After the last school bell of the year rings on Friday, December 20, many families will be turning their attention from homework and extracurricular activities to the more relaxed pace of winter break, which, for most, runs until classes resume on January 6.
Sure, lazing around in matching jammies may sound pretty appealing, but, presumably, there is only so much leisure to be had before cabin fever kicks in.
When it’s time to get out of the house, what’s there to do? Plenty! Here’s a rundown.
Wander Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 E Beltline Ave NE
meijergardens.org
Through January 4, with some holiday exceptions, is ENLIGHTEN, a light show experience combining spectacular installations with enchanting music, interactive elements, and the beauty of nature—all along a one-mile path. Food and beverages are available, and purchase of timed tickets is recommended. After enjoying ENLIGHTEN, be sure to check out the University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition. The Gardens also offers Winter Break Camps for different youth age groups on select dates.
Explore the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
11 Sheldon Ave NE
grcm.org
There’s always lots to do at this active space, but the “Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit” is a definite must. Kids will play while they learn, walking through the pages of some of Carle’s popular books. It runs through January 5. Also going on for many dates in December, through the 23rd, is Giftworks at the Wonder Workshop. There’s a new project to make every day that can be giftwrapped and shared.
Take in a Griffins Game
Van Andel Arena
griffinshockey.com
Grab a seat around the rink! Three games are happening at home during break: December 20 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Milwaukee Admirals (with $2 domestic beers and $2 hotdogs); December 22 at 4:00 p.m. vs. Texas Stars (with a Gridiron Griffins jersey auction); and December 31 at 6:00 p.m. vs. Cleveland Monsters (with 27th annual New Year’s Eve Celebration with post-game fireworks).
See a Performance of The Nutcracker
DeVos Performance Hall
grballet.com
GR Ballet is celebrating their 10th anniversary production of The Nutcracker, with six dates in December. During break, these are December 20 at 7:30 p.m.; December 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and December 22 at 2 p.m. Reserve tickets early and don’t miss this quintessential holiday tradition!
Bask in the Christmas Lite Show
LMCU Ballpark
christmasliteshow.com
Drive through or ride the Memory Lane Train to see more than two million lights, plus numerous animated displays and lighted tunnels. Both are open through January 4, including holidays, and there’s a savings if you buy your tickets online. Want to see St. Nick? Add on a Santa Experience ticket, through December 23.
Play at Muskegon Adventure Park
462 N Scenic Dr, Muskegon
msports.org
Bundle up and get some fresh air at this large sports complex near the lakeshore. As long as weather permits, visitors can ice skate, snow shoe, cross-country ski, sled, or even luge on an Olympian-built track. Buy a day pass or get extra perks with a season pass. Luge tickets are extra and must be reserved in advance. If there’s no snow or ice, you can still “hike the lights” on their trails. Head to their website to see conditions before you go. They’re open every day in December and January.
Discover Dinosaur Bones
430 W Clay Ave, Muskegon
lakeshoremuseum.org
Roam through the prehistoric world at Muskegon Museum of History & Science. Guided by expert paleontologist Paleo Joe, this exhibit runs through December 30. Paleo Joe will also be at the museum for a special Fossil Prep Day event, December 21 from, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ride the Santa Train
306 Main St, Coopersville
mitrain.net
Take a 90-minute excursion with the Coopersville and Marne Railway, complete with a Santa meet-and-greet and photo ops. It’s open weekends only, so during break that’s December 21 and 22. There’s also a Caroling Train at 5:00 p.m. on the 22nd. Advance tickets are strongly recommended, as trains typically sell out.
Burn Off Extra Energy at Horizon Kids Complex
6462 Center Industrial Dr, Jenison
horizonkidscomplex.com
School Vacation Open Gym is available over winter break 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on December 23, 27, and 30, plus January 3. Kids kindergarten age and older can climb ropes, hop on trampolines, tumble on mats, jump in the foam pit, or just run wild. To participate, a parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver.
Watch and Listen to Let It Snow
Grand Rapids Public Museum
grpm.org
This festive light show, with themed animation, special effects, and fulldome scenery, is paired with classic holiday music for a visual and aural treat. Held at Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, it runs every day at 4:00 p.m. from December 21 through January 5. Planetarium shows are $4 with general admission to the Grand Rapids Public Museum or $5 on their own. Also check out GRPM’s Snowflake Break Camps for grades 1-3 and 4-6 on specified dates from December 23-January 3.
