24 activities in Michigan to try when it’s freezing outside
From puzzle tournaments to indoor ice rinks to private chalets, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Michigan’s winters while staying warm.
Here in Michigan, cold weather is officially upon us. In fact, last weekend’s storm dumped a foot of snow in parts of the state. And even though I prepped by purchasing my first-ever electric blanket, I’m also making a vow not to hole up in my house all winter long, because there is truly so much beauty to enjoy about Michigan in the winter.
Whether it’s a winter festival or a simple walk outside, here are some activity ideas to get you started on enjoying another Michigan winter, even when it’s freezing out. We’ve included ideas from all around the state, so no matter where you are in the Mitten—or where you’ll be visiting over the holidays—you’ll find a winter activity to enjoy.
1. Spend a day in Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth is the ultimate go-to for a winter day out in Michigan. The charming Bavarian-style town has the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities, so you can enjoy the brisk weather—and duck inside when you need to.
Enjoy strolling and shopping downtown, shopping for all things Christmas at Bronner’s, taking the kids to one of the three fun-filled indoor water parks, hitting the ice rink, and ending your day with a famous fried chicken dinner.
2. Rent a private igloo for a meal out with loved ones
When the weather outside is frightful, you can cozy up inside your own private igloo to enjoy a meal with loved ones. A $250 minimum (and 10 guest maximum) gets you your own igloo and delicious menu to enjoy at the charming and historic White Horse Inn in downtown Metamora, Michigan. Our family has enjoyed several igloo dinners, and it’s been a memorable experience every time.
It just so happens to be one of Michigan’s oldest restaurants, and the food is absolutely worth the trip. (I recommend the tomato soup!) Reserve quickly, as the igloos do fill up. If you miss a reservation time, you could also book at Blake Farms in Almont, Mich., which offers locally made cider and beverages along with igloo dining for a unique and festive experience.
3. Chill in a chalet in downtown Detroit
If an igloo is not your style, you can also head over to downtown Detroit to reserve an entire private glass chalet at the Lumen. The chalet grants dazzling views of the downtown and delicious food. A minimum purchase of $35/person is required, and a 20% gratuity is added to the total bill.
4. Participate in a puzzle tournament
Nearly every Michigan library will host some kind of puzzle tournament this winter to fill the dreary days. Do a quick search to find a library near you or book a spot at the DeAngeli library in Lapeer, Michigan, for their game and puzzle day in December.
5. Banish the winter blues with a book club
Speaking of libraries, most local branches have some kind of free and welcome-to-all book club. Or, if you’re looking for virtual options, you can join groups like Michigan Public Reads, which meets virtually and hosts monthly in-person events for those interested in getting out of the house.
6. Check out an ‘experience kit’ from your local library
I know I’m talking a lot about the library, but as a new part–time library assistant myself (I work my first shift in a few days!) I have been amazed to learn about the trove of rich resources most local libraries have. For instance, did you know that many libraries have “experience kits” that let you literally check out an entire bin containing everything you need for a new hobby?
Our local branch offers experience kits on everything from watercolor painting to crocheting to journaling to pottery to bird watching and stargazing. Call up your local branch and ask them if they have a similar program to try a new hobby!
7. Tuck away to a spa bed and breakfast for an in-room massage
If you can’t beat the Michigan winter weather, you can accept your fate and hole up in a warm and cozy bed and breakfast and schedule an in-room massage with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. (Honestly, you should do this no matter what.) My favorite place to accomplish this winter activity is at the Historic Webster House in Bay City, Mich.
Their in-room jacuzzi tubs will warm you up, and you can book a massage therapist to come right to your room. (Be sure to ask at booking to ensure the therapist is available during your stay.) It’s the perfect mid-winter refresh.
8. Sign up for a Santa race
Listen, even Santa needs to do a little pre-season training before pulling an all-nighter and eating his weight in cookies, so the Santa Hustle race in Detroit is here to help. The timed 5K and 10K race participants get some seriously festive holiday sweaters to don during the race—and hey, you never know if you might pass a reindeer as you’re flying down the course! There’s also a kids’ race, and all participants get a beanie and a long-sleeve shirt, as well as finisher’s medals.
9. Slip on some snowshoes
As an avid “Anne of Green Gables” reader growing up, I always wanted to try snowshoeing, but I admit I’ve never actually done it. I really don’t understand it or even know where to go, but both of those problems are quickly solved at Berrien County Park in Niles, Mich. The park allows you to bring your own snowshoes in or rent a pair at the Nature Center.
Aside from snowshoeing, you can also try fat biking, cross-country skiing, or even night skiing when conditions allow it. (You will need a ski trail pass for night skiing and fat biking, or you can pick up an annual winter pass for unlimited trail rides.
10. Go cross-country skiing in Brighton
Southeast Michigan may not be the first place that pops into your mind when you think of cross-country skiing, but Huron Meadows Metropark in Brighton has groomed cross-country trails, and it’s free to visit if you have an annual vehicle pass (or just $10 for a day pass if not).
11. Rent a rage room
When you hit that point in Michigan winter when you feel like you can’t just take it anymore, it might be time to consider renting a rage room. Rage rooms are a more recent trend, where you can pay someone to lock you in a room where you are allowed to smash dishes, pottery, and other objects into little pieces to blow off some steam.
The Rage Room in Farmington Hills offers a “basic rage” package starting at $41. (I love that there are different levels of “rage” for sale.)
