Ways to Have Fun in Detroit (Especially During the Winter)

Although it may seem like we just welcomed fall, winter commences in just a few weeks. The dark skies and cooler weather often lead metro Detroiters into hibernation, but it only takes a few days of this before they are searching for things to do. If you find yourself getting restless at home, avoid the cold-weather blues and check out these six winter activity ideas in and around Detroit:

1. Outdoor Campus Martius Ice Skating

Campus Martius is a year-round outdoor venue and best known for its ice rink. Open until March 4, the public is welcome to ice skate seven days a week, including holidays. Admission is eight dollars for adults and seven for seniors and children, 12 and under. Skate rental is three dollars.

2. Fowling or Feather Bowling

If two teams, two lanes, 10 pins each and a couple of footballs sounds interesting, try fowling at the Fowling Warehouse in Hamtramck; if two teams, a dirt lane, wooden balls and a feather sounds better, check out the Cadieux Café in Detroit.

3. Museums

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, The Detroit Institute of Arts and The Henry Ford are just four of many metro Detroit museums, several of which are family-friendly. For more ideas, check out our list of museums in metro Detroit.

4. The Zoo

The Detroit Zoo is open 362 days a year, including the cold ones! Its major exhibits include the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, Arctic Ring of Life, Australian Outback Adventure, Great Apes of Harambee, National Amphibian Conservation Center, Holden Reptile Conservation Center and Butterfly Garden. The Detroit Zoo recently added an ice rink in front of the penguin exhibit.

5. Great Lakes Crossing Outlets’ Legoland and Sea Life Michigan Aquarium

The Legoland Discovery Center Michigan inside of Great Lakes Crossing Outlets prides itself as being the “ultimate place for kids and families who love to build with Lego bricks.” Featuring play areas, rides, a brick pool, 4D cinema and Miniland, it is the perfect indoor way to spend a winter day. Likewise, the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, also located inside the outlet center, brings you up close and personal with sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, sea horses and over 5,000 other underwater creatures. Plus, there is amazing shopping at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets.

See more things to do in Detroit.