Winter Break Activities in West Michigan
Shandra Martinez
| 3 min read
While there are typically a lot more items on our to-do lists as we approach the holidays, there are also often more hands available to help get everything done. Winter Break usually means time away from school for everyone from preschoolers through college students. And this seasonal time off can coincide with parents, grandparents and friends having some extra days away from work. So while schedules can be busier, there are also lots of opportunities to tap into Winter Break activities all across West Michigan.
Here are some ideas to get you started on creating your own Winter Break adventures.
Grand Rapids
Snowflake Break Camps at the Grand Rapids Public Museum: Designed for elementary-aged kids, these morning and afternoon sessions are all about hands-on learning and interesting topics. The mini camps run from Dec. 27 through Jan. 5 and you can register children online for one or more sessions. Topics include the museum’s current World of Bugs exhibit, a look at different holiday traditions, and a LEGO building challenge. Find more details on the Snowflake Break Camps here.
Rosa Parks Circle ice rink: This ice skating destination is in the middle of downtown, with the circular rink surrounded by the tall buildings that make up the Grand Rapids skyline. The rink itself is flanked by trees with decorative lights, which makes night skating particularly festive. Admission is just $2 for kids, with a 10-punch card deal making it even cheaper for kids who plan to skate a lot between December and the end of February. Skate rentals are free, or you can bring your own skates. You can make a reservation to skate, or just walk up to the rink. Find more details here.
Grand Haven area
Mulligan’s Hollow: Think you can’t ski in Grand Haven? Think again. The Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl is a local favorite for small-town skiers and snowboarders. You’ll find eight downhill runs, lighted paths and tow ropes at this city-owned park. There’s even equipment rentals and lessons offered on-site. Day passes are available. Find more information here.
Pigeon Creek Park: South of Grand Haven and just east of U.S. 31, you’ll find this Ottawa County park that’s been dubbed a winter outdoor destination. There are miles of ungroomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails, equipment rental, concessions and a popular sledding hill. There’s even ski lessons available as part of the park programming. Find more details here.
Muskegon
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park: Yes, this is the park with the 850-foot luge track, designed by an Olympian, where you can learn this speedy winter sport. But the park is known for other kinds of winter fun, including miles of groomed and lighted trails that draw classic cross-country skiers as well as skate skiers. There’s an ice rink for hockey and family-style ice skating. As a bonus, try the wide, quarter-mile skating trail through the woods for a really unique winter experience. For more details, check the park’s website here.
Holland
Holland Aquatic Center: Forget about the snow and cold when you pick up a day pass at this huge aquatic and fitness center. It offers a Splash Zone for kids, a lazy river feature, a big water slide and a zero-entry spot to make it easy for little ones to get used to the water. The center also features a hot tub, sauna and a fitness area. It’s a great spot to combine fun with some warm-temperature self-care. Find more information here.
South Haven
Michigan Maritime Museum: Tap into your love of the Great Lakes at this cool museum that offers a mix of permanent and revolving exhibits. Right now, visitors young and old can learn about the passenger steamships that used to ply Lake Michigan and Lake Huron more than a century ago. Find details on hours and admission here.
Photo credit: IG page @lukestier
