During the holidays, caregivers have think about what can we do over break? Or for the rest of the winter for that matter?
Here is your guide to Family FUN in Metro Detroit!
Free:
💻 Check out my article on Free Holiday Lights around the Metro Detroit Area!
https://novi.macaronikid.com/articles/676320f6f86f1a0fd57a051a/your-guide-to-metro-detroits-2024-free-holiday-light-displays
🏛️Visit the DIA! Free for residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties!
Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202
General admission is always free for members and residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. Just present your ID at the front desk to receive your free admission!
📚 Sign up for a Library Card!
📚 Lyon Twp Public Library:
27005 Milford Rd
South Lyon, MI 48178
Individuals eligible for a card at no charge are:
- Residents of Lyon Township
- Residents residing in an area served by The Library Network that are not a part of the Shared System that own a library card from their home library.
- Persons living outside Lyon Township, but owning property or a business within the township.
- Persons living outside Lyon Township, but employed by a business or organization within the township.
- Cards for minor children will require the signature and driver’s license or ID of the child’s parent or guardian. The library recommends that children get their own cards when they are old enough to write their own name.
- Temporary residents may apply for a temporary library card with proper identification.
- Unpaid fines from a previous card must be paid before a new card will be issued.
- Residents of Lyon Township do not have borrowing privileges at the Salem South Lyon District Library. For an explanation of the District Library User Policy, and to find out which library you belong to, click here.
- Library cards require renewal three years from the anniversary date. Please visit often to keep your card valid.
- Please notify the library immediately if there is a change in your address or telephone number.
📚 Northville District Library:
212 W Cady St, Northville, MI 48167
Any resident or property owner in the Northville Library district is eligible for a library card at no charge. To apply for a card, stop by the Circulation Desk. You’ll need to bring valid photo identification (driver’s license, passport, state identification) with your current address. Library Card Application
If your photo identification does not reflect your current address you may bring one of the following along with your photo ID: utility bill, voter registration card, checkbook or lease agreement with your name and current address for verification.
If you are under the age of eighteen, you must have a parent or guardian present to sign the card application and provide proof of address.
If you work or attend school in Northville but do not qualify for a resident card you may obtain a
Northville District Library card at no charge. Verification of employment or school enrollment in the district is required.
Participate in Cool Reads Winter Reading @ Northville District Library
Thursday, January 2 – Friday February 28
Ages birth – 12. Chill out with a cool read this winter! To participate in Cool Reads, stop by the Library to pick up a reading log, print one from our website, or track online via our Beanstack app. Read the appropriate number of minutes for your age and you’ll win a small prize. The last day to claim your prize is Friday, February 28.
📚 Novi Public Library:
45255 W 10 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48375
Novi Resident Adult
Residents of Novi may present a valid picture ID and proof of Novi residency, which includes a valid driver's license or a current (dated within last three months) piece of mail showing the resident's name with a current Novi address or address that pays Novi taxes. All documentation must show resident's name to be used as proof of residency.
If a resident cannot produce a valid piece of mail as proof of residency, the Library will mail a verification postcard to the resident's Novi address, which can be returned in person to the Library as proof of residency.
Novi Resident Youth
For those under age 18, a parent or legal guardian (guardianship papers required) must bring the above identification and/or documentation to the Library.
If the parent or legal guardian has a valid library card, it must be in good standing to register their child for a card. Parents or legal guardians who sign the child's card will have access to account information and are responsible for materials.
📚 Wixom Public Library:
49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393
Residents of Wixom are eligible for a FREE library card. You are responsible for all materials borrowed on your card. If it is lost or stolen, please notify the Library immediately. Residents’ library cards are valid for 3 years and may be used at most of The Library Network member libraries. Business cards expire after one year and may only be used at the Wixom Public Library.
Digital Cards:
Residents of Wixom who do not already have a library card can fill out this online form to receive a temporary digital library card to access our digital resources. The digital card is only for access to digital materials and expires in 6 months. Applicants will need to come into the Library with ID and proof of residency to receive full library privileges.
Wixom Residents:
Any Wixom resident is eligible to receive a Wixom Library card. Proof of residency must be shown at the time of application. Proof of residency includes: a Michigan Driver’s License, a Michigan Identification card, school report card, lease, official mail. Anyone under 18 years old may also receive a Library card with the signature of a parent or guardian and proof of parent or guardian residency. Wixom Library cards are valid for three years from the date of application.
Non-Residents who work in the City:
A non-resident who works within the City of Wixom may be eligible for a one year, non-resident, business card. Proof of employment and proof of residency must be shown at the time of the application.
Non-Residents
A non-resident card is available for purchase at a cost of $125.00 per year.
⛸️ The Rink at Stine Community Park
Jeanne M Stine Community Park
241 Town Center, Troy, MI
Ice skating season has begun! Ice skating is FREE for those with skates, or skate rentals are $3 Residents, $5 Non-Residents.
🕐 Regular hours begin Sunday, December 8
Hours of Operation
Monday–Thursday: 12–8 pm
Friday: 12–9 pm
Saturday: 11 am–9 pm
Sunday: 11 am–8 pm
Holiday Hours
Tue, Dec 24: 12–5 pm
Wed, Dec 25: CLOSED
Tue, Dec 31: 12–5 pm
Wed, Jan 1: CLOSED
Paid:
🛝WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM
22064 NOVI RD, NOVI, MI 48375
248-383-5788
WELCOME TO WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM IN NOVI, MI
WRTS is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and fun environment to foster learning, exploration and safe sensory experiences. Through our nonprofit My Brother Rocks The Spectrum Foundation, we provide social skills groups and activities for children across the spectrum.
OUR GYM INCLUDES:
- SUSPENDED EQUIPMENT WITH SWINGS – FOR BALANCE AND VESTIBULAR TREATMENT
- CRASH MATS AND CRASH PILLOWS – FOR FUN, MOTOR PLANNING, AND STRENGTH
- ZIP SLIDER – FOR STRESS RELEASE AND JOINT AND BODY RELAXATION
- TRAMPOLINE – FOR BUILDING LEG AND CORE STRENGTH
- INDOOR PLAY STRUCTURE – FOR CLIMBING AND INCREASING PLAYGROUND SKILLS
- SENSORY-BASED TOYS AND EQUIPMENT– FOR IMPROVED AUDITORY PROCESSING AND FINE MOTOR SKILLS
- FINE MOTOR AND ARTS AND CRAFTS AREA – FOR IMPROVED HAND-EYE COORDINATION
- CALMING ROOM – FOR REGULATING EMOTIONS, AND REDUCE NEGATIVE SENSORY INPUT
- PRIVATE ROOM FOR B-DAY PARTIES, PRIVATE EVENTS AND CLASSES
- RETAIL SHOP + HEALTHY SNACKS AND BEVERAGES
https://werockthespectrumnovi.com/
⛸️ The Rink at Campus Martius Park
The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit is the premier family-friendly outdoor skating rink in Michigan. Situated on Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit, the Rink offers one of the most beautiful and iconic skating experiences in the country and continues to be a top destination for the entire region and State of Michigan. With the dramatic backdrop of the skyline and Detroit’s Christmas Tree, the world’s best Olympic and US champion athletes perform and skate here annually — from gold-medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White and US champions Mirai Nagasu, Ashley Wagner, Jeremy Abbott, Karen Chen, and many others.
💵 Rates:
2023-2024 Admission $8 - $12
Adults (Ages 13-58): $12
Children (Ages 12 and Under): $9
Seniors (Ages 59+ • With Valid ID): $9
Active Military (With Valid ID): $8
First Responders (With Valid ID): $8
Skate Rentals (Size 9 Toddler to Size 15 Adult Available Only): $6
Shoe Check (For people who have their own skates): $2
🕐 Duration: 2 Hours
2024/2025 Winter Hours
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK AND HOLIDAYS!
NOVEMBER 23 - JANUARY 5
SUNDAY- THURSDAY: 11 AM - 10 PM
FRIDAY + SATURDAY: 11 AM - MIDNIGHT
HOLIDAY HOURS
CHRISTMAS DAY: NOON - 10 PM
NEW YEAR’S DAY: 11 AM - 11 PM
JANUARY 6 - MARCH 2
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY: 11 AM - 9 PM
TUESDAY: 11 AM - 6 PM
FRIDAY + SATURDAY: 11 AM - 11 PM
SUNDAY: NOON - 8 PM
About
Book your tickets and experience winter in Downtown Detroit.
