2022 – 2023 Christmas & Winter Break Activity Guide
Winter Break in West Michigan Starts Dec 16 or 19, 2022.
Some schools are starting break with either a half day or full day off on Friday, December 16, while other districts are starting break on Monday, December 19.
Most schools are resume on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
So what will you do with your two weeks of winter break? If you use this list, the answer is, “have a lot of fun!”
In This Article
Featured Winter Break Activities
*this is a sponsored section of GRKIDS.
Winter Break Activity in Grand Rapids
THE MUD ROOM @ KNAPP'S CORNER Winter Break Idea
1971 E Beltline Ave NE STE 103,Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Looking for creative fun over winter break? Visit The Mud Room!
This popular studio is a local favorite and has been voted the BEST for multiple Grandtastic Awards.
Don't worry if you're "not creative..." Their helpful staff will help anyone feel like an artist!
Drop by during open studio hours to Paint Pottery. All ages are welcome, and no experience is necessary.
Check their website for winter break and holiday hours before heading over, and expect FCFS seating.
For a truly unique hands-on experience, try a Potter’s Wheel class.
Private appointments are available for family and friends ages 7-adult, or you can drop off ages 7-15 for one of their popular Camp Mud Potter's Wheel sessions. Pre-registration is required and classes fill up, so sign up early!
Don't forget to follow the studio on social media or sign up for their newsletter to hear about other artful happenings and events!
This popular studio is a local favorite and has been voted the BEST for multiple Grandtastic Awards.
Don't worry if you're "not creative..." Their helpful staff will help anyone feel like an artist!
Drop by during open studio hours to Paint Pottery. All ages are welcome, and no experience is necessary.
Check their website for winter break and holiday hours before heading over, and expect FCFS seating.
For a truly unique hands-on experience, try a Potter’s Wheel class.
Private appointments are available for family and friends ages 7-adult, or you can drop off ages 7-15 for one of their popular Camp Mud Potter's Wheel sessions. Pre-registration is required and classes fill up, so sign up early!
Don't forget to follow the studio on social media or sign up for their newsletter to hear about other artful happenings and events!
"Friendly and helpful staff. Comfortable environment with a nice selection of pottery and tools for painting. Very fun place for a friend get-together." - Amanda
Winter Break Activity in Comstock Park
BattleGR Winter Break Idea
284 Dodge NE Suite 100,Comstock Park, MI 49321
At BattleGR #WEPLAY. We are all about having fun with options for all ages.
We have programs where you can drop your kids or come and play with them.
• Tactical Laser
• Archery Tag
• Axe Throwing
• Esports/PC Gaming
• Arcade
• Café
• Sport Courts
• Gel Blasters
Winter Break Options Include:
• Day Camp
• Family Fun Night
• New Years Eve Events
• Teen-ish Night
• And More!
Check out BattleGR.com/Events for more details.
We have programs where you can drop your kids or come and play with them.
• Tactical Laser
• Archery Tag
• Axe Throwing
• Esports/PC Gaming
• Arcade
• Café
• Sport Courts
• Gel Blasters
Winter Break Options Include:
• Day Camp
• Family Fun Night
• New Years Eve Events
• Teen-ish Night
• And More!
Check out BattleGR.com/Events for more details.
"FANTASTIC facility & amazing set up for laser tag! We loved the variety of game setup options to keep us challenged & entertained. Their basketball/athletic courts were fantastic."
Winter Break Activity in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Public Museum Winter Break Idea
272 Pearl St NW,Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Enjoy Snowflake Break at the Grand Rapids Public Museum with fun for the entire family!
Explore The Power of Poison to learn poisons’ roles in nature and human history through immersive interactives.
Experience the wild side of fashion in Fashion + Nature and design your own garments.
Holiday displays, a Santa and Elf Hunt, and the Let it Snow! show in the Chaffee Planetarium make this the perfect day for the family!
All exhibits - including the Spillman Carousel - are included with general admission; Kent County Kids aged 17 and under are FREE.
Plan your trip at grpm.org today!
Explore The Power of Poison to learn poisons’ roles in nature and human history through immersive interactives.
Experience the wild side of fashion in Fashion + Nature and design your own garments.
Holiday displays, a Santa and Elf Hunt, and the Let it Snow! show in the Chaffee Planetarium make this the perfect day for the family!
All exhibits - including the Spillman Carousel - are included with general admission; Kent County Kids aged 17 and under are FREE.
Plan your trip at grpm.org today!
“We loved our trip! …Nobody was bored, and there was enough to keep kids and adults busy and educated…So glad we purchased a membership, we will definitely be returning!”
Winter Break Activity in Auburn Hills
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Winter Break Idea
4240 Baldwin Road,Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Escape Michigan's frozen tundra and build, create and play INSIDE ten themed play zones at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center!
You'll enjoy two BRICK-tastic rides, experience some magic in the 4D theatre, build & test your own creations, and meet some of your favorite LEGO® characters!
You can even explore dozens of miniature Detroit landmarks like Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field & Comerica Park in MINILAND.
This attraction is best-suited for groups with children ages 4-10.
Adults must be accompanied by a child in order to enter.
You'll enjoy two BRICK-tastic rides, experience some magic in the 4D theatre, build & test your own creations, and meet some of your favorite LEGO® characters!
You can even explore dozens of miniature Detroit landmarks like Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field & Comerica Park in MINILAND.
This attraction is best-suited for groups with children ages 4-10.
Adults must be accompanied by a child in order to enter.
"I took my grandchildren here. It is a cute place and they really enjoyed it. They spent 5 hours there and were disappointed when we had to leave." -Joann B.
Winter Break Activity in Auburn Hills
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Winter Break Idea
4316 Baldwin Road,Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Dive into SEA LIFE, Michigan's largest Aquarium, and shake off the winter blues!
Get up close and personal with your favorite deep-sea creatures including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles!
Experience what it's like to touch a 'splash'-tacular sea star or sticky anemone at our Touchpool and then stroll through Michigan's ONLY underwater Ocean Tunnel!
From the colorful to the curious, the majestic to the mystical, get ready to be amazed this winter as you discover the stories of the oceans’ most fascinating creatures at SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Get up close and personal with your favorite deep-sea creatures including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles!
Experience what it's like to touch a 'splash'-tacular sea star or sticky anemone at our Touchpool and then stroll through Michigan's ONLY underwater Ocean Tunnel!
From the colorful to the curious, the majestic to the mystical, get ready to be amazed this winter as you discover the stories of the oceans’ most fascinating creatures at SEA LIFE Aquarium.
"Had the best time! It has so much to see and see it UP CLOSE. Definitely worth the trip for both adults and children" 👍🏽🌊 -Marena G. (Facebook)
Winter Break Activity in Auburn Hills
Peppa Pig World of Play Michigan Winter Break Idea
4362 Baldwin Road,Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Warm up this winter with a visit to Peppa Pig World of Play Michigan!
You and your little piggies will enjoy exploring (and playing in!) more than a dozen free-roaming play areas, all lovingly inspired by the cherished TV series.
You'll discover Peppa's Treehouse, Rebecca Rabbit's Underground Adventure, George's Fort, Granddad Dog's Garage, Madame Gazelle's School Bus, and more!
This indoor attraction is designed for children ages 1-8 years old.
You and your little piggies will enjoy exploring (and playing in!) more than a dozen free-roaming play areas, all lovingly inspired by the cherished TV series.
You'll discover Peppa's Treehouse, Rebecca Rabbit's Underground Adventure, George's Fort, Granddad Dog's Garage, Madame Gazelle's School Bus, and more!
This indoor attraction is designed for children ages 1-8 years old.
"Great place to visit with your little ones who love Peppa Pig! Totally immersive world that lets them act out Peppa's adventure." -Jennifer B. (Google)
Winter Break Activity in Caledonia
Max Effort Fieldhouse Winter Break Idea
8280 Broadmoor Ave. SE,Caledonia, MI 49316
With indoor turf training areas for baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, and more and a multi-sport surface for basketball and other indoor sports - Max Effort Fieldhouse is Caledonia’s premier athletic training facility.
We would love to keep your athletes busy during Christmas Break.
During December, MEF will host various sports camps for kids 1st-8th grade. MEF Camps are led by elite-level coaches.
All campers will be able to grow individually and learn what it truly means to work as a team.
We are committed to helping each camper reach their potential and ultimately leave camp a better player. Come join us this December!
We would love to keep your athletes busy during Christmas Break.
During December, MEF will host various sports camps for kids 1st-8th grade. MEF Camps are led by elite-level coaches.
All campers will be able to grow individually and learn what it truly means to work as a team.
We are committed to helping each camper reach their potential and ultimately leave camp a better player. Come join us this December!
"Our kids loved going to Max Effort Fieldhouse camps! It's a great way to have them stay active, socialize and learn new sports and hear them ask to go back.” -Tracie Redick
Winter Break Activity in Portage
Air Zoo Winter Break Idea
6151 Portage Road,Portage, MI 49002
The Air Zoo and West Michigan Toyota Dealers are excited to present the return of the Winter Break Family Fun Days!
Get hands-on during the winter break with fun educational activities for the entire family!
This year’s Winter Break Family Fun Days will be running from 10AM – 2PM on December 28 & 29 and January 4 & 5.
These events are free of charge to Air Zoo guests and members.
Get hands-on during the winter break with fun educational activities for the entire family!
This year’s Winter Break Family Fun Days will be running from 10AM – 2PM on December 28 & 29 and January 4 & 5.
These events are free of charge to Air Zoo guests and members.
Winter Break Activity in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Children's Museum Winter Break Idea
11 Sheldon Ave NE,Grand Rapids, MI 49503
This Winter Break, explore two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits and daily drop-in programs at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.
GRCM celebrates the power of play and inspires wonder, discovery, and the joy of childhood.
There’s something special to experience every day of Winter Break including festive programming, special guests, and performers!
Visit www.grcm.org for information on extended Winter Break hours!
GRCM celebrates the power of play and inspires wonder, discovery, and the joy of childhood.
There’s something special to experience every day of Winter Break including festive programming, special guests, and performers!
Visit www.grcm.org for information on extended Winter Break hours!
Winter Break Activity in Grandville
Tarry Hall Roller Rink Winter Break Idea
3330 Fairlanes Ave SW,Grandville, MI 49418
We'll be open for public skating Monday - Friday (all ages welcome):
- December 26-30: 1:30-4:30
- January 2-6: 1:30-4:30
As well as our normal weekly skating sessions:
- Thursdays 12:30-2:30
- Thursdays Adult Night 8:30-11:00
- Fridays 7:00-10:00
- Saturdays 1:30-4:30 and 6:30-9:30
- Sundays 2:00-5:00
*Santa Skate* Get your picture taken with Santa:
- Thursday, December 15: 12:30-2:30
- Saturday, December 17: 1:30-4:30
*New Years Eve Party*
- Friday, December 31: 6:30-9:30
- December 26-30: 1:30-4:30
- January 2-6: 1:30-4:30
As well as our normal weekly skating sessions:
- Thursdays 12:30-2:30
- Thursdays Adult Night 8:30-11:00
- Fridays 7:00-10:00
- Saturdays 1:30-4:30 and 6:30-9:30
- Sundays 2:00-5:00
*Santa Skate* Get your picture taken with Santa:
- Thursday, December 15: 12:30-2:30
- Saturday, December 17: 1:30-4:30
*New Years Eve Party*
- Friday, December 31: 6:30-9:30
Winter Break Activity in Grand Rapids
Amped Virtual Reality Winter Break Idea
2923 28th St SE,Grand Rapids, MI 49512-1624
“We took our kids to a water park, and they just wanted to play VR!” - Parent
4.9 star-rated AMPED VIRTUAL REALITY is PERFECT for the entire family or active fun for the kids!
There are over 40 experiences with something for everyone, including multiplayer options: be inside the MINECRAFT video game, swing like Spider-Man, puzzle games, escape rooms, scary experiences, draw with light, swim with dolphins, or travel the world!
4.9 star-rated AMPED VIRTUAL REALITY is PERFECT for the entire family or active fun for the kids!
There are over 40 experiences with something for everyone, including multiplayer options: be inside the MINECRAFT video game, swing like Spider-Man, puzzle games, escape rooms, scary experiences, draw with light, swim with dolphins, or travel the world!
Winter Break Activity in Holland
Paint a Pot Winter Break Idea
390 E 8th ST Suite 6,Holland, MI 49423
Create a memory at Paint a Pot in Holland!
We offer pottery for all ages! Banks, boxes, plates, platters, mugs, etc.
No appointment is needed!
We look forward to helping you create a creation to last a lifetime.
Check us out on our website or on Facebook.
We offer pottery for all ages! Banks, boxes, plates, platters, mugs, etc.
No appointment is needed!
We look forward to helping you create a creation to last a lifetime.
Check us out on our website or on Facebook.
Winter Break Activity in Caledonia
Legacy Stables & Karin's Horse Connection Winter Break Idea
8001 Patterson Ave,Caledonia, MI 49316
Have fun with HORSES and make lasting MEMORIES at our peaceful farm with friendly staff and 25+ well-trained horses.
Something for EVERYONE ~ all ages, skill levels, and abilities!
-Gift Certificates
-Lessons (ages 2+)
-Equestrian Vaulting
-One-Time Rides
-‘Own-A-Horse’ Camp
-Therapeutic Riding
Two indoor arenas - ride in any weather!
Something for EVERYONE ~ all ages, skill levels, and abilities!
-Gift Certificates
-Lessons (ages 2+)
-Equestrian Vaulting
-One-Time Rides
-‘Own-A-Horse’ Camp
-Therapeutic Riding
Two indoor arenas - ride in any weather!
Squeeze in a few Last Christmas Activities
Holiday events still left on your bucket list? Sneak in some of these festive Christmas activities over winter break.
If your family loves the magic of the snow and twinkling lights this time of year, grab some hot chocolate, a few blankets, and take a ride around town checking out the Christmas light displays in your area.
The GRKIDS Holiday Lights Tour lists houses with some pretty amazing light displays, all recommended by our readers.
There is also a curated route for the Lowell-Ada area as well as Wyoming-Grandville.
There are also a lot of grand drive-through Christmas displays around Michigan that are also sure to thrill the kids.
One of our favorite local drive-through Christmas lights shows, boasting over a million twinkling lights, is the Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ball Park.
Stop into Frederik Meijer Gardens and enjoy the Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World where you will find dozens of internationally decorated trees and can explore the railway garden exhibition, a seasonal favorite in many households.
New this year at FMG is their own Christmas light show!
Outdoor Activities Over Winter Break
Michigan winters can be blustery and cold, but they are also beautiful.
If the snow has come, spend the afternoon at one of these sledding hills.
There are even more active ideas in the Winter Outdoor Play Guide.
Animal lovers can ride horses and ponies at Legacy Stables, where they’re providing safe, outdoors experiences for kids.
Kids interested in luge can learn to luge at Muskegon Winter Sports Complex.
Or maybe you’ll want to try the latest winter craze: snow tubing. Here’s where you can snow tube in Michigan.
Indoor Activities Over Winter Break
If the cold weather has you rethinking life in the Midwest, there are still plenty of options to have fun AND stay warm over Christmas Break.
Younger kids would enjoy a stop at Gymco or Horizon Kids Complex during open gym hours. You can also take them to a nice library play area.
There are two great pinball places in Grand Rapids. Pinball Land in Rockford and the Retro Electric Arcade in Lowell will entertain kids and adults.
BattleGR has tons of laser tag and other tactical games. They also have a special winter break camp for kids.
Check out laser tag (and maybe even some go-kart riding and ninja courses) at Craig’s Cruisers.
Or step into virtual reality with VR games, parties, and more at Amped Virtual Reality.
Kids with all the moves would love rollerskating. Favorites are Tarry Hall and GR Skate & Event Center.
If you are longing for the 80 degree days of summer already, grab your bathing suit and splash around at Holland Aquatic Center, where kids can go down a 150-foot water slide and re-live some of the joys of summer.
Or try one of these other great indoor pools around West Michigan.
Movie buffs can see what shows are at Celebration Cinemas this season. Pro tip: head to their Studio Park location downtown, where every seat is a recliner!.
Hands-On Activities Over Winter Break
There are lots of great ways to keep your kids learning while still having fun.
Start with a trip to the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Explore their unique exhibits during their Snowflake Break, featuring family-friendly activities.
The Children’s Museum’s Pigeon exhibit is closing in January. It’s a great time for Mo Willems fans to play with tons of interactive exhibits, in addition to the usual greatness of GRCM.
The Mud Room is offering open studio time where kids can paint pottery or a wood sign. Paint a Pot in Holland also has drop in paint time.
Grand Rapids Art Museum has a realy neat Jim Henson exhibit right now. Their drop in studio is on them with “puppet portraits.”
Road Trip Ideas for Winter Break
If you’ve got cabin fever, then hit the road for some fun with the kids.
Drive over to Portage for an immersive aviation experience at the Air Zoo. You really have to see this place to believe how fun it is.
Metro Detroit has three interactive experiences all near each other in Auburn Hills.
Builders will love LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
See amazing creatures at SEA LIFE, Michigan’s largest Aquarium.
Peppa Pig fans will have a blast at this world designed just for them!
Winter Break Calendar of Events
Looking for something to do on a specific day of winter break? Use this calendar of winter break events to find your fun!
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Is there a place where I can print a list of all the different activities to do over Christmas break?