Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Indoor Activities in Ann Arbor
When Michigan’s winter winds sweep through Ann Arbor, indoor adventures beckon. From interactive museum exhibits to cozy cultural spaces, the city offers engaging escapes that transform chilly days into memorable experiences for locals and visitors alike.
University towns like Ann Arbor thrive on intellectual curiosity, and these indoor destinations reflect that spirit. Whether exploring scientific wonders, enjoying live performances, or discovering unique local collections, there’s something to spark every interest.
Discover A2’s coolest indoor hangouts right here!
Featured Indoor Activities in Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
- University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
- Michigan Theater
- Ann Arbor Art Center
- Kerrytown Concert House
- Literati Bookstore
- Pinball Pete's
- Vault of Midnight Ann Arbor
- Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum (Ypsilanti)
Ann Arbor Art Center
What to Expect
Multi-disciplinary visual arts education and exhibition center
Description
Downtown Ann Arbor's premier visual arts center offering comprehensive art education and exhibition spaces. Provides hands-on classes for all ages, featuring studio workshops in painting, ceramics, drawing, and mixed media. Hosts rotating gallery exhibitions showcasing local and regional artists' contemporary works.
More Info: Ann Arbor Art Center ↗
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
What to Expect
Multi-sensory science exploration for children
Description
Interactive science museum offering hands-on learning experiences for children and families. Visitors explore engaging exhibits that encourage scientific discovery through touchable displays, interactive experiments, and immersive educational installations across multiple themed galleries.
More Info: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum ↗
Kerrytown Concert House
What to Expect
Boutique concert venue with diverse musical programming
Description
An intimate performance venue in Ann Arbor specializing in live jazz, classical, and contemporary music concerts. Offers diverse musical experiences including jazz listening rooms, cabaret performances, and art exhibits. Features intimate performances by local and visiting musicians in a community-focused setting.
More Info: Kerrytown Concert House ↗
Literati Bookstore
What to Expect
Community-driven bookstore with diverse literary programming
Description
Independent bookstore offering curated book collections, engaging literary events, and unique reading experiences. Features staff-recommended selections, author readings, book clubs, and specialized newsletter subscriptions for different genres like poetry, sci-fi, and children's literature.
More Info: Literati Bookstore ↗
Michigan Theater
What to Expect
Historic landmark venue with original architectural preservation
Description
Historic Ann Arbor theater offering diverse live performances, film screenings, and cultural events. The Michigan Theater features a classic architectural design with a grand historic auditorium, presenting everything from independent films to live music, comedy, and special community events.
More Info: Michigan Theater ↗
Pinball Pete's
What to Expect
Comprehensive multi-location arcade with diverse game selection
Description
Classic arcade destination featuring extensive pinball collections, air hockey, billiards, and redemption games. Multiple locations in Michigan offer nostalgic gaming experiences with a wide variety of vintage and modern arcade machines. Provides hands-on entertainment for game enthusiasts of all ages.
More Info: Pinball Pete's ↗
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
What to Expect
Advanced planetarium with reclining seats and immersive scientific exhibits
Description
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History offers immersive scientific exhibits featuring interactive displays on dinosaurs, regional ecosystems, and planetary science. Visitors can explore state-of-the-art exhibits with touchable specimens, advanced scientific tools, and a cutting-edge Planetarium & Dome Theater that provides stunning astronomical and oceanic experiences.
Vault of Midnight Ann Arbor
What to Expect
Multi-location comic book store with community-focused events
Description
Comic book and pop culture specialty store offering an extensive collection of comics, graphic novels, and curated collectibles. Hosts special events like author signings, trading parties, and new release celebrations. Provides a community hub for comic enthusiasts and collectors with multiple store locations across Michigan.
More Info: Vault of Midnight Ann Arbor ↗
Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum (Ypsilanti)
What to Expect
Comprehensive automotive history museum in historic Michigan manufacturing region
Description
The Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum showcases Michigan's rich automotive history through an extensive collection of vintage vehicles, historical artifacts, and local manufacturing exhibits. Visitors explore detailed displays highlighting the region's significant contributions to automotive innovation and industrial development.
More Info: Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum ↗
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