19 Fun Things to Do in Michigan in Winter

1. 'Dive' into SEA LIFE, Michigan's largest aquarium

4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Get closer to over 250 amazing underwater species and 2,000 creatures including sharks, rays, green sea turtles and more! To get any closer, you'd have to get wet!

Mix it up:
- Touch a giant sea star and anemone in the Interactive Touchpool
- Walk with sharks inside Michigan's only Underwater Ocean Tunnel

Features:
- Come face-to-fin with your favorite underwater creature
- Interesting photo opportunities

Buy aquarium tickets

2. Make your winter ‘merry & bright’ when you visit Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland

25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 | Website

At the size of 1 ½ football fields, Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is the world’s largest Christmas store that is open 361 days a year. Be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and the spirit of Christmas as you browse through over 50,000 trims and gifts.

Mix it up:
- Create your very own scavenger hunt using Christmas decorations and see how many items you can find
- Purchase a personalized ornament to commemorate your trip

Features:
- Over 50,000 trims and gifts to choose from including over 6000 different ornaments
- Open 361 days a year to experience Christmas anytime

3. Go back in time at the Henry Ford Museum

20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124 | Website

The Henry Ford Museum is a national treasure — full of the history of American ingenuity, grit, and determination. It's a sprawling facility where you can spend all day learning about Thomas Edison's laboratory, Rosa Park's bus, the Wright Brother's bicycle shop, and more.

Mix it up:
- Enjoy an old fashioned ‘phosphate’ at Lamy’s Diner, an exact replica of a 1946 diner right down to the menu
- Be a part of history when you step onto the bus where Rosa Parks refused to move

Features:
- Featuring 18 different exhibits, including occasional special exhibits, as well as 3 different dining options on-site
- Open daily, year-round

4. 'Build' up fun at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 | Website

Check out the Ultimate indoor LEGO® playground when you visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Enjoy two interactive rides, 4D cinema, 10 building zones, and more!

Mix it up:
- Compete to see who can create the most unique build
- See dozens of Detroit-area landmarks built entirely out of LEGO bricks

Features:
- Re-live your childhood with a special 'Adult Night'
- Cafe with snacks and refreshments 

Please note: Adults are required to be accompanied by a child in order to enter LEGOLAND Discovery Center except during the aforementioned Adult Nights.

5. Learn and play at the Flint Children’s Museum

1602 University Ave, Flint, MI 48504 | Website

The Flint Children’s Museum features interactive exhibits for kids to enjoy different learning experiences through play. Tens of thousands of families visit each year and discover meaningful and engaging activities together.

Mix it up:
- Your child can try their hand at a variety of different jobs in the ‘Our Town’ exhibit
- Help your child put on a play complete with costumes and props with the Center Stage exhibit

Features:
- Over 40 unique exhibits as well as rotating exhibits every 3-4 months
- Open 6 days a week year-round

6. ‘Luge’ your mind at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park

462 N Scenic Dr, Muskegon, MI 49445 | Website

Owned and operated by the Muskegon Sports Council, the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park is an expansive winter sports park located on the grounds of Muskegon State Park. Enjoy skating, skiing, snowshoeing, and even try to luge at one of only four luge tracks in the United States.

Mix it up:
- Learn how to luge under the lights during special nighttime lessons
- Take a one-of-a-kind skate through the forest on their special ¼ mile ice skating trail

Features:
- They provide adaptive equipment for every one of their activities allowing accessibility for all
- Open 7 days a week during the winter season

7. Splash in all the muddy puddles at Peppa Pig World of Play

4362 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 | Website

Peppa Pig World of Play is a NEW indoor attraction for families with pre-school children and is located at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. You'll explore 14 oink-tastic play areas, all lovingly inspired by the hit TV series.

Mix it up:
- Play in 14 different areas including Peppa's Treehouse, Rebecca Rabbit's Underground Adventure, George's Fort, and more!
- Host the muddiest and best birthday party in one of their two party rooms

Features:
- Open daily year-round
- Café with food and drinks available for purchase

8. Walk on water at Tip Up Town USA

1625 W. Houghton Lake Dr, HL, MI 48629 | Website

Walk on water when you visit Houghton Lake’s annual Tip Up Town USA Winter Festival! This unique festival is Michigan’s largest and longest-running winter festival, and several of the festival’s activities take place on the frozen surface of Houghton Lake.

Mix it up:
- Test your nerve and see if you have what it takes to participate in the Polar Plunge
- Enter the ice fishing contest and see if you have what it takes to place in the Top 10

Features:
- Family friendly with carnival rides as well as a petting zoo and pony rides
- Food, drinks, and souvenirs all available for purchase

9. Give curling a whirl at the Kalamazoo Curling Club

3600 Vanrick Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 | Website

Beginning in 2008, the Kalamazoo Curling Club was created for local lovers of this unique sport and has since grown into a large institution with multiple leagues and teams.

Mix it up:
- Take one of their short ‘Intro to Curling’ classes or splurge on a multi-day intensive to really learn the sport
- Once you have the basics down, join the Rookie League to compete against others new to the sport

Features:
- Weekly events and league games
- Offers Sunday afternoon drop-in lessons

10. ‘Glow’ tubing at Bowers School Farm

1219 E Square Lake Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 | Website

Starting in early January, throw on the snowsuits and head over to Bowers School Farm in Bloomfield Hills to enjoy some glow-in-the-dark tubing! Race down specially lit lanes under a rainbow of colors!

