Friday Night Arrival – Auburn Hills
We kicked off our Detroit family weekend with a Friday evening arrival at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Auburn Hills South, conveniently located right next to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. If you’re traveling with kids or just want everything in one place, this location is hard to beat.
We booked two rooms for our group. We were not sure if our son’s girlfriend and the kids would arrive before us, so I called ahead and had her added as an authorized adult for check-in. That small step made coordinating arrivals much easier.
We ended up arriving first, and check-in was quick and easy. A credit card was required for a modest $50 incidental hold, which is pretty standard.
The woman at the front desk was kind, knowledgeable, and set a great tone right from the start. She also let us know the hotel was currently running on a generator due to crews working to repair infrastructure after recent storms. Even with that in place, everything was operating smoothly and we had no issues during our stay.
Our Room – King Executive Suite with Sofa Bed
We stayed in the King Executive Suite with Sofa Bed, and the first thing we noticed was how spacious it was. This setup worked really well for us and never felt cramped, even when others came over to hang out.
Our room included:
- Two good-sized TVs
- Two benches and a separate seating area
- Mini fridge and microwave
The suite also had two large windows that brought in a lot of natural light. At night, you will definitely want to use the shade since the room is visible from the parking lot.
My husband slept great on the king bed. I bounced between the chairs and the couch throughout the night. I got some sleep, but I am not the best sleeper to begin with.
The second room housed our son, his girlfriend, and two littles. Again, the room was spacious with plenty of room for all their things and enough space for the kids to move around without feeling cramped.
First Night Wrap-Up
After getting settled in, we kept things pretty low key. Travel days can wear everyone out, especially with kids, so having a comfortable and spacious room made it easy to relax and unwind.
Between the smooth check-in, friendly staff, and convenient location, it was a great start to the weekend.
Complimentary Breakfast
One of the perks of staying at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Auburn Hills South is the included breakfast, and it was exactly what we needed to start the day.
Breakfast was served from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, which gave us a nice window to ease into the morning.
Day 1 options included:
- Scrambled eggs and cheese omelets
- Fresh pancakes
- Cereal
- Assorted bakery goods
- Yogurt
- Fresh ground coffee
Day 2 was very similar, with one swap:
- Scrambled eggs
- Biscuits and gravy instead of omelets
- Pancakes
- Cereal
- Bakery items
- Yogurt
- Coffee
Nothing overly fancy, but definitely filling, reliable, and easy, which is exactly what you want before a full day out.
Early Morning Mall Run & a Nostalgic Surprise
Before the rest of the group was up and moving, hubby and I decided to sneak out early and explore Great Lakes Crossing Outlets.
And to our surprise, there was a Toys”R”Us.
Of course, it was absolutely necessary to go in and relive a little childhood magic. Some things you just do not skip.
The mall itself was already full of energy. You could hear the chatter of crowds, kids laughing, and that constant buzz that makes a place feel alive.
Between the shopping, food options, and built-in attractions, this is not just a quick stop. It is a destination all on its own.
So Much to Do Under One Roof
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is packed with activities for all ages, which makes it perfect for a family day.
Attractions include:
- SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan
- Peppa Pig World of Play Michigan
- Kids Kingdom play area
- Carousel rides
- AMC Star Great Lakes 25
- A large food court and more
There is truly something here for everyone, whether you are traveling with little kids, teens, or just looking for a mix of shopping and entertainment.
ADA and Family Accommodations
- Single-level layout which makes navigation easy. No escalators required
- Wheelchair accessibility throughout with wide corridors and accessible entrances
- Wheelchair rentals available on a first-come, first-served basis at security
- Scooter rentals available in the mall. Availability is limited and some attractions may require parking outside
- Accessible parking with a large number of spaces. Over 7,000 total parking spots
👉 Real talk: This is a big mall. You can easily walk over a mile without realizing it. If you are planning to spend the whole day here, mobility aids can make a huge difference in comfort and enjoyment.
SEA LIFE Aquarium – A Hit with the Kids
We kicked things off at SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, and it ended up being a highlight for the kids.
The kids had the Ranger Pack add-on, which turned the visit into a scavenger hunt.
