Excited yet dreading the winter break because you don’t want snow days and the holidays to leave you with a house full of bored kids? These fun winter-break activities will keep your children occupied and happy both indoors and out – throughout the frosty season!
- Check out the many trails and family friendly programs at Blandford Nature Center, including Winter Break Camp on January 2. Admission to the property is $3, but those with Grand Rapids Children’s Museum memberships will get in FREE all January long.
- Discover the art of ice at the Holland Ice Sculpting Contest on January 10th or the Rockford Ice Festival, on February 7th and 8th.
- View the Holiday Traditions Train Display at Breton Village Mall now through January 17th.
- Celebrate winter while skating with Griffins players at the Great Skate Winterfest on January 18 and 19. The event includes ice sculpting, sports demonstrations, zoo animals, sled dogs and more…all for FREE!
- Rock out at the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular on January 23. The concert features 11 of the top names in Christian music for only $10, at the door (but be prepared to get in line early).
- Celebrate the snow with some awesome FREE events, including the Crazy Cardboard Sled Competition, at Winter West, held January 24-February 9 in Richmond Park.
- Attend a Grand Rapids Symphony Lollipops Concert at Sunshine Community Church for just $5 per person. Upcoming shows include Peter and the Wolf on January 25 and The Snowman on March 22.
- Attend the Kids and Family Expo on Saturday January 18th at DeVos Place. The event will feature performances, a zip line, crafts, a gaga pit and more! Adults are $6, children 3-15 are $2 and kids 2 and under are FREE!
- Ice skate at Rosa Parks Circle. Cost is only $2 for adults and $1 for children.
- Cheer on the Grand Rapids Griffins! Children with Griff’s Reading Goals bookmarks (distributed in schools and libraries throughout the greater Grand Rapids area) receive 2 FREE upper level tickets to select games. You can also get $7 off Lower Level Faceoff tickets with your library card on Sundays and Wednesdays.
- Go sledding at one of the recommended locations listed in our Winter Sports Guide.
- Link for sports guide: http://grkids.com/west-michigan-winter-sports-guide-2013/
- Paint pottery at The Mud Room. Studio fees are just $12 per family of 5, on Sundays from 1 to 4.
- Explore nature at the Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve. FREE family programs are offered on the first Saturday of each month.
- Visit the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex and try out a variety of winter sports. Kids under 6 snowshoe and cross country ski FREE!
- Ski & snowboard, tube or hit the cross country trails at Pando Park. Family Night discounts available beginning January 6th.
- Swim at one of the many local pools featured in our Indoor Swimming Guide.
- Link for indoor swim guide: http://grkids.com/indoor-swim-west-michigan-2015/
- Enjoy Family Night at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum on Thursdays from 5-8pm. Admission is just $1.50 per person, for those ages 1 year and above.