Mix it up:
- Race your friends or family to the bottom of their specialty tubing hill but be sure to book your tickets in advance
- Warm up at one of their giant bonfires before heading over to their ice skating rink; bring your own skates or rent on site

Features:
- Open Wednesdays-Sundays during the winter
- Food & drinks available for purchase

11. Go to the extreme this winter with Peabody Ice Climbing

12326 Foley Rd, Fenton, MI 48430 | Website

Whether you’re into extreme sports or just looking to try something new, Peabody Ice Climbing in Fenton is the place for you. Learn all the ins and outs of ice climbing while practicing on their two man-made ice towers.

Mix it up:
- Test out your skills on the 45ft ice tower before moving on to the 72ft ice tower
- Want to make an extreme weekend out of it? Rent their on-site heated bunk house which sleeps up to 12 people

Features:
- All necessary climbing gear can be rented on-site
- 10-person sauna available for use both prior to and following any climbs

12. Go hit the high-tech green at Topgolf

500 Great Lakes Crossing Dr, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 | Website

Topgolf is way more than just a high-tech driving range — it's a sprawling all-weather entertainment venue! You'll enjoy the swanky lounge serving signature cocktails & spirits, great food, adult atmosphere, and more!

Mix it up:
- Compete against each other to see who gets the high score
- Show off your golfing skills (or laugh together about the lack thereof!

Features:
- Dinner and drinks available
- Semi-private bays

13. Enjoy the best of winter at Boyne Mountain Resort

1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, MI 49713 | Website

Enjoy the best northern Michigan has to offer in the winter with a trip up to Boyne Mountain Resort. With 10 different winter activities to choose from, there is plenty to keep you busy whether you stay for a week or a weekend.

Mix it up:
- Fly down the mountain at speeds of 20mph when you strap in to their 780 ft-long zip line
- With 60 different ski runs, there is a trail for every skill level

Features:
- Equipment rentals available for all offered activities
- Overnight stays and day passes available for purchase

14. Be a part of your favorite Christmas movie when you ride the North Pole Express

405 S Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867 | Website

Be a part of a real-life Christmas movie when you hop aboard the North Pole Express! Pulled by the Pere Marquette 1225 steam engine, this train was the inspiration for Chris Van Allsburg’s book “The Polar Express,’ and offers special holiday rides from mid-November through Christmas.

Mix it up:
- Dress up in your best vintage holiday looks to match perfectly with the 1950s and 60s train cars
- Wander through the vintage Christmas market at the end of the trip and pick up a unique gift

Features:
- 6 unique train cars to choose from with varying designs and offerings
- A 2-hour stop at the Village of Ashley Country Christmas festival included in the price of your ticket

15. Visit the coolest festival in the state at Zehnder’s Snowfest

730 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 | Website

If you’re looking to see some towering sculptures of snow and ice then you’ll definitely want to check out Zehnder’s Snowfest! This annual festival boasts artists from around the world who compete to be named best in show!

Mix it up:
- Wander through the gigantic snow and ice sculptures then head over to the warming tent for snacks and entertainment
- Finish the festival by bundling up and watching the annual fireworks display

Features:
- The festival lasts for 5 days with different activities planned for each day
- The festival includes activities for all ages

16. Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas at Greenfield Village Holiday Nights

20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124 | Website

If you’ve ever wanted to experience an old-fashioned Christmas, then Greenfield Village Holiday Nights is the place for you! Enjoy the smells of roasting chestnuts and warming bonfires and the sounds of carolers and fiddlers while strolling through 80 acres of decorated historic homes and buildings.

Mix it up:
- Make a reservation at one of their two sit-down restaurants and enjoy an historic dinner complete with multiple courses and ending with a holiday dessert
- Finish the visit by bundling up and watching the nightly fireworks display

Features:
- Food and drinks available for purchase throughout the grounds
- Be sure to book early as the event sells out every year

17. Experience a uniquely Michigan phenomenon at Grand Haven State Park

1001 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven , MI 49417 | Website

If you’re looking to see a weather phenomenon unique to Michigan this winter, you’ll want to head to Grand Haven State Park to try and catch a glimpse of some blue ice. Blue ice is the name given to towering ice chunks that give off a blue hue that can sometimes line the shoreline of the Great Lakes. They are created when ice forms without air bubbles allowing light to pass through undisturbed.

Mix it up:
- Walk along the sandy shoreline all the way up to Grand Haven’s pier and lighthouse and soak in the stunning views of Lake Michigan in winter
- Stroll down to the Grand Haven Boardwalk and if you’re lucky you might be able to stop at Pronto Pup and grab a pup to go during their special winter weekend

Features:
- Open daily year-round
- Always check the weather and lake conditions before venturing out on the pier

18. Enjoy live music like never before at a unique Candlelight concert

Various Locations | Website

If you ever wanted to hear a string quartet play music surrounded by hundreds of candles, then this is the experience for you. Fever Detroit hosts regular Candlelight Concerts throughout the city of Detroit with many taking place at the historic Masonic Temple in Midtown. Every concert features a different musical selection. Some upcoming concerts include a tribute to ABBA, a special Holiday Concert, and a tribute to Beyonce.

Mix it up:
- Take in a concert at all the different locations and see the best of Detroit’s unique architecture
- Introduce friends and family to your favorite artists in a new and interesting way

Features:
- Tickets range from $25 to $60 per person depending on location and seating section
- All concerts are family-friendly

19. Make Detroit your backdrop when you go skating at The Rink at Campus Martius

800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 | Website

If you want to have the quintessential Detroit winter experience, then you need to make a stop at the Rink at Campus Martius. Enjoy a full-sized ice rink right in the heart of Detroit along with hot beverages and sweet snacks at one of the concession stands.

Mix it up:
- Buy one of their special s’mores kits and roast your own marshmallows at one of their many bonfires
- When you’ve gotten your fill of skating, stop by the shops at Cadillac Square or the attractions at Monroe Midway

Features:
- Entry costs just $12 and then an additional $6 for skate rentals
- Open daily November to March including holidays