The kids are off of school here in metro Detroit for another week and so are some adults. What do you do to entertain them, and maybe yourselves, for another week?
Now, as you may have figured out, I’m not a mom. However, my husband and I are just really big kids. So, I have some suggestions on great places in Detroit that will be fun for all ages.
Skaters at Campus Martius
Energy to Burn
1. Planet Rock Climbing Gym, with locations in both Ann Arbor and Pontiac, is a place where the kids can, literally, climb the walls. They have extended hours this week.
2. Let the little ones jump and bounce to their hearts content at BounceU, an inflatable wonderland. They have open bounce sessions scheduled all week and a Family Bounce Night.
3. Get your skates on mate, and head downtown to The Rink at Campus Martius. Take a few laps around the rink and try your best at a double axel or hockey stop. Or, maybe just try not to fall down! Is your kid the next Dorothy Hamill or Steve Yzerman?
4. Joe Dumars’ Fieldhouse is known for its basketball and volleyball courts and roller hockey arenas. But did you know that the Fieldhouse also contains the Bayou Adventure Entertainment Center? The entertainment center features miniature golf, laser tag, a bungee trampoline, a high ropes course, a climbing wall, a slotcar raceway, and an arcade.
5. Take to the slopes and hit one the four ski hills in the area: Pine Knob, Mt. Holly, Alpine Valley, and Mt. Brighton. All are within driving distance of metro Detroit and offer skiing and snowboarding.
Inspire and Learn
6. Life-size dinosaurs invade Cobo Arena in Walking with Dinosaurs: The Arena Spectacular from December 29th through January 3rd. Ten species of dinosaurs are represented in this show that is so large it can only play arenas.
7. Delve into the wonders of science, math and technology at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Check out The Big Build! which is going on all week and they are even open New Years Day.
8. I know I have harped on about the Museum Adventure Pass before and added an update. It’s such a great program that enables you to enjoy many of Detroit’s museums and cultural institutions for free. Just check for black out dates.
9. & 10. Speaking of harping, take the time this week to take the kiddies on a free tour of the GM Renaissance Center and/or The Guardian Building. The tours only run during the week so take advantage of them while the kids are on Christmas break.
If nothing else, and weather permitting, pry your kids and yourselves away from your computers and Wii consoles and go sledding or make snow angels. Just spend good quality time with the family; it’s the perfect way to usher in the new decade.