Last updated: 2025-04-22
When Michigan’s winter winds howl and cabin fever strikes, Ann Arbor offers a treasure trove of indoor adventures that spark curiosity and excitement. From interactive museums to quirky entertainment spots, Washtenaw County’s cultural hub provides endless ways to stay warm and engaged.
Whether you’re a University of Michigan student, local resident, or curious visitor, Ann Arbor’s indoor attractions promise memorable experiences that blend education, entertainment, and local charm. These destinations capture the creative spirit that makes A-squared a unique Midwestern destination.
Discover Ann Arbor’s coolest indoor hangouts now!
Featured Indoor Activities in Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
- University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
- Michigan Theater
- Ann Arbor Art Center
- Pinball Pete's
- Vault of Midnight Ann Arbor
- Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum (Ypsilanti)
- Rolling Sculpture Car Museum
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.
Where: Ann Arbor | 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.
Where: Ann Arbor | More Info: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
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.
Where: Ann Arbor | 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.
Where: Ann Arbor | More Info: Pinball Pete's
Rolling Sculpture Car Museum
What to Expect
Annual downtown Ann Arbor classic car exhibition
Description
The Rolling Sculpture Car Museum showcases classic automobile history through an annual outdoor car show featuring over 300 vintage and collector vehicles. Car enthusiasts can explore automotive design spanning multiple decades, with a focus on preserving and celebrating automotive craftsmanship and heritage.
Where: Ann Arbor | More Info: Rolling Sculpture Car Museum
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.
Where: Ann Arbor | More Info: University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
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.
Where: Ann Arbor | 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.
Where: Ypsilanti | More Info: Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
Find Indoor Activities in Other Cities
Looking for indoor activities in another city?