If you’re anything like us, you’ve started seeking out some indoor enrichment now that cold weather season is here. Luckily, our great state of Michigan is home to over 100 museums that make for the perfect winter outing, many of those in the Greater Detroit area. While this is by no means a comprehensive list, we’ve put together 8 museums offering educational, interactive exhibits and activities that we think are worth a visit. We hope you take some time to explore these amazing, educational opportunities!
Don’t stop here! The City of Detroit is home to an impressive array of museums all on it’s own. See Visit Detroit for more information.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
220 E. Ann Arbor St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has over 250 interactive activities for kids of all ages. Allowing kids to learn through play, their mission is to create moments of discovery that inspire curiosity, exploration, and respect for STEM and the natural world.
Cost of admission is $16 for Adults and Children (babies under 1 are free).
Arab American National Museum
13624 Michigan Ave. Dearborn, MI 48126
Open since 2005, the Arab American National Museum is the first and only museum in the United States devoted to Arab American history and culture. The museum also focuses on the shared experience of immigrants and ethnic groups, paying homage to the diversity of our country.
General admission is $8.
Cranbrook Institute of Science
39221 Woodward Ave. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
The Cranbrook Institute of science houses interactive exhibits, a collection of artifacts, planetarium and observatory, and rotating exhibits. Now through April 30th, 2023, Cranbrook is also offering the popular exhibit Sue: The T. Rex Experience.
General admission is $13, children 2-12 are $9.50, and 2 and under are free.
Ford House
1100 Lake Shore Rd. Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is a historical mansion located on the shore of Lake St. Clair. In addition to touring the beautifully preserved home, guests are able to walk the 87 acre grounds and gardens. The Ford House also hosts a variety of events, details of which can be found on their website.
Admission prices vary. See their ticketing site for details.
Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
The Henry Ford is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and houses an incredible variety of historical artifacts and exhibits, as well as a railway and steam locomotives. As if that weren’t enough, you can also tour the Ford Rouge Factory.
Admission prices vary. See their ticketing site for details.
Zekelman Holocaust Center
28123 Orchard Lake Rd. Farmington Hills, MI 48334
The Holocaust Memorial Center is Michigan’s largest Holocaust museum, whose content and exhibitions are focused on Holocaust survivors and victim’s personal stories to help visitors understand how the Holocaust could have happened.
Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (62+) and students.
Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum
31005 Orchard Lake Rd. Farmington Hills, MI 48334
An unforgettable experience for all ages, Marvin’s is a 5,000 sq. ft. interactive museum and arcade with games ranging from vintage machines and unique oddities, all the way up to today’s most popular games. Bring your quarters, and play away!
Admission is free!
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
1105 N. University Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
A natural history museum that packs a big punch, U-M’s Museum of Natural History is home to multiple exhibits that focus on the natural sciences and anthropology. Learn about evolution and DNA, explore Michigan’s varied habitats and wildlife, see Mastodon skeletons, and check out the Planetarium.
Admission is free!
Looking for more ideas on where to find local fun? Check out these other posts on the blog: