The closer to the winter months we get, the more it seems like we’re going to have a long winter stuck at (or close to) home. Being cooped up doesn’t have to be boring because there’s plenty of fun stuff to do at or near your home, especially if you live in Macomb County.
If you’re looking for ways to help your kids beat cabin fever this year, check out these fun family activity ideas in Macomb County.
Have a scavenger hunt
The parks in Macomb County and beyond look a lot different in the winter time than they do in the summer months, which means it’s a prime time for kids to get out and enjoy nature.
Bundle the kiddos up and head to Lake St. Clair or Stony Creek Metropark to see if you can complete their scavenger hunt list.
Build a fort
Do you have Amazon boxes lying around from the holidays? Let your kids use them to build a fort in your living room. Tall or long boxes can act as the walls and old sheets work well for the ceilings. You can even add couch cushions or pillows for added flair.
Try a new recipe together
No matter the age, cooking is an important skill to have — and it’s great bonding time. Try this apple bread recipe from Macomb County’s Blake Farms (or perhaps try an old family favorite). Make sure you share your family’s fun online and tag Blake Farms so they can see your creation.
Make homemade playdough
All you need is some vegetable oil, salt, flour, food coloring and cream of tartar to make a super soft, squishy playdough. Swing by Bulk Food Marketplace in Fraser to get large batches of your ingredients and make as much or as little as you’d like.
Download a coloring sheet
Crocker House Museum and the Macomb County Historical Society created coloring sheets based on their nursery wallpaper. Learn the history behind the designs, download your favorite and color it together any way you’d like.
Join the Anton Art Center’s SatARTday @ Home
Each week, the Anton Art Center hosts an at-home art lesson. Check out the full-line-up on their website and tune in for music lessons, story times and crafts with local organizations.
Take a ride to see outdoor public art
From murals to statues and everything in between, Macomb County is filled with public art for families to enjoy. Bundle up this winter and take a walk around Mount Clemens for a unique look at the Cherry Street Mall Mural or the Clinton River Stairs. You can also swing by the Warren Civic Center to see the “Dawn” statue or Mr. Watermelon in Eastpointe.
Make sure you pack your mask and stay distanced from fellow visitors.
Read a new book
Many libraries are closed but you can still get in some new reading with the Clinton-Macomb Public Library’s curbside library. Place a hold on a book you want to try online, make an appointment to pick up your book and you’ve got your ticket to mystical stories.
The library is offering virtual programming for even more at-home fun!
Try a snow experiment
When there’s snow, head outside to build a snowman or make snow angels. While you’re out there, try a fun snow experiment. You can blow bubbles and watch as they turn into crystals, make a snow cone (if it’s fresh snow) or turn boiling water into new snow (adult supervision required).
Explore science and nature
The Discovery Center in Mount Clemens has put together a webpage that features tons of science- and nature-themed activities and resources. Visit the site for updates on Scholastic’s daily learning courses, live critter streams from across the country, virtual museum tours, educational YouTube channels and much more.
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.
