The cold has arrived. Here's some indoor activities in Livingston County to explore

Ari Hickman

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — As the snow finally begins to fly in Livingston County, residents need more options than staying home and watching Netflix.

Fortunately, the area offers a variety of indoor activities to escape the cold.

Why watch a movie at home when you can kick back in a reclining seat with popcorn?
Why watch a movie at home when you can kick back in a reclining seat with popcorn?

Catch a Movie

Why watch a movie at home when you can kick back in a reclining seat with popcorn? The movie theater offers an entertaining escape from the chill. With titles like "Wonka," "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," "The Color Purple," and "Trolls Band Together" currently in theaters and the long-awaited musical reboot of "Mean Girls" coming soon, the timing is spot-on.

Locations in Livingston County:

  • MJR Brighton Cinema 20, 8200 Murphy Drive in Brighton

  • Emagine Hartland, 10495 Hartland Square Drive in Hartland

  • Historic Howell Theater, 315 E. Grand River Ave. in Howell

Brighton Coffee House and Theater at 306 W. Main St. has quickly become the “it” place for teens.
Brighton Coffee House and Theater at 306 W. Main St. has quickly become the “it” place for teens.

Visit Brighton Coffee House and Theater

Nothing says “cozy” like a steaming latte. Brighton Coffee House and Theater at 306 W. Main St. has quickly become the “it” place for teens. It boasts a wide variety of drinks, pastries and other menu items, whether you're looking for a sweet treat or a caffeine boost.

The business is open 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. The shop hosts a variety of events, including comedic acts, live music, poetry readings, and the annual Brighton Idol competition.

Other quaint cafés in Livingston County:

  • Uptown Coffee House, 102 E. Grand River Ave. in Howell

  • Thread Creek Coffee, 10051 E. Highland Road Suite 17 in Howell

  • Good Deeds Coffee Bar, 115 E. Grand River Ave. in Fowlerville

Open Skate at the Ice Rink

Don't mind the cold so much? Local ice rinks offer open skate, when individuals of all experience levels have an opportunity to get on the ice.

Locations in Livingston County:

  • 140 Ice Den, 970 Grand Oaks Drive in Howell ($8 admission, $5 skate rental)

  • Kensington Valley Ice House, 10540 Citation Drive in Brighton ($5 weekday admission, $7 weekend admission, $5 skate rental)

Skating and Arcade Fun at Rollerama and Zap Zone

The ultimate hangout spot for tweens and teens, the joint Rollerama and Zap Zone complex offers enough to satisfy an entire afternoon of fun. The business at 6995 Grand River Ave. in Brighton includes an extensive arcade, laser tag, a roller skating rink, and a vast jungle gym.

Zap Zone promotes a variety of specials, including the “All You Can Play Park Pass” on Tuesdays, “Double Dollars Arcade Games” on Thursdays, and an upcoming unlimited attraction special on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

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Like ice skating, bowling provides a way to stay active, even when the weather is unfavorable. If you crave competition, it might be just the trick to cure your boredom.
Like ice skating, bowling provides a way to stay active, even when the weather is unfavorable. If you crave competition, it might be just the trick to cure your boredom.

Throw a Strike at the Bowling Alley

Like ice skating, bowling provides a way to stay active, even when the weather is unfavorable. If you crave competition, it might be just the trick to cure your boredom.

Locations in Livingston County:

  • Brighton Bowl, 9871 Grand River Ave. in Brighton ($30-$35 per hour)

  • Bowl-E-Drome, 907 E. Grand River Ave. in Howell ($25 per hour with student discounts)

Puzzle Your Way Through an Escape Room

Want to challenge your mind? An escape room might be the answer. Perfect for friend groups, family excursions, and parties, escape rooms rely on logic and communication to solve puzzles and “break out".

Escape Room Brighton at 8143 Grand River Ave. has five different rooms ranging in difficulty. Contestants typically have an hour to escape. Each room charges $30 per player, with a maximum of six to eight players allowed.

Ceramic Studio Etc. can help you rekindle the artist inside during dreary weather. The business at 4132 E. Grand River Ave. in Howell accepts group reservations and walk-ins.
Ceramic Studio Etc. can help you rekindle the artist inside during dreary weather. The business at 4132 E. Grand River Ave. in Howell accepts group reservations and walk-ins.

Embrace Your Inner Artist at the Ceramic Studio Etc.

Ceramic Studio Etc. can help you rekindle the artist inside during dreary weather. The business at 4132 E. Grand River Ave. in Howell accepts group reservations and walk-ins. Patrons can choose from a selection of ceramic shapes or even try glass fusing a creation of their own. The business also hosts themed events and workshops.

— Ari Hickman is a sophomore at Brighton High School and a freelancer for The Livingston Daily. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@livingstondaily.com.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Top 7 indoor activities to do in Livingston County during the winter

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