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Photo of Bowers School Farm courtesy of Shelby Dublin Photography
As the wonder of winter descends upon Metro Detroit, now is the perfect time to embrace the chilly air and plan how you’re going to spend your next snow day. While spontaneous snow day plans can be fun, it’s also nice to have an idea in mind before waking up to a blanket of fluffy snow. From the classic thrill of sledding down hills to the hot chocolate you plan for after a day of play, we’ve got you covered for when the next snow day comes around.
BALDUCK PARK
18151 East Warren, Detroit
Balduck Park is home to one of Detroit’s most beloved sledding hills, and it certainly was my favorite growing up. The sledding hill is located on the South end of the park, along with a playground, soccer fields, a walking path, and more. The North end also features a playground, picnic shelter, dog park, and trails. Balduck Park is a part of the larger Detroit park system and you can find a variety of winter activities throughout them. Grab your snow pants and sled, because a day spent sledding will be certainly one to remember.
BOWERS SCHOOL FARM
1219 East Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills
If you just can’t wait for a snow day for some winter fun, from January 5 through February 25th, you can get tickets for the Winter Park at Bowers School Farm. No matter the weather or temperature, you can tube down one of the coolest sledding hills around Metro Detroit Wednesdays through Sundays. “Along with our winter tubing, we will also feature bonfires, an onsite Bowers store and kitchen for some great comfort grilled sandwiches, animal experiences, and more,” shares Erin Watson, Guest Experience Specialist. “Winter Park comes alive after dark with so many lights! No snow? No problem! Our tubing hill is equipped with a synthetic surface so you can slide no matter the weather. After some thrills on the hill, we invite you to sit with a cup of hot cocoa by our toasty fire and watch the kids play and visit our Bowers barnyard bunch, including Lola the donkey, Marty the calf, our Boer goat, and Kronk the llama.” Tickets for tubing are sold for $17 for a 50-minute block, but entry to visit the animals, play on the playscape, enjoy the bonfires, and visit the store is free.
CIVIC CENTER PARK
360 West 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights
The hills at the Civic Center Park are well known around the Metro Detroit area. The larger hill is great for experienced sledders and the smaller bunny hill is great for younger or less experienced guests. Grab your sleds, enjoy the Madison Heights hills, and spend some time on the playgrounds too. Play places after a snowfall are quite fun, and your kiddos will already be dressed for the outdoors.
KENSINGTON METROPARK
4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford
Kensington Metropark is a perfect place for a snow day, with multiple activities that are great during the winter. This park has excellent hills, made for all from beginners to advanced for sledding and snowboarding. There is also an ice skating rink around the same area as the hills. And for cross-country skiers, there are more than 12 miles of trails at Kensington Metropark, with ski equipment available to rent online before your visit. For these activities, make sure to check the weather conditions are permitting before heading out for some fun.
CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK
800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
Campus Martius is known as the top public square in the country and has so much to experience. “There’s something special about watching the snow fall as you hit the ice on The Rink at Campus Martius Park while surrounded by the lights and spectacular views of Downtown Detroit,” shares David Cowen, Chief Public Spaces Officer for the Downtown Detroit Partnership. The Rink truly offers an iconic skating experience for Metro Detroiters and visitors from all around. Open seven days a week until March, you have plenty of time to grab tickets for some ice skating time. Other attractions in the area include enchanting horse-drawn carriage rides, the Downtown Detroit Markets for shopping and dining, and the Cadillac Lodge for festive drinks and treats.
PINE KNOB SKI AND SNOWBOARD RESORT
7778 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston
The Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort has it all for winter activity enthusiasts. You can purchase tickets for sessions during the day, evening, or a full-day pass. The night skiing and snowboarding have this resort staying open until 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9 p.m. on Sundays, making it the perfect spot for an after-school or work ski excursion. They also provide lessons for beginners in skiing and snowboarding, serving as an ideal place for first-timers to learn and enjoy.
COLD IS COOL PROGRAM
Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) provides programs for skiing and snowboarding in Michigan, and one could certainly come in handy for your kids. The Cold is Cool program lets fourth and fifth graders ski for free at ski areas all over the state, including a few close to Metro Detroit with the program passport. Purchase the $30 passport, and your 4th and 5th graders can ski to their hearts’ desire throughout the season.
