It’s official! We are finally facing hot weather in Michigan, which leaves many of us trying to figure out what to do to stay cool while enjoying the summer. With that goal in mind, we’ve put together this list of fun, kid-approved places in southeast Michigan to beat the heat.
1. Make a splash at a water park
Dive into your local water park! Rolling Hills Water Park in Ypsilanti has something for the whole family to enjoy as the park features water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool and a playground for kids. Families can relax near the pool on the sun deck and there’s even a zero-depth pool area that toddlers can safely play in.
Even your dog can join in on the fun during Rolling Hills annual Doggy Dip! For one day only, Sept. 9, the pool will close for humans, but open for your furry four-legged friend to enjoy!
2. Visit an indoor play space
Ditch the layers of sunscreen and a sand-covered car for air-conditioned fun at an indoor bounce park. DEFY in Commerce Twp. offers wall-to-wall trampolines, basketball and ninja warrior courses, extreme dodgeball and ziplining.
3. Go to a museum
Enjoy a day of learning at a museum! There are several throughout Michigan, but did you know that the Detroit Institute of Arts offers FREE admission to residents of Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties? If you live nearby, be sure to visit and enjoy the A/C along with an educational and engaging dip into the arts.
4. Treat yourself to some ice cream
On a hot summer day, sometimes a scoop (or two) can really hit the spot. Ray’s Ice Cream in Royal Oak is a go-to place for delicious handmade ice cream and sweet summer memories. It also earned DTE’s 2022 Business Pride grand prize of a walk-through energy assessment and $5,000 to make predetermined energy efficiency upgrades.
Remember, National Ice Cream Day is July 16. Don’t miss out on a sweet treat!
5. Play mini golf
There are plenty of fun outdoor putt putt golf courses in Metro Detroit, but when you need a break from the sun, try the air conditioned Putting Edge in Novi. Test your skills on 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark fun no matter how sunny it is outside.
6. Go to a library
Visit the library for family story times, arts and crafts workshops, play time sessions and many other free fun perks. The Ann Arbor public library has a dedicated children’s area with plenty of books and iPads where kids can relax, read and learn away from the heat.
Check out AADL’s programs and special events for all ages!
7. Go to the movie theatre
What better way to get out of the sun than to take a trip to an air-conditioned cinema? At Emagine, every Tuesday is $5.00 Ticket Tuesday. Whether it’s a matinee or an evening show, Emagine Reward members get tickets for only $5.00 plus FREE popcorn.
Plus Summer Kids Series is back at all Emagine locations. Running June 9 through August 17, catch $3 tickets for daytime showings of kids classics like Peter Pan, Trolls, Home and more!
8. Get crafty
Want to try something fun? On the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. – noon, Home Depot has free in-store kid workshops! Stay cool and get crafty with upcoming projects like building a Firework Bean Bag toss on July 1 or building a Treasure Chest on August 5.