Livonia is a family-friendly city in the Metro Detroit area with plenty of attractions and activities for a fun-filled day out with the family. From amusement parks to nature centers, there is something to keep kids and parents entertained for hours.
| # | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phoenix Theatres | Community movie theater with comfortable seating |
| 2 | Greenmead Historical Park | Historical village and park for educational tours |
| 3 | Laurel Park Place | Shopping mall with stores and eateries |
| 4 | Zap Zone | Family fun center with laser tag and arcade games |
| 5 | Rotary Park | Large park with sports fields and play areas |
| 6 | Community Recreation Center | Offers family fitness classes and activities |
| 7 | Newburgh Lake | Scenic area for hiking and outdoor recreation |
| 8 | Clements Circle Pool | Popular public swimming pool with slides |
| 9 | Merri-Bowl | Bowling alley offering family-friendly fun |
| 10 | St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church | Hosts an annual cultural festival with rides |
| 11 | Livonia Civic Center Library | Features educational programs and exhibits |
| 12 | Dick Scott Automotive Group | Car dealership with an entertainment area |
In this article, we will explore 12 must-do things in Livonia for family enjoyment and bonding time. So read on to discover the city’s most exciting spots.
1.Exhibiting Creativity at the Marquis Theatre
Name and Location: Marquis Theatre in Northville, MI
History and Significance: Historic single screen movie palace built in 1938 known for its art deco styling. After closing in the 1980s, it was restored and reopened showcasing performing arts and independent films for the community.
What to Expect: Catch classic and indie movies on the big screen in the theater’s retro auditorium. There’s also live music, comedy acts, and community performances in the intimate 400-seat space with dynamic acoustics.
Visitor Information: Showtimes vary. Tickets available onsite, online, or by phone. Concessions including beer and wine available.
The Marquis Theatre is a unique community theater that puts up locally-written productions every season. Families can bring young kids to engaging children’s shows like Junie B. Jones and Mulan Jr. Teenagers and adults alike will love more mature performances like Tony-nominated comedies and thought-provoking dramas.
Enjoy dinner before the show at the theater’s concession bar or a nearby downtown restaurant. With quirky content and surprisingly spacious seating, Marquis is Livonia’s best bet for creative entertainment to mirror Broadway shows at a family-friendly venue.
2.Rolling Through Greenmead Historical Park
Name and Location: Greenmead Historical Park in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Late 19th century farmstead allowing visitors to experience 1890s rural Michigan life through historic homes and restored grounds. Display antique furnishings and demonstrations by costumed guides.
What to Expect: Tour the stately Victorian era Newburg Home, one-room Parker Schoolhouse, barn with antique carriages/tools. Seasonal events, reenactments bring history to life. Beautiful trails to walk or ride through on a complimentary bike.
Visitor Information: Open year-round, hours vary by season. Modest admission fee. Picnic area on grounds.
Greenmead Historical Park transports visitors back to a 19th century rural American village. Kids will love checking out the 1878 Newburg schoolhouse, 1871 Austin farmhouse, one-room Haskell library, and various barns and mills relocated from across Michigan.
Interactive tours and exhibits teach families about heritage trades like blacksmithing and allow hands-on activities like pumping water and sorting mail. Special events include annual Harvest Days and Regular Car Cruise nights so families can view hundreds of antique cars on display. With lush gardens, demonstrations of yesteryear chores and customs, and guided tours, Greenmead offers authentic glimpses of history to captivate all ages.
3.Shopping & Dining at Laurel Park Place
Name and Location: Laurel Park Place Mall in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Sprawling super-regional shopping mall featuring over 180 stores, restaurants and entertainment options. Opened in 1989 and just completed multi-million renovation updating interiors, children’s play area and dining options.
What to Expect: From major department stores like Macy’s and Von Maur to H&M, Apple and an XXI Forever flagship, find nearly every major retailer spread over 1.4 million square feet. New dining options join classics like California Pizza Kitchen.
Visitor Information: Open Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm.
The enormous Laurel Park Place shopping mall is set alongside Six Mile Road. With nearly 100 stores and restaurants, it has plenty to occupy families for an entire day or more. Petite fashionistas will adore browsing trendy boutiques like Justice and Janie & Jack. Sporty types can find top athletic gear at MC Sports and Dunham’s.
Meet magical characters on weekends like Barbie, Disney princesses, Spider Man, and Paw Patrol pups. Refuel with classic American fare at restaurants like Sarku Japan or California Pizza Kitchen. Don’t miss special events like monthly Mommy and Me mornings with cushioned play areas, crafts, and games for young tots in the North Atrium. With options galore, Laurel Park Place promises full satisfaction whether you seek shopping, dining, or kid-oriented fun.
4.Family Fun at Atomic Gaming Arcade
Name and Location: Atomic Gaming Arcade in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Ultimate family fun center featuring massive arcade with cutting edge interactive and redemption games, go-kart speedway track, laser tag arena, Minecraft server and virtual reality experiences across 50,000 square feet of action.
What to Expect: Lively crowds enjoying ig ticket redemption games, Mario Kart GP race tracks, immersive 5D cinema rides, GIANT multiplayer Connect 4 and so much more. Party rooms available for birthdays and events. Game cards available to activate machines.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Activity pricing varies. Family friendly casual dress.
Atomic Gaming Arcade features a 7,000 square foot facility packed with flashing games and prizes galore. Kids go crazy over the indoor jungle gym, latest interactive video games, dozens of redemption terminals, skee ball, air hockey, and classic basketball pop-a-shots.
Parents can join in some friendly competition or relax in lounge areas with free WiFi and access to live sports broadcasts on three ginormous screens. Atomic offers weekend lock-ins and hosts birthday parties complete with pizza, pop, tokens, and invitations.
They also put on special gaming events with Cosplay gatherings and Esport tournaments. With affordable day passes and huge variety, Atomic Gaming has ideal budget-friendly activities for lively households looking for indoor thrill and spills.
5.Exploring Nature at Hines Park
Name and Location: Hines Park in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Sprawling 1,200 acre Wayne County park established in 1921 featuring woodlands, wetlands, rivers and trails perfect for walking, cycling and experiencing nature just outside the city. Scenic views along the Rouge River.
What to Expect: Paved and natural trails for hiking or biking amid diverse ecosystems and terrain. Canoe and kayak launches to experience the river ways. Fishing spots, playgrounds and picnic shelters located throughout the park. Interpretive signage explains natural elements.
Visitor Information: Park opens 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes past sunset daily. No entrance fees. Some areas can be rented.
Hines Park spans 4,100 acres along the scenic Rouge River on Livonia’s western border. Families can hike, bike, and explore miles of trails winding through forests, waterside vistas, and open green spaces. Cast fishing lines into the river, launch canoes or kayaks in one of two liveries, explore the Nankin Mills site dating back to 1817, attend interpretive programs, or winter activities like cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Hines stretches over 25 miles into surrounding suburbs offering ample outdoor diversions in every season. Pack snacks and make it an all-day adventure discovering local plants and wildlife. With enormous grounds encompassing seven picnic areas and modern playground equipment situated alongside ancient grist mills and babbling brooks, Hines Park delivers some of metro Detroit’s most diverse natural recreation perfect for energetic households.
6.Family Fitness Classes at the Livonia Rec Center
Name and Location: Livonia Rec Center in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Vibrant community recreation center featuring indoor pool, gymnasium, fitness studio, walking track and multipurpose class spaces. Offering public activities and programming for over 40 years promoting health, wellness and connectivity.
What to Expect: State-of-the-art equipment for cardio, strength training and free weights. Over 40 group exercise classes per week like yoga, Zumba, cycling. NBA sized basketball courts, 1/10 mile indoor track. Family oriented with child watch services available.
Visitor Information: Center open Mon-Fri 5:30am-9pm, Sat 7am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Memberships or day passes available.
The Livonia Community Recreation Center offers dozens of families fitness classes bringing parents and kids together for sweat and smiles. Choices range from parent-tot gymnastics helping toddlers burn energy on obstacle courses to Judo classes teaching discipline and self-defense skills to Karate Kickboxing fusion programs for leaning ninja warrior moves.
Swimmers from 6 months to senior stretch can take lessons at one of Michigan’s largest indoor water parks with five pools, two waterslides, play features, and hot tubs. The rec center also organizes running clubs for youth, so parents can motivate kids to increase endurance, many culminating in annual holiday Turkey Trots. With options perfect for every age, skill level, and interest, Livonia’s rec center makes health, wellness, and bonding easy and entertaining for households of any composition.
