Outdoor Adventure Center image

Outdoor Adventure Center

Tourist attraction Recreation center

One of the Top rated Recreation centers in Detroit


Address

Outdoor Adventure Center, Globe Trading Company Building, 1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207

Website

www.michigan.gov

Contact

(844) 622-6367

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 12 to 3 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 3 PM
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 10 AM to 3 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: kids (24) great (17) family (8) year (8) loved (8) time (8) affordable (8) interactive (7) hours (7) children (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jessica S. 10 months ago on Google
    What an awesome spot to take the kids, honestly neat for all ages. Lots of interactive exhibits for the kids to engage. We went on the first Sunday of the month when they did free admission (not realizing), so we had a little bit of a wait and it was VERY crowded. Overall, great experience the kids had a blast and if it weren't for the crowds we would have stayed longer.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William W. 2 years ago on Google
    Very very awesome place. My kids had a blast. There's so many hands on activities and things to see. We could have spent hours there. Will definitely tell our friends about this place.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve M. 2 years ago on Google
    We really enjoyed our February 2022 trip to the OAC. The affordability of it for a family of 5 was very refreshing. The staff was very friendly. Unless you plan your visit around some of their larger, scheduled activities, it's not a place to spend the whole day. I would expect for most people 2 hours would be about right. We have a 7, 8, and 10 year old, and my observation was that the majority of families had children that were 8 and under. My 10 year old still enjoyed it, and with kids the ages of mine, the place is the perfect size to just let them go explore on their own without worrying about them. Pack a lunch and check this place out!
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kathryn 5 months ago on Google • 74 reviews
    Great for toddlers through elementary age kids, it's rare to find a spot that is actually designed for toddlers, but this is it! My 2.5 year old loved it, but also I could see our 10 year old nephew loving it too. Also, very reasonably priced!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M Foxy The M. 2 months ago on Google • 87 reviews New
    Incredible time with my daughter here. The interactive plane, the plank walk in between the trees, the tree slide. Simply incredible place and very affordable to attend on multiple levels.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brittany J. 8 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    There's really no room for improvement at this place; they're doing it pretty perfectly. The admission prices are extremely affordable (we had 4 children and 3 adults in our group and our total was $27!). Everything at this place is hands-on. It's so fun for kids to run around and touch EVERYTHING. Boats, planes, bridges, camp sites, a waterfall...the list goes on and on! Don't skip this if you have little ones that want to really GET INTO the exhibits.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Christina L. 2 months ago on Google • 18 reviews New
    Not sure what sexuality has to do with children or the DNR. This flag is hanging in a play area. Nothing “against” anyone, but this really isn’t the place for this. As for the actual activities and exhibits, this place is wonderful. And it’s affordable for larger families.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aron A. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to take the kids...or be a kid! Very cool and different interactive adventures with lots of information / outdoor displays. Cool location with great rates. Really liked the on-site chainsaw carving and two person saw at the entrance as well.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David A. 2 years ago on Google
    Took the Grandkids and had a really great time. Plenty of things to keep both the kids and adults interested, engaged and delighted! Very affordable, especially if you look for coupons online!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arturo G. 2 years ago on Google
    Kids had lots of fun. Leaned a few things, had an indoor snowball fight, got to hold a snake, "ride" an ATV... Very affordable. Highly recommend for 5-12 year olds.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kristin L. 4 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    Inexpensive, interactive fun for the family. Lots to see, we went through in about 1.5 hours, but had a lot more we wanted to do that day- so we moved quickly. Very good for the elementary/middle school age. Check the website ahead of time to see if the indoor archery range is available that day. All in all a great way to spend an afternoon. Also right across the street from a park and just down from the Aretha Franklin amphitheatre. Free parking located next door to the building.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tily 4 years ago on Google
    I took my children here and we had loads of fun! It was so cheap and we loved the adventure. The similar for the eagle was off and a few of the other simulation games were. But we had loads of fun and would totally come here again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brenda B. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a great place to learn about nature. There's a place to eat your lunch but no food is sold. There are a couple vending machines with chips, candy bars, water and pop. Free parking in a fenced lot. It's also right at the beginning of the Dequinder Cut, a great walking/biking trail.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jessica M. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a very cool very creative place. They have a waterfall, eagle nest, virtual reality exhibits. My 3 and 1 year old were entertained for hours. They have a huge tree you can climb through that takes you all the way up to the second floor or you can go down the slide. I have it 4 stars because you can't bring a water bottle anywhere with you and that would be okay however they have closed all of the water fountains. My littles need a drink from all of the excitement.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Moritz L. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice museum to visit on a weekend or during the week with good parking and all the necessary facilities. Highlights are eagle flying, snowmobile and ATV drive simulator!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Suzanne J. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is a gem! It’s a fun introduction to all that Michigan’s great outdoors has to offer. I took 3 10-year-old boys here, and they loved it. I think my two older children would not have been as interested. There are opportunities to try virtual snowmobiling, kayaking, fishing, and mountain biking. We were able to explore an eagle’s nest, bear den, and beaver dam, tried out camping equipment, a yurt and much more. it was moderately busy when we were there, and we were able to see and try everything within two hours. Lots of good information in a fun setting.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julie R. 1 month ago on Google • 39 reviews New
    What a gem in our community! This massive, interactive, and fun museum showcases so many wonderful natural elements about Michigan in a way that is engaging for kids and adults alike. You can bring your own food (to eat only in the cafeteria), the small gift shop is very well priced, and the staff were incredibly helpful when needed. You must visit DNR Outdoor Adventure Center at least once as a Michigander, and bring out of town guests, too!

