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
During the long winter months and increasingly hot summers, it is always a great idea to have a plan for indoor play where the kids can still get their energy out.
Epic Indoor Play Near Ann Arbor: Bounce, Climb, Imagine & More
There are plenty of fun indoor play spaces near Ann Arbor where kids can jump, climb, run, and explore. Perfect for when the Michigan weather takes a turn – sub-zero temperatures in winter, rainy days, sweltering summer days, or poor air quality days from distant wildfires. From sensory-friendly gyms to trampoline parks and play cafés, […]
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. The preschool room at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is a great place for preschoolers to play indoors!
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 also a great option for freezing cold winter days. There are a number of great museums in and around Ann Arbor that are a great […]
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.
Score a Strike Bowling at Ann Arbor’s 7 Best Alleys
Get in the fast lane to fun at these Bowling Alleys in Ann Arbor area. 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 bowling. Bowling is a great option for cold winter days, hot summer days, or rainy days year round. While […]
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 include both indoor ice rinks available year round or seasonally, and outdoor rinks. As a child, my bus route home from school went past a park where they created a natural rink each winter. I would check the status to see if it was safe […]
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
Yes, there are a number of Ann Arbor Indoor Pool where you can swim year round! There’s nothing like a taste of summer on a cold winter day – until you have to go back outside. Find an Indoor Swimming Pools Near You Are you looking for an Indoor Swimming Pool? Check out the map to […]
Other Sports
- Best in Games includes Go Karts, Arcade, Laser Tag, Mini Golf, and so much more – 4095 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti
- Planet Rock offers indoor rock climbing. 82 Aprill Dr C, Ann Arbor
- Whirlyball Ann Arbor – 750 Phoenix Drive, Ann Arbor
- Meri Lou Murray Rec Center offers some availability of their gym for basketball and other activities. – 2960 Washtenaw Ave
- Saline Rec Center offers open gym times. – 1866 Woodland Dr E, Saline
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.
Game On Time! 7 Best Family Fun Arcades Near Ann Arbor
Introduce the kids to retro fun at the 7 best arcades in Ann Arbor to take your kids? Whether you’re planning a fun outing with elementary schoolers or teens, there are a number of arcades to choose from. From retro pinball machines to state-of-the-art arcade games, these spots offer something for every gamer in the […]
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
Or, go less tech heavy and check out one of the escape rooms in the area!
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. About Aurora Society The Aurora Society is a magical society in Ypsilanti that gets their power from the Aurora Borealis. Once in the room, you […]
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 USA by the readers of USA Today. About Around the World in 80 Days From Decode Detroit’s description of. the journey: Join your pilot, Milo, […]
Or check out one of the other escape room locations
- Clueless Escape Room – 5204 Jackson Rd Suite F, Ann Arbor
- Breakout Escape Rooms – 3460 E Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor
Movies
Movies are always a great indoor activity. During summer, there are a number of morning kids series which are perfect for a rainy day.
Now Playing
There are no new kid-friendly movies this weekend (The Mummy is rated R). However there are several PG & PG-13 movies still in theaters:
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – PG
- Hoppers – PG
- Project Hail Mary – PG-13
- You, Me, & Tuscany – PG-13
Lights, Camera, Action: The Best Movie Theaters in Ann Arbor
There are several movie theaters near Ann Arbor that make for a fun outing year round. Seeing a movie is great for families, a date night (or afternoon), or teens with their friends. Check out all these cinemas near us. Best Movie Theaters in Ann Arbor Area Michigan Theater and State Theater are independent, non-profit […]
Upcoming Movies
Check out the list of movies coming soon for kids, teens, and families.
- May 1 – Animal Farm – PG
- May 1 – The Devil Wears Prada 2 – PG-13
- May 8 – The Sheep Detectives – PG
- May 22 – Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu
- June 5 – Masters of the Universe
- June 19 – Toy Story 5
- June 26 – Supergirl
- July 1 – Minions 3
- July 10 – Moana
- July 17 – The Odyssey
- July 31 – Spider-Man: Brand New Day
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 had just been on a Girl Scout field trip which she loved. She loved her field trip and couldn’t wait to show us everything that […]
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!
Indoor Events for Today
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓 | April 18 9:00am-11:00am | Open House Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor
at Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Michigan Join Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor for a morning inside their classrooms and experience the Christian Montessori difference firsthand. They are opening their doors for a relaxed drop-in Open House from 9-11a, and families are welcome to stop by at any time during that window. Breakfast bagels, muffins, coffee,...Read More |
April 18 9:00am-10:00am | Toddler Time at Launch Trampoline at Launch Trampoline, Ann Arbor Michigan | |
| 💙 | April 18 10:00am-4:00pm | Eddy Discovery Center Grand Reopening at Eddy Discovery Center, Chelsea Michigan |
| 🎟 | April 18 10:00am-12:00pm | Introduction to Machine Sewing Skill Development at Maker Works, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 10:00am-11:30am | Nature Journaling at Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter Michigan |
| 🆓 | April 18 10:15am-11:15am | AADL Welcomes | Wee-Write with 826michigan at Malletts Creek Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 🆓 | April 18 10:30am-11:00am | Play the Kerrytown Chime at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 10:45am-12:45pm | Earth Day at Hide and Seek - A Play Boutique at Hide and Seek Play Boutique, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | April 18 11:00am | Celebrate Earth Day with Joe Reilly and Friends at Ypsilanti Freighthouse, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | April 18 11:00am-12:00pm | Drop-In Spring Crafts at Dexter District Library, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | April 18 11:00am-5:00pm | Record Store Day at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | April 18 11:00am-12:00pm | Sensory Stations at Ypsilanti District Library – Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 🆓 | April 18 11:00am-11:30am | Storytime at Schuler Books (Nicola’s Books), Ann Arbor MI |
| 💙 | April 18 12:00pm-3:00pm | Critter House Open Hours at Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor MI |
April 18 12:00pm-2:00pm | Open Swim at Beach Middle School, Chelsea Michigan | |
| 💙🆓 | April 18 12:00pm-4:00pm | U-M Medical History Exhibit
at Museum on Main Street, Ann Arbor Michigan This free exhibit celebrates the Medical School's 175th anniversary, and the 100th anniversary of the "Old Main" hospital that was U-M's flagship for more than 60 years. It runs on weekends through August 30. Kids and grownups can explore artifacts including 1800s surgical kits, a 1910s wheelchair, early scientific equipment...Read More |
| 🆓🎟 | April 18 12:00pm-1:00pm | Wee-Write at Ypsilanti District Library – Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | April 18 1:00pm-2:00pm | Kids Writing Contest Awards Celebration at Malletts Creek Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 1:30pm-3:00pm | The Black Lagoon 3D - on 35MM at Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor MI |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 2:00pm-3:00pm | Baby Deer - Kids Painting pARTy at Whitepine Studios, Saline Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | April 18 2:00pm-3:00pm | Be Brave, Be Kind, Be You at Ypsilanti District Library – Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 2:00pm-4:00pm | Crafternoon: Mushroom Stuffies at SCRAP Creative Reuse, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 2:00pm-4:00pm | Human Rights Workshop for Kids at Acton Academy Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 2:00pm | Matilda Jr at 2|42 Community Church, Ann Arbor MI |
April 18 2:00pm-6:00pm | Open Swim at Mack Pool, Ann Arbor Michigan | |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 2:00pm-3:30pm | Pewter Sandcasting Tool Training at Maker Works, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 2:00pm | Shrek Jr. by Tappan Players at Tappan Middle School, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 2:00pm-4:00pm | Spring STEM at Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | April 18 3:00pm-4:30pm | HEXBUG Adventures at Westgate Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | April 18 3:30pm-4:30pm | Teen Tea Party at Ypsilanti District Library – Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 6:00pm | Shrek Jr. by Tappan Players at Tappan Middle School, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 6:00pm-8:30pm | Wooden Puzzle Makers at Future Innovators Academy, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 7:00pm | Inherit the Wind at Columbus Hall & Banquet Center, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 18 7:00pm | Our Town at Legacy Theatre, Ypsilanti MI |
Indoor Events for Tomorrow
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 🎟 | April 19 8:30am-9:30am | Yoga with Cats at Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 19 9:00am-11:00am | Pictures with a Princess at Hide and Seek Play Boutique, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | April 19 10:00am-4:00pm | Eddy Discovery Center Grand Reopening at Eddy Discovery Center, Chelsea Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | April 19 11:00am | Celebrate Earth Day with Joe Reilly and Friends at Ypsilanti Freighthouse, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | April 19 11:00am-4:00pm | Gardening and Farm Fest at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | April 19 12:00pm-3:00pm | Critter House Open Hours at Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor MI |
| 💙🎟 | April 19 12:00pm-3:00pm | Intro to Shuttle Tatting Workshop at SCRAP Creative Reuse, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | April 19 12:00pm-4:00pm | U-M Medical History Exhibit
at Museum on Main Street, Ann Arbor Michigan This free exhibit celebrates the Medical School's 175th anniversary, and the 100th anniversary of the "Old Main" hospital that was U-M's flagship for more than 60 years. It runs on weekends through August 30. Kids and grownups can explore artifacts including 1800s surgical kits, a 1910s wheelchair, early scientific equipment...Read More |
| 💙🆓 | April 19 1:00pm-3:00pm | Chesstastic at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 19 2:00pm | Inherit the Wind at Columbus Hall & Banquet Center, Dexter Michigan |
April 19 2:00pm-6:00pm | Open Swim at Mack Pool, Ann Arbor Michigan | |
| 💙🎟 | April 19 2:00pm | Our Town at Legacy Theatre, Ypsilanti MI |
| 💙🎟 | April 19 2:00pm-4:00pm | Preserving the Past at Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | April 19 2:00pm | Shrek Jr. by Tappan Players at Tappan Middle School, Ann Arbor Michigan |
April 19 4:15pm-5:15pm | Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School, Ann Arbor Michigan | |
| 💙🎟 | April 19 7:00pm | 30 Years of Pops Love at Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor MI |