12. Warm up with homemade pizzas in Harbor Springs
After a day spent enjoying free tubing or cross-country skiing at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs, you can warm up by the fire to sip locally-made wine and sample homemade pizza from the brick oven. The farm operates in a farm-to-table fashion, so many of the ingredients are grown on-site. There are also plenty of farm events, like live music, crafts, and shopping, to participate in (all indoors!).
13. Pop into Petoskey winter warming park
Petoskey’s Winter Sports Park may have all of the traditional outdoor activities, like ice skating, sledding, and hockey to enjoy, but it also features a delightful warming hut with food, a fireplace, and warm beverages. There’s even free WiFi, a TV, and board games, so it’s a great way to stay warm and still enjoy Michigan outdoor fun. (It is advised to check the website before you visit to ensure all the attractions are open.)
14. Step into a steamy sauna session
Honestly, it’s barely winter, but I’m fully ready to invest in this already. Many sauna businesses that let you book a private sauna outdoors, like Takka Saunas in Eagle Harbor Township, are popping up throughout Michigan. Takka even offers monthly memberships to enjoy a sauna all season long, as well as add-ons like outdoor fire experiences and guided sauna sessions.
15. Hit the ice (indoors)
While ice skating outdoors can have a certain magical appeal, sometimes, it’s just too darn cold. There are plenty of indoor ice rinks in Michigan to enjoy when the weather just isn’t cooperating. For instance, Patterson Ice Center in Grand Rapids, on the west side of the state, offers full rinks, lessons, and public open skating. You can also visit Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, Mich., to share the same ice as the greats.
16. Soak up the pampering at a scalp spa
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting a scalp spa, may I just say: You’re in for a real treat. I will admit that a scalp session is a bit of an indulgence, so you may want to start saving or put a gift certificate on your holiday wish list, but it’s worth it at least once.
SE Michigan residents can visit the Serene Scalp Spa in Birmingham for an official scalp spa experience, but many local spas offer scalp pampering sessions as well. (I got mine at Fresh Coast Blonde salon in Lapeer, Mich., a few years ago, and it was one of the most relaxing experiences of my life.)
17. Do a drive-through light show
While I’m a big fan of drive-through light shows, I feel like we really need to have them after the holiday. There’s enough hustle and bustle and fun during the holiday seasons, but afterwards, the cold, dreary days can be a real bummer. That’s why I appreciate that some light shows, like the Christmas Lite Show in Grand Rapids, run a few days after, through Jan. 3, giving you something warm to do after the festive merriment of the holidays is over.
18. Take in a show at the Detroit Opera House
Not only is the Detroit Opera House a historic destination to visit on its own, but it’s also home to stunning shows that are worth the drive, no matter where you live. For instance, in late January, you can take in performances by the renowned Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, a dance troupe with over 47 years of experience.
19. Solve a murder
Unfortunately, the popular Old Road Dinner train is currently closed for relocation, but Michiganders looking for an interactive murder mystery event can head over to Troy for a murder mystery dinner theater. Guests become part of the drama, all while enjoying dinner, desserts, and a little light clue-solving.
20. Cultivate your inner chef with a cooking class
If you take one of the many mouthwatering classes at Mirepoix Culinary School in Royal Oak, Michigan, please be sure to invite me over afterward to try out your new skills, because, yum. The school offers courses on everything from Brazilian steak to homemade ravioli, perfect for winter nights when you need a little warm-up.
21. Pick up a new skill at the pottery wheel
I took a pottery class once in college, and I still proudly drink from that cup with the crooked handle to this day. Winter is the perfect time to try your hand at throwing on the pottery wheel or take a more beginner-friendly approach with hand-shaping or just painting pre-fired pieces. Pottery Lane in Grand Rapids offers all the above, and more, with 8-week courses that run regularly, as well as standalone classes and workshops.
22. Stop in at a salt spa
Here is where I will offer the somewhat disappointing disclaimer that salt spas are not actually heated, as I mistakenly thought. But they are still a unique and very refreshing experience to enjoy, especially during a Michigan winter when you can’t shake the sniffles. Salt spas are said to help clear respiratory ailments, like congestion and coughs, and promote overall health and wellness. You can visit the Salt Spa of Saint Claire Shores or Royal Oak, Mich.
23. Book a day at the museum
There is nothing I love more in life than a good museum. Fortunately, I have birthed equally nerdy kids, so we have had the pleasure of visiting as many Michigan museums as possible. Michigan has truly incredible museums, from the expansive Henry Ford Museum (I will never get over seeing the chair Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in or the bus Rosa Parks made history on!) to the Air Zoo museum in Kalamazoo with indoor carnival rides for kids to totally free family museums like Ann Arbor’s University of Michigan Museum of Natural History.
Many Michigan museums also offer occasional discounted or free visit days, so check the calendar before you plan your visit if you’re on a budget. (Henry Ford’s free day is December 1st, 2025, for instance.)
24. Throw an axe at the wall
I mean, sure, you could use your axe for practical purposes, like chopping wood to keep the house warm. Or, you could pick up the axe for purely entertainment at one of Michigan’s many fine axe-throwing establishments. I am partial to Axecadia in Lapeer, Mich., where I learned to throw my very first axe, and I even got a bullseye. (Okay, or at least close to the bullseye.)
Axecadia also has a full underground arcade, which is the perfect way to pass a dreary winter day. You could even count it as exercise, thanks to the retro Dance-Dance Revolution game they have. Sounds like a winter win to me!
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