10 Things to Do This Summer in Brighton Howell Area

May 31, 2025

Summertime in Southeast Michigan’s Brighton Howell Area is magical, filled with lively events, scenic natural landscapes, and countless opportunities for fun and relaxation. This picturesque region is conveniently located between Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Lansing, offering a wide range of activities that are perfect for everyone. Here is your guide on ten things to do this summer in the Brighton Howell Area.

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1. Experience Live Music

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the live music in the Brighton Howell Area. During the summer, the area is loaded with a range of opportunities to experience local bands in unique settings. Weekly concerts can be enjoyed in downtown Howell from July through August. At the same time, other concert series are hosted in downtown Brighton and other businesses throughout the entire summer!

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2. Cool off at the Splash ‘N’ Blast

📍: Kensington Metropark

Beat the summer heat at Kensington Metropark’s Splash ‘N’ Blast. This family-friendly water park features two 240-foot twisting waterslides and a spray-and-play area perfect for kids. It’s an ideal spot to spend a hot summer day, with plenty of shade and picnic areas nearby. The park also offers scenic hiking trails, paddle boating, and fishing opportunities, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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3. Attend an Event

All summer, experience a range of local festivals, fairs, and events. The list of must-visit summer events is endless, from the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest in June to the Taste of Brighton Festival in July. Plan your summertime getaway to include any of these events!

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4. Explore Wildlife and Thrilling Activities

📍: Howell Nature Center

Nestled in the wilderness on over 200 acres, the Howell Nature Center is the ultimate attraction at any time of the year. On your next getaway, stop at this sanctuary to explore a range of wildlife seeking refuge, a zip line, a treehouse, and a range of other fun-filled activities.

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5. Play A Round of Golf

Hit the links to enjoy the great outdoors at one of the 20 public golf courses in the Brighton Howell Area. A vast range of terrain, difficulty levels, and even an Arnold Palmer Signature Course await you on your next getaway.

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6. Stay Cool with Indoor Fun

When the summer heat gets to be too much, head inside to a variety of attractions. From Castaway Play Cafe, featuring Michigan’s largest indoor play structure, to Salt & Light Co.’s vast play area, the perfect way to spend a day inside is awaiting you in the Brighton Howell Area.

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7. Discover Endless Parks

50,000+ acres of parks cover the Brighton Howell Area, making this the perfect destination for your summertime getaway. Hit the waters of Kent Lake in Kensington Metropark or explore the vast trail systems in Pinckney Recreation Area. Choose your own adventure – hike, bike, horseback ride, swim, kayak, canoe, or lounge on the beach.

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8. Dive Into a Sweet Treat

Nothing is better than an ice-cold treat to wrap up your summer day. Luckily, the Brighton Howell Area is loaded with spots specializing in your favorite sweet treat. If ice cream is not what you’re after, each spot offers many items to cool you down and curb your sweet tooth!

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9. Spend A Day at The Beach

No summer vacation can happen without a day at the beach. With a vast range of public lakes, the Brighton Howell Area offers plenty of beaches perfect for the ultimate summer day. Spend the day splashing around Thompson Lake at Scofield Park or hit the waters of Bishop Lake in Brighton Recreation Area. Either way, your day is sure to be loaded with fun!

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10. Drop a Boat or Kayak in the Lake

Experience the waters of the Brighton Howell Area on a paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or boat! The area has public drop points for your watercraft. If you don’t want to travel with your vessel, check out one of the canoe and kayak or boat rentals.

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On your next summer getaway, head to the Brighton Howell Area to explore a range of fun-filled activities, attractions, and events. Before you visit, snag a visitor guide to learn all about the area and what to do while you’re here.

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