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Indoor Kids Activities Near Ann Arbor - Girl sitting among foam blocks

Unleash the Fun: Indoor Activities for Kids Near Ann Arbor

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Are you looking for indoor fun for kids near Ann Arbor? We’ve got you covered whether it is a rainy day, cold wintry day, or super hot summer day. These indoor children’s activities near us are also great for the smoky days with the Canadian wildfires this week.

Our events calendar includes all of the great indoor events near Ann Arbor. Addtitonally, there are plenty of Indoor Family Activities near Ann Arbor that you can enjoy anytime.

Ann Arbor Indoor Activities

Did we miss some of your favorite Ann Arbor Indoor Activities? Let us know in the comments and we’ll be sure to add them to the summary.

Indoor Play Locations

Indoor Playgrounds

Playgrounds are the perfect indoor thing to do with toddlers near us – they’re also great indoor fun for preschoolers. Unfortunately, indoor playgrounds have struggled to survive in Washtenaw County. Chelsea Treehouse has been the only one to endure through the years.

The Jungle Java near us is now in Canton. The Ann Arbor location closed many years ago.

A few options are:

  • Chelsea Treehouse – 1101 S. Main St, Chelsea
  • McDonalds*
    • 3001 Lohr Rd, Ann Arbor
    • 7848 E Michigan Avenue, Saline
    • 1535 S Main St, Chelsea (I am less sure about this one)
    • 5550 W Michigan Avenue, Pittsfield Township (by Sam’s Club)
  • 2|42 Community Center* – see our report from their Grand Opening

* McDonald’s website does not list any locations near us as having indoor play places. These are ones that used to have indoor play places. I have it on my schedule to drive by a couple locations and verify
** Editor’s Notes:
2|42 Community Center is run by the 2|42 Church. We recognize that our readership includes both church members and those who object to the church’s stance particularly on LGBTQ+ issues. We are listing it as one of the few indoor playground options in Ann Arbor. Each family can decide if it is the right option for their family.

Events from our Sponsors

Indoor Bouncing

Similar to indoor play grounds, indoor bounce locations have had a troubled history in Ann Arbor. As of June 2023 there is one inflatable location and two trampoline parks.

Visit a Museum

Visiting a museum is great indoor fun for family near Ann Arbor. There are so many options to choose from. I love that there are also several we can visit for free

Our Top 5 Ann Arbor Area Museums for Kids

Museums are a great choice year round. They are a great option for rainy summer days (or really hot days when the air conditioning is a welcome relief). They are...

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We have lots of great museum options in the Ann Arbor Area. Just be careful if it’s Monday. Several of the museums are closed that day.

Indoor Sports

Are you looking for indoor activities near you for teens? Indoor sports are great for teens – and kids of all ages. Check out bowling alleys, fowling, swimming, and skating.

Bowling

Bowling is always a great indoor activity year round. There are several bowling options in the Ann Arbor area.

7 Amazing Ann Arbor Bowling Alleys to Electrify your Outing

There are a few Ann Arbor Bowling Alleys. Bowling is a great family activity that can appeal to a wide range of ages. With bowling ramps and bumpers, even preschoolers can have fun...

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Ice Skating

There are several indoor ice rinks in the Ann Arbor area plus the Buhr Park rink which is outdoor but covered. Several operate year round, others are only open in the colder months. Check out our Ice Skating Guide for more details.

Skate Your Heart Out: Unmissable Ice Skating Near Ann Arbor

There are several Ice Skating Rinks Near Ann Arbor. These both indoor ice rinks available year round, seasonally, and outdoor skating rinks open in winter.  As a child my favorite...

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Swimming

You can swim all year with indoor pools. Check out our Indoor Swimming Guide.

Swim Year Round at These Indoor Pools Near Ann Arbor

My daughter has always loved swimming - no wonder she is on her high school team. When she was younger, I found that swimming periodically would help her maintain her...

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Other Sports

Gaming Fun

Growing up in the 80s, the arcade was always a hit indoor activity for teens near us. Here in Ann Arbor, we have our own Retro arcade in Pinball Pete’s.

Introduce the Kids to Retro 80s Fun At Pinball Pete’s

This review of the Ann Arbor's Pinball Pete's is part of our Summer Series: Wednesday Activity Reviews. Check out all the fun at this Ann Arbor arcade and all of...

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Just down the road is the UM Video Game Archive. There you can check out a game on the latest system, or a wide variety of classic systems.

Amaze the Kids (& Yourself) at the UM Video Game Archive

Shhhh!!!! Your kids will be amazed at the expansive selection of video games and legacy systems at the UM Video Game Archive

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Another great choice is Best in Games (BIG). They offer an arcade, Laser Tag, Go Karts, Adventure Course, and so much more. BIG is located at 4095 Carpenter Rd.

You can also find a great arcade at Revel & Roll Bowling Alley.

Or, go less tech heavy and check out one of the escape rooms in the area!

Travel Around the World in 80 Days at Decode Ann Arbor

Over Thanksgiving Weekend we visited Decode Detroit's Ann Arbor location to travel Around the World in 80 Days. Decode Detroit has been voted a top 10 escape room in the...

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Joining the Aurora Society at Decode Ypsilanti

This weekend we visited Decode Ypsilanti for their Aurora Society escape room. Decode has been voted a top 10 escape room in the USA by the readers of USA Today....

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Or check out one of the other escape room locations

Movies

Movies are always a great indoor activity. With summer here, there are a number of morning kids series which are perfect for a rainy day.

There are daily movie discounts below

  • Rave – Discounted Tuesday. $5.50 tickets all day. A premium is applied for 3D, IMAX & DBOX. Does not apply to certain special showings or on holidays
  • Emagine – Free Popcorn Tuesdays for Emagine Rewards members, $5 Ticket Tuesdays for Emagine Rewards Members

Summer Movies This Week

New in theaters is Blue Beetle. There are plenty of kid-friendly movies at the theater this week:

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – PG
  • Haunted Mansion – PG-13
  • Barbie – PG-13
  • Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One – PG-13
  • Meg2 – The Trench – PG-13
  • The Hill – PG

We saw Oppenheimer (rated R) and we do recommend it for older teens and adults.

It’s the last weekend for the drive-in at USA Hockey Arena.

Get $4 Movies in Ann Arbor with National Cinema Day

2023 National Cinema Day is Sunday, August 27. Movies are showing at select movie theaters for $4. Participating Ann Arbor Theaters Michigan & State Theater In Downtown Ann Arbor, both...

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Cinema Under the Stars: Outdoor Movies Near Ann Arbor

I've loved seeing outdoor movies since my first trip to the drive-in. There are lots of options for outdoor movies near Ann Arbor. Michigan summer nights are often cool making...

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Rev Up Your Summer: 7 Tips for USA Hockey Arena Drive-In

In 2022 we made our first ever trip to the Summer Drive-In at USA Hockey Arena. We saw Thor: Love and Thunder. We returned to the USA Hockey Arena Drive-In...

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Nature Indoors

You can still experience nature indoors.

Check out Matthaei Botanical Gardens – note the linked review covers both the indoor conservatory and outdoor children’s garden.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens – Wednesday Activity Review

This review of Matthaei Botanical Gardens is part of our Summer Series: Wednesday Activity Reviews. While visiting this weekend, my mother-in law suggested visiting the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. My daughter...

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Spend a couple hours with the Cats at Tiny Lions Cat Cafe.

Tiny Lions lounge and adoption Center

Ann Arbor’s cat café, the Tiny Lions lounge and adoption Center (or “TLC” for short!) is an offshoot of the Humane Society of Huron Valley—a place where kids young and old can visit with kittens and cats in a comfy space. While all the felines there are available for adoption, there are no strings attached!

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Indoor Events for Today

Date/TimeEvent
12/04/2023
All Day
Everyday Indoor Activities
🎟
12/04/2023
8:45am-9:30am
Pre-School Playtime
at Gym America, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓
12/04/2023
10:30am-11:30am
Baby Playgroup
at Malletts Creek Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/04/2023
10:30am-11:00am
Preschool Art Start
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓
12/04/2023
10:30am-11:00am
Preschool Storytimes
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
12/04/2023
11:00am-12:00pm
Tot Time
at PAX Gymnastics, Chelsea Michigan
🆓🎟
12/04/2023
4:30pm-6:00pm
B-Side Venue Promotion Team
at Neutral Zone, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓🎟
12/04/2023
4:30pm-6:00pm
Kitchen Savvy
at Neutral Zone, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓🎟
12/04/2023
4:30pm-6:00pm
Visual Arts Council
at Neutral Zone, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
12/04/2023
6:00pm
Arthur Christmas
at Cinemark Movie Theater, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓
12/04/2023
6:00pm-6:30pm
Screening | What Are Your Names, Asia(n)?
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/04/2023
6:00pm-7:30pm
Sewing Lab: Pattern Cutting with Rae Hoekstra
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/04/2023
6:00pm-7:00pm
Soft & Cozy Fox Cup Warmers
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/04/2023
6:30pm-7:30pm
DIY Party Popper
at Malletts Creek Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan

Indoor Events for Tomorrow

Date/TimeEvent
12/05/2023
All Day
Everyday Indoor Activities
🎟
12/05/2023
10:00am-10:45am
Marbear Yoga: Storytime Yoga (ages 2-6)
at Studio Studio, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓
12/05/2023
11:00am-12:00pm
Baby Playgroup
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓
12/05/2023
11:00am-11:30am
Preschool Storytimes
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓
12/05/2023
11:00am-11:30am
Preschool Storytimes
at Malletts Creek Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
12/05/2023
11:00am-12:00pm
Tot Time
at PAX Gymnastics, Chelsea Michigan
🎟
12/05/2023
1:15pm-2:15pm
Kids Play Time
at Michigan Academy of Gymnastics, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓🎟
12/05/2023
4:30pm-6:00pm
Future Corps HS
at Neutral Zone, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/05/2023
4:30pm-5:30pm
LEGO Club
at Dexter District Library, Dexter Michigan
🆓🎟
12/05/2023
4:30pm-6:00pm
Songwriting
at Neutral Zone, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓🎟
12/05/2023
4:30pm-5:30pm
Teen Great Stories Book Club
at Spark East, Ypsilanti Michigan
🆓🎟
12/05/2023
4:30pm-6:00pm
Theater
at Neutral Zone, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
12/05/2023
5:00pm-6:00pm
PJs & Stories with Santa
at Saline Rec Center, Saline MI
💙🆓
12/05/2023
5:30pm-7:30pm
Block Printing Workshop
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/05/2023
6:00pm-7:30pm
Folk Song Jam Along
at Westgate Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
12/05/2023
6:30pm-7:30pm
PJs & Stories with Santa
at Saline Rec Center, Saline MI
💙🆓
12/05/2023
6:30pm-7:00pm
Screening | What Are Your Names, Asia(n)?
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓
12/05/2023
7:00pm-8:00pm
Meditation with Ease
at Ypsilanti District Library – Superior, Ypsilanti Michigan

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