7.Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails
Name and Location: Lola Valley Park Trails in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Winding woodchip trails spanning over 140 acres of scenic wooded terrain dotted with ponds, meadows and the historic Lola Valley one room schoolhouse built in 1860 now operating as historical museum.
What to Expect: Just over 2 miles of looped trails rated easy provide a family-friendly hike amid towering oaks and singing birds. Interpretive signs describe interesting natural features. Nearby playground, picnic area and seasonal restrooms available.
Visitor Information: Park open daily 8am to 30 minutes past sunset. No entrance fees. Schoolhouse open Sat 10am-2pm.
Livonia contains several parks and nature areas with easy hiking trails suitable for little legs. Families can traverse 1.3 miles around Liddell Pond at St. Mary’s Preserve to spot ducks, turtles, wildflowers, and towering oak trees. Playgrounds and picnic shelters give kids spots to rest and refuel.
At Bicentennial Park, the half-mile loop encircles a fishing lake lined with weeping willow trees, grassed amphitheaters for special events, and a sensory garden where blind visitors can touch, smell, and interact with dozens of herbs and textured walkways.
After working up an appetite, stop at Captain J’s Fresh Seafood restaurant right next door. Jaycee Park and Clements Circle Park also feature short paths under leafy canopies with fun playgrounds just moments away when kids have had their fill of nature walks.
8.Shelden Trails & Pool
Name and Location: Shelden Trails & Pool in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: 24 acre wooded community park featuring nature trails, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and an Olympic sized outdoor swimming pool complex with diving boards and kiddie areas. Trails spotlight educational tree identification.
What to Expect: Walk the rustic trails to read interesting facts about tree species in the markers, have a picnic, play on the modern playground equipment. Cool off in the massive pool with diving boards, water slide and concession stand.
Visitor Information: Pool open daily June through August. Park open year round dawn to dusk. Shelter rentals available.
Shelden Park spreads over 142 acres with softball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts, and one of metro Detroit’s most beloved public pools. The Olympic length pool features zero-depth entry, water slides, fountains, play structures, and lazy river rides winding around the perimeter.
Families flock in the summer months to cool off, zoom down slides, and laugh loudly splashing together in the crystal blue water. When not swimming, meandering trails form peaceful loops past vibrant gardens, historic buildings, and the charming Center Street Bridge.
Kids find endless spots to play from playgrounds to open lawn bowling greens. With summer concerts, art fairs, and special events, Shelden Park provides varied options for households balancing activity wish restful downtime.
9.Bowling at Thunderbowl
Name and Location: Thunderbowl Lanes Bowling Center in Allen Park, MI
History and Significance: Landmark 56 lane bowling alley open since 1961 also housing extensive billiards room and Thunderbowl Pub known for pizza, burgers and live music. Hosts local leagues and national tournaments in its retro style facility.
What to Expect: Lanes dressed in glossy vintage charm beckon bowlers of all skill levels for candlepin bowling, duckpin bowling and traditional 10-pin bowling with computerized scoring. Lessons, league and party bookings available. Grab food and drinks without leaving.
Visitor Information: Open daily with varying hours. Reservation suggested for large groups. Family friendly casual attire.
ThunderBowl Lanes lives up to its electrifying name with 24 ultramodern bowling lanes equipped with automatic scoring, bumper lanes for beginners, retro disco lighting, and booming sound systems. Affordably priced games keep multi-generational groups engaged trying to topple pins.
Take silly pictures in the old-fashioned photo booth. Munch on classic bowling fare like hot pretzels, cheesy pizza, chili cheese fries, and ice cold pitchers of soda and beer for the parents. Reserve lanes online ahead of time since Thunderbowl draws big crowds, especially for Friday night Cosmic Bowling when the whole building pulsates in black lights illuminating glowing balls, pins, and lane graphics.
With state-of-the-art equipment, kitschy décor, tasty snacks, and many weekend hours, Thunderbowl Lanes rocks and rolls for household fun and friendly rivalries.
10.Newburg United Methodist Church Carnival
Name and Location: Newburg United Methodist Church Annual Carnival
History and Significance: Historic church founded in 1835 hosts lively annual 4 day community carnival fundraiser featuring rides, games, raffles, silent auction and home cooked food in festive outdoor setting that’s popular for family summer fun since the 1960s.
