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Spring in Michigan can be a mixed bag. One minute you’re planning a picnic, and the next, you’re watching a downpour from your window. That was exactly our experience last weekend! What was supposed to be a sunny outdoor adventure turned into a quest for indoor spring fun in the Brighton Howell Area. But you know what? It was the best kind of unexpected detour. We found some absolute gems that made our rainy weekend unforgettable, and now I’m here to share them with you.
If you’re anything like us, you know the struggle of keeping the family entertained when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Luckily, Brighton & Howell are packed with awesome indoor activities that cater to all ages and interests. Forget about cabin fever! We dove headfirst into exploring play cafes, creative studios, and unique local shops, and let me tell you, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a parent looking to burn off some kid energy or someone seeking a cozy spot to spend a drizzly afternoon, this area has got you covered.
So, if you’re staring out at a grey sky and wondering what to do, you’re in the right place. I’ve compiled a list of ten indoor spots for spring fun in the Brighton Howell Area, based on our own rainy weekend adventure. These aren’t just random suggestions—they’re tried-and-true recommendations from a family who’s been there, done that, and had a blast despite the weather. And I even put together a map and proposed itinerary at the end of this article. Let’s dive in and discover the hidden indoor treasures of this vibrant community!
1. Salt & Light Kids Co, Brighton
Salt + Light Kids Co. is a must-visit for families with kids between 1 and 10 years old. This isn’t just your average play area; it’s a beautifully curated space that combines Montessori-inspired play with a charming boutique specializing in organic children’s clothing. I found the softest pajamas for my son in the boutique!
The imaginative play area is fantastic, featuring different ‘storefronts’ like a vet clinic, grocery store, and fire station, each with dress-up outfits to encourage role-playing. It’s a safe, contained environment with a gate. If you get a little worried around crowds, they limit capacity to 15 kids. My family absolutely loved it!
Plus, this play space is clearly designed with both kids and parents in mind. The owners, two local sisters-in-law, have created a haven for little ones. Play sessions require reservations, which can be booked online in 2 hour increments. Parents can relax knowing their kids are having a blast while engaging in activities that support their development.
2. Stemville, Howell
This next indoor destination in the Brighton Howell area is the best place to go for learning disguised as fun! Stemville Howell is a wonderful spot for kids of all ages, but especially great for those 3 and older, as that’s the age range most of their toys are geared towards. We found ourselves discovering tons of innovative toys we’d never seen before, and it sparked some great ideas for keeping playtime at home fresh.
Similar to Salt + Light above, the play sessions require an online reservation which are booked in two-hour increments. Plus, there’s a coffee bar in the back which is a lifesaver for parents needing a pick-me-up while the kids play.
Stemville’s dedication to cognitive development through play is evident in everything they offer. It’s more than just a place to let kids run wild; it’s a space where they can engage in meaningful, educational activities while having a blast. The $20 admission fee per child is well worth it for the unique experience and the quality of the play materials. If you’re looking for a place that stimulates your child’s mind while providing a fun outing, Stemville Howell is a top pick in the Brighton Howell Area.
3. Castaway Play Cafe, Howell
For pure, unadulterated fun, Castaway Play Cafe is the place to be! This isn’t about educational toys or structured learning; it’s about letting kids loose and letting them be kids. Winston had an absolute blast here and made so many new friends! At just $18 for two hours of play, it’s also a fantastic value. Plus, you don’t need to worry about making a reservation here – just show up!
The main attraction is the massive five-story play structure—the largest in the state—with slides, bridges, and all sorts of climbing obstacles. Plus, there’s a separate area with multiple bounce houses, which was a huge hit.
And for older kids, they’ve got laser tag and a ninja course. As a parent, I appreciated the comfy couches where I could watch Winston explore while sipping on a latte from their cafe.
