Westland is a city located in Wayne County, Michigan, about 16 miles west of Detroit. With a population of over 80,000, Westland offers visitors plenty of fun activities and attractions to enjoy with the whole family. From parks and recreation to museums and entertainment, there is something for everyone in Westland.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Hike and Explore Nature Trails | Enjoy scenic trails, nature programs, and wildlife spotting. |
| Hands-On Science at Ann Arbor Museum | Engage with interactive science exhibits and experiments. |
| Paddle Down the Rouge River | Experience canoeing or kayaking along the peaceful river. |
| Bowling and Arcade Fun | Indoor entertainment with bowling, games, and food. |
| Westland Farmers Market | Shop for local produce, flowers, and homemade goods. |
| AirTime Trampoline Park | High-energy fun with trampolines, dodgeball, and more. |
| Westland Historical Village Park | Explore historical buildings and learn local history. |
| Mini Golf at TNT Action Park | Enjoy mini-golf, go-karts, and arcade games. |
| Dine and Shop at Westland Center Mall | Variety of dining options and shopping stores. |
| Model Railroad Club | Discover detailed model trains and miniature landscapes. |
| Greenmead Historical Park | Experience farm life, historical buildings, and animals. |
| Play Laser Tag at Adrenaline Zone | Enjoy laser tag, arcade games, and mini-bowling. |
This article will highlight 12 of the top things to do in Westland with your family. From outdoor adventures like canoeing and hiking nature trails, to indoor activities like bowling, arcades, and trampoline parks, these family-friendly attractions entertain kids and adults alike. History buffs will enjoy learning about the city’s origins at heritage parks and historical villages. Those looking to shop and dine have plenty of options as well, with farmer’s markets, malls and great eateries.
So if you’re visiting Westland with kids, or live in the area and want new ideas of ways to spend quality time together as a family, read on for the inside scoop!
1.Hike and Explore Nature Trails
Name and Location: Hike and Explore Nature Trails
History and Significance: Westland is home to several beautiful nature preserves and parks with scenic wooded trails perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing and exploring the outdoors. These natural spaces provide opportunities to get some fresh air and exercise right in the heart of the community.
What to Expect: Miles of winding dirt, gravel and paved paths suitable for walking, running or biking. Observe birds and other wildlife in ponds, fields and forested areas along the routes. Many locations have picnic shelters to take a break.
Visitor Information: Top sites include Hannan Rd Greenway, Wayne County Family Aquatic Center and Nankin Mills Interpretive Center and Nature Area. Parks open dawn to dusk. Dress for the weather and wear good shoes.
Westland has some beautiful nature areas with scenic wooded trails perfect for family hikes. Get some exercise surrounded by lovely scenery and wildlife at:
Hines Park: This extensive county park stretches along the Rouge River and encompasses lush forests, wetlands and meadows. The trails allow you to immerse yourself in nature right in Westland.
Wayne County Family Aquatic Center: In addition to swimming pools and water slides, this park features nature trails winding through the woods surrounding the aquatic center.
Nankin Mills Interpretive Center: Learn about the area’s ecology on this peaceful trail along the Rouge River. The center also offers family-friendly nature programs.
Pack snacks, water, bug spray and binoculars to spot birds and wildlife along these family-friendly natural trails in Westland!
2.Explore Hands-On Science at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Name and Location: Explore Hands-On Science at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
History and Significance: Founded in 1982, this nonprofit children’s museum offers interactive science, technology and art exhibits aimed at inspiring curiosity and creativity through firsthand experience across STEAM fields via hundreds of enriching activities under one roof.
What to Expect: Two floors filled with unique galleries, media studios, invention spaces and observation towers make learning physics concepts, computer coding, anatomy or various art mediums exciting via action-based discovery for all ages. Family memberships and birthday hosting available.
Visitor Information: 220 E Ann St, Ann Arbor, MI. Open daily, hours vary. Admission ranges $12-14 depending on age, babies under 1yr free. Accessibility options available, everything is hands-on learning!
For a fun, educational indoor activity, visit the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, located about a 30 minute drive from Westland. This interactive museum is perfect for curious young minds, with hundreds of hands-on exhibits that make science exciting.
Kids can race sailboats down a river, experiment with engineering, or explore the physics of sounds and musical instruments. Exhibits like the Tinkering Lab and Idea Studio encourage innovation and problem-solving. Parents will have just as much fun exploring alongside their kids!
With awesome science experiments, cool technology and thought-provoking activities, the Hands-On Museum makes learning about science a playful adventure the whole family will enjoy.
3.Paddle Down the Rouge River
Name and Location: Paddle Down the Rouge River
History and Significance: The Rouge River flows right through Westland, Ypsilanti and other surrounding communities, offering a scenic natural paddle route to navigate while getting outdoors and observing local wildlife habitats, parks and nature areas along its banks.
