Brighton-Howell is the place to be this spring! Soak up the sun with playgrounds and outdoor nature centers or check out the library, indoor playscapes or bookshops for those rainy spring days.
Howell Nature Center
The Howell Nature Center is one of our favorite places to visit animals, take a nature walk and let the children run around the playground – the treehouse forts and canopy walks are pretty cool for parents and kids alike! The fun doesn’t stop when the temperatures drop either. There’s a new Raptor Hill for sledding on snowy days and exciting events all through the year.
Open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for kids ages 3 to 17. Ages 2 and under are free!
Castaway Play
Avoid cabin fever and have a full day of fun at Castaway Play. The indoor amusement center features a massive indoor play structure with a dedicated toddler space, inflatable bounce houses, arcade and VR games, Laser Tag, Create-A-Pal and an epic Challenge Zone.
Open Tuesday – Thursday from 10am to 7pm, Friday & Saturday from 10am to 8pm. Available on Sundays for private parties. Admission prices vary, check the site for full details!
Stemville Howell
Let the kids embrace their creativity at Stemville! With their second location now open in Howell, Stemville offers a place for kids to explore, imagine, design and create. With rotating toys and STEAM stations there is always something new and interesting to do.
Open Monday- Saturday from 9am – 6pm, Sunday 11am – 6pm. Admission is $20 per child for 2 hours of play.
Howell Carnegie Library
The Howell Library has plenty of fun activities for kids, check out their calendar to see what’s going on each day! Be sure to stop in even if there isn’t anything on the calendar, with a great kids area there is still plenty to do and explore!
Open Monday – Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday – Saturday 9am to 4pm and Sunday 12pm to 4pm.
2 Dandelions Bookshop
This independent bookshop has a fantastic kids area, with plenty of book options, themed storytimes and so much more. 2 Dandelions is a lovely gem in Brighton that you don’t want to miss.
Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm.
M street
M Street Bakery is famous for their insane, creative, awesome shakes! They are always decorated to the max including being topped with full cookies, brownies and other treats. There is plenty to choose from at M street, you won’t be disappointed! When you finish at M Street be sure to check out the alley, always dressed up to celebrate the seasons it is a great place for photo ops!
Open everyday 8am to 8pm
242 Community Center Playground
We love free! This two level playscape offers a trampoline, rock wall, climbing tubes and slides! It also houses a large open soccer field, where anyone can play. Be sure to grab a snack or drink from the cafe and sit back and relax while the kids play.
Open Monday – Saturday 9am to 8pm
Salt & Light Kids Co.
Step into an adorable indoor play area and children boutique. Salt & Light focuses on Montessori inspired play, with wooden playhouses, dress up and an incredible tree as the focal point to all the fun. Be sure to check out the special pop up with craft activities!
Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Admission is $12 per child for 2 hours of play.
Explore The Great Outdoors
Brighton is home to 2 State Parks and a Metropark. Explore the nature trails, go cross country skiing or sledding at Brighton Recreation Area, Island Lake Recreation Area or Huron Meadow Metropark.
Playground Play Dates
Let the kids run and play at the park. Our three favorite playgrounds in the area are:
- Mill Pond Park (W Main St & E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI 48116): The park has a giant, fenced-in wooden castle theme playscape and public restrooms.
- Genoa Township Park (100 Dorr Rd, Brighton, MI 48114): The park has swing-sets, climbing structures and playsets next to a public restroom. There’s also a massive sledding hill.
- Howell Summit Garden (219 N Walnut St, Howell, MI 48843): The children’s playground in downtown Howell is adorable and lots of fun! A mini maze, colorful tents and curving slides offer whimsical amusement for little ones
