The winter months in Michigan can sure be bleak. It’s cold, it’s gray and all you really want to do is curl up under a blanket and watch your favorite movie until spring comes.
But parents know that’s not an option. Keeping kids cooped up in the house for any amount of time without something to do results in major cabin fever.
Luckily for families living in and near Macomb County, there are plenty of fun events and family play centers to keep kids occupied when they’ve had too much screen time and it’s simply too cold to be outside.
Here, find a list of 2022 winter time events in Macomb County for families along with some of the top play centers kids will love. Tuck the list away for the next time your kids are crying, “I’m boooooooooooored,” this winter.
Events
Warren’s Cold Rush
Jan. 22, 2022
- Address: Warren City Square, 1 City Square, Warren
- Time: Noon-7 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Enjoy ice skating, ice carving demonstrations and displays, a bonfire with s’mores, music, food trucks and much more.
Family Day at Painting with a Twist
Jan. 29, 2022
- Address: Painting with a Twist, 50336 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township
- Time: 1-3 p.m.
- Cost: $28/person
Parents and kids (ages 7-plus) can paint a one-of-a-kind work of art together. Advance registration is required.
Michigan Annual XLIX Show
Jan. 29-March 1, 2022
- Address: Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens
- Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays
- Cost: Free
This 49th annual event showcases the best work of artists from across the state.
Toy & Comic Show
Feb. 5, 2022
- Address: New Baltimore Trade Center, 35428 23 Mile Road, New Baltimore
- Time: Opens at 10 a.m.
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids and four-legged friends to a flea market filled with displays of some of the coolest toys and most sought-after comics.
Richmond Recreation Department’s Chili Cook-Off
Feb. 5, 2022
- Address: Beebe Street Park Community Center, 36164 Festival Drive, Richmond
- Time: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Cost: $2/person
Swing by and sample community member’s best chili recipes. Have a recipe that you love? Enter it into the contest for just $10.
Annual Ice Carving Show
Feb. 11-13, 2022
- Address: Downtown Mount Clemens area
- Time: Noon-6 p.m. Friday, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, noon-3 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Free
This 17th annual show features live ice-carving demonstrations, beautifully-carved ice displays along the streets of Mount Clemens and an indoor warming center full of kids’ activities.
Macomb County Polar Plunge
Feb. 12, 2022
- Address: McRay Harbor, 30675 N. River Road, Harrison Township
- Time: Starts at noon
- Cost: Fundraiser
Take a dip in the crisp waters of Lake St. Clair to help raise funds to support the Special Olympics. Participants must fundraise to participate.
Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Chili Cookoff
Feb. 19, 2022
- Address: Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
- Hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Cost: $20/advance, $25/at the door, free/kids 2 and under
Get your fill of delicious homemade chili and live music. Adult beverages for mom and dad, too.
New Baltimore Lions Winterfest
Feb. 25-27, 2022
- Address: Downtown New Baltimore area
- Time: 5 p.m.-midnight Friday, 8 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Free before 5 p.m. and all day Sunday; $5 after 5 p.m.
This fest features live entertainment, an ice fishing tournament, a soup and chili cookoff, vendors, food trucks, a polar plunge and, of course, activities for the kids.
Model Train Show
Feb. 27, 2022
- Address: Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township
- Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Cost: $7/person, free/kids 11 and under with a paying adult
Train aficionados set up shop with train displays and collectible items on sale.
Underwater Bubble Show
March 6, 2022
- Address: Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township
- Time: 3 p.m.
- Cost: $35-$50/ticket
This Cirque du Soleil-inspired fairy tale features puppetry, comedy, painting, special effects and important lessons that show-goers won’t forget.
Fun Spots
Airtime Trampoline Park
- Address: 44855 Hayes Road, Sterling Heights
Play dodgeball or basketball on wall-to-wall trampolines. Test your nerve in the Techno Ninja Warrior Course or take a high-flying leap into The Mosh Pit.
C.J. Barrymore’s
- Address: 21750 Hall Road, Clinton Township
Hit up the indoor attractions, which include an arcade, bowling, bumper cars, a golf dome, laser tag and more this time of year.
Jungle Java
Swing by during open play and let your kids blow off some steam at this indoor, jungle-themed playground, which features a three-point basketball court and laser maze.
Nicholson Nature Center
- Address: Clinton Township
Take a brisk nature walk along the nature trail to get a whole new look at the critters and plants that are active this time of year.
Revolution laser Tag
Have a laser tag battle in this 7,000-square-foot arena.
Sparks Pinball Museum
- Address: 33151 23 Mile Road, Chesterfield
This spot is one of the largest pinball arcades in the Midwest and features more than 50 machines to play for just $.50 or $.75 a piece.
Whirlyball
- Address: 19781 15 Mile Road, Clinton Township
Make a reservation and bring the kids out to enjoy this fun sport that combines basketball, hockey and Jai-Alai while riding in an electric bumper car.
For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.
