One of the hardest parts of winter is cabin fever, but you don’t have to be stuck inside. Going outside is good for your physical and mental health, no matter the season and winter offers a variety of fun activities to do outdoors.
The key to enjoying your time outside is to ensure you are dressed appropriately for the cold (layers are essential) and 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.
Hiking and Snowshoeing
Hiking can happen any time of the year and 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:
- Little Guide Detroit's list of the best places to snowshoe in metro 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 local places to ice skate on these websites:
- Metro Parent’s list of outdoor rinks in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor
- Little Guide Detroit made a list of indoor and outdoor rinks
- Where to Skate in Washtenaw County from Ann Arbor Family Press
Skiing and 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 and 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.
- Kid-Friendly Snow Tubing Spots Near Metro Detroit from Metro Parent
Winter Festivals and Festivities
Michigan ice festivals are a sight to see, and many feature family-friendly activities, including sledding, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. There is often live music and fireworks displays. However, most stunning 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.
- Winter at Valade on the Detroit Riverfront: multiple events throughout January and February
- Dexter Ice Fest on January 18
- Plymouth Ice Festival from January 31 to February 2
- Winter Blast Royal Oak from January 31 to February 2
Visit the Zoo or Conservatory
You can visit the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak or the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium in winter, where many animals are more active during cold weather. The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory at Belle Isle Park has reopened after extensive renovations. Warm up with a stroll through their various biomes.
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