What to Expect: Launch canoes, kayaks or rafts to traverse calm sections ideal even for beginners. More advanced areas feature faster currents and rapids options. Great for day trips with friends making stops along the way as sites permit.
Visitor Information: Multiple public access points like Newburgh Rd Bridge with parking. Plan your distance and be prepared for changing water levels. Life jackets and watercraft rentals available from liveries like River Raisin.
For outdoor recreation amid lovely scenery, rent a canoe or kayak and paddle down parts of the Rouge River that runs right through Westland. Several liveries offer boat rentals and shuttle services for scenic paddling along this peaceful waterway.
Glide your paddle boat over the smooth water of Hines Park’s Arboretum Lake or put in upstream for a longer paddle surrounded by nature. The easy current means beginning paddlers will enjoy this just as much as experienced ones! Pack a lunch to picnic along the wooded banks.
Canoeing or kayaking the Rouge is a fun way to get the family outdoors together, enjoying exercise, nature and maybe even some wildlife spotting. It’s an affordable adventure option close to home.
4.Bowl and Arcade Fun at Vision Lanes or Town ‘N Country Lanes
Name and Location: Bowl and Arcade Fun at Vision Lanes or Town ‘N Country Lanes
History and Significance: Modern bowling alleys provide wholesome entertainment the entire family can enjoy together. Westland has two great facilities offering weekend glow bowl specials, arcade games, billiards, leagues and open lanes daily for parties or walk-in recreational play all year long.
What to Expect: Polished lanes with bumpers for kids, bowling balls to fit all fingers and automatic scoring systems to tally strikes and spares. Video arcade games, concession stands and sports bar environments round out the amusement center vibe.
Visitor Information: Vision Lanes on Wayne Rd and Town N’ Country on Joy Rd. Hours daily typically noon to midnight. Call for pricing and shoe rental rates which are around $25-30/hour per lane.
For indoor family fun, Westland offers two bowling/entertainment centers: Vision Lanes and Town ‘N Country Lanes. Both locations offer bowling, arcade games, billiards and food – perfect for birthday parties or rainy days!
Kids will have a blast bowling in the kid-sized alley at Vision Lanes. Both locations have huge game arcades with the latest video games and ticket prize redemption counters.
Gather your crew to bowl friendly “battles,” play skee ball or air hockey, drive virtual race cars and motorcycles and more! Refuel with burgers, wings, salads and other bowling alley favorites when energy gets low. An afternoon or evening spent bowling, playing games, scoring tickets and snacking makes for a super fun family outing!
5.Shop the Westland Farmers Market
Name and Location: Shop the Westland Farmers Market
History and Significance: Founded in 1993, this producer-only farmers market lets you buy flavorful farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and other edibles direct from over 30 local growers and merchants during peak harvest spanning June through October annually.
What to Expect: Weekly Saturday market showcasing just-picked seasonal specialties across 150 vendor stalls.Combines U-pick orchard offerings with Amish fare, fresh breads/cheese, household goods and craft vendors spread across a spacious lot. Special events and city services onsite.
Visitor Information: 1901 N Carlson Commerce Dr. Spring-Fall hours are 9am to 2pm. Accepts Bridge Cards plus processes Michigan Fresh for low income residents. Free admission and parking.
A great family-friendly weekend activity is visiting the Westland Farmers Market, open from May through October. Wander through rows of locally grown produce from Michigan farmers. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are always fresh and flavorful.
Let kids pick out vibrant flowers or search for their new favorite fruit, like sweet yet tart Michigan cherries or juicy peaches. Sample homemade jams and fresh, hot Kettle corn still popping! Many vendors offer free samples so kids can taste test the harvest.
Parents will love loading up on just-picked veggies and fruits too – much of it organic. Prices are very affordable direct from the farmers. Don’t forget to grab a doughy, hot pretzel or freshly squeezed lemonade to enjoy picnic-style at the Market pavilions!
6.Jump Sky High at AirTime Trampoline Park
Name and Location: Jump Sky High at AirTime Trampoline Park
History and Significance: Open since 2017, this massive indoor playground houses over 15,000 sq feet of contiguous trampoline courts and ninja courses allowing flyers of all ages and skill levels to literally bounce off the walls, play exciting games mid-air and have fun getting fit.
What to Expect: Multi-level jump areas connected by angled trampolines, slam dunk basketball hoops, battle beam jousting, dodgeball court, foam pit and a ninja warrior obstacle course traverse. Safety first designs include marked landing zones plus constant court monitoring.
Visitor Information: 37550 Cherry Hill Rd. Check site for current admission rates and hours, waivers required. Gripped socks provided, first jumpers attend orientation. Special needs accommodated.
