If the cold weather has got you down and you want to get out of the house to enjoy some fun indoor activities, then check out our list of child-friendly activities you can take your family to in the Southeast Michigan area.
We have a variety of different fun pursuits that include things for animal and book lovers as well as those who are artistically inclined.
For artistic families
Ann Arbor Art Center
The Ann Arbor Art Center is an all-purpose arts facility that offers a rotating exhibition of artists from the Midwest and the rest of the country as well as a variety of art classes in varying mediums, like metal smithing, drawing, woodworking and pottery. They have family nights where kids and adults can come and work on an art project together and leave with a finished product. These classes, cater to both younger children and teens. A featured upcoming class includes Clay Stenciled Plates on February 21st from 4:30-6:30 pm. This particular class costs $45 to join.
For lifelong learners
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Schedule a visit to the Natural History Museum in Ann Arbor, which features exhibitions of dinosaur bones, and prehistoric animals, such as the wooly mammoth. The museum also has a planetarium where kids and families can sit down to enjoy an immersive movie experience in a large amphitheater dome. Some examples of the movies shown include, “Sea Monsters,” which is about various types of predator animals that can be found in the sea, and “Sky Tonight,” a live show that shows you the types of constellations, stars and other nighttime phenomena that you can look up at night to the sky to find. Admission is free to the museum, but guests have the option of providing a small donation.
1105 N. University Ave, Biological Science Building, Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor District Public Library
The Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) offers in-person preschool story time, where a member of staff reads-aloud from a picture book to both kids and their parents or caregivers. These events also feature puppetry, music and movement activities, so youngsters can hit developmental milestones and have fun doing it! The library also has a baby play group where stories are read, alongside songs. Babies can also play with age-appropriate toys afterward. Each of these reading groups and playtime activities are offered at various branches of the AADL throughout the city.
Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop
The Ann Arbor PTO thrift shop on Industrial Blvd. is a great place to browse aisles of different objects from the past and present. This thrift store also supports Ann Arbor Public Schools so you can feel good knowing your purchase will go back to the local community. The store is divided into different sections and includes household items, toys and games, as well as clothes and movies. There is something for everyone.
2280 S Industrial Pkwy, Ann Arbor
For adventure seekers
Launch Family Entertainment
Have a blast at Launch Family Entertainment with the whole family. In addition to their attractions and birthday parties, Launch regularly offers fun programing and events. For children 5 and under, Toddler Time is held on Friday and Saturday mornings. Friday afternoons are Homeschool Fridays where homeschool families receive a discount. On the first and third Wednesday of event month, Launch holds a Sensory Friendly Jump with reduced pricing, lower music volume and no special effects lights.
800 W Eisenhower Pkwy., Ann Arbor
Novi Putting Edge
Putting Edge in Novi features an 18-hole mini golf course entirely inside their premises. The uniqueness of this golfing experience is that it is entirely glow in the dark. Customers will have the opportunity to tee up while being immersed in a variety of different colors, sounds and experiences. There is also a video game arcade which includes both classic and new games. There is a fee for each game played. Admission to the golf course costs $14 per person and includes all equipment.
44225 W 12 Mile Rd, Novi
Canton Sky Zone
An indoor trampoline park in Canton, Michigan, Sky Zone features many types of trampolines and other activities sure to keep the whole family entertained. They have a freestyle jumping area, where you can leap and bounce however you like, a family slide, which allows two people to slide and race each other at the same time, a climbing wall with foam at the ground floor to catch you, a zip line, a dodgeball playing area and even a toddler fun zone with activities more appropriate for younger visitors. You can buy tickets for a 90-minute day pass, or an all-day pass. An all-day pass costs $31.99, and you can purchase Sky socks for an additional $4.99.
42550 Executive Dr, Canton
For animal lovers
Sea Life Michigan Aquarium
The Sea Life aquarium in metro Detroit is home to a variety of different animals that live in the water including sharks and tropical fishes. There is a tropical fish exhibit which takes you through an underwater ocean tunnel, as well as a shipwreck exhibit which houses a coral reef, eels, and hundreds of other species. A great indoor activity for both adults and children, ticket prices start at $19.99.
4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills
