There is a ton you can do in Michigan on very little money. All you need to do is use your imagination. We've come up with a few pointers to get you and your family started.
Does the sound of the Indy 500 speak to your soul? Can you feel the speed with every fiber of your being and want to get out there on the track yourself? Well, there's a place in the Metro Detroit area where you can do just that - only in go-karts!
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To find these Indy go-karts in Michigan, you'll have to visit C.J. Barrymore's in Clinton Township. Hot tip: while you're in the area, make a stop by this candymaker for a tour. Make it a full day for the kids (and the kids at heart!)
The first-of-its-kind (in Michigan) Indy Sky Track opened just this year. And it looks pretty amazing, y'all. At 3 stories and 30 feet high, it looks like a racing game come to life.
C.J. Barrymore's in Clinton Township built this massive go-kart track in Michigan for its 50th anniversary celebrations. The huge go-kart track went under construction in September of 2023 and just opened to the public in May of 2024
The new Indy Sky Track is one of three go-kart tracks offered at this Metro-Detroit amusement center. The others include a Grand Prix-style track and a turbo track. The turbo track is the track that kids are able to drive by themselves.
The height requirement for solo-driving the Turbo Track is only 54" tall. The Indy Sky Track and Grand Prix Track had a solo-driving height requirement of 60" and 58" respectively.
Don't worry, though - both of the larger tracks offer passenger rides with a much shorter height requirement of 40" tall. To include a passenger in your ride, the driver must be 16 years old at minimum.
No matter which track you pick at this Michigan fun spot, you're sure to have a fantastic time. Use your imagination and pretend you're in the final laps of the Indy 500, racing to win the title...
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...When in reality, you're just racing against your friends and family. So, it's probably best not to get the competition get too heated, you know?! I mean, after all, you have to see them after the race for dinner, right?!
There are lots of places to cool off after a head-to-head race at C.J. Barrymore's in Clinton Township, Michigan. There are two coasters: a loop coaster (pictured above) and a spin coaster.
And that's not all! You'll also find bumper boats, mini-golf, zip lines, batting cages, and more. I'd be interested in seeing the views from this Ferris Wheel that looks like it came straight out of Candyland.
Additionally, there are two drop towers on the property at this Metro Detroit amusement center. One is for the grown-ups, rising 120 feet in the air. The other's for the smaller members of your crew, which is a little less high and a little less scary.
If you need an escape from the Michigan weather, whether it be heat, rain, or snow, C.J. Barrymore's has plenty of indoor activities to keep the entire family entertained. Play laser tag, visit the arcade, or spend some time on the dark ride - you won't be bored.
The vibes indoors at C.J. Barrymore's are impeccable. Their bowling alley (both full-size and mini) is dark and luxurious-looking, while their bumper cars have enough neon on them that it feels like you're in a car show from the 1990s.
One last thing that this Clinton Township, Michigan fun spot has to offer is golf in a few different varieties. I've already mentioned the mini-golf, but there's more than just that!
There's also an indoor golf dome, where you can get the most out of your range sessions with analytics and data. Or you can go analog and hit the range for some driving and chipping practice.
You can either pay for one single ride of these incredible Indy Go-Karts in Michigan, or you can get a wristband for unlimited rides all day long. Just depends on where the rest of your day takes you. If you're staying in the area, we definitely recommend a stop at this gorgeous riverfront nature center. I mean, that's a good way to chill out after all that competitive energy, at the very least.
Or if you want to keep that competitive edge going - why not pick up a game of horseshoes to play when you're back home?
Have you driven on an incredible go-kart track in Michigan? We'd love to hear about it in the comments!
Living near Detroit in Southeast Michigan, I always thought I had to drive at least a few hours away to reach some of the better places to ski in the Mitten. That’s until I found Mt. Brighton Ski Resort in Brighton Michigan. I was so excited to find an opportunity to ski from our Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In Michigan, where I never expected to find one.
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I was even more thrilled when I realized this is a perfect slope for beginners. Putting it bluntly, my wife is not a skier, but she’s always wanted to be able to ski with me. This ended up being the perfect solution for us and could come in handy for you if you have kids or a significant other with varied skiing abilities.
Mt. Brighton Ski Resort has been catering to skiers in Southeast Michigan since it first opened in 1960. Since then, families and winter sports enthusiasts have traveled to Brighton, Michigan for a nearby skiing and snowboarding outlet.
The slopes feature 25 different trails you can access by taking one of their five lifts. There’s a pretty even mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails. Skiers and snowboarders of any experience level will be able to find a slope that’s perfect for them.
Lift ticket prices vary by day and time of year so make sure you check the Mt. Brighton Ski Resort website for exact costs. Adult tickets start at roughly $60 with youth tickets starting around $55.
If you think you’ll hit the slopes more than once throughout the winter, you might want to consider one of their season passes. Some season passes give you access to Mt. Brighton and several other incredible resorts across the country as part of the Epic Pass network.
Not only is this worthy of our Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In Michigan on its own merits, but I think it particularly stands out thanks to its inclusivity. They have a dedicated staff ready to help you improve your skiing and snowboarding skills with private and group lessons.
They have instructions for all different ages and all different abilities whether you learn with a group or in a one-on-one setting. Kids are able to learn the ropes and make some new friends at the resort’s daily ski school.
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For skiers and snowboarders looking for an extra challenge, you can test your skills at either of the two terrain parks located on the mountain. The website says they have activities for all skill levels, but make sure you’re comfortable first before trying to catch any big air.
This is a great way to spend time with family without having to overwhelm yourself with planning. As long as you’re bundled up and dressed accordingly, the mountain and its staff have everything you need for a fun-filled day that everyone can enjoy.
From rentals as soon as you walk in, to support for beginner skiers, to dining options that will keep some members of your family from getting hangry on the slopes, Mt. Brighton can be enjoyed whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran.
There are several ways to refuel on the slopes depending on whether you’re in a hurry to get back on the mountain or if you have some time to catch your breath. The Ski Hill Grill is where you can find some quick bites like chicken tenders, chili, and other on-the-go eats.
This is the dining room for the Ore Creek Grill which offers a more sit-down experience with a beautiful view of the mountain. There’s also a full-service bar inside the Ski Hill Grill. If you’re looking for something to warm you up, Brighton Early Coffee Shop offers a wide variety of hot espresso drinks, coffee, and teas.
There’s nothing like the gift of learning a new skill you can enjoy for the rest of your life. Mt. Brighton Ski Resort is a great place for beginners to start navigating the mountain. The mountain is subject to closure if the conditions are not good for skiing, so make sure you check the weather forecast and the resort’s website before finalizing your plans.
