The weather is warm and the sun is shining. What are you going to do with the kids today?
Go to Detroit Lakes!
A fun day waiting for you, just a short (less than one hour!) drive away.
When you think of going to Detroit Lakes, you may think, “That’s only for people with a lake place.”
Wrong!
You can easily spend a day here, be on the lake, and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Here are some of my favorite family-friendly things to do in Detroit Lakes, MN.
Detroit Lakes Restaurants
Detroit Lakes has many different local restaurants that are family-friendly!
Zorbaz
The classic on the lake spot for lunch or supper. They offer amazing pizza and Mexican food options. And for a quick snack, they have some awesome chips and salsa/queso along with a variety of beer choices. It does get busy, but this is probably our kiddos favorite place to eat in town.
Main Street Restaurant
This is a good spot to hit up for breakfast. It has that classic small town diner feel with tasty homemade options.
Fireside
A great option for supper if you are looking for more of a fine dining experience. I have been here a few times — even once with a group of 20 for a girls trip! Their steak is top-notch and their desserts are incredible.
Lakeside Tavern
The Lakeside Tavern is another fun lunch spot if you want to sit out on a patio and have a view of the lake. Their menu includes mainly sandwiches and burgers along with excellent beer choices. Also, it’s not too far from Zorbaz, so you can always stop at both!
Longbridge Bar & Grill
This is such a fun spot for outdoor seating, with a playground for the kids! Enjoy one of their many live music events, and enjoy some food and drinks by the marina.
Like many lakeside towns, there are also popular chains such as Burger King, Subway and Domino’s to name a few.
For other great options, check out our list of favorite restaurants in Lakes Country!
Detroit Lakes Shopping
Detroit Lakes offers many great shopping opportunities, especially in their downtown area!
The Nines
This shop is one of my favorites for clothes. They offer many cute boutique-type clothes and shoes. My husband knows any time we are in Detroit Lakes, I need to stop by to, “Just browse.”
Becker Pet & Garden and The Candy Shop
This store isn’t only for your garden or pet needs. They also have a fabulous selection of candy! Offering incredible fudge, chocolates, classics like saltwater taffy, Nerds, and giant lollipops. Our kids always know we’ll make a quick stop to pick up a few treats for the road.
Washington Square Mall
The mall is a great place to go shop and look around. It’s a good option on a rainy or cool day. You might even find time to go to a movie at the theater inside the mall, Washington Square 7.
Shady Hallow Flea Market
If you happen to do your day trip on a Saturday or Sunday, a visit to Shady Hallow Flea Market is a must! There’s a mix of new and vintage finds, plus food vendors you won’t want to miss. Open Saturdays and Sundays until 3:00 p.m.
For more shopping, just head to Washington Avenue in downtown Detroit Lakes and stroll in and out of the shops there!
Recreation
Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center
With a Youth Gym (called The Backyard) and an Aquatic Center, this DL spot is sure to please all ages! Day passes are $12 for adults and $8 for students (3 and under are free with paying adult).
Detroit Lakes Public Beach
Catch some sun and play in the sand and water. This large beach extends from the City Park all the way to the front of Zorbaz.
We usually bring with our kids’ sand toys so they can play with them on the beach.
Just a heads-up this beach does tend to get swimmer’s itch, so make sure to check the City of Detroit Lakes Facebook page for any updates!
City Park
There is also a fun park to bring the kids! They have playground equipment along with a bunch of big shady trees. And public bathrooms are available.
Also, if you are into frisbee golf, they have a great course here that my husband and I have played on a few times!
Detroit Mountain Natural Playground & Biking
Nearby Detroit Mountain has an awesome, FREE natural play area for the kids to check out! And if you have older kids that are into biking, you can rent bicycles (or bring your own) for a fun mountain biking experience.
J and K Marine
Rent a pontoon for a day to get the full lake experience with the family! They have rentals available just west of City Park, along the lake.
Go on a Troll Hunt!
The giant troll sculptures have arrived in Detroit Lakes, and it’s such a fun scavenger hunt adventure for the family! Start with the first troll in the Detroit Lakes City Park, and follow the clues to find them all!
Other Tips
Detroit Lakes is always busy during lake season. However, a helpful tip for this if you want to just do a day trip is to go on a Sunday. Leave Fargo about 9:30-10:00 a.m. and you can get to your favorite lunch spot right when they open up. The beach won’t be as busy during this time either. It will feel as if you are getting the full experience without having to fight the crowds.
The next time the sun is shining, and you feel the urge to “get out and do something” with the family — take a drive to Detroit Lakes! You won’t be sorry!
For more day trip ideas this summer, check out 10 Summer Day Trips from Fargo with Kids.
Looking for more family-friendly activities to do this summer? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer!
