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As we enter into the cold tundra that Michigan becomes, parents across the area look for things to keep their kids occupied. On those days when our usual colder activities like sledding or building a snowman might not be an option, taking your kids to run around at a local play place is ideal, just don’t forget your socks! The kids get to have a great time running around while everyone stays warm. Here are some wonderful indoor play place options to keep everyone happy…
DINOLAND
26450 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights
32109 John R Road, Madison Heights
Dinoland offers a unique, prehistoric-themed experience for kiddos. Kids will have a blast climbing, crawling, and sliding their way through this play place. Daily admission prices are $13 for ages 2 and up, $8 for ages 12 to 23 months, and adults and infants under 12 months are free. There is a two-hour time limit for play on weekends and holidays. Complete with a full cafe, parents and kids alike will love spending time here. Snack on chicken nuggets, pizza, nachos, and mozzarella sticks, and enjoy a latte, Americano, or frappe while you’re there!
KIDS GOTTA PLAY
53535 Grand River Avenue, New Hudson
7732 Auburn Road, Utica
If you’re looking into the best play systems but aren’t sure what your kids will love, Kids Gotta Play is the spot for you. Chief Fun Officer Alex Byrum tells us, “At Kids Gotta Play, fun is what we do! Our large indoor showroom is open Monday through Friday for playtime and we have multiple party rooms for birthdays as well. On top of all that we sell everything in our showroom including play systems, trampolines, basketball hoops, commercial playground equipment, and golf simulators!! It is the perfect spot to escape winter, run around, and possibly try before you buy!” Visit the New Hudson location throughout the week for an open play session, and let your kids try out all the equipment during a two-hour play block. They’ll have a great time, and you can get some insight into a play system for your home.
JUNGLE JAVA
6481 North Canton Center Road, Canton
44595 Enterprise Drive, Clinton Township
27658 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills
If you’re looking for a place to get some work done while the kids burn off their energy, Jungle Java is where you want to go. This jungle-themed playground has a huge play place perfect for kids of all ages, and the cafe area is a great place to check items off your to-do list. The separate toddler area gives younger children a chance to explore without having to worry about the big kids. With a full coffee bar and a food menu, you and your kids won’t want to leave!
SAFARI PLAYGROUND
700 North Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake
You can easily spend the entire day at Safari Playground. Parents can sit back and watch their kids from the cafe as they climb and crawl through the play structure, or choose to join in on the fun. Safari Playground also features an arcade, bowling, skee ball, and laser tag. The safari-themed experience can be fun for the whole family! The restaurant has a pretty extensive menu, Wi-Fi is free to use, and there is no time limit on play. Open seven days a week, Safari Playground is a great choice for when it gets colder.
UNDER THE SEA PLAYGROUND
78 West Maple Road, Troy
Under the Sea Playground is an underwater-themed play area great for kids ages 1 to 12 years old. The space is decorated with sea creatures and is open every day for open play. Admission can be paid by the day, or if you’re looking to frequent the play space often, monthly passes are available. The cafe offers wraps, burgers, salads, flatbreads, and more, and a coffee bar if you’re just looking for a warm beverage while you watch your littles play. If you’re heading out on a Friday or Saturday, make sure to check their social media to ensure the space isn’t closed for a private party.
FASCINATION FACTORY
2295 East Lincoln Street, Suite 150, Birmingham
Fascination Factory stands out as a place to entertain your kids with play-based learning. It’s a sensory-rich environment that includes a variety of toys and stations to educate, entertain, and enrich their growing minds. This space is designed to cater to the developmental needs of preschool and elementary-age children, with a focus on sensory play, cognitive development, and social interaction. The cafe is a self-service station with nut-free snacks, coffee, and more. Open play is held Wednesday through Saturday for unlimited time. You can drop in for a day of play, or consider the membership options if you’re a frequent visitor.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on December 7, 2022, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
