With another Michigan summer behind us, neither rain nor chilly air should put a damper on your good time!
There are plenty of indoor options all over the state for when the weather outside turns frightful. If you're looking for ideas, check out our curated selection.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
There are museums all over Michigan, many of which require a whole day to fully appreciate.
The Henry Ford collection in Dearborn encompasses the Museum of American Innovation®, Greenfield Village, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and a Giant Screen Experience showcasing captivating stories in state-of-the-art digital formats. Each has its own draw, and if you're going, you'll want to take in them all.
Also on the east side of the state is the Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) in Midtown Detroit. Part of a larger cultural district, Mi-Sci has an IMAX® Dome, a 4D theater, and live stage shows for your entertainment fix. And, for the educational side, there's a planetarium and an 8,700-square-foot space with more than 220 interactive exhibits.
Air Zoo in Portage blends aerospace and science, offering interesting exhibits and a variety of aircraft on display, plus flight simulators, theater shows, and rides for all ages. They also have educational programs for adults, families, and kids, as well as STEAM and winter break activities.
RELAX OR PLAY—OR BOTH
Whether you want some kid-free time to recharge, or a way for the whole fam to let loose, there's a destination for that.
Zehnder's Splash Village in Frankenmuth keeps their indoor waterparks at a pleasant 82 degrees, making it a perfect escape from the elements. Stay overnight to take advantage of all they offer, including an arcade, movie nights, and two distinct dining options. Don't forget to stop at Bronner's on your way home!
The new Wawyé Oasis at Gun Lake Casino & Resort in Wayland has all the characteristics of a tropical paradise that's miles, not hours, from home. Covered by a glass atrium, it has both a 21+ VIP pool and a family pool, plus private cabana rentals and a swim-up bar. At night it transforms into an energetic concert venue. For added luxury, visit MnoYé Spa in the casino hotel.
Up north, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has something for everyone. There's so much to do inside you'll forget whatever's happening outside. That includes two pools, a hot tub, a waterpark, a full-service spa, a gallery of shops, a year-round golf academy, tennis and pickleball courts, an entertainment center, and more.
GET SPORTY
You don't have to go far to find indoor recreation. All of these options are in Grand Rapids! Pickle & Pin on Leonard not only has pickleball, as the name suggests, but also advanced golf simulators to practice your swing. There's a bar and lounge on site, too. Join a league, buy a membership, or book by the hour—and be on the lookout for "Bad Weather Special" rates that pop up mid-April thru mid-September.
In the Southtown Corridor, there's rock climbing at Terra Firma Bouldering Co. In addition to over 6,000 square feet of bouldering terrain, they offer classes, a fitness space, and special events. First-timers can rent shoes and chalk and receive a tour, safety instructions, and tips from a staff member.
Main Event in Kentwood features bowling, laser tag, billiards, shuffle board, virtual reality experiences, and arcade games—all under one roof. There's also a bar with pub grub-style food. An all-access pass covers most activities, but tickets for specific interests can also be purchased à la carte.
HUNT FOR TREASURES
Arguably the most rewarding thing to do on an inclement day is a little retail therapy. One of our favorites is The Rust Belt Market in Ferndale, which is home to more than 30 independent shops. This artisan marketplace is filled with boutiques selling locally made goods ranging from jewelry to sweets to artwork to collectibles to candles ... and all kinds of other eclectic finds.
For brand-name, higher-end clothing and wares, head to Somerset Collection in Troy. It's considered a go-to for designer stores, and it has an all-around luxury vibe with fountains, a glass skywalk, and the anything-but-ordinary Peacock Café food court.
While most of the outlet malls are outdoors, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills is fully enclosed and also the largest indoor outlet shopping center in Michigan. Several of the stores can't be found anywhere else in the state, and in addition to nearly 200 stores, it has entertainment and dining.
Allison Kay Bannister has been a West Michigan resident since 1987 and a professional writer since 2002. A GVSU alumna, she launched her own freelance writing business in 2017. Allison is a cookie connoisseur, word nerd, aspiring gardener, and metastatic breast cancer thriver who loves traveling in Michigan and beyond, and enjoys art, world cuisine, wine, music, and making homemade preserves.
This article originally appeared in the Oct/Nov '25 issue of West Michigan Woman.
