Summer is long gone and the holiday break is upon us. With the kids off of school, it's nice to have a handy list of some places to go where you can have fun indoors. Here are a few suggestions:
Glow Golf
Great Lakes Crossing Mall
4548 Baldwin Road
Auburn Hills
248-454-1493
www.shopgreatlakescrossing.com
Located inside the mega-mall's "District 8," this spot offers glow-in-the-dark golf. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Check mall schedule for holiday hours.
C.J. Barrymore's Sports & Entertainment
21750 Hall Road
Clinton Township
586-469-2800
www.cjbarrymores.com
Year-round, head to this sprawling park's indoor attractions, including a new bowling alley, Lasertron laser tag and an arcade that towers two stories that's packed with video games, billiards and more.
Detroit Batting Academy
35977 Mound Road
Sterling Heights
586-264-1122
www.betterbaseballdba.com
Little sluggers can test out their homerun skills at six batting cages for both baseball and softball. You'll always find after-school specials for good grades, hitting leagues and private instruction. Hours: 3:30-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Joe Dumars Fieldhouse
Shelby Township, 586-731-3080
www.joedumarsfieldhouse.com
The Shelby sports complex is 110,000 square feet and houses first-class basketball and volleyball courts, floor hockey and roller hockey rinks.Its giant Bayou Adventure features a deluxe miniature golf course, climbing wall, laser tag center, arcade games, high ropes obstacle course and a 33-foot Titanic slide and Slot Car Race Way. Field trips available. Hours: Fieldhouse, 9 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Sunday. Bayou Adventure, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday.
Jungle Java
Farmington Hills, 248-919-3284
www.junglejavaplay.com
Visit this children's play center for soups, salads and a coffee bar for parents - and free, unlimited, high-speed Internet access. For kids, there's a jungle play area with a tree house, main structure for children of all ages and the "Toddler Safari" for ages 3 years and younger. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
Kiddie Klub
Rochester Hills, 248-852-4012
http://www.kiddieklub.com/
KiddieKlub is a place where your children can go to play and learn in a safe and clean environment. Their innovative center is designed around the changing needs of today's parents. KiddieKlub combines entertainment, education and child care all in one location with an indoor playscape, dress up, puppets, ride-ons, and much more!
Laser Quest
31401 John R St.
Madison Heights
248-616-9292
www.laserquest.com
Experience live-action laser tag at the top of its game. Laser Quest combines tag, hide-and-seek, cops and robbers and capture the flag all into one game. It's also open for birthday parties, sports teams and family and group events. Hours: 6-10 p.m.Tuesday-Thursday, 4-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday.
Paradise Park
45799 Grand River Ave.
Novi
248-735-1050
www.paradiseparknovi.com
Year-round indoor treats include laser tag, arcade games, a cafe area, food court, party rooms and more. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Planet Rock Climbing Gym
Pontiac, 248-334-3904
www.planet-rock.com
These climbing gyms boast being among the world's biggest (13,500 square feet in Pontiac, and 22,000 in Ann Arbor). Indoor terrain, which caters to novices and pros alike, features five-story-tall walls and "bouldering caves" with low, rope-free climbing. There's safety equipment rental and experienced staff on hand. Ask about kids' parties and programs. Hours: 3-10 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and Friday, 3-11 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
Pump It Up
Auburn Hills, 248-375-1100
www.pumpitupparty.com
"The Inflatable Party Zone" lets kids jump, climb, bounce and slide at one of several area locations known for parties and a whole lot of fun. Family play times are available, and any event can be customized.
Whirlyball
Novi, 248-788-8900
www.whirlyballmichigan.com
Competition gears up with high-action fun at Whirlyball, which combines the games of jai alai, hockey, basketball and polo - all played from a bumper car. Kids and adults are welcome; groups of 10 or more. Food and refreshments are available: also, a full-service restaurant, two bars and a TV-stocked lounge that seats 103; Hours: noon-midnight Sunday-Thursday, noon-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday. Reservations required.
Zap Zone
Farmington, 248-471-6777
Utica, 586-323-0030
Waterford, 248-706-7777
www.zap-zone.com
The whole family has a blast at this laser tag adventure, compared to "stepping into a real-life video game." Arcades, prizes and a "Bear Factory" also are on hand. The just-relocated Farmington locale now features go-karts, mini bowling and Glo Golf. Birthday parties and other get-togethers welcome. Hours: 4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Times may vary by location; always call ahead.
