Winter is officially here, and while the days might be short, gray and cold, it doesn’t mean you should put family fun on the back burner. In fact, it might be the best time to get out and experience the great outdoors.
The metro Detroit area is packed full of winter fun spots for your family to get out in the cold and make some memories together.
Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite outdoor spots in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw counties that are must-do for families during the winter months. Check them out — just make sure you bundle up first!
Belle Isle Park
- Address: 99 Pleasure Drive, Detroit
Detroit’s Belle Isle offers just as much fun during the winter months as it does during the summer months. Check out the animals at the Belle Isle Nature Center or take a walk around the snow-covered paths to take in the sights and sounds of nature. Feeling chilly? Stop into the museum, aquarium or conservatory to warm up.
Blake’s Cider Mill
- Address: 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
This family-owned orchard and cider mill is open year-round and, while the u-pick options are closed for the season, you can still take in the snow-kissed trees. There are also plenty of winter events and you can always swing by the tasting room for a treat, book out an igloo dining option or twirl around on the outdoor ice rink.
Buhr Outdoor Ice Arena
- Address: 2751 Packard St., Ann Arbor
This 39-acre park offers playground equipment, a sledding hill and an open-air ice arena that features public ice skating and drop-in hockey.
Dequindre Cut Greenway
- Address: West of St. Aubin St., Detroit
This former Grand Trunk railroad line has been converted into greenspace. Take a walk down it to take in outdoor artwork that lines the two-mile path.
Detroit Zoo
- Address: 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
The zoo is open 362 days a year. That’s every day minus Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. So swing by to see more than 2000 animals — many of which are more active during the winter months — or try the zoo’s annual winter events.
Domino’s Petting Farm
- Address: 3001 Earhart Road, Ann Arbor
Stop by to see a working farm during the winter months and visit with some of the resident critters, including an alpaca, barn cats, chickens, ducks, goats, pigs and sheep.
Downtown Detroit
Take a walk down the Detroit RiverFront to take in the icy river and the unique winter scenes in the city. You can always stop by Campus Martius Park or Beacon Park for family fun events, including outdoor ice skating and outdoor displays. Beyond that, there are plenty of eateries and venues to pop into and check out if you get too cold. Check with the spots you’re interested in for times and costs.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks
There are 13 Metroparks throughout southeast Michigan, many of which offer family wintertime activities including ice fishing, ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing and skiing. Check ahead to see what activities are offered at each park, and don’t forget to bring $10 for parking.
Mill Race Village
- Address: 215 Griswold St., Northville
Stop by and explore the grounds, which house a historical church, school, wooden bridge, blacksmith shop, general store and more. Most buildings are closed during the winter months, but the grounds themselves make for great learning and photo opportunities.
Decked Out Detroit
- Address: Cadillac Square and Monroe Street Midway, 22 Monroe St., Detroit
Cadillac Square will transform into Cadillac Lodge, a heated outdoor space with vendors, warm food and beverages, live music and more. Nearby, the Monroe Street Midway have exciting winter sports and activities for families.
Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester
- Address: Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Dr, Rochester
Check out Meadow Brook’s Winter Wonder Lights and see an interactive light experience. Visitors can explore the National Historic Landmark at its most festive time. There will be seasonal beverages, bonfires, selfie stations and more.
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