2025 WINTER FUN
WINTER FESTIVALS + ROAD TRIPS
INDOOR ACTIVITIES + AMUSEMENT
Photo Credit: Sloan Museum of Discovery
LFG Editor's Note
2025 feels like a BIG year - especially with the Detroit Lions showing us how when you’re tough and determined, anything is possible. And no one knows more about being tough and determined than parents! (Am I right?!)
The winter months can feel long, but this is when we SHINE at LittleGuide! Finding fun (and warm) things to do with families is the name of our game.
So, whether you’re looking for the NEWEST indoor play places, the BEST winter getaways, or our FAVORITE festivals - we’re here to help these next few months fly by with some good ole’ winter family fun!
Reminder that all articles have live links that take you straight to more details at www.littleguidedetroit.com. You can visit our website daily, follow our adventures on social media, or get the latest news delivered to your inbox!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! KERRY DOMAN & CARRIE BUDZINSKI
P.S. Catch the weekend rundown with Kerry on 96.3 WDIV every Thursday morning!
THEBESTNEW
The Redford Library’s newly renovated Children’s Department has secured its spot as the COOLEST library for families in metro Detroit. Get lost in some books, stretch your legs at the indoor playground, or plan your visit during a special event or class.
Stemville is one of the most engaging and peaceful indoor play spaces for kids - and now they have THREE locations in metro Detroit. The flagship in Northville, a downtown Detroit location by Campus Martius, and a new one in Howell. All three offer similar amenities but the Howell location has a dedicated party area!
Hands down - this is the coolest indoor play space we’ve ever been to! Jump, climb, problem-solve, and play, as you and your friends move between challenges in each game room with interactive technology that reacts in real time, ensuring an adrenalinefilled adventure. Gather your group of 2-5 people (ages 6 and up) and give it your all.
PLACESTOVISIT
indoorplayspacesinmetroDetroit.
GO GROW (CANTON)
When you need a break or a space to work with your kids, head to Go Grow in Canton. This playroom features a glass co-working space where you can work while keeping an eye on the kids. There is also a play structure, sound dampening walls, a designated baby space, sensory room, nursing room and a reading nook.
WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM (NOVI)
We Rock the Spectrum is more than just a playground; it’s a safe haven designed for children of all abilities. With specialized equipment that promotes sensory integration, motor skills, and social development, it creates an inclusive environment where every child can play, learn, and thrive.
FUN CITY (LANSING)
Fun City Trampoline Adventure Park is the largest play space we have visited and with one price for unlimited fun it’s well worth the trip to Lansing. Activities include: large indoor play structure with various types of slides that end in a deep ball pit, ninja courses and high ropes course, wall climbing and acrobat dives, trampolines and foam pits, and more.
(Beverly
Summit On The Park (Canton)
Snowy Ridge Sledding Hill (Commerce)
Valade Park (Detroit)
Cass Benton Park (Northville)
Decker Park Sled Hill (Orion Twp)
Brandon Township Park (Ortonville)
Bloomer Park (Rochester)
Marshbank Park (West Bloomfield)
Hines Drive Sledding Hill (Westland)
Rolling Hills Park (Ypsilanti)
FREE FUN FOR FAMILIES
Kids are expensive, but doing fun things with them doesn’t always have to be - find FREE fun all over town!
Play Cafes
242 Ann Arbor
Freshly brewed, strong coffee shot for a quick pick-me-up.
Open Mondays - Fridays and Sunday after services Ward Church (Novi)
Open Mondays - Thursday from 10am to 3pm Baxter’s Cafe (Riverview)
Museums On The Town
UM Natural History Museum
Open Tuesdays - Sundays from 10am to 4pm
Stop in for workshops on the first Saturday of the month Home Depot Workshops
Free admission for Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County residents Detroit Institute of Arts
The 3-story Michigan history museum has free admission on Sundays. Michigan History Center (Lansing)
Stop by for kid workshops on the third Saturday of the month Lowes Workshops
Not only is the rink free, they also have on-site skates guests can borrow. Riley Ice Rink (Farmington)
make a splash
You don’t have to wait for summer to make a splash. Keep the swimsuits out all year long and spend time at one of these local indoor aquatic centers.
L I V O N I A R E C R E A T I O N C E N T E R
Kids can make a splash in the zero-entry pool with splashpad features, go for a spin in the whirlpool, take laps around the lazy river, and see how many times they can ride down the inner tube slide. The aquatic center also features a bubble tub, hot tub, and lap pools.
At the Troy indoor pool, kids can enjoy water slides for all ages, splash features, a lily pad to walk across, pool basketball, and a dedicated area just for the littles! T R O Y C O M M U N I T Y C E N T E R
T H E H A W K ( F
The HAWK’s aquatic center features a lazy river, zero depth entry, lap swim lanes, a water slide, zip line and climbing wall, a rentable party room and three ADA accessible locker rooms, including a family locker room.
R O M U L U S A Q U A T I C S C E N T E R
The RAC offers an aquatic adventure with a zero-depth entrance pool with a playground, lazy river, 2-story slide, lap pool, and hot tub.
SnowTubing
FOR METRO DETROIT FAMILIES
BowersSchoolFarm
No snow, no problem! They have a new synthetic surface that allows tubing no matter the temperature. Slide down one of the coolest sledding hills in Metro Detroit. Watch as the hill comes alive with lights during evening hours. Tubing tickets are $17 per person and are on sale until February 23.
Hawk Island
Hawk Island’s hills are 16 ft wide sculpted snow lanes that drop 50-60 feet over a course of 500-600 feet. A magic carpet uphill conveyor lift transports riders to the top of the hill and snow making machines are used to extend the time the snow tubing hill can be used. Open daily. Tickets are $11 per person and are available now until February 28th.
Rolling Hills Park
The sledding hill is 275 feet in length with a large flat area at the bottom and fenced return paths on either side so you can safely climb the hill and ride again. Tube rentals are $10 per hour. They also offer XC skiing equipment rentals for $10.
Road Trip Options
Echo Valley (Kalamazoo)
Cannonsburg (Belmont/Grand Rapids)
Boyne Mountain (Boyne Falls)
Treetops Resort (Gaylord)
Shanty Creek Resort (Bellaire)
Snow Snake (Harrison)
Hanson Hills (Grayling)
Double JJ (New Era)
Timberlee Hills (Traverse City)
Hickory Hills (Traverse City)
TRAVELING MUSEUM EXHIBITS IN 2025
SHEAR GENIUS! @ THE HENRY FORD
opens February 2nd
In this hands-on exhibit, visitors will step into the environments of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep 62 West Wallaby Street and Mossy Bottom Farm to explore the contraptions, antics, and escapades of Wallace, Gromit, Shaun, and other familiar Aardman characters through dramatic play and interactive opportunities
2THEXTREME! @ SLOAN MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY
opens February 1st
Ride in a live action snowboard race, control a Mars rover, design and play your own video game, and more Experience real math at work in sports, nature, robotics, music, dancing, movie-making, and more Thirty-two immersive, interactive exhibits where guests will experience the magic of math in action
Experience something NEW at these tried and true museums around metro Detroit. Here are exhibits heading to the area and others that will be leaving soon.
ALMA’S WAY @ GRAND RAPIDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
opens May 23rd
Alma’s Way: Welcome to My Neighborhood! is an immersive exhibit based on Alma’s Way, the popular animated series on PBS KIDS. Find familiar places from the show as you’re transported to Alma’s vibrant neighborhood in the Bronx to explore her duplex, the local bodega, community center and more
HOCKEY: FASTER THAN EVER @ IMAGINATION STATION
opens January 31st
This immersive exhibition puts you right in the hockey action. It takes you on an exciting journey through the evolution of ice hockey, highlighting the remarkable technical advancements and scientific breakthroughs that have shaped the sport over time This hands-on exhibit is great for a hockey lovers
WINTER SHOWS COMING TO TOWN WINTER SHOWS COMING TO TOWN
There's nothing quite like seeing your favorite characters live on stage!
