I’m a proud Michigander who has called this seasoned state my home for all my life. And for 45 years, I’ve heard equal enthusiasm for three out of the four seasons here in Michigan…but when winter comes, and the excitement of the holiday season has waned, we Michiganders have a way of getting down on the weather, the state and even ourselves. Well, it doesn’t have to be that way and I’m here to share ideas for beating the winter blues in Michigan!
5 family-friendly things to do indoors in Michigan this winter:
- Detroit Museum Tour. Did you know that Detroit is home to some of the best museums in the country! No seriously, outside of Washington D.C. and New York, the museum options in Detroit are impressive. Consider the following:
a.Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) – Just went there a couple months ago and was reminded of how
impressive the collection is. Works from Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, Monet, Diego Rivera,
just to name a few. It’s a great place to spend a day. You could plan on soaking in the sun and
have lunch under the glass atrium of Kresge Court while inside.
b. Outdoor Adventure Center. I cannot say enough good things about this place, and don’t let the
name fool you, it’s 100% indoors. If you have kids this is a must do at least once a year, if you
don’t, it’s still a must do. The admission price is cheap, the facility is fun to play in and there are
often interactive activities and exhibits happening. Pair this with a trip to Buddy’s Pizza or one of
the downtown Detroit’s Coney Islands and you have a great day in store.
c. The Henry Ford Museum. The best American artifact museum in the country without the name
“Smithsonian” in front of it. Rosa Parks bus, the chair President Lincoln was shot in, President
Kennedy’s car…all here in Dearborn, Michigan. If you bring your kids, just be prepared to
discuss some of the more challenging moments in American history.
d. Bonus Tip: Check your local library or go to miactivitypass.org to find free or discounted
museum tickets in your area.
2. Indoor Games. Here are just a few ideas for some new indoor games to try out.
A. Fowling (Throwing a football at bowling pins): Invented right here in Michigan and catching on! The Fowling Warehouse in Hamtramck is the original place to play.
B. Curling: Not just a sport to watch every four years during the winter olympics, play for yourself at the Detroit Curling Club.
C. Bocce Ball: Play indoors where they just held the 2023 U.S. Bocce Ball Championships at Palazzo di Bocce in Lake Orion.
3. Take in a sporting event. Michigan is home to four professional sports teams and two of the best collegiate sports teams in the country. Not too bad for a state whose largest city is only the 29th most populated in the US (El Paso, Texas even has more residents than Detroit). The Lions are exciting for the first time in my 45 years of being a fan, the Red Wings have a good young core they are building around, and Pistons…well you can get cheap tickets to watch them! Nevertheless, if you’re a sports fan, you have three pro options, and two Division One collegiate options to root for this winter being a Michigander.
4. See a show.
- The Fisher Theatre has Broadway in Detroit
- Michigan’s own Jeff Daniels operates the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea
- East Lansing’s Wharton Center has an impressive lineup of shows
5. Take in a concert
- Besides the big venues, Michigan offers some of the best small venue concert locations for up and coming artists in the county. Here is just a few to checkout.
- The Ark or The Bling Pig, both in Ann Arbor
- Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club in Detroit
- Dow Event Center in Saginaw
Check out our website for more information. We always welcome new friends to worship with us. Find a location that’s close to you! You can learn more about our beliefs and visit our video library to explore more topics like this one. You can also check out our events page to find out what fun new things we’re doing this season.
