When summer hits Michigan, families look forward to beach days, BBQs and bike rides. But what happens when the sky opens up and rain soaks those plans?

Michigan’s summer weather is predicted to be especially hot and rainy in 2025, featuring “sultry and thunder-filled” days, according to the Farmers’ Almanac, and families need solid indoor backup plans. Historically, Michigan summers bring around 32 days of rain. Some forecasters are saying this summer could bring even more.

Luckily, the Great Lakes State offers many enriching, exhilarating and downright fun ways to spend stormy afternoons indoors.

Go bowling … for free!

Bowling is always a crowd-pleaser, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Patrick Foody, general manager of Escape Troy (which includes an arcade, bowling, laser tag and a full-service restaurant), suggests families check out KidsBowlFree.com before heading out. The program allows children under 12 to bowl two free games daily during the summer. Parents just cover the cost of the shoe rental. Kids Bowl Free has participating locations across Michigan.

“It’s perfect — especially if it’s around dinner,” Foody said. “Parents can relax and enjoy a meal while kids play laser tag or bowl. It’s a place families can come and enjoy the day, no matter the weather.”

Make a masterpiece

Rainy days don’t have to equal screen time. Let your child’s imagination shine with hands-on creativity at local art spots.

Mini Picassos in St. Clair Shores offers drop-in hours on Wednesdays (12:30—2:30 p.m.) and Thursdays/Fridays (10 a.m.—2:30 p.m.) for $15 per child.

Kids can explore the colorful Play Village and dive into the interactive Art Zone, filled with paints, props and fun prompts to spark pretend play and artistic expression. Reservation not required.

Many public libraries offer similar activities, many times for free. Check your local library for its full list of summertime activities.

Check out sloths, snakes, and sea creatures

When the weather outside is dreary, head to a tropical jungle inside. The Reptarium in Utica is a one-of-a-kind indoor reptile zoo that lets kids (and brave adults) get hands-on with snakes, lizards, tortoises and even a two-toed sloth. From holding a Burmese python to petting a giant tortoise, it’s an unforgettable, educational experience.

Across the street, LegaSea Aquarium is the Reptarium’s brand-new companion experience, featuring exotic fish, colorful coral tanks, touch pools and marine life that spark curiosity and wonder. Families can easily spend a whole afternoon between the two spots.

Explore Michigan’s history and diverse culture

Museums might not scream “fun” to every child, but Michigan’s are packed with immersive exhibits and interactive surprises that keep boredom at bay.

Start with The Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills. This powerful museum offers age-appropriate education through first-hand survivor stories, an authentic World War II-era boxcar, and even a sapling from the tree outside Anne Frank’s hiding place.

This summer’s highlights include Survivor Talk Sundays at noon and a special art exhibit from American artist and writer Boris Lurie — ideal for older chil

dren and teens.

Planning a road trip? Check out these other fascinating museums:

• The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn: Home of Rosa Parks’ bus, Edison’s lab, and a rotating roster of STEM-focused exhibits.

• Detroit Historical Museum: See how the Motor City rose, fell and reemerged through interactive storytelling.

• Grand Rapids Public Museum: Explore Michigan’s regional history and Anishinaabe heritage.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point: Dive into maritime history on the shore of Lake Superior.

Want to explore cultural identity and community stories?

• Arab American National Museum in Dearborn: The only museum of its kind in the country.

• Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit: One of the largest collections in the world.

• Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock: A gem in the Upper Peninsula.

• Polish Art Center in Hamtramck, Jewish Historical Society in Bloomfield Township and Italian American Cultural Center in Clinton Township: Great stops to explore immigration stories, crafts, and history.

Museums like these help children see themselves in history and imagine their place in shaping the future.

Quirky, creative, low-cost ideas

Not every rainy day requires a full itinerary. Sometimes the best memories come from spontaneous indoor fun. Try these wallet-friendly favorites:

Thrift store treasure hunt

Give each child $5 and visit a local thrift store with the goal of finding the most interesting item. Encourage creativity and storytelling. Gave kids explain their pick and its “backstory.” Was it owned by a wizard? Is it a rare collector’s item? The more imaginative, the better.

Interview your oldest relative

Have your child make a list of thoughtful questions and interview a grandparent or elder. Record or write answers to create a family history booklet. This can become a short video, podcast or illustrated comic inspired by a memorable story.

Try something new at the grocery store

Pick one item no one in the family has ever had, such as starfruit, goat cheese or curry paste. Learn about the country it comes from, look up recipes, and host a mini “taste test.” Bonus points for letting kids cook with it or write a food review.

Have a backward day

Flip everything around — dinner for breakfast, pajamas all day, brushing teeth with your nondominant hand. Write names backward and try pronouncing them, or host a backward fashion show. You could even talk in backward sentences.

Whether your kids want to bowl strikes, pet snakes or paint masterpieces, Michigan offers plenty of rainy-day escapes.