Indoor Entertainment for Michigan’s Wacky Weather Days

By: Toni Cunningham | July 31, 2013
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Oh, Michigan. The only place where one can experience all four seasons in 24 hours. In case you haven’t noticed, the weather this summer has been… interesting, to say the least. One day it’s down-pouring, and the next, it’s so humid outside I feel like I’m virtually swimming through air.

When the weather is this indecisive, I sometimes find that the last thing I want to do is spend time outdoors. Don’t get me wrong—I love being outside in Michigan. But if you’re looking for me anytime soon, you can find me inside in the AC.

If you too are looking for ways to enjoy summer indoors, look no further.

Detroit Film Theatre

From market trips to weekend getaways, the Chevy Trax’s versatile cargo space ensures you’re always ready for life’s adventures.

The Detroit Film Theatre at the DIA offers an entire summer lineup of movies, including everything from foreign films to animated ones. It’s a great excuse to stay indoors, soak up some culture and watch a movie other than the most recently released sequel from Marvel. Grab some popcorn, while you’re at it.

Upcoming films include Laputa: Castle in the Sky, The Act of Killing, The Hunt, Whisper of the Heart and Spirited Away.

Michigan Science Center

While you might know it by its former name, the Detroit Science Center, this is the perfect place to take your kids (or enjoy without shame as an adult!). Kill two birds with one stone by avoiding the wacky weather and simultaneously giving their noodle some exercise before they head back to school.

This summer, the Dig Into Science series will be featured every weekend, and includes “underground” science, complete with activities, crafts and experiments for children.

Current activities include:

  • The Science of Rock n’ Roll exhibit (now through December 31)

  • The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Solar System (in the planetarium)

  • Tornado Alley (in the IMAX theatre)

Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum

Let me tell you, if you’ve never been here, you’re missing out on one unique experience! I think Marvin’s might hold the Guinness World Record for “Most Pinball Machines in One Building.” It’s packed full of more arcade games and oddities than one could possibly dream of, so it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon checking it out. Also, if your child has a summer birthday, it’s a great place to host a party with their friends!

Pinball Pete’s

While my inner Spartan prefers the East Lansing location, Pinball Pete’s in Ann Arbor is a great way to spend an afternoon. Why gamble your money away at the casino when you can kiss it goodbye in a much more entertaining manner? There’s nothing like a summer day spent playing Terminator Salvation and winning stuffed animals for your sweetie.

I think it’s safe to say as Michiganders, we all enjoy camping and frolicking outdoors during the summer months. However, it’s difficult to do so when there’s heat lightning one minute and fall-like weather the next. Don’t feel guilty spending some time indoors while the weather figures itself out. In this case, it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy summer activities with a roof over your head.

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