Beat The Cold: Fun Indoor Activities

By: Carolyn Hall | January 9, 2025
detroit axe indoor lanes

Photo courtesy of Detroit Axe

Metro Detroit winters might bring chilly temperatures, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck at home. The area offers a variety of engaging indoor activities, perfect for beating the cold while having fun. Whether you’re into art, hands-on learning, or unique adventures, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore some standout spots to keep you warm and entertained…

KIDCADIA PLAY CAFÉ

13939 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn

Parents with young children will love Kidcadia, a vibrant indoor play space in Dearborn. This cafe provides a safe and stimulating environment where kids can burn off energy while parents relax with a cup of coffee or indulge in lunch. The facility includes a playground that takes up almost half of their space, with slides, climbing structures, and imaginative play areas designed to encourage creativity and social interaction. There’s also a dedicated Toddler Zone, perfect for your littles to explore without worrying about larger kids. It’s a win-win for families seeking a cozy indoor spot to enjoy together.

Blazer bookstore

With a spacious interior, cutting-edge technology, and top-tier safety features, the Blazer is built for those who live life to the fullest.

DETROIT ARTISTS MARKET

4719 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

A must-visit for art enthusiasts, the Detroit Artists Market (DAM) in Midtown showcases exceptional works from local artists. This non-profit gallery features rotating exhibitions that highlight diverse artistic styles and media. Pieces are selected in a collaborative process, not by an individual curator, allowing a community approach throughout the process. Whether you’re looking to discover emerging talent or add to your art collection, DAM provides a welcoming space to appreciate creativity and support Detroit’s vibrant art scene. As the oldest continuously running non-profit gallery in the Midwest, this contemporary art gallery connects the community to the local artists featured.

ANN ARBOR HANDS-ON MUSEUM

220 East Ann Street, Ann Arbor

For families or anyone curious about science and exploration, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is a playground of interactive exhibits. This museum inspires learning through hands-on experiences. Kids and adults alike can engage with over 10 exhibits that bring science, technology, and art to life. The Preschool Gallery is excellent for the museum’s youngest visitors, including dress-up and water table exploration, while the Legacy Gallery dives into simple machines and explains how common tech works. Other exhibits include STEAM PARK, Light & Optics, H2Oh!, and Lyons’ Country Store, taking visitors back to the 1930s. The galleries are constantly accompanied by limited-time exhibits, camps, clubs, and more.

DETROIT AXE

1375 Michigan Avenue, Detroit

344 West Nine Mile Road, Ferndale

Detroit Axe is a thrilling indoor escape during the winter and its two locations are ideal for a cold day. The objective of axe throwing is pretty straightforward: throw axes into a wood target, aiming for the middle to score more. “Detroit Axe has become the venue for everyone. When you become invested in the sport, it’s time to join a league and compete. To better accommodate your schedule, we often run several leagues within a year,” shares Marketing Director Olga Goysan. The Corktown location is inside the Yard, with two bars and a menu from The Corner Grill. While it’s too cold for the outdoor decks, giant beer pong, or cornhole, the board game room is filled with hundreds of competitive options. The Ferndale is attached to The Corner and offers food, drinks, and a board game room too, with over 500 choices to enjoy. 

detroit axe indoor axe throwing lanes
Photo courtesy of Detroit Axe

STEMVILLE

142 North Center Street #201, Northville

4286 East Grand River Avenue, Howell

For a mix of education and fun, Stemville is an excellent choice. This innovative activity center focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math, offering open play sessions that cater to kids of all ages. From coding robotics to hands-on building, Stemville fosters curiosity and learning in a dynamic setting. Whether your child dreams of becoming a coder, engineer, or scientist, this space encourages exploration and discovery. Open-play sessions do need to be reserved, grip socks are highly recommended, and memberships are available if you expect to be a frequent visitor. 

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