While the rest of our group went on the behind-the-scenes tour, my husband and I stayed back. It worked out well. We met back up for a group photo and then explored the aquarium together at our own pace.
Favorites included: the touch pools and the jellyfish room.
The kids found all of the Ranger Pack checkpoints and earned a prize from the gift shop, which was a big win.
Click here to view the full SeaLife Aquarium gallery.
ADA Considerations
- Wheelchair accessible
- Some areas are quite snug, especially during busy times
- Pathways can get congested, particularly near popular exhibits
- Crowd flow can slow movement, patience is needed to see everything
- Exhibits are close together, which can make maneuvering mobility aids a bit tight
- I did not see a restroom during our visit
- Gift shop was very crowded and difficult to navigate with a wheelchair
- Sensory Bags are available
- Sensory note: dim lighting, changing lights, and crowd noise may be overstimulating for some guests
Hubby’s Two Cents
- Box office attendant was not the friendliest
- The rest of the staff was great and very informative
- Would not recommend the Ranger Pack add-on
- Essentially paying for a lanyard and stamp book
- Stamp stations are visible to everyone, so the added value is limited
- Their mission is amazing
Adults w/ Younger Kids
- Be prepared for wandering or shorter attention spans
- My Final Thoughts
- Very informative and engaging for adults
- More educational and slower paced environment
- Kids ages 4 to 6 may lose focus
- Children with ADHD or similar challenges may struggle
My Final Thoughts
- I have visited this location and at least one other SEA LIFE location, and this one holds up well
- The variety of sea life is impressive
- Staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to answer questions
- Their conservation mission and care for sea life really stands out
- This is a solid stop for families, especially when paired with other mall attractions
Lunch at Rainforest Cafe
After wrapping up at the aquarium, we headed over to Rainforest Cafe Auburn Hills for lunch, and it was a great mid-day reset.
We had a reservation, and our table was ready within about 5 minutes, which is always a win when you have kids with you.
Our waiter, Brian, was awesome. He was attentive without being overbearing and helped keep everything moving smoothly. He also made sure the kids’ meals were put in first, which made a big difference.
What We Ordered
Kids:
- Cheeseburger with corn and juice in a frog cup
- Chicken nuggets with applesauce and juice in a bird cup
Adults:
- Cheeseburger with fries and a Dr Pepper
- Caesar salad
- Crispy bruschetta chicken
- Tropical salmon and coconut shrimp with roasted veggies instead of rice
The food was spot on, and the service matched it. Everything came out at a good pace, and it was exactly the kind of break we needed before jumping back into the day.
ADA Considerations
- Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating areas
- Tables can be a bit close together in some sections, especially during peak times
- Pathways may feel tight depending on where you are seated
- Crowd flow can get busy, particularly near the entrance and gift shop
- Restrooms are available.
- Sensory note: dim lighting, animal sounds, thunderstorm effects, and animatronics may be overstimulating for some guests
Hubby’s Two Cents
- Food was good and came out at a solid pace
- Service was great and not overbearing
- Worth it for the experience, especially with kids
- Prices are on the higher side for what you get, but expected for a themed restaurant
Adults w/ Younger Kids
- High engagement for ages 4 to 10 due to theming and atmosphere
- Pacing is relaxed, good break between activities
- Kids may get distracted by animatronics and sounds
- Thunderstorm effects can be exciting or overwhelming depending on the child
- Great spot to sit, reset, and let kids recharge
- Reservations recommended to avoid long waits
My Final Thoughts
- I would recommend this as a solid family dining option when visiting the mall
- The experience and atmosphere make it more than just a meal
- Service stood out and helped elevate the visit
- Food quality was good and consistent
- Great choice when you want something fun and easy in the middle of a busy day
LEGOLAND Discovery Center – Big Fun in a Smaller Space
Next up was LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan, and this was a hit for both kids and adults.
Quick note. This is a Discovery Center, not a full theme park. That said, there is still plenty here to keep everyone entertained.
There are hands-on building areas, interactive play zones, detailed LEGO displays, and a couple of small rides included with admission. There is also a VR ride available for an additional cost.
Hubby and I even joined a short class where we learned how to build a LEGO trophy, which was a fun and unexpected highlight.
