Winter break is just around the corner, and you might find yourself wondering what to do with your free time (or what your kids could do with their free time) without spending a ton of money or going on a long trip. Let the library help! Here are some popular ideas you can try that won’t break the bank or require a long drive.
Snow Much Fun!
If you’re in the mood for some outdoor fun this winter, you can’t beat the sledding, cross-country skiing, or other fun activities in one of the many parks in the area. Kensington Metropark also has outdoor ice skating and snowboarding areas, and Maybury State Park includes a working farm and other educational opportunities.
If you want to enjoy some winter sports fun without needing to brave the weather, you could also try the Farmington Hills Ice Arena—just make sure to check their website for details on open skate times before visiting.
Looking for something closer to home? For more snow-filled adventures, check out the Canton Sled Library and level up your sledding game.
Find your Muse-um
If you need a change of scenery, but the weather isn’t cooperating, why not visit a museum?
For the Younger Crowd
For families with energetic kids, there are several options with hands-on indoor activities. You could visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Auburn Hills which features interactive rides and shows as well as, of course, plenty of opportunities to build things out of LEGO bricks.
The Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit is not outdoors, but does let kids explore and experience various outdoor activities such as fishing with interactive exhibits and simulators.
Last, but certainly not least, is the ever-popular Hands-On Museum in Ann Arbor, which is jam-packed with science lessons disguised as fun and engaging activities for youngsters.
Cultural Connections
If you prefer an outing that's a little calmer and more culturally enriching, there are numerous excellent art, science and history museums in the area. You can’t go wrong with the Detroit Institute of Arts, be sure to check out their events page to find things like workshops where you can learn various techniques to make your own art.
Less well known, but equally excellent, is the Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills, and don’t forget to check out their Art Lab for more classes and workshops.
Dive into science at the University of Michigan Natural History Museum, featuring numerous exhibits of prehistoric animals, geological marvels and the wonders of the cosmos. Beyond the exhibits there are workshops, guest lectures, planetarium shows, and Investigate Labs that all offer a deeper, more personal learning experience—check out their Things to Do page for more details.
Another popular destination for Canton residents is the Michigan Flight Museum in Belleville, where you can learn all about the history of aviation in general, and the role of the US automotive industry in World War II and beyond. While there won’t be any air shows happening in the winter months, their indoor exhibits and historic presentations offer plenty of excitement for fans of aviation and history.
More for Less
On a budget? Be sure to check out a Michigan Activity Pass (MAP). The Library Network (of which CPL is a member) sponsors the MAP program, which offers discounted rates to most of the destinations listed above and so much more. Follow the link to search for destinations and activities to begin planning your next exciting outing, with free or reduced rates to boot. Be aware that the passes are limited in quantity, and you can only check out one pass per Canton Public Library card every seven days, so plan accordingly.
For even more ideas, visit the Pure Michigan and Metro Parent websites, both of which provide a wealth of up-to-date information on activities and destinations around the state and metro Detroit area respectively. You could also (literally) check out Michigan Day Trips by Theme by Kathryn Houghton directly from us at CPL.
Whatever you choose to do with your family this winter break, stay safe, stay warm and stay curious!
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