2023 – 2024 Christmas & Winter Break Activity Guide
West Michigan is at no loss for outdoor winter activities like ice skating and sledding. But this place really comes alive over winter break, when many local organizations offer special programming and activities for kids who are out of school.
Be on the lookout for free things to do in winter to make your break a little easier on your budget.
Most west Michigan schools have a later-than-normal winter break this year, with it extending well into January. (Many have break from Dec 22 – January 8.)
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 Rockford
Pinball Land Winter Break Idea
114 Courtland St,Rockford, MI 49341
Pinball Land is an all-ages retro arcade in Rockford, MI, featuring an awesome collection of pinball machines and video arcade games. The best part is there’s no need for quarters! At Pinball Land, you just pay for admission and all of the games inside are free to play.
We're more than just pinball, too. We have all kinds of arcade games including your favorite classics like Pac Man and Donkey Kong, driving games, sports games, and even Dance Dance Revolution. There's something for everyone!
Bring the whole family and play together for an hour or two, or you can even get an All Day Pass that lets you come and go all day long, enjoying the rest of Rockford between gaming sessions.
Open 6 days a week (closed Mondays).
We're more than just pinball, too. We have all kinds of arcade games including your favorite classics like Pac Man and Donkey Kong, driving games, sports games, and even Dance Dance Revolution. There's something for everyone!
Bring the whole family and play together for an hour or two, or you can even get an All Day Pass that lets you come and go all day long, enjoying the rest of Rockford between gaming sessions.
Open 6 days a week (closed Mondays).
"Amazing use of space, lovingly operated and tastefully adorned top to bottom. Fun machines and a great overall payment system." - Art
Winter Break Activity in Auburn Hills
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium & PEPPA PIG World of Play Winter Break Idea
4240 Baldwin Road,Auburn Hills, MI 48326
4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
The ultimate family destination for Holiday fun is just over 2 hours from Grand Rapids! Visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and PEPPA PIG World of Play for a full day of festive indoor activities. Please note that adults must be accompanied by a child in order to enter LEGOLAND Discovery Center and PEPPA PIG World of Play. SEA LIFE Aquarium is great for all ages.
Great place for kids to play! Very safe, and tons of different activities for them to stay busy with. -Alex P., Google
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!
Holiday displays, Elf and Santa scavenger hunt, and Let It Snow in the Chaffee Planetarium make a fun-filled and festive day.
Explore the traveling exhibit, The Nature of Color, and the Historic Grand Rapids LEGO® Display!
While you're here, do some holiday shopping in the Curiosity Shop. From books to creative toys and locally-made artisan goods, the Curiosity Shop has unique gifts for all.
Kent County kids 17 and under visit FREE!
Visit grpm.org for tickets.
Holiday displays, Elf and Santa scavenger hunt, and Let It Snow in the Chaffee Planetarium make a fun-filled and festive day.
Explore the traveling exhibit, The Nature of Color, and the Historic Grand Rapids LEGO® Display!
While you're here, do some holiday shopping in the Curiosity Shop. From books to creative toys and locally-made artisan goods, the Curiosity Shop has unique gifts for all.
Kent County kids 17 and under visit FREE!
Visit grpm.org for tickets.
“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 Grand Rapids
Altitude Trampoline Park Winter Break Idea
3495 Alpine Avenue Northwest,Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Spend the winter months at Altitude Trampoline Park and escape from the cold and dreary Grand Rapids weather.
As the snow falls outside, inside our indoor park, you can defy gravity and bounce to your heart's content on attractions like the Battle Beam, Extreme Dodgeball and the Tumble Track.
It's a perfect retreat for families and friends, providing a safe and exhilarating space for everyone to burn off energy and create lasting memories.
Purchase an annual membership for $10/month (plus tax and a one-time activation fee) and jump to your heart's content all winter long!
As the snow falls outside, inside our indoor park, you can defy gravity and bounce to your heart's content on attractions like the Battle Beam, Extreme Dodgeball and the Tumble Track.
It's a perfect retreat for families and friends, providing a safe and exhilarating space for everyone to burn off energy and create lasting memories.
Purchase an annual membership for $10/month (plus tax and a one-time activation fee) and jump to your heart's content all winter long!
Best trampoline park around!! The staff are the nicest, kindest people! The facility is clean and well cared for. Love this place!
Winter Break Activity in Grand Rapids
Fowling Warehouse Winter Break Idea
6797 Cascade Rd SE,Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Looking for a fun and unique activity this winter break? Get in out of the cold and go Fowling!
Great activity for kids, families and friends! Anyone can do it!
Reserve a private lane for up to 10 people for 2 hours for $130 per lane. OR Unlimited walk-in Open Play for $15/person. Winners stay, losers call next on another lane. Stay all day!
Bring in your own food or have it delivered. No outside beverages, but enjoy our pop, juices, and bottled water - plus two 45 ft long fully stocked bars.
Great activity for kids, families and friends! Anyone can do it!
Reserve a private lane for up to 10 people for 2 hours for $130 per lane. OR Unlimited walk-in Open Play for $15/person. Winners stay, losers call next on another lane. Stay all day!
Bring in your own food or have it delivered. No outside beverages, but enjoy our pop, juices, and bottled water - plus two 45 ft long fully stