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

Unleash the Fun: Indoor Activities for Kids Near Ann Arbor

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.

Where to Play Indoors - 3 kids on colorful slides indoors

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, there’s so…

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Book Sale - Huge Book Sale in Ann Arbor 1,000s of Awesome BOoks, DVDs, CDs, LPs, Puzzles & Games - September 23-26, 2026 9a-8p The Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds - Building A - 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Find important information in event details.

Huge Book Sale

September 23-26 9a-8p

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels - Tailgate Fundraiser Saturday, September 26 11:00am-1:00pm Eastern Athletics & Zingerman's Community of Businesses - a tent set up for tailgating - banner says Go EMU Eagles Est 1849. Sign says welcome Ypsi Meals on Wheels. Guests wearing EMU gear get food under tent at buffet, gather at tables eating/talking and kids throwing a frisbee

Tailgate with Ypsi Meals on Wheels and EMU

September 26 11a-1p

Community Trunk or Treat at Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor - Free & Open to All! Candy, Fun, Music, Best Costume Contest 50/50 Raffle Music & Decorations Lots of Candy! Dress Up, Bring Your Bag, and Join us for a Spooktackular time - Al Are Welcome - Kids in front of a decorated trunk that says Happy Halloween, CMSAA logo on building & other trunks behind

Trunk or Treat

October 24 10a-noon

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

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! Arcades Near Ann Arbor - Kids gather around an arcade game giving each other advice

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 family.Arcades are a great wa…

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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.

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

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

Last weekend’s family friendly new release was The Magic Faraway Tree which is only playing at Cinemark locally. Insidious: Out of the Further also opens and is rated PG-13. Coyote vs. Acme opens on Friday.

  • The Magic Faraway Tree – PG
  • PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie – PG
  • The End of Oak Street – PG-13
  • Insidious: Out of the Further – PG-13
  • The Brink of War – PG
  • Spiderman: Brand New Day – PG-13
  • The Fast and the Furious -25th Anniversary Showings – PG-13

Emagine’s summer movie is The Sandlot – the last movie in the series. The Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse is over for 2026.

Upcoming Movies

Check out the list of movies coming soon for kids, teens, and families.

  • August 28 – Coyote vs Acme – PG
  • September 11.- Practical Magic 2
  • October 16 – Street Fighter – PG-13
  • October 23 – Wildwood
  • October 23 – Klara and the Sun – PG-13
  • November 6 – The Cat in the Hat
  • November 13- Ebeneezer
  • November 20 – Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
  • November 25 – Hexed
  • December 18 – Avengers: Doomsday
  • December 18 – Dune: Part Three

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!

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Indoor Events for Today

Date/TimeEvent
August 25
All Day
Kids Eat Free
August 25
10:00am-12:00pm
Summer of Discovery
at Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Ann Arbor MI
🆓
August 25
11:00am-12:00pm
Baby Playgroup
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓
August 25
11:00am-11:30am
Preschool Storytimes
at Malletts Creek Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓
August 25
11:00am-11:30am
Preschool Storytimes
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
August 25
11:30am
The Sandlot - Summer Kids Series
at Emagine Saline, Saline Michigan
💙🆓
August 25
1:00pm-2:00pm
Bug Crafts
at Westgate Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
August 25
1:00pm-2:00pm
Octopus Mobiles
at Pittsfield Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
August 25
5:00pm-7:00pm
Colorful Pajaki Chandeliers
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
August 25
5:00pm-7:00pm
Riso Lab
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓🎟
August 25
6:00pm-8:00pm
Silent Book Club
at Brightworks Forest Cove, ANn Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
August 25
6:00pm-7:00pm
Tomato Bonanza with Chef Keegan Rodgers
at Malletts Creek Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓🎟
August 25
6:30pm-7:00pm
Pajama Storytime
at Saline District Library, Saline Michigan

Indoor Events for Tomorrow

Date/TimeEvent
August 26
All Day
Kids Eat Free
🆓
August 26
9:00am-1:00pm
White Lotus Farms Farmers Market
at White Lotus Farms, Ann Arbor MI
August 26
10:00am-12:00pm
Summer of Discovery
at Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Ann Arbor MI
🆓
August 26
10:30am-11:30am
Baby Playgroup
at Westgate Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓
August 26
10:30am-11:30am
Baby Playgroup
at Pittsfield Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
August 26
10:30am-11:30am
Korean Storytime
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓
August 26
10:30am-11:00am
Preschool Storytimes
at Malletts Creek Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓🎟
August 26
11:00am-12:00pm
Wild For Woodpeckers
at Dexter District Library, Dexter Michigan
💙🎟
August 26
11:30am
The Sandlot - Summer Kids Series
at Emagine Saline, Saline Michigan
🆓
August 26
12:00pm-12:30pm
Play the Kerrytown Chime
at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓🎟
August 26
1:00pm-2:00pm
Wild For Woodpeckers
at Dexter District Library, Dexter Michigan
💙🆓
August 26
2:00pm-3:30pm
Nature Journaling: Bark and Leaf Study
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
August 26
2:00pm-3:00pm
Paper Plate Jellyfish
at Malletts Creek Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
August 26
6:00pm-7:00pm
Writing Workshop | Weaving Romance Around Suspense
at Westgate Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
August 26
7:00pm
Howl's Moving Castle
at Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor MI
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