For many people, January is a time of relaxing and recovering from the holidays. Once the snow starts settling in through February and March it becomes more difficult to find activities to stay as busy as possible throughout this winter season. However, there are many activities in the Metro Detroit area to do with friends and family all winter long.

Sports fans can head to Little Caesars Arena for a Pistons basketball game or a Red Wings hockey game, which is always fun. Grabbing a bite to eat before the game at one of the many eateries around the arena, then kicking back and watching either of these teams in person makes for a great night out, regardless of if they win or lose.

Another downtown Detroit activity that makes for some great time is ice skating at Campus Martius Park. This outdoor rink stays up and running through March and makes for a fun family outing or a great way to skate and catch up with some friends while taking in the bright lights and the big city of Detroit.

For museum lovers, there are many in the area for those who love to spend the day taking in art or a bit of history. The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, the Detroit Institute of Arts in downtown Detroit and the University of Michigan Art Museum are all great options to explore this winter.

Aquarium lovers have a few options as well. The Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy viewing many types of aquatic life in an historic setting. For a more interactive aquarium experience there is the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, located in Auburn Hills at Great Lakes Crossing. This aquarium includes unique experiences such as a touch pool full of starfish and an ocean tunnel you can walk through.

Although the winter might seem like it is hard to get through after the busy and bustling holiday season, there are still a number of activities to do with friends and family to make the snow season fly by.

Winter Day Trips

Frankenmuth, MI – This little Bavarian town is the perfect getaway, a charming city that has enough to offer for everyone.

Saugatuck, MI – This small town on the west coast of Michigan is a huge hit in the summer, but there is also much to see in the winter. With a walkable downtown, lots of art galleries and restaurants, you will be charmed.

Grand Rapids, MI – It has the same big-city feel as Detroit while also delivering a small-town vibe. Check out its many breweries or walk the boardwalk along the Grand River.

Ann Arbor, MI – This city is worth visiting even outside football season. Named the best city to live in Michigan, you won’t want to miss its eclectic stores, coffee houses and restaurants.

Holland, MI – This city has the best of both worlds, with a cute downtown area (complete with heated sidewalks!), numerous shops, restaurants and coffee places in which to warm up. And when the lake freezes over, it is a sight to see.

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