FIVE WARM FAMILY ACTIVITIES TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

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Here are our top five family activity recommendations so you can have fun without freezing in Southeast Michigan.

1. Check out some hot wheels.
Automotive enthusiasts look forward to two winter events all year long—the amazing North American International Auto Show and AutoRama. Start your engines and head to the Auto Show which is going on now at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit until Jan. 24th. Classic car, truck and motorcycle lovers must mark their calendars for AutoRama which roars into Cobo Hall from Feb. 26th through Feb. 28th. This quintessential hot-rod show features custom vehicles that will wow the entire family.

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2. Stay warm at cool museum exhibits.
Curious minds of all ages will enjoy discovering the science behind their favorite toys at Toytopia at the Michigan Science Center now through March 31st. Explore 9,700 square feet of life-sized toys and vintage games, and more. The Henry Ford Museum is debuting its Engines Exposed exhibit, which is open now through Feb. 28, 2016. This exhibit offers young car enthusiasts a unique opportunity to look under the hoods of some of the Henry Ford Museum’s most memorable vehicles. Music lovers of all ages will enjoy exploring the rich legacy of Detroit’s music from Gospel to Motown and all genres in between at the Detroit Historical Museum’s Kid Rock Music Lab.

3. See a show at a classic cinema.
Watching a movie at an old-fashioned movie theater is a unique and entertaining experience for the entire family. The Michigan Theater, located in Ann Arbor, features family oldies and newer favorites, like Disney’s Frozen Sing-Along Feb. 27th-28th, and Magical Music of Disney March 13th. Plymouth’s Penn Theatre located in beautiful downtown Plymouth offers a monthly kids flick for only $3. The Peanuts movie premieres on Friday evening, Feb. 5th. Kick it old school by seeing a movie from the comfort or your own vehicle at the Ford Drive-In in Dearborn.

4. Learn how things are made.
What’s better than watching ‘How Things Are Made’ on the Discovery channel? Doing it in person! Watch a truck roll off of the assembly line at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour which offers an inside view of the iconic Detroit auto plant that still churns out F-150s. Please your sweet tooth and tour the Morley Candy Makers and Sanders Candy Factory in Clinton Township, home of delicious Pecan Torties and cream puffs. You can tour the Jiffy Mix Plant in Chelsea 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday, however be sure to make a reservation.

5. Have fun with adorable animals.
Don’t let the cold prevent you from getting your vitamin Z at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. Enjoy your favorite indoor habitats along with special activities, including children’s music, zookeeper talks, crafts and much more. Wild Weekend activities are free with admission on Feb. 6th and 7th from 11 am until 3 pm. If you’re a dog lover, mark your calendar for The Michigan Winter Dog Classic at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi Jan. 21st-24th.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow