the five distinct parts of the conservatory. 

The Tropical House has plants that provide food, such as oranges and bananas. The Conservatory and Gardens are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and are shared by a Lily Pond and formal gardens.

2. Belle Isle Park

The Belle Isle Park is an island park in Detroit that spans approximately 1,000 acres and is home to cultural, natural, and historic values that have been enjoyed by centuries. 

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Nature Center, the Belle Isle Aquarium, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum are among the park’s many amenities and features. 

From 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m, Belle Isle Park is open regularly, with different hours for different facilities such as the aquarium and nature center. The Belle Isle Conservancy is in charge of the public park.

3. Cullen Plaza

The Cullen Plaza is home to many of Detroit’s most renowned east riverfront attractions. The exquisite Cullen Family Carousel, a sculptured glass map of the Saint Lawrence Seaway, rich landscaping, a children’s play area, and amusing fountains are among them. 

The RiverWalk Cafe and the Wheelhouse Detroit, a cycling business that offers bike rentals, service, merchandise, and tours, are also located in the plaza. During the warmer months of the year, the RiverWalk Cafe and the carousel in Cullen Plaza are open.

4. Detroit Historical Museum

The Detroit Historical Museum is the sole museum dedicated to the history of the Detroit region. The museum’s Signature Exhibitions are permanent exhibits that span over three centuries of the city’s rich history. 

The Kid Rock Music Lab, the Allesee Gallery of Culture, Detroit: The Arsenal of Democracy, the Gallery of Innovation, and the Legends Plaza were among the five permanent exhibits that opened in 2012. 

The Streets of Old Detroit, Frontiers to Factories: Detroiters at Work, America’s Motor City, and Doorway to Freedom: Detroit and the Underground Railroad are among the other titles available.

5. Detroit International Jazz Festival

The Detroit Jazz Festival is a free annual jazz festival hosted in the city every Labor Day Weekend. The festival takes place at Detroit’s Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. 

Every year, the Detroit International Jazz Festival presents a roster of more than sixty different performances, each as diverse as the jazz genre itself. Late-night jam sessions, as well as other activities and events, are frequently held. 

The Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival, then the Detroit International Jazz Festival, and finally The Detroit Jazz Festival have been the names of the festival over the years.

Finally, those are free things to do in Detroit. You can visit them to spend your free time and have the best moments.