For high-flying bouncing fun, AirTime Trampoline Park is a top choice with locations in both Westland and Canton. Wall-to-wall connected trampolines form courts and ramps for open jump, dodgeball, basketball slam dunking and more aerial games.
Little kids get their own special jump areas and courts sized just for them. AirTime’s massive Ninja Course presents fun physical challenges with obstacles to climb over and slip through.
Parents can join in the action or relax in lounge areas while monitoring the action. AirTime offers fitness classes on trampolines too – a unique cardio workout! Awesome lighting and music create an exciting, get-active atmosphere for the whole family.
7.Tour the Westland Historical Village Park
Name and Location: Tour the Westland Historical Village Park
History and Significance: See pioneer living history spanning 300 years brought to life within 25 restored historic buildings clustered together to replicate an 1880s Michigan farm settlement, populated by costumed interpreters and period furnishings providing cultural immersion.
What to Expect: Guides in period dress lead informative building tours for hands-on glimpses intorustic life before electricity/plumbing. Seasonal activities range from cider pressing to quilting bees. Event rentals hosted. Check site for demonstration schedule.
Visitor Information: 857 N. Wayne Rd. Hours limited, closed January-March. Entry $2-5 donation suggested, exploring grounds is free. Also accessible for casual visits sans guide to just view exteriors.
Step back in time with a visit to Westland Historical Village Park, operated by the Westland Historical Society. Tour 1890s-era historic buildings moved to or reconstructed onsite: log cabins, a church, schoolhouse, barn and more.
Costumed docents add a living history element, demonstrating candle and soap making, quilting, blacksmith work and other historical activities. Special events celebrate old-fashioned holidays like the Fourth of July and Christmas.
Inside the onsite Museum, kids can check out over 10,000 artifacts related to Westland’s pioneer founding days. It’s a wonderful way for families to understand what life was like for the city’s early settlers. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade trees when you’re done.
8.Mini Golf at TNT Action Park
Name and Location: Mini Golf at TNT Action Park
History and Significance: Open here since 1961, this classic mini golf course packs 36 holes spanning across three creative courses – including a 110-ft volcano centerpiece – that have delighted generations with holes ranging simple to challenging as groups compete for lowest score year after year. Now part of adjacent sports park complex.
What to Expect: Putt your way through caves, across wooden bridges and around surprising obstacles on inventive hole designs spread across interconnected courses with different themes, textures and tricks. Individual or group play, all paces welcome.
Visitor Information: 37550 Cherry Hill. Season spans April through September. Nominal admission rates, family discounts. Parking on adjacent baseball complex lots. Mini golf club and ball rentals available.
For family-style competition in the fresh air, hit the mini golf course at TNT Action Park! This fun zone located near Hines Park offers two 18-hole mini golf courses spread out over five acres.
Winding paths, wooden ramps, water features and fun obstacles like loops and tunnels make these courses challenging yet exciting. Mini golf is very affordable too at just $6 per person.
Play a round of mini golf to see who comes out on top with the lowest score! Then refuel with hot dogs, pizza or ice cream from the onsite concessions. With go karts and arcade/redemption games onsite too, TNT Action Park promises a day packed with good ole family fun!
9.Dine and Shop at Westland Center Mall
Name and Location: Dine and Shop at Westland Center Mall
History and Significance: Opened 1965 with over 125 stores, eateries and amenities, Westland Center stands today as the premier shopping destination in Western Wayne County – uniquely focused on convenience, community connections and delivering an enjoyable retail plus dining experience.
What to Expect: Two levels housing national chains like Macy’s and Sephora plus local boutiques and services punctuated by a lively food court. Calendar filled with kid-friendly events, sales and holiday activities like photos with Santa held regularly to foster repeat visits.
Visitor Information: 35000 Warren Rd. Shops open Monday-Saturday 10AM to 9PM, Sundays noon to 6PM with extended holiday hours. Website lists store directory plus upcoming sales and special community programming events.
No family trip is complete without good food and a little shopping! Westland Center shopping mall offers plenty of family dining options from chains like Applebee’s or Famous Dave’s BBQ to quick bites like Sbarro Pizza or Panda Express.
Kids can explore hands-on learning fun at Adventurers Isle while parents check out stores. Search for cool kicks together at Jimmy Jazz or find game day apparel at Sports Mania.
Catch a movie at AMC Theater inside the mall too – it has some of the largest screens in Michigan! Westland Center offers over 80 stores all under one climate-controlled roof for a nice indoor outing.
10.See Amazing Model Trains at Model Railroad Club
Name and Location: See Amazing Model Trains at Model Railroad Club
History and Significance: Founded in 1981 by Lionel model train enthusiasts, this private club welcomes the public to view one of Michigan’s largest toy train layouts measuring over 2,500 square feet handcrafted to mimic iconic real-world rail lines and metro Detroit destination landmarks across a sprawling miniaturized landscape. Truly a sight!
What to Expect: Marvel at scale replicas of familiar Detroit structures like Tiger Stadium behind which model freight, passenger and streetcar trains wind through tunnels, over handbuilt bridges surrounded by painstakingly detailed scenery. Different vintage toys run on special days. Fascinating peek behind the scenes.
Visitor Information: Located basement level of Westland City Hall at 36300 Warren Rd. Free viewings Wednesdays 6-8:30PM year-round. Members coordinate additional showtimes and kids events – call club hotline for latest at (734) 722-9020.
Visiting the Michigan Model Railroad Club’s elaborate display layouts makes an inexpensive and wonderfully unique family activity. Among the largest model railroads in Michigan, the MMRC’s 4000 sq ft of immaculately detailed miniature worlds recreate real-life railroads in action, with trains chugging through cities and countryside.
Kids go wide-eyed seeing mini cities bustling with trains, cars and thousands of tiny people figures going about daily life! Bridges, tunnels, depots and rail yards add incredible realism. Push-button controls let kids operate accessories like crossing guards.
For kids (or adults) fascinated by trains, this incredible model railroad is hands-down one of the coolest things to do in Westland. Private tours can be booked too.
11.Learn About Agriculture at Greenmead Historical Park
Name and Location: Learn About Agriculture at Greenmead Historical Park
History and Significance: Settled 1867 on a picturesque hillside, this village with farm site became an urban farmstead showcasing historical architecture. Restored buildings recreate 1880s Michigan farm experience via living history interpreters who provide tours and hands-on period activites.
What to Expect: Guides in period dress lead tours displaying 1800s farming tools/techniques plus heritage crafts. Kids get immersed churning butter, pumping water and visiting animals. Seasonal events range from trimming beeswax candles to cider pressing using antique equipment. Shows frontier agriculture evolution.
Visitor Information: Located Livonia at 8 Mile and Newburgh Rds. Limited open days April through December for hourly tours plus special programming. Entry fees $5, explore grounds free. Annual memberships available.
Just down the road from Westland in Livonia, Greenmead Historical Park transports visitors back to Michigan’s rural agricultural days. Tour a picturesque historic village with restored historical buildings from the 1880s including barns, farmhouses, a church, school, general store and more.
Friendly farm animals like pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and rabbits delight kids. Hop aboard a tractor-pulled wagon ride tour through the village and gardens. Seasonal events celebrate old-fashioned country fairs, harvest festivals and holidays.
By engaging several generations in olden days farm life, Greenmead fosters appreciation of America’s agricultural traditions. Families gain knowledge of how communities and livelihoods were built around farming. An ideal family outing for young kids!
12.Play Laser Tag at Adrenaline Zone
Name and Location: Play Laser Tag at Adrenaline Zone
History and Significance: Billing itself as Michigan’s premier laser tag arena, this family fun warehouse opened in 2018 spanning 20,000 air conditioned square feet to provide heart-pumping action immersed inside vivid multi-level sci fi environments evoking video games in frantic real world capture-the-flag faceoffs.
What to Expect: Strap on high tech vest sensors and grip a laser blaster to stalk opponents through fog, blacklights and props seeking to zap their sensors which tally hits and health on electronic scoreboards. Various arena configurations and game formats will get your adrenaline pumping!
Visitor Information: Westland location at 34550 Central City Pkwy. Individual or group rates with tactical gear provided, no painful laser impacts. Call 734-751-7529 for open play times or book private party events in advance online. All ages.
Another awesome indoor activity for active kids and teens is a game of laser tag at Westland’s Adrenaline Zone. Strapping on electronic laser vests transforms players into sharp shooters stalking opponents through a multi-level maze and fog-filled arena.
Adrenaline Zone’s laser tag features realistic sound effects and lighting. Best part – no mess or paintballs, just harmless infrared lights! See who comes out on top in your crew when the scoreboards reveal accuracy and response times.
With an arcade and mini-bowling onsite too, Adrenaline Zone offers hours of birthday party fun or family play time. Blow off some “steam” in the fog-filled lanes!
Conclusion
Westland, Michigan offers families a nice variety of affordable, entertaining things to do for all interests – both outdoor and indoor activities. From pony rides to trampoline parks, paddle boats to model railroads, nature hikes to hands-on science, families will never get bored exploring Westland attractions together! Many activities are budget-friendly too – like farmer’s markets, mini golf or historical parks.
So the next time you’re seeking ideas for family fun in Westland or metro Detroit, return to this list! With so many cool things to experience, Westland makes for an awesome Michigan family staycation destination.