Family Fun in Southeast Michigan in January 2016 {Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint and Lansing Areas}

Looking for something fun to do this month? There are LOTS of great snow-centric events happening across Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint and Lansing…and also LOTS of fun inside where it’s warm, too!

Things To Do in Southeast Michigan in January 2016:

January 1 — Salvation Army’s 50% off Clothing Day {Metro Detroit} — This is my absolute favorite day to hit up SalArmy for awesome thrifted clothing deals. All metro Detroit, Washtenaw and Livingston County stores will be participating. Get there right at 7 a.m. for the best items.

January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 — FREE Day at the Flint Institute of Art {Flint} — This museum is FREE to visit every Saturday thanks to First Merit Bank.

January 2 — Kid’s Workshop at Home Depot {Nationwide} — Make a Kung Fu Panda 3 Spinning Box for FREE at Home Depot.  Hands-on workshops are designed for children ages 5 – 12 and take place between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Advance registration encouraged.

January 2 — Families at The Broad {East Lansing} — Visit this East Lansing modern art museum from 12-4 p.m. for hands-on activities and a family guided tour at 1 p.m. FREE thanks to Farm Bureau.

January 2 — Shoe Year at For-Mar Nature Preserve {Flint} — Walk, Ski, or Shoe! No matter your choice, you can start the New Year out actively at For-Mar during the Shoe Year’s Day event. This statewide partnership between the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MParks), the Michigan DNR, and local parks and recreation agencies includes a one-mile hike, snowshoe or ski. Bring your own cross county skis and snowshoes. Some snowshoes will be available to check out on a first come, first served basis. For families, suggested for ages 5 and older. FREE.

January 2 — Harlem Globetrotters World Tour {Auburn Hills} — The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are coming to The Palace of Auburn Hills with their family show, featuring some of the greatest athletes on the planet. With incredible ball handling wizardry, amazing rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, side-splitting comedy and unequaled on-court fan interaction, this must-see event is guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Tickets start at $13.50.

January 8-10 — Plymouth Ice Festival {Plymouth} — The Plymouth Ice Festival features ice sculptures, live entertainment, activities and food. FREE entry.

January 9 — Cold Rush {Warren} — A family fun event in Warren’s City Square featuring ice sculptures, a petting zoo, an ice skating show, live music and more. FREE.

January 9 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michael’s to make a sparkling snowflake. Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included.

January 10 — Rubber Ducky Day at the Howell Aquatic Center {Howell} — Celebrate National Rubber Ducky Day a day early with this fun-filled event to celebrate the date Rubber Ducks were invented! Prizes for those finding specially marked ducks. $5/person {$18/family of 4}. 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Advance registration required.

January 11 — Family-Friendly Film at the Michigan Theater – Any Body Can Dance 2 {Ann Arbor} — Part of the Toyota Family-Friendly Film Series. 1:30 p.m. Adults – $12, seniors/children 13+ – $10. Free for kids 12 and under.

January 11 — Macy’s 2nd Mondays at The Henry Ford Museum {Dearborn} — Introduce your preschool children to the wonders of The Henry Ford — all before nap time {10 a.m. – noon}. Storytelling, live entertainment and dozens of hands-on activities related to some of the museum’s most memorable artifacts. January’s theme is Flight and will take place in The Henry Ford Museum. Free for kids, adults can get 25 percent off their tickets with this coupon!

January 12 — Little Critters at Howell Nature Center {Howell} — Children explore wildlife biology through songs, stories, crafts and more. This month it’s Dorsey the porcupine! Two sessions available: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $6 per child/adult pair Pre-registration is required, call 517-546-0249 to save a spot.

January 16 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michael’s to make a snowman mobile. Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included.

January 16-17 — Wild Winter Weekends at the Detroit Zoo {Royal Oak} — Wild Winter Weekends features arctic-themed arts and crafts, games and entertainment. All activities are free with zoo admission and take place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Ford Education Center. Admission range: Free for 2 and under, otherwise priced $10-$14.

January 16-23 — North American International Auto Show {Detroit} — Car fanatic or not, this is one of the premier events to attend in the Detroit area! See more than 500 vehicles on display, representing the most innovative designs in the world. Tickets: Adults – $13/tickets, seniors and children 7-12 – $7, children under 6 are free.

January 17-22 — Ann Arbor Restaurant Week {Ann Arbor} — Get discounted meals at a number of fab, high-end restaurants around Ann Arbor. Perfect for a date night or a special night out with older kids.

January 20 – February 7 — Sesame Street Live’s “Let’s Dance” {Detroit} — Get up and get moving with Elmo, Abby Cadabby and everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends when Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” visits the Fox Theatre. Each performance is 90 minutes of singing, dancing and audience participation, including a 15-minute intermission. Ticket prices range from $10-$68.

January 22-23 — Saline Winterfest {Saline} — There will be 35+ indoor and 10+ outdoor activities scattered among 20+ locations in the 4 blocks of Downtown Saline. This will be fun for the whole family, including a scavenger hunt, Broomball, live music, games and more. FREE.

January 22-24 — Fire & Ice Festival {Rochester} — Celebrating all things winter, the Fire & Ice Festival in downtown Rochester has an ice sculpture show, beer tent, tube sledding run, fireworks, dog sled demos, ice skating, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, carriage rides, and Downtown Rochester’s Big, Bright Light Show. FREE entry.

January 22 — Harlem Globetrotters World Tour {Ypsilanti} — The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are coming to the EMU Convocation Center with their family show, featuring some of the greatest athletes on the planet. With incredible ball handling wizardry, amazing rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, side-splitting comedy and unequaled on-court fan interaction, this must-see event is guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Tickets start at $13.50.

January 23 — Rollers and Strollers Lunch and Skate with Princess Elsa {Holt} — Visit EDRU Skatarama for a princess skate and lunch for children ages 7 and under. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. $8 {includes skate rental, hot dog, drink and snack}. Non-walking infants are $1 {lunch and snack not included}.

January 23 — Glow Skate in Warren {Warren} — Come out for some Glow in the Dark Skating at Warren City Square Ice Rink. There will be electronic Music, DJ, and glow in the dark prizes for everyone. Skating is $4 and skate rental is $3.

January 29-31 — Blue Man Group at The Whiting {Flint} — Blue Man Group is comedy, theater, rock concert and unforgettable dance party all rolled into one. Don’t miss the show that has captivated 35 million people worldwide. Tickets range from $26-$71.

January 30 — Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam at Ford Field {Detroit} — Monster Jam stars the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam Trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and repping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through. 7 p.m. show. Tickets range from $10-$55.

January 31 — The Monster Who Ate My Peas at The Wharton {East Lansing} — This musical tells the funny and poignant story of a young boy who doesn’t want to eat his peas. When a crafty monster appears underneath his kitchen table, the boy is ready to make a deal: if the monster eats his peas, the boy will give the monster any of his possessions. First, it’s a soccer ball, then a bike. But when the monster raises the stakes, will the boy face his fears? An entertaining and engaging tale about the value of will power. Free interactive educational activities provided one hour prior. Recommended for ages 4-8. Tickets are $12. 

What events are you looking forward to this month?