Disney On Ice: February 13 - 16
Don’t miss cutting-edge figure skating, highflying acrobatics & unexpected stunts as Mickey and friends take center ice for Disney On Ice’s Let’s Dance. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
A Year With Frog And Toad: Feb. 23
The Tony award winning musical brings the friendship of Frog and Toad off the page and onto stage. Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor
Paw Patrol LIVE: March 1 & 2
Join the PAW Patrol for a Mighty Pup Powers party and watch as they keep Victoria Vance from spoiling the fun. Fox Theatre, Detroit
Peter Pan: March 11 - 16
Experience the timeless classic that has been thrilling musical lovers for generations. Fox Theatre, Detroit
The Stinky Cheese Man & Other Stupid Tales: April 8
A story book favorite is brought to life on stage. Watch familiar fairy tales get mixed up in each others stories. Macomb Center, Clinton Twp
The Addams Family: April 22 - 27
The creepy, kooky Addams Family are coming to Detroit and Wednesday is bringing her ‘normal’ boyfriend. Fox Theatre, Detroit
The Wiggles: June 18
The Wiggles Bouncing Balls Tour will wow littles who love to watch the show on television and YouTube. Detroit Opera House
Disney Descendants/Zombies: Aug 17
Watch your favorites from Disney stars take center stage for a concert performance your kids will love. Little Caesars Arena
Peppa Pig World of Play Go Grow
Peppa Pig World of Play features 14 playscapes that allow kids to step into the show and play like the characters. Use the LittleGuide link to save 20% on admission
Tumble Town
Tumble Town has a great structure for kids who love playing in ball pits. There are also obstacle courses and slides, including a sled slide. The structure is open enough that parents can easily sit in it too.
The space offers various areas for climbing, imaginative play, and a designated sensory dark room for when you or your child needs some extra quiet
Kidcadia
Kidcadia is a go-to favorite and has a dedicated play area for toddlers, lite bright + sensory walls, and coloring quarters. The massive whimsical tree and bridge make you feel like you’re inside a storybook.
1000 Hours Outside CHALLENGE
The #1000HoursOutside challenge has been inspiring families to get outside for years. We love tracking our hours and monitoring progress, but we’ll also admit, it takes more effort to get out in the winter months. So, if you need a push to get out the door, here are activities our kids enjoy. Visit our website for a list of 100 activities and print out a free 1000 hour tracker!
nature trails
DETROIT INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Head Downriver to experience one of North America’s only international wildlife refuge along Lake Erie Walk along the Great Lake and through the marsh Warm up at the Dingell Visitor Center, it’s one of our favorites
THE HURON-CLINTON METROPARKS
The annual Metroparks pass is a great investment because you can enjoy FREE admission to all the parks and many of their amenties - including nature centers. You can also use your library card to get a day pass through the Michigan Activity Pass program. Here are our favorite trails and nature centers to visit.
Stage Nature Center (Troy)
The giant rocks in front of Stage Nature Center keep kids entertained every time and if you can get them past the rocks, there’s a great nature trail and equally fun indoors nature center (free admission).
Belle Isle Nature Center (Detroit)
Have fun inside and out on Belle Isle Walk the trail from the Nature Center and warm up inside before or after (it’s FREE admission)
You can also walk around the island to see gorgeous views of the city skyline
Kensingston (Milford)
Indian Springs
Oakwoods (New Boston)
Skating, Boarding &Skiing
Here’s hoping for a real Michigan winter that will allow us to enjoy the best parts of winter - ice skating, snowboarding, and skiing!
TOP PICKS:
Outdoor Ice Skating
Buhr Park (Ann Arbor)
The Rink @ Campus Martius (Detroit)
The Rink @ Royal Oak
Riley Skate Park (Farmington)
The Ribbon (Toledo, OH)
Stine Community Park (Troy)
Dodge Park (Sterling Heights)
City Square Ice Rink (Warren)
Local Ski Resorts
Mt Brighton (Brighton)
Pine Knob (Clarkston)
Mt Holly (Holly)
Alpine Valley (White Lake)
Outdoor ActivityChecklist
Check in on Animals at Detroit Zoo
Go Sledding
Explore a Nature Trail
Go Snow Tubing
Try Ice Skating
Take a Lantern Lit Hike
Hit the Ski Slopes
‘Paint’ Snow (with food coloring)
Make a Ice Lawn Ornament
Shovel a Neighbor’s Walkway
Get Ready For a Road Trip
Pack up the car and get ready for a winter road trip! Make the most of the snowy season and enjoy the great outdoors.
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut during the winter months, but a change in scenery can make a difference - and why not embrace the season?
If you ’ re ready for something different, here are 3 Michigan destinations worth checking out during a day trip or during a long weekend away.
1
WORLD OF WINTER
World of Winter Festival in Grand Rapids is an annual favorite for our families. The LARGEST winter festival in the country is FREE to enjoy and features over 100 events, activities, and outdoor art installations (Jan 10 - Mar 2).
MUSKEGON LUGE PARK 2
The Muskegon Luge track is one of only FOUR tracks in the United States! The 850 foot track was designed by an Olympian and consists of six curves and two starting areas.
BOYNE SKYBRIDGE
This winter, SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain dazzles with Lights in the Sky - a magical display of over 200,000 twinkling lights adorning the world's longest timbertowered suspension bridge. 3
Creative Ideas for kid
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Make your little’s day extra special with a celebration at one of these fun party spots!
LEGOLAND is the ultimate indoor LEGO playground - and go-to party place for us. There are amusement rides, an indoor play scape, LOTS of LEGOS for creative builds, a LEGO Master to help with design ideas, a 4D movie theater (always a hit), and a Detroit MINILAND.
Winter birthdays don’t have to be a bummer Make a splash and celebrate big at Goldfish Swim School. Rent the pool and let the kids play in the water with floating items and celebrate their big day with temps that will feel like summer and lifeguards for safety.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Goldfish Swim School
The Ribbon’s Cabana Village
Embrace the weather and make it a party experience everyone will remember. Rent a villa at Cabana Village at The Ribbon Ice Rink and enjoy a private fire pit, warming heaters, and seasonal drinks & delicious food delivered to you from The Garden. Kids will have fun skating and partying in the private ‘V.I.P’ space - day or night.
Friendship Factory
Get pampered at the Friendship Factory Party options include manicures, pedicures, hair styling, crafting, and more! Watch your little sparkle and shine as they glow up with friends for a day. There are multiple party package options that are sure to make your little and their guests feel special the whole party long!
Go behind the scenes and into the kitchen at the Livonia Italian Bakery. Let your little chef learn how to make their own pizza. While lunch bakes, kids learn to be a pastry chef and decorate their own cakes to take home. Everyone gets to eat their own pizza and then enjoy dessert and gifts. The party is recommended for kids who are at least 4 years old.
Livonia Italian Bakery
Bundle up and spend time at a local winter festival.
JANUARY
Fire & Ice Festival (Detroit)
Frost Festival (Rochester)
Ice Festival (Dexter)
BRRmingham Blast
Aqua Freeze Festival (St. Clair)
Fire & Ice Show (Franklin)
Winter Carnival (Oakland)
Plymouth Ice Festival
Winter Blast (Royal Oak)
FEBRUARY
Shiver On The River (Detroit)
Ice Carving Show (Mt. Clemens)
Winterfest (Clarkston)
Cold Rush (Warren)
Ice Carving Festival (Ann Arbor)
ROAD TRIP READY
Take a trip to Frankenmuth for Zehnder's Snowfest (January 31February 2) or Grand Rapids' World of Winter (January 10 to March 2).
8 LIBRARIES TO VISIT THIS WINTER 8 LIBRARIES TO VISIT THIS WINTER
You can’t beat a trip to the library. Enjoy FREE fun any day of the week and save the date for these special events.
West Bloomfield
January 22: Build-a-Buggy with Sloan Museum
January 23: Snowman Storytime & Crafts
February 26: Instrument Zoo
March 23: Local Author Fair
Clinton-Macomb
January 25: Family Poetry Party
February 1: Detroit Zoo Connect: Rattlesnakes
February 5: Winter Sensory Play
February 10: Stories with a Twist (Yoga)
Southfield
Redford
February 1: Ice Cream for Breakfast Storytime
February 7: Family Dance Party
February 11: Drop-In Valentine’s Day Card Making
March 18: Cardboard Cars Drive-In Movie
January 21: Winter Movie Night - Anastasia
January 22: Spy Academy
February 24: Maker Monday
February 27: Cinema and Stories
Commerce
Shelby Township
January 18: Snowy Storytime
January 30: Winter Crafts Kids Can Eat
February 19: Bugs On Wheels
March 29: Detroit Zoo Connect
January 13 -19: Dog-Man Scavenger Hunt
January 29: Music Time! with Mandy
February 5: Game On!
March 20: Paws For Reading
Ann Arbor
January 19: Comic Drawing Workshop + Concert with Kam Comics
February 1: Scientist Spotlight! with UM Museum of Natural History
February 2: A Honey Bee Presentation + Crafts
February 5: Folk Song Jam Along
Farmington Hills
January 20: MLK Celebration: Legacy March
February 1: Move Your Body with The YMCA
February 15: Pokemon Party
March 14: Homeschool Explorations
2025 MAPLE 2025 MAPLE SUGAR EVENTS SUGAR EVENTS
Get ready for some 'Pure Michigan' fun, as you learn how to tap and make pure maple syrup (and even taste test some too) in February through March.
Pancake breakfasts are the best - and learning where your syrup comes from is a bonus. This end of winter activity is the perfect way to send off the season and spend time outside.
There are several places that offer maple sugaring events and activitiesMaplefest at MSU Tollgate Farm is a popular one-weekend event. Here are a few locations that offer weekly events in the area:
Huron Clinton Metroparks: Kensington , Wolcott Mill, Hudson Mills, Stony Creek and Oakwoods Metroparks all host maple sugaring events in March. It’s a fun, affordable ($3 to $6) way to see how maple sugar is made.
Stage Nature Center: Learn how people processed maple sugar in the past and see similarities in the collecting, boiling, and drawing off maple syrup today on Saturdays in March.
Maybury Farm: Hop on a wagon and take a walk into the sugar bush. You’ll learn how sugar maple trees produce sap, why sap flows, how to tap, and collect sap from the tree. Tours are available in March and April.
It’s not a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a helicopter marshmallow drop!
MARSHMALLOW DROPS
As an alternative to the Easter Egg Hunts, marshmallow drops have been providing family fun for decades.
them in for other treats
Follow LittleGuide for updates on these popular events:
Wayne County Parks (Westland & Trenton)
Oakland County Parks (Royal Oak)
Grosse Pointe Parks
HYPE Recreation Center (Dearborn Heights) Keep your eye on the sky, it will soon be raining
If you’ve never been, don’t worry - your kids don’t eat the marshmallows - after racing onto an open field to gather as many as they can (or collect the designated amount), they trade
Take one thing off your plate and make Easter planning a little easier by ordering these cute basket fillers!
Play-Doh Easter Eggs
Here are some Easter eggs that you don’t have to fill and don’t involve candy: a win-win. ($10 - Amazon)
Practical and adorable, it doesn’t get better than that. Get your littles something they can use during those April showers. ($20 - Amazon)
Sticker By Number: Easter
Adorable, creative, and mess-free! Buy yourself some quiet time as your littles work on their new activity book. ($10 - Amazon)
LEGO Easter Bunny
Who can resist a LEGO set? This bunny can keep little hands busy and will make a cute center piece or home decor for the season. ($21 - Amazon)
Easter Fidget Sensory Pop-Its
These Easter themed pop-its are perfect basket stuffers and come in a 4 pack! ($16 - Amazon)
WINTER FUN IN WINTER FUN IN WAYNE COUNTY WAYNE COUNTY
Looking for ways to keep busy this winter? Here's your guide to kid-friendly fun in Wayne County!
TOP PICK
LIVONIA AQUATIC CENTER
Winter @ Valade Park
Hines Drive Sledding Hill
Plymouth Ice Festival
USA Hockey Game
Detroit Auto Show
Ice Skate @ The Rink
Clark Park (Detroit)
Crowley Park (Dearborn)
Tattan Park (Westland)
Heritage Petting Farm (Taylor)
Thron Park (Brownstown)
Kiwanis Park (Southgate)
Rotary Park (Livonia)
Plymouth Township Park
Crosswinds Marsh (New Boston)
Lower Huron Park (Belleville)
Detroit Institute of Arts
The Henry Ford
Detroit Historical Museum
Kidcadia
Belle Isle Nature Center
Nankin Mills Nature Center
Romulus Aquatic Center
Yoyo Fun Center
Fowling Warehouse
Rev'd Up Fun
AirTime
Kirksey Aquatic Center
DYNO Detroit
Redford District Library
Stemville
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
Artic Edge
Bounce It Up
WINTER FUN IN WINTER FUN IN OAKLAND COUNTY OAKLAND COUNTY
Looking for ways to keep busy this winter?
Here's your guide to kid-friendly fun in Oakland County!
TOP PICK LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER
Pine Knob Ski Resort
Snowy Ridge Sledding Hill
Riley Park Ice Rink
BRRmingham Blast
O U T D O O R O U T D O O R
Innovation Hills (Rochester)
Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve
Heritage Park (Farmington Hills)
Lakeshore Park (Novi)
Booth Park (Birmingham)
Stine Community Skate Park
Bloomer Park Sled Hill
Snow Tubing at Bower Farm
Beverly Hills Sledding Hill
Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)
Green Acres Park (Hazel Park)
Kensington Farm Center (Milford)
Hess-Hathaway Park (Waterford)
Civic Center Park (Wixom)
Legoland Discovery Center
SEA LIFE Michigan
West Bloomfield Library
Cranbrook institute of Science
Urban Air Adventure Park
The Robot Garage
HAWK Aquatic Center
S.W.A.G. Gym
Dinoland
Troy Gym
We Rock The Spectrum
Fairytale Fun Place
Peppa Pig World of Play
Kid’s Empire
Creative Arts Studio
Whirlyball
Troy Aquatics Center
The Perfect Game
WINTER FUN IN WINTER FUN IN GREATER DETROIT GREATER DETROIT
Looking for ways to keep busy this winter?
Here's your guide to kid-friendly fun in SE Michigan!
TOP PICK ACTIVATE (UTICA)
Blake Farms
Ski @ Mt. Brighton
Civic Center Sled Hill
Snow Tubing @ Rolling Hills
Ice Skate @ Buhr Park
City Square Ice Rink
Howell Nature Center
County Farm Park (Ann Arbor)
Leslie Nature Center (Ann Arbor)
Ford Heritage Park (Ypsilanti)
Veterans Park (Warren)
Lake St. Clair Metropark
Survivor Playscape (Genoa Twp)
The Petting Farm (Ann Arbor)
Dodge Park (Sterling Heights)
Wolcott Farm Center (Ray)
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Michigan Firehouse Museum
The Creature Conservancy
CJ Barrymore's
Longway Planetarium
Urban Air
Full Throttle Adrenaline Park
Fun City Adventure Park
SkyZone
The Great Skate
Clinton-Macomb Library
Sterling Heights Nature Center
Chelsea Treehouse
Castaway Play
Sloan Museum
U of M Museum of Natural History
Airtime
The Reptarium
Whirly Ball (A2 + Clinton Twp)
ACTIVATE
