The Best Odd Adventure in Metro Detroit: Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum {Free to Visit!}

“Don’t dream about what you want to do. Stay awake and do it.” ~ The late Marvin Yagoda

Isn’t this the best quote ever? In case you don’t know who Marvin is, he’s the colorful man behind a treasure trove of odd fun in Farmington Hills: Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum.

Plan a visit and I guarantee it will make you smile!

This ‘museum’ offers patrons more than meets the eye. From flying airplanes across the ceiling to a life-size version of the tallest man on earth, there is truly something for all who appreciate quirk and the odd side of life. This is the greatest roadside attraction!

Marvin opened the museum in 1990 and worked to cram the 5,000-square-foot space with goodies including historic art and the craziest coin-operated machines you will ever see. Today, modern computer-run games are mixed in with antique machines in the most bizarre yet unbelievably awesome way.

This spot has been on my list to visit forever, so I was thrilled to have a random Saturday to raid our piggy banks of quarters and head out for some family fun. My crew, including a 3, 5 and 7-year old, had a giant grin the entire time we explored.

I mean where else can you play skeeball, test your passion, handshake with Uncle Sam, and watch a county food inspector throw-up? Only at Marvin’s…

It’s truly a circus, magic show, and arcade inside the four walls and it’s SO weird and oh-so-charming, too.

You could easily visit 10 times and still miss something because there is just so much to look at. Best of all? You can look for FREE because there is NO entry fee. Games do cost, obviously, but everything operates on quarters and there are change machines should you need them.

My kids really enjoyed the few kiddie rides they had too, including a tiny ferris wheel for kids under 45 pounds and a mini carousel with three horses.

We also introduced our kids to Pinball — the ultimate game for hand-eye coordination for kids. I loved seeing the vintage machines and my kids enjoyed seeing superheroes they recognized as well.

Some of the machines were just downright creepy, but there is no denying that there is a lost art to creating them, and I’m so glad their odd little legacy lives on at Marvin’s.

{Probably couldn’t ever sleep there though…I mean, what’s up with this beekeeping sailor that just laughs when you put a quarter in?!}

My kids honestly thought it was the coolest place they have ever been. All three had $7 in quarters from their own piggy banks and that was enough to last us an entire blissful hour, which is pretty long for arcade play without a food break.

I was pleasantly surprised that all games were $0.25-$0.50 with some of the fancier/ride-on type ones just $1. Just one more way Marvin’s is about the experience and not just making money.

But if you do want food, a concession stand in the middle has popcorn cotton candy, slushes, pizza and hot dogs to serve those arcade cravings. The prices are extremely reasonable, too.

And no arcade would be complete without a prize counter. Basically redeeming tickets is like winning the lottery for kids. Win tickets and let them practice math skills to determine how best to spend them.

Overall, this is one heck of an adventure spot for family and there is one thing I can say about Marvin’s: I hope it never goes away. You can definitely tell Marvin made this place for ALL ages and income brackets to enjoy, and that speaks volumes to me as a patron.

We can’t wait to visit again!

Hours

• Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Fridays & Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sundays: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Note: Marvin’s is open 365 days each year, even on Christmas!

Location

Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum is located at 31005 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI. It’s sandwiched in the middle of a plaza alongside Buy Buy Baby, Old Navy, a Buffalo Wild Wings and more.

Drive through the arch and look for the pink awning.

There are plenty of great dining options within a few miles.

Extra Savings

Be on the lookout for a Groupon for Marvin’s too for some extra savings. The current Groupon:

https://www.groupon.com/deals/marvin-s-marvelous-mechanical-museum-1

{This is an affiliate link and I make a small commission on any purchases.}

Have you been to Marvin’s? What’s your favorite reason to visit?

Other FREE places to head around southeast Michigan are HERE {winter} and HERE {summer}.