Outdoor activities can be challenging to do in fall and winter, but there are plenty of interesting and fun activities for kids of all ages that take place indoors. Think about visiting one of these places in southeast Michigan next time it’s too cold, rainy, or snowy outside.

1. Bayou Adventure, Joe Dumars’ Fieldhouse, Shelby Township
Monday-Friday 5-10, Saturday and Sunday 10-10
45300 Mound Road, (586) 731-3080

There’s plenty to do at the Bayou in Shelby Township. At 30,000 square feet, kids and families can enjoy activities such as mini golf, laser tag, a high ropes course, and a climbing wall. The 33 foot inflatable shark slide is a favorite and opens for a limited time each day. Those with lots of energy will love Bayou Adventure!

2. TreeHouse, Chelsea
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10-5, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10-7:30, Sunday 10-4
1101 S. Main St., (734) 475-1555

Located just 10 minutes west of Ann Arbor and less than an hour from the Motor City, TreeHouse is an indoor playground and café that is a favorite pick for kids and parents. Over 9,000 square feet contains a climbing and playing structure, slides, swinging bridges, basketball hoops, and a large tree house. There’s even a baby and toddler area for the little ones. The café offers fresh, natural, and homemade food for lunch and snacking.

3. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, Ann Arbor
Monday-Saturday 9-5, Sunday 12-5
1109 Geddes Avenue, (734) 764-0478

Free to explore, the Museum of Natural History on the campus of U of M offers kids four floors of exhibit space, including a large display of dinosaurs and a Planetarium.  For older kids, the museum offers a glimpse into the research that the University of Michigan is doing in the fields of geology, paleontology, astronomy, and anthropology.

4. Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum, Farmington Hills
Monday to Thursday 10-9, Friday and Saturday 10-11, Sunday 11-9
31005 Orchard Lake Road, (248) 626-5020

One of the most unusual museums in the country, Marvin’s is “home to thousands of mechanical oddities and one-of-a-kind collectibles.” These games and machines range from your favorite pinball game to the very strange. Bring lots of quarters and make sure to use the photo booth before you leave.

5. Sea Life Aquarium, Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills
Monday-Saturday 10-8, Sunday 10-5
4316 Baldwin Road, (866) 622-0605

Families will love exploring the 35,000 square foot aquarium that’s filled with exhibits, touch displays, interactive touch pools, play area, and more. There are over 5,000 sea creatures including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Go for a behind the scenes tour or wonder at the creatures swimming around in the 180-degree ocean tunnel. There’s even a dedicated Great Lakes section. Purchase tickets in advance online and get a 10% discount off the ticket price.

As always, explore our interactive map for the locations of our members.