4. The Ceramic Studio, Howell
Next is the creative yet relaxing experience at The Ceramic Studio in Howell. While they offer glass fusing, we sticked with pottery painting, something we’ve really enjoyed getting into lately. The best part? You don’t need a reservation! You can walk in during their open hours, which is convenient. Once we arrived, we were amazed by the variety to choose from—over 250 shapes! My son and I opted to each paint a piece. The friendly staff then guided us through the glazes and painting techniques, and they even took care of the cleanup. It was a stress-free way to express our artistic sides.
After we finished painting, we left our pieces to be kiln-fired. They’ll be ready for pick up in about a week. The Ceramic Studio is a wonderful place to spend a rainy afternoon, whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new. It’s a hands-on, creative experience that the whole family can enjoy.
5. The Arcade, Brighton
If you’re craving a blast from the past, The Arcade in Brighton is the place to be! This isn’t your typical modern arcade. It’s a treasure trove of retro and classic video games, with an especially impressive collection of pinball machines. We had such a fun time diving into the world of pinball—it was a refreshing change of pace from the usual arcade games you find these days. We spent ages trying out different machines, from vintage classics to newer themed ones. It was a treat to see and play games from Atari, Sega, and other iconic names. It’s like stepping into an 80s movie, and it’s an experience that both kids and adults can appreciate.
The Arcade also has food available such as pizza, fried chicken, and sandwiches, so you can fuel up between rounds. For a small entrance fee, you can play all day on the weekends, making it a great value. Whether you’re a die-hard pinball wizard or just looking for a unique and nostalgic experience, The Arcade in Brighton is a must-visit. It’s a fantastic way to spend a rainy day and a fun alternative to the more modern indoor attractions in the Brighton Howell Area.
6. 2 Dandelions, Brighton
We stumbled upon what is now officially our new favorite bookstore: 2 Dandelions! This place is an absolute gem, especially if you have kids. The selection of children’s books is fantastic, and we were delighted to find a wide array of titles by Michigan authors and about Michigan. My son was immediately drawn to Myrtle the Turtle, who has her own habitat and an adorable bench to relax at and watch. It’s those thoughtful touches that really make 2 Dandelions stand out. Plus, they have a great selection for adults too, so everyone in the family can find something to love. It’s clear that the owners poured their hearts into creating a welcoming and inspiring space.
Beyond the books themselves, 2 Dandelions is a hub of activity. They host regular story times for kids and book signings with local authors.
And with their recent expansion, the store is even more spacious and inviting, with a larger children’s section and a outdoor patio for the warmer months.
7. Rollerama/Zap Zone, Brighton
Rollerama/Zap Zone, is a true Brighton Howell Area institution. It’s been a local favorite for ages. We spent a few hours here, and it was a whirlwind of fun!
We started with some laps around the roller rink. For kids and beginners, you can add on a skate trainer to help you balance. Then, moved onto the Junior Ninja Course which my son absolutely loved! It’s basically a contained, kid-friendly jungle gym that kept him entertained for ages.
We both had a blast on the bumper cars, too; there’s something about bumping into each other that just brings out the giggles!
And then we tried laser tag for the first time. To be honest, I’m not a huge fan—it feels a bit too dystopian for me—but it was still a new experience, and my son seemed to enjoy it.
Zap Zone has definitely modernized Rollerama over the years, adding a pixel floor and various other attractions. It’s impressive that Rollerama originally opened back in 1972, and the original hardwood maple floor is still there, just painted! The $31.99 day pass gives you access to everything, including roller skating, laser tag (voted #1 in Michigan!), the junior ninja zone, and bumper cars. It’s a great option for families looking for a variety of activities under one roof. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-time laser tagger, Zap Zone offers a fun-filled experience with a touch of nostalgia.
8. Torch 180, Fowlerville
Torch 180 is so much more than just a place to grab a bite—it’s a mission-driven café with delicious food and drinks at incredibly affordable prices. We decided to try it out, and I’m glad we did. I ordered from their weekly specials menu – which was avocado toast, which was fantastic! And treated myself to a custom mocha latte.
My son wasn’t left out either; we got him a hand made ‘uncrustables’ from the kids’ menu – which came with a side of fruit, and he loved it. We ate in their dining room, and you could really feel the care they put into everything.
After we finished, we wandered into the second room, which has a vibrant mural on the wall and is filled with games, books, and cozy seating. We ended up hanging out for a bit, enjoying the atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax and unwind, and it’s clear that every aspect of Torch 180 is designed with intention.
What makes Torch 180 truly special is its mission: providing vocational training and work experience for individuals with disabilities. The students here learn all aspects of running a café, from food safety and preparation to customer service. It’s inspiring to see them gain real-world skills and confidence.
Plus, they’re expanding into retail training, which is amazing. If you’re looking for a place with great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a powerful mission, Torch 180 in Fowlerville is an absolute must-visit. Just remember, they’re open Tuesday to Friday until 3:30 PM, so plan accordingly!
9. Spicer Orchards, Fenton
Even though it was a rainy spring day, we were craving that cozy fall feeling, so we headed to Spicer Orchards. It’s fantastic that they’re open year-round, because you can get your cider and donut fix any time!
We spent some time browsing their gift shop and stocked up on all sorts of Michigan-made goodies. There’s something so comforting about the smell of cider and fresh donuts, and it definitely lifted our spirits on that grey day.
It’s a great reminder that even when the weather isn’t cooperating, you can still find ways to enjoy seasonal treats and support local businesses. Spicer Orchards is a little slice of autumn no matter the time of year, and it’s always worth a visit.
10. M Street Baking, Howell
And for a serious sugar rush to brighten up a rainy day, we couldn’t resist a stop at M Street Baking. Sugar is a great substitute for sunshine, and M Street Baking definitely delivers on that front!
They have a huge selection of cookies plus mammoth sized shakes! It was hard to choose just a few things to purchase without guaranteeing us a trip to the dentist. There are a few tables in the shop so you can dine on your snacks indoors. Or you can pop in and order out a couple snacks for later.
It is the perfect place to treat yourself and your family, especially when you need a little extra cheer.
Map of 10 Ideas of Spring Fun in the Brighton Howell Area
Itinerary to Visit all 10 Spring Fun Places in the Brighton Howell Area
Take our weekend trip itinerary! Below I’ve detailed step-by-step the itinerary my family and I followed during a spring fun indoor getaway to the Brighton Howell Area.
First Day
- Start off with lunch at Torch 180 in Fowlerville to fuel up for your adventure.
- Head to downtown Brighton for a play session at Salt + Light Kids Co
- Then head across the street to 2 Dandelions to browse some books.
- Visit downtown Howell to go shopping along its historic Main Street and pop into M Street Baking to pick up some dessert for later.
- End with dinner at renowned and popular local restaurant Tomato Bros (definitely order the breadsticks with cheese dip!)
Second Day
- Begin the day with a play session at Stemville. Parents will enjoy a delicious latte here too!
- Spend a few hours at Rollerama/Zap Zone where you can also order lunch here. There are so many things to do here making the all day activity pass worth it!
- End the day at The Arcade in Brighton, where you also don’t even need to leave to grab dinner.
Third Day
- Start your last day off at Lynn’s on First, which was in a Lifetime Christmas movie!
- Then pick up some donuts, cider and other Michigan made goodies from Spicer Orchards, which will sweeten up the car ride home.
- Pause for a latte at Thread Creek Coffee, which supports an amazing mission!
- Feel free to carry your latte to The Ceramic Studio where you and your family can paint ceramic pieces.
- Then get those final rainy day weekend wiggles out at Castaway Play Cafe in Howell before hitting the road back home.
For more recommendations, check out the Explore Brighton Howell Area website – explorebrightonhowellarea.com
Which of the above interests you the most? Recommend any other indoor attractions here? Let’s discuss on my social media pages – just look up @frommichiganwithloveblog on your platform of choice!
from Michigan with Love,
Jackie