There is a small café on site, and they do ask that you do not bring in outside food or drinks.
ADA Considerations
- Wheelchair accessible throughout most areas
- Single-level layout makes navigation easier
- Some play zones and build areas can become crowded and tight
- Pathways may be blocked temporarily by children playing or sitting on the floor
- Rides may require transferring from mobility devices
- Scooter users may need to park outside certain attractions or tighter spaces
- Restrooms are available and accessible within the mall
- Sensory note: moderate noise level, bright colors, and active play areas may be overstimulating for some guests
Hubby’s Two Cents
- Good mix of activities for kids
- Not huge, but enough to keep kids busy
- Worth it if you set expectations correctly
- Better for younger kids than older ones
- Extra cost items like VR are not necessary
Adults w/ Younger Kids
- High engagement for ages 4 to 10
- Pacing is flexible, kids can move at their own speed
- Plenty of hands-on activities to hold attention
- Younger kids may want to stay longer in play areas rather than move through everything
- Easy to take breaks within the space
- Good stop between other activities
My Final Thoughts
- This is a great add-on experience when visiting the mall
- Not a full-day attraction on its own, but pairs well with other stops
- Interactive and engaging for younger kids
- Clean, organized, and easy to navigate overall
- I would recommend it for families, especially those with kids under 10
Michigan Science Center – Hands-On Learning That Actually Sticks 🔬
We wrapped up our trip with a visit to Michigan Science Center, and this was an amazing way to end the weekend.
Full Disclosure: Our tickets to the Michigan Science Center were provided as a travel advisor courtesy. All opinions shared are 100% our own.
We parked at the Detroit Institute of Arts as recommended, and it worked out well.
There are no traditional concessions, but there are vending-style options available. One offers salads, sandwiches, wraps, and snacks, while the other focuses on desserts. Everything we tried was good, and the red velvet cake and apple caramel cheesecake were standouts.
The staff really made an impression here. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and delivered information in a way that felt natural and engaging.
We caught several live experiences, including an acids and bases experiment and an air pressure show with audience participation. Both were interactive and fun.
Other highlights included walking across the Mackinac Bridge replica and the planetarium show, One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure, which the kids loved.
The gift shop had a great selection, and yes, we grabbed astronaut ice cream.
Click here to view the Michigan Science Center Photo Gallery
ADA Considerations
- Wheelchair accessible throughout most areas
- Open layout makes navigation fairly easy
- Exhibits include free moving parts that can end up in walkways
- Staff and guests are helpful in keeping pathways clear
- Planetarium entrance and exit walkway is snug but manageable
- Restrooms are available and accessible
- Sensory bags are available at the box office upon request
- Sensory note: noise levels vary, some exhibits include lights, sounds, and interactive elements that may be overstimulating
Hubby’s Two Cents
- Ample and inexpensive parking
- Plenty to do for all ages
- Some exhibits did not work properly
- Still worth it because of how much there is
- Good mix of free and paid experiences
- Can be busy on tour days
- Lots of hands-on exhibits
Adults w/ Younger Kids
- High engagement for kids who enjoy hands-on learning
- Pacing varies depending on exhibits and shows
- Some areas are fast-moving, others require more focus
- Younger kids may bounce between exhibits quickly
- Children with ADHD or similar challenges may need breaks
- Plan for a full day with time to explore at your own pace
- Great mix of interactive play and educational content
My Final Thoughts
- This is a must-visit attraction in Detroit
- Great for all ages, not just kids
- Encourages curiosity, creativity, and exploration
- Easily a full-day experience if you want to see everything
- I would absolutely recommend this to clients looking for a family-friendly activity
Conclusion
I would highly recommend this trip for families with children of any age, and even for adults traveling without kids. Just keep in mind, if you do not have children with you, you will have to skip LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan.
There is so much to do and experience here. Plan for rest. This is a full weekend.
We arrived home around 6 PM yesterday. It is now lunchtime, and we are all still completely exhausted. That said, every single one of us agrees. The exhaustion was absolutely worth it.
📩 Want Help Planning?
That’s where I come in.
At Totally Vacations, I help take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying the experience. Whether it’s a quick weekend like this or a full vacation, I can help you build the perfect trip.