  • 5/5 Shelby M. 3 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    This place is awesome! Such a cool experience! We went for their sensory day and it was nice, but we can't wait to go back to hear all the sounds and see the waterfall. 10/10 take your kids here!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric R. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is great with kids and a hidden gem in Detroit! Affordable, clean, fun and educational. The cost is really affordable as well as I think it was only a few dollars admission. I like that it's big enough to keep your family occupied for a couple of hours, but small enough where you can see everyone easily and not get to lost in an overwhelming building like some museums can be. The only think missing, is decent food options if you get hungry...but other than that, this place is a masterpiece of creativity, building re-use, and the best example of bringing the outdoors, indoors in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Trevor G. 7 months ago on Google
    This place is a hidden gem on the river walk. Such a cool spot for kids to understand Michigan nature according to the DNR. They put a lot of money into this place to make it a unique experience for kids of all ages!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 G R. 7 months ago on Google
    We went here for a wedding and what a great venue. The ceremony was outside on the lawn with the reception up on the 2nd floor. We were very impressed with the facilities and how an old warehouse was restored to such a beautiful place. The staff was very friendly and the facility was clean. While visiting for the wedding we couldn't help but notice the incredible museum and how it would be a great place to take the kids. Very reasonable prices and many exhibits. This place is truly a hidden gem along the Detroit River. The Detroit Riverwalk is right there as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ron R. 4 years ago on Google
    What a great place to introduce kids to Michigan's outdoors. Several simulators and activities for everyone. Large space so it never felt crowded.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ruth Lori C. 7 months ago on Google
    Very nice experience! The kindergarten students loved it. There is a bridge that is quite terrifying for my standards. My son made me walk on it, and I couldn't show that I was more scared than he was, especially since he is 2 years old. I love how the lunch area had wipes for the tables and garbage cans in each corner that promotes recycling.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Becky A. 2 years ago on Google
    I didn't get a chance to look around me outdoor adventure center
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alissa K. 1 year ago on Google
    We had such a fun time here! Lots of cool exhibits. All of the workers were VERY friendly, engaging and patient. Kids can learn about the ecosystems in the state and explore. There are virtual experiences and places to climb, jump and explore. It’s a great deal at $5 per kid, $9 for adults and $50 for a members - plus it’s free every first Sunday. As a bonus, it looks out on a great view of the Detroit river. Just need some family friendly dining close by to make this the perfect afternoon outing. Highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mackenzie B. 2 years ago on Google
    We loved this place! The price is great. Very fun, my daughter loved the plane.. I will say, to those kiddos who have long hair. Be careful when fishing, my daughter did get her hair stuck in the reel BUT that wasn't the staffs fault. Over all very informative and a good time. Check it out!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Josh G. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for kids to explore and learn about some of Michigan's outdoors stuff

  • 1/5 Who C. 1 year ago on Google
    We went on the free day they have once a month. Never again I'll pay the $20 for my children and me. Literally wasn't enjoyable at all. They just let everybody in with no regard to capacity. Elbow to elbow people. Kids couldn't get to the activities they had because it was a long line for everything. The elevator wasn't working. The only thing my kids got to do was the tree... the caves... And walking across the water. You couldn't tell who the employees were. People would stop anywhere and steps and all with a bunch of ppl behind them and take pictures. Inconsiderate. A child one-year-old was lost but quickly found. Someone blocked in a car got towed. It wasn't organized. Waste of time. I would go back on a regular day when they first opened.

  • 5/5 Dan H. 7 months ago on Google
    This place is amazing. What an awesome idea for an old empty warehouse. It's super affordable, $5 for adults and $3 for kids, and hours of entertainment for kids. It's fun and educational. They've set it up so it looks like you're outdoors with a suspension bridge and a giant tree.

  • 5/5 Cp's Kitchen P. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this place! Great simulations for the kids as well as educational. There is a place to sit and have lunch with family. It could be an all day adventure!

  • 5/5 deboramagnoliluz 2 years ago on Google
    We had a blast, all of my kids enjoyed there, it's this kind of interactive museum the kids love and learn because they are exploring while they play.

  • 4/5 Ashleigh N. 4 years ago on Google
    My five and 2 year old loved all the interactive elements. It was very clean, the parking was free, and entry cost my entire family 13 dollars. It is a fun place to spend an hour or two at. I don't believe there is enough here to sustain more than that amount of time. Cool reason to hit up Detroit and then head over to the Eastern market for lunch!

  • 5/5 Jonathan B. 2 years ago on Google
    The Outdoor Adventure Center Downtown was a fantastic time for my family. Our 2-year-old son absolutely loved all of the attractions and kid friendly adventures. This great facility can cater to children of all ages as it is both informative and fun. The staff was more than knowledgeable and exceptionally friendly. Needless to say, we will definitely be returning. Keep up the great work!

  • 5/5 Jessica B. 2 years ago on Google
    I am kind of obsessed with this place! So fun and unique, especially for kids and families. Very affordable. So much to do - climb in giant tree house, practice padding a real kayak, ride real snowmobile with simulator try out camping in tent and yurt, so much more. Great to do in the winter to get some fake summer-y nature in, but really fun all year. Plus its right next to the river walk area with creek, playground, carousel, and food.

  • 5/5 Onawa L. 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Awesome experience all around! What a great way to use an old warehouse. Tia had to the department of natural resources! I was happy to give them my money and our family thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I especially liked that it had educational materials that was incorporated with the fun! Pack a lunch and bring it with you to eat in their cafeteria (FYI there are a couple vending machines but no food), and there are storage lockers at the entrance to store things and before you go in in a cobra as well. Plenty of hand sanitizer throughout the place. Definitely be back! Five stars.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call (844) 622-6367 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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