If you need rental skates don't forget to add them to your online order after you select your total admissions!
The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit is the premier family-friendly outdoor skating rink in Michigan. Situated on Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit, the Rink offers one of the most beautiful and iconic skating experiences in the country and continues to be a top destination for the entire region and State of Michigan. With the dramatic backdrop of the skyline and Detroit’s Christmas Tree, the world’s best Olympic and US champion athletes perform and skate here annually — from gold-medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White and US champions Mirai Nagasu, Ashley Wagner, Jeremy Abbott, Karen Chen, and many others.
What to Bring
Socks are required for skate rentals. If you forget to bring them, we have them available for purchase.
🐠🐬 Sealife Aquarium Michigan - Indoor Aquarium
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI, 48326
Tickets from $27.99
https://www.visitsealife.com/michigan/
🧱 LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Tickets from $24.99
https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan/
🐷 Peppe Pig World of Play
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
4362 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Tickets from $22.99
https://www.peppapigworldofplay.com/michigan/
⛳️ Top Golf - Auburn Hills
Promotion - 30 MINUTES OF PLAY ON US!
Everyone could use more free time. Even though we can’t add more time to your day, we’ll add more play with 30 minutes of Free Play Time at Topgolf!
FINE PRINT:
PROMOTIONAL. Free 30 minutes of Topgolf event game play for 2 bay event products between 2pm – 5pm on Tuesdays – Fridays when booked through the Topgolf app or website (not valid for walk-in). Additionally, 3+ Bay Events will also receive a Free 30 minutes of game play between 2pm – 5pm on Tuesdays – Fridays (revenue minimums may apply). All events are a minimum of two hours. Excludes youth events, field trips and fundraisers. Cannot be combined with any other game play coupon, offer, or promotion. Free game play must be used during the same visit. No cash value. Offer valid at participating U.S. Topgolf locations only. Not valid at Lounge, Swing Suite or Toptracer Range locations. 2025 Las Vegas Blackout Dates: January 20- 22, February 24- 26, March 3- 5 & 18, April 7- 8, May 19-20, September 29- 30, October 1 & 27- 28, November 4- 6 and December 1- 3, additional dates might occur, check with Events team for details. Excludes arcade games. Void where prohibited. Offer subject to change. For events between 2pm – 5pm on Mondays at Topgolf venues participating in Half-Price Monday, events will receive half-price game play on Mondays instead of Free 30.
🚂 🦍Detroit Zoo & Wild Lights
Detroit Zoo:
From marvelous mammals to amazing amphibians, the Detroit Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals of more than 200 species. Meet your new favorite animal today!
Wild Lights:
Wild Lights, presented by Corewell Health Children’s, has been lighting up the holiday season for more than a decade, and it’s easy to see why! This dazzling event is full of enchanting, animal-themed light sculptures that add a fun, whimsical twist to your festive adventures. PLUS, with multiple ticket packages available, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your holiday adventure.
Choose from 30 Nights of Magic:
November: 23, 24, 29, 30
December: 1, 6-8, 12-23, 26-31
January: 2-5
🏛️ Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village (Seasonal)
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation:
Step into a world where past innovations fuel the imagination of generations to come. A vibrant exploration of genius in all its forms, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation allows you to experience the strides of America’s greatest minds while fully immersing yourself in their stories. Step inside the bus where Rosa Parks took a stand by taking a seat. Play pilot as you explore flight innovations, starting with the Wright brothers' achievements, or make yourself at home inside Buckminster Fuller’s circular Dymaxion House. Put yourself in the place of the movers and shakers who blazed the trail to where we stand today. And in doing so, discover your own path.
🎠 🚂 Greenfield Village (seasonal):
Experience firsthand the sights, sounds and sensations of America’s fascinating formation, where over 80 acres brim with resourcefulness and ingenuity. Here, 300 years of American perseverance serve as a living reminder that anything is possible. Step foot in the lab where Thomas Edison had his lightbulb moment or the workshop where the Wright brothers taught us to reach for the sky. Take a ride in a real Model T, or a walk through four working farms. Rub shoulders with world-class artisans, and explore the place where America’s can-do spirit inspires you to go out and get it done.
Ideas for things to add to this list? Email gracef@macaronikid.com