What to Expect: Bring the kids out to play carnival games, ride the Ferris wheel and eat cotton candy while parents enjoy bingo, craft beer tent and live music. Proceeds benefit church youth programs and building funds. Small town hospitality at its best.
Visitor Information: Held each June. Free entrance and parking. Wristbands available for unlimited rides.
Every June, Newburg United Methodist Church hosts a charming four-day carnival fundraiser packed with old-fashioned amusement rides and concession stands. Families flock for unlimited rides wristbands good for whirling on the scrambler, daring upside-down flips of the Matterhorn, and even junior coaster loops for tiny thrill-seekers.
Win stuffed animals at game booths, catch live music performances, and sample cotton candy piled high next to corn dogs and slushy drinks. A 5k run, pancake breakfasts, and nightly drawings give attendees more bang for their buck while further supporting this centenarian Livonia house of worship.
With blinking lights after sundown, warm hospitality, and whooshing screams of delight, Newburg Methodist’s carnival promises affordable nostalgic excitement for several generations to circle the Ferris Wheel together.
11.Hands-On Learning at The Doezema Center
Name and Location: The Doezema Center for STEM Learning
History and Significance: Nonprofit center created in 2014 providing engaging hands-on science, technology, engineering and math education programs, camps and workshops helping learners of all ages gain critical skills for the future. Promotes experiential discovery based learning.
What to Expect: Problem solving activities using principles of physics, chemistry, coding, electronics and more facilitated by knowledgeable staff and peer mentors reinforce core technical knowledge while having fun. Family participation welcomed.
Visitor Information: Center open after school hours and Saturday. Program schedules and fees online. Certain free family activity nights offered.
The Doezema Center provides rotating interactive exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, art and math. The STEAM Discovery Lab gives kids hands-on challenges like building structures, propelling objects through pneumatic tubes, or mixing color combinations.
Traveling displays like Animal Architects let families get up close with birds, reptiles, and mammals while learning how creaturely design and behavior influence human innovations. Aspiring doctors can explore a giant walk-through heart and use medical instruments for check-ups.
Budding paleontologists can dig for prehistoric fossils or view the skeletons of full-sized dinosaur species. With daily programs included free with admission, Doezema delivers an exceptional value that engages young minds and sparks discussion for parents and children to dissect concepts together.
12.Destination Fun at Golling Buick GMC
Name and Location: Golling Buick GMC Dealership in Livonia, MI
History and Significance: Premier automotive dealership serving the region over 60 years offering new/used sales, service, parts and outstanding amenities making car buying enjoyable like kids play room, movie theater, snack bar and ladies boutique.
What to Expect: While parents shop the latest models or get service, kids can watch movies, play games and do crafts onsite. Enjoy complimentary snacks and WiFi in comfort. textbook trade-in bonuses and college scholarship programs further giveback.
Visitor Information: Open Mon-Thurs 8:30am-8pm, Fri 8:30am-6pm, Sat 9am-4pm. Service open Saturday. Shuttle services available.
Local automotive dealer Golling Buick GMC converted over 8000 square feet of their Livonia showroom into an entertainment zone called Destination Fun. This modern family fun center provides complimentary access to two-stories of amusement featuring arcade games, gaming consoles, an elaborate electric train layout, putting greens, shuffleboard, billiards, air hockey and more.
Kids can expend energy racing around in Power Wheels riding toy cars while parents relax over complimentary gourmet coffee or juice. Living room style seating invites further unwinding and free Wifi keeps everyone connected. Golling’s Destination Fun offers families a welcome oasis indoors with sports, activities, and amenities for all to enjoy 365 days a year completely free of charge.
Conclusion
From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and amusement galore, Livonia overflows with exceptional activities for families seeking valuable time together. Theater performances, historical villages, mega shopping malls, gaming arcades, fitness classes, nature parks, swimming pools, bowling lanes and carnival rides give kids entertainment while parents find ample spots to join the merriment.
With many free options like playground trails or the Destination Fun zone, households can maximize budgets staying local while making lasting memories. Livonia clearly caters to lively clans desiring function, leisure, and togetherness through the seasons.