The days are getting shorter and shorter, the sky is gray, and there is a biting chill through the air — but that doesn’t mean you have to dread the winter days ahead. If you are looking to stay active, warm, and cheerful, click through to find ways to ignore these dark days in the Detroit area.

WSU Planetarium 4841 Cass Ave.; 313-577-6455; planetarium.wayne.edu Forever bridging the gap between art and science is the WSU Planetarium. Seek divine intervention from the stars, pray to the muses, or just enjoy the show. Photo via GoogleMaps
Wayne State Planetarium 4841 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-577-2107; planetarium.wayne.edu The Wayne State Planetarium offers free public shows almost every Friday night, as well as talks by scientists and fulldome films. This is a great place to escape the chilly temperatures while learning about outer space, space travel, and physics. Photo via Wayne State University Planetarium / Facebook
Lexus Velodrome 601 Mack Ave., Detroit; 313-265-6725 The Lexus Velodrome is one of only two indoor cycling tracks in the country. Operated by the Detroit Fitness Foundation, the Velodrome offers an indoor venue for exercising when it’s too cold to be outside. From bike polo to roller derby to speedskating, this is a great spot to get your blood flowing.  Photo via Lexus Velodrome / Facebook
Lexus Velodrome 601 Mack Ave., Detroit; 313-265-6725 The Lexus Velodrome is one of only two indoor cycling tracks in the country. Operated by the Detroit Fitness Foundation, the Velodrome offers an indoor venue for exercising when it’s too cold to be outside. From bike polo to roller derby to speedskating, this is a great spot to get your blood flowing.  Photo via Lexus Velodrome / Facebook
Topgolf 500 Great Lakes Crossing Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-904-1032; topgolf.com/us/auburn-hills Topgolf is great for golf lovers who want to continue playing when the course is covered in snow. Located in Auburn Hills, the venue includes over 100 climate-controlled hitting bays, over 200 televisions, free WiFi, a full bar and restaurant, and a rooftop area with fire pits.  Photo via Topgolf / Facebook
Topgolf 500 Great Lakes Crossing Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-904-1032; topgolf.com/us/auburn-hills Topgolf is great for golf lovers who want to continue playing when the course is covered in snow. Located in Auburn Hills, the venue includes over 100 climate-controlled hitting bays, over 200 televisions, free WiFi, a full bar and restaurant, and a rooftop area with fire pits.  Photo via Topgolf / Facebook
Studio88 Pole Fitness 27865 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills; 248-991-7436; studio88polefitness.net This studio includes classes in pole and aerialist fitness as well as chair dancing. They also have sultry stretch classes, core-targeting programs, climbing and inverting courses, and pole tease instruction. The studio focuses on helping participants tone muscles while also encouraging confidence, making this a great place to have fun during your workout.  Photo via Google Maps
Studio88 Pole Fitness 27865 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills; 248-991-7436; studio88polefitness.net This studio includes classes in pole and aerialist fitness as well as chair dancing. They also have sultry stretch classes, core-targeting programs, climbing and inverting courses, and pole tease instruction. The studio focuses on helping participants tone muscles while also encouraging confidence, making this a great place to have fun during your workout. Photo via Google Maps
Sea Life Aquarium 4316 Baldwin Rd., Auburn Hills; 248-409-6009; visitsealife.com/michigan This indoor aquarium is Michigan’s largest, with 250 species and 2,000 total animals. The aquarium also features an interactive touch tank, an underwater ocean tunnel, and exhibits about shipwrecks and freshwater lakes. Located in Auburn Hills, this a great place to learn about aquatic life in the Great Lakes and oceans. Photo via SEA LIFE Aquarium (Michigan) / Facebook
Sea Life Aquarium 4316 Baldwin Rd., Auburn Hills; 248-409-6009; visitsealife.com/michigan This indoor aquarium is Michigan’s largest, with 250 species and 2,000 total animals. The aquarium also features an interactive touch tank, an underwater ocean tunnel, and exhibits about shipwrecks and freshwater lakes. Located in Auburn Hills, this a great place to learn about aquatic life in the Great Lakes and oceans. Photo via SEA LIFE Aquarium (Michigan) / Facebook
Schvitz Health Club 8295 Oakland St., Detroit; 313-871-9707; schvitzdetroit.com This historic health club offers a sauna, massages, heat therapies, holistic healing, and a food bar with juices and healthy bites. The steam room and dry sauna are especially good for warming up on a cold winter day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in the cold water pool.  Photo via Schvitz Health Club / Facebook
Schvitz Health Club 8295 Oakland St., Detroit; 313-871-9707; schvitzdetroit.com This historic health club offers a sauna, massages, heat therapies, holistic healing, and a food bar with juices and healthy bites. The steam room and dry sauna are especially good for warming up on a cold winter day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in the cold water pool.  Photo via Schvitz Health Club / Facebook
Planet Rock Climbing Gym 1103 W 13 Mile Rd., Madison Heights; 248-397-8354, 83 Aprill Dr. C, Ann Arbor; 734-827-2680; planet-rock.com With locations in Madison Heights and Ann Arbor, Planet Rock is a convenient place to cure cabin fever with some indoor rock climbing. Don’t be intimidated if you’re a newbie — Planet Rock is perfect for anyone from first-timers to experienced climbers.   Photo via Planet Rock Gym / Facebook
Planet Rock Climbing Gym 1103 W 13 Mile Rd., Madison Heights; 248-397-8354, 83 Aprill Dr. C, Ann Arbor; 734-827-2680; planet-rock.com With locations in Madison Heights and Ann Arbor, Planet Rock is a convenient place to cure cabin fever with some indoor rock climbing. Don’t be intimidated if you’re a newbie — Planet Rock is perfect for anyone from first-timers to experienced climbers.   Photo via Planet Rock Gym / Facebook
Pinball Pete’s 1214 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-213-2502; pinballpetes.net An Ann Arbor staple for over 30 years, Pinball Pete’s offers 10,000 square feet of arcade games and old-fashioned fun. You can also play pool, air hockey, video games, and redemption games. Photo via Pinball Pete’s / Facebook
Pinball Pete’s 1214 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-213-2502; pinballpetes.net An Ann Arbor staple for over thirty years, Pinball Pete’s offers 10,000 square feet of arcade games and old-fashioned fun. You can also play pool, air hockey, video games, and redemption games. Photo via Pinball Pete’s / Facebook
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Adventure Center 1801 Atwater St., Detroit; 844-622-6367; michigan.gov/oac Located on Detroit’s riverfront, this family-friendly hands-on museum offers a variety of interactive simulations and activities. Visitors can touch a waterfall, catch a fish, explore a bur oak tree, and hop on a bike or snowmobile. There are also exhibits about how the Department of Natural Resources manages and preserves Michigan’s parks and wildlife.  Photo via Google Maps
Northland Roller Rink 22311 W. Eight Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-535-1666; northlandrink.com Northland Roller Rink is Detroit’s oldest and largest inline skating rink. Since 1950, this rink has been a destination for indoor skating enthusiasts of all ages. The rink is also open to private parties and offers daily lessons for newbies. Photo via Google Maps
Northland Roller Rink 22311 W. Eight Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-535-1666; northlandrink.com Northland Roller Rink is Detroit’s oldest and largest inline skating rink. Since 1950, this rink has been a destination for indoor skating enthusiasts of all ages. The rink is also open to private parties and offers daily lessons for newbies. Photo via Google Maps
Modern Skate & Surf 1500 N. Stephenson Hwy., Royal Oak; 248-545-5700; modernskate.com Founded in 1979, this indoor skate park and shop allows both skateboarders and inline skaters to explore its 1-acre arena of ramps, rails, and a wooden bowl. They also offers bike night, as well as walk-in lessons and snowboard rentals. Photo via Modern Skate & Surf Royal Oak / Facebook
Modern Skate & Surf 1500 N. Stephenson Hwy., Royal Oak; 248-545-5700; modernskate.com Founded in 1979, this indoor skate park and shop allows both skateboarders and inline skaters to explore its 1-acre arena of ramps, rails, and a wooden bowl. They also offers bike night, as well as walk-in lessons and snowboard rentals. Photo via Modern Skate & Surf Royal Oak / Facebook
Meta Physica Wellness Center 1701 Trumbull Ave. #3, Detroit; 313-303-7611; metaphysicamassage.com Meta Physica has something for everyone, including yoga, massage, saunas, acupuncture, and waxing. The infrared saunas at Meta Physica heat the body directly, making for a more comfortable experience than traditional steam and hot rock saunas. Photo via Google Maps
Meta Physica Wellness Center 1701 Trumbull Ave. #3, Detroit; 313-303-7611; metaphysicamassage.com Meta Physica has something for everyone, including yoga, massage, saunas, acupuncture, and waxing. The infrared saunas at Meta Physica heat the body directly, making for a more comfortable experience than traditional steam and hot rock saunas. Photo via Google Maps
Lost River Tiki Bar 15421 Mack Ave., Detroit; 313-720-0673; lostrivertiki.com For a tropical getaway without leaving the city, you can check out Lost River Tiki Bar. With a toasty interior and a menu full of refreshing cocktails, this is a great spot to beat the winter blues. The bar’s playlists are sure to boost your spirits, with names such as Mai Tai, Painkiller, and Fog Cutter.  Photo via Lost River / Facebook
Lost River Tiki Bar 15421 Mack Ave., Detroit; 313-720-0673; lostrivertiki.com For a tropical getaway without leaving the city, you can check out Lost River Tiki Bar. With a toasty interior and a menu full of refreshing cocktails, this is a great spot to beat the winter blues. The bar’s playlists are sure to boost your spirits, with names such as Mai Tai, Painkiller, and Fog Cutter.  Photo via Lost River / Facebook
Livonia Parks and Recreation 15100 Hubbard St., Livonia; 734-466-2900; livoniaparks.com The Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center in Livonia has something for everyone, including two indoor pools with a 250-foot-long water slide, a large gymnasium and fitness area, a climbing wall, and an indoor playground. The center also features indoor sand volleyball courts, an indoor skateboard park, and a game room.  Photo via GoogleMaps
Livonia Parks and Recreation 15100 Hubbard St., Livonia; 734-466-2900; livoniaparks.com The Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center in Livonia has something for everyone, including two indoor pools with a 250-foot-long water slide, a large gymnasium and fitness area, a climbing wall, and an indoor playground. The center also features indoor sand volleyball courts, an indoor skateboard park, and a game room.  Photo via Livonia Parks and Recreation / Facebook
Oasis Hot Tub Gardens 2301 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-663-9001, 5041 Alpine Ave., Grand Rapids; 616-784-2020, 4600 W. KL Ave., Kalamazoo; 269-372-2020; oasishottubs.com With a variety of hot tub rooms ranging in theme from the British Isles to Santorini to Fiji, Oasis offers a unique opportunity for relaxation. Each enclosed area includes a private dressing room, shower, and a music system.  Photo via Oasis Hot Tub Gardens / Facebook
Oasis Hot Tub Gardens 2301 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-663-9001, 5041 Alpine Ave., Grand Rapids; 616-784-2020, 4600 W. KL Ave., Kalamazoo; 269-372-2020; oasishottubs.com With a variety of hot tub rooms ranging in theme from the British Isles to Santorini to Fiji, Oasis offers a unique opportunity for relaxation. Each enclosed area includes a private dressing room, shower, and a music system. Photo via Oasis Hot Tub Gardens / Facebook
Ford Wyoming Drive-in Theatre 10400 Ford Rd., Dearborn; 313-846-6910; forddrivein.com Going to a drive-in movie might seem like a summer activity, but the complementary plug-in heaters at the Ford Wyoming Drive-in Theatre mean the fun can last into the winter. All tickets are double-feature, meaning you always get two movies for the price of one.  Photo via Ford Wyoming Drive-in Theatre / Facebook
Ford Wyoming Drive-in Theatre 10400 Ford Rd., Dearborn; 313-846-6910; forddrivein.com Going to a drive-in movie might seem like a summer activity, but the complementary plug-in heaters at the Ford Wyoming Drive-in Theatre mean the fun can last into the winter. All tickets are double-feature, meaning you always get two movies for the price of one.  Photo via Ford Wyoming Drive-in Theatre / Facebook
The Creature Conservancy 4950 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-929-9324; thecreatureconservancy.org This Ann Arbor nonprofit has a variety of programming that allows visitors to interact with and learn about its collection of animals. In addition to captive breeding programs, The Creature Conservancy is also home to transplants from other institutions and rescued animals, including porcupines, sloths, and an alligator. Photo via The Creature Conservancy / Facebook
The Creature Conservancy 4950 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-929-9324; thecreatureconservancy.org This Ann Arbor nonprofit has a variety of programming that allows visitors to interact with and learn about its collection of animals. In addition to captive breeding programs, The Creature Conservancy is also home to transplants from other institutions and rescued animals, including porcupines, sloths, and an alligator. Photo via The Creature Conservancy / Facebook
C.J. Barrymore’s 21750 Hall Rd., Clinton Twp.; 586-469-2800; cjbarrymores.com This 25-acre complex has indoor and outdoor activities, including an arcade, bowling, bumper cars, a golf dome, and mini bowling. They also have an attraction called the XD Dark Ride, where participants sit in full-motion seats and take part in an interactive three-dimensional shooting gallery. Photo via Google Maps Photo via C.J. Barrymore’s / Facebook
C.J. Barrymore’s 21750 Hall Rd., Clinton Twp.; 586-469-2800; cjbarrymores.com This 25-acre complex has indoor and outdoor activities, including an arcade, bowling, bumper cars, a golf dome, and mini bowling. They also have an attraction called the XD Dark Ride, where participants sit in full-motion seats and take part in an interactive three-dimensional shooting gallery. Photo via C.J. Barrymore’s / Facebook
Belle Isle Conservancy 4 Inselruhe Ave., Detroit; 313-821-5428; belleisleconservancy.org For a cozy look at some greenery, you can visit the Belle Isle Conservancy. This Albert Kahn-designed greenhouse and botanical garden is home to a wide variety of plants, from banana trees to cacti. Photo via Belle Isle Conservancy / Facebook
Belle Isle Conservancy 4 Inselruhe Ave., Detroit; 313-821-5428; belleisleconservancy.org For a cozy look at some greenery, you can visit the Belle Isle Conservancy. This Albert Kahn-designed greenhouse and botanical garden is home to a wide variety of plants, from banana trees to cacti. Photo via Belle Isle Conservancy / Facebook

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