Incredible Winter Activities in the Brighton Howell Area

Winter transforms the Brighton Howell Area into a playground for outdoor adventure. Whether your family loves racing down a sledding hill, exploring snowy trails, gliding across the ice, or hitting the ski slopes, there are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the season.

From Kensington Metropark to Island Lake State Recreation Area, the Brighton Howell Area offers winter activities for every age and adventure level.

Bundle up, grab your winter gear, and discover some of the best things to do in the Brighton Howell Area this winter.

Go Sledding

Few things capture the magic of winter quite like sledding. Grab your favorite sled and find a hill for an afternoon of family fun in the snow.

The Orchard Picnic Area at Kensington Metropark features four distinct sledding hills for different ages and skill levels. The bunny hill is designed with younger children in mind, while the beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes offer progressively more exciting rides.

Genoa Township Park is another destination for winter fun, featuring a sledding hill with a 40-foot drop. Afterward, warm up in the heated pavilion before heading back out into the snow.

Perfect for: Families with kids, beginners, and anyone who believes winter is better with a little speed.

Hit the Slopes for Skiing and Snowboarding

Ready for a little more adventure? Head to Mt. Brighton for skiing and snowboarding.

With 19 trails and a variety of lifts, Mt. Brighton offers opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels. Families can also introduce younger adventurers to the sport through the Children’s Ski & Ride School Center.

When it’s time to take a break, warm up and grab a bite at Ore Creek Mountain Grill.

Perfect for: Families, beginners, experienced skiers, and snowboarders.

Lace Up for Ice Skating

Trade hiking boots for ice skates and enjoy a classic winter activity in the Brighton Howell Area.

At Kensington Metropark, Kent Lake features separate natural ice rinks for recreational skating and hockey when conditions allow. It’s a fun way to spend a winter afternoon with the family—and a great excuse to get outside when temperatures drop.

Perfect for: Families, recreational skaters, and hockey players.

Always check current ice conditions and park information before visiting, as natural ice activities are weather dependent.

Explore Snowy Trails on Cross-Country Skis

Slow down and take in the winter scenery on cross-country skis.

Kensington Metropark offers approximately 12 miles of trails with terrain suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers. For an even longer adventure, Island Lake State Recreation Area features approximately 18 miles of cross-country ski trails.

Glide through open landscapes and mature hardwood forests while experiencing a quieter side of winter.

Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts, active families, and anyone looking for a peaceful winter adventure.

Try Fat Tire Biking

Snow doesn’t have to mean putting your bike away.

Fat tire bikes are built to handle snowy and uneven terrain, making winter an entirely different way to experience the area's trails. At Island Lake State Recreation Area, the Purple Trail travels through an old gravel mining area known as “The Badlands,” providing varied terrain for an adventurous ride.

Perfect for: Experienced cyclists, outdoor adventurers, and families with older kids.

Trail conditions can vary significantly during winter, so check conditions before heading out.

Go Ice Fishing

When the lakes freeze, fishing season doesn’t have to end.

The Brighton Howell Area offers opportunities for ice fishing during the winter months. Kent Lake can be home to bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch, and northern pike, while anglers looking for trout can explore opportunities at Island Lake State Recreation Area.

Bundle up, pack your gear, and enjoy a slower-paced winter adventure on the ice.

Perfect for: Anglers, families with older children, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Ice conditions can change quickly. Always check local conditions and follow Michigan fishing and ice-safety regulations before venturing onto a frozen lake.

Take a Winter Hike

You don’t need specialized equipment to enjoy the outdoors in winter.

The Brighton Howell Area's parks and recreation areas offer opportunities to explore snowy landscapes on foot. A winter hike can be a great family activity, especially after a fresh snowfall when familiar trails take on an entirely new appearance.

Visit Kensington Metropark or Island Lake State Recreation Area and enjoy the peaceful scenery of Southeast Michigan in winter.

Perfect for: Families, hikers, photographers, and anyone looking for an easy outdoor adventure.

Check trail conditions before visiting and dress appropriately for changing winter weather.

Plan Your Winter Adventure in the Brighton Howell Area

From snowy trails and sledding hills to ski slopes, frozen lakes, and scenic parks, there are plenty of ways to experience winter in the Brighton Howell Area.

Whether you're planning a family day outdoors or looking for your next adventure, you can build a winter itinerary around the activities you enjoy most.

Ready to start planning?

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