Photo: Novi Town Center
Photo: Yuliya Koval
Photo: Kavya Gorrepati
Novi Town Center
★4.3(4,174 reviews)FreeEntertainment
🕑 2-4 hours depending on activities - plan 1-2 hours for splash pad play, or 3-4 hours if combining dining and a movie night👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers will spend hours at the splash pad, while elementary-aged kids enjoy the seasonal events, movie nights, and freedom to explore the pedestrian-friendly outdoor spaces.🧡 Saved by 30 families
About
Novi Town Center is an open-air shopping and dining destination that doubles as a family entertainment hub. The standout feature is the splash pad where kids can cool off during warm months, while the free summer movie nights create a perfect evening out for families looking for budget-friendly fun.
Highlights
- ✓Free splash pad perfect for hot summer days
- ✓Community movie nights on the lawn during summer
- ✓Multiple family-friendly restaurants in one location
- ✓Seasonal events and festivals throughout the year
- ✓Open-air design allows kids space to move and explore safely
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring towels and a change of clothes if visiting during splash pad season (typically May-September) - kids will inevitably want to play in the water
- 2.Arrive 30-45 minutes early for summer movie nights to claim a good spot on the lawn and let kids burn energy before the show starts
- 3.Park near the center plaza for easiest access to the splash pad and event spaces
- 4.The outdoor setting means plenty of space for strollers and active kids to move around without feeling confined
- 5.Check their event calendar before visiting - they host seasonal festivals, holiday celebrations, and kids' activities throughout the year
Best Time to Visit
Summer evenings are ideal when the splash pad is running and movie nights are scheduled. Weekday afternoons are less crowded than weekends, making it easier to navigate with little ones. Late spring and early fall offer comfortable weather for outdoor exploration without summer crowds.
What to Know
The center is open 24 hours with stores having individual hours, so check specific shop and restaurant times before visiting. Parking is free and plentiful. Multiple family restaurants offer diverse dining options from casual to sit-down meals, and the outdoor layout is stroller-friendly.
Seasonal Notes
The splash pad typically operates Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting. Summer movie nights run June through August. Winter months offer holiday events and decorations but fewer outdoor activities. Spring and fall feature special seasonal festivals and community events.
Nearby Eats
The center itself houses numerous family restaurants including chains and local favorites with kids' menus. Look for options with outdoor patio seating to keep the open-air experience going during your meal.
More Activities Near Novi
Restaurant
Macys Lakeshore Grill
$$❤️6
Macys Lakeshore Grill offers families a relaxed waterfront dining experience where kids can enjoy watching boats and ducks on the lake while parents savor New American cuisine. The spacious outdoor patio provides plenty of room for little ones to move around, and the dedicated kids' menu ensures even picky eaters will find something they love in this casual, no-stress atmosphere.
Farm
MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center
★4.8$❤️28
MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center offers families an authentic working farm experience right in Novi. Kids can meet friendly farm animals, explore nature trails, and participate in hands-on educational programs that teach about agriculture, sustainability, and the natural world. With seasonal events, garden tours, and workshops designed for young learners, it's an enriching outdoor destination where children can connect with nature and discover where their food comes from.
Park
Pavilion Shore Park
★4.7Free❤️7
Pavilion Shore Park is a beloved Novi destination where kids can cool off in the zero-depth splash pad,perfect for even the littlest water lovers,before burning off energy on the modern playground equipment. With shaded picnic pavilions and plenty of open green space for running and playing, it's an ideal spot for everything from quick after-school visits to full afternoon family outings.
Library
Novi Public Library
★4.6Free❤️63
Novi Public Library is a family favorite that goes far beyond books, offering an impressive lineup of weekly programs designed to engage kids of all ages. The extensive children's section provides a welcoming space for little readers, while regular storytimes, hands-on STEM activities, craft sessions, and teen gaming events keep kids coming back week after week. With a 4.6-star rating from hundreds of parents, this modern library has become a community hub for educational fun.