Winter offers a variety of fun activities to do outdoors. The key to enjoying your time outside is to make sure you are dressed appropriately for the cold (layers, people!) and that you have the appropriate gear for the chosen activity. Embracing the snow and cold does not hurt either. So pull on your coat and grab a hat, because you won't want to miss these fun winter activities in southeast Michigan.
Fat Tire Winter Biking
Fat tire biking is all the rage. If you are curious and want to try it out before making an investment, you can rent a bike from a number of places (usually located near a trail).
- Pure Michigan: Winter Biking
- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources' list of trails
- Map of Groomed Winter Trails from Mountain Bike Michigan
- 17 Fat Tire Biking Trails to Try in Michigan from MLive
Hiking and Snowshoeing
Hiking can happen anytime of the year—and it is often free. If you are feeling more adventurous, consider snowshoeing. Snowshoes are relatively inexpensive and a great way to have fun in the snow. Some parks also offer other planned winter activities for a modest fee. Places to check out this winter season include:
- Best Places to Snowshoe in Metro Detroit from Little Guide Detroit
- Lower River Rouge Recreation Trail
- Huron-Clinton Metroparks
- Leslie Science and Nature Center in Ann Arbor
- Independence Oaks County Park
Ice Skating
Whatever your ability, lacing up skates and taking to the ice is essential wintertime fun. You can find places to ice skate in the area on these websites:
- Metro Parent’s list of outdoor rinks in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor
- Ice Skating in Metro Detroit from Metro Detroit Mommy
- Where to Skate in Washtenaw County from Ann Arbor Family Press
Skiing & Snowboarding
According to Pure Michigan, our state comes in second for the most ski areas in the United States. See their list of more than 40 ski areas in Michigan. Many offer snowboarding as well, and several are within an hour or so of Canton:
- Alpine Valley Ski Resort in White Lake
- Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort in Clarkston
- Holly Ski and Snowboard Resort in Holly
- Brighton Ski Resort in Brighton
Cross-country skiing is also a great winter activity that is easily accessible in our area:
- 20+ Best Cross-Country Skiing Trails in Metro Detroit from Awesome Mitten
- Oakland County Cross Country Skiing from Oakland County Moms
- Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation
- Ann Arbor Ski Club
Sledding & Tubing
Of course, if skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, you can always test your nerve on one of the many sledding hills in the region:
- Best Sledding Hills in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor from Metro Parent
- Favorite Sledding Hills in Metro Detroit from Little Guide Detroit
- Check out a sled from the Canton Township Sled Library
Tubing is also a fun and exciting way to enjoy the snow:
- Pure Michigan: Luge, Tubing and Sledding
- Places to Go Snowtubing in Metro Detroit from Little Guide Detroit
Winter Festivals and Festivities
Michigan ice festivals are a sight to see, and many feature family-friendly activities including sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and often live music and fireworks displays. Most stunning of all, however, are the professional ice sculptors displaying (or even performing) their art for all to admire. Here are some winter festivals within easy driving distance of Canton.
- Fire & Ice Festival on the Detroit Riverfront – January 5-7, 2024
- Dexter Ice Fest – January 20, 2024
- Plymouth Ice Festival – February 2-4, 2024
- Winter Blast Royal Oak – February 2-4, 2024
Visit the Zoo
You can visit the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak or the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium during the winter. In fact, many animals are more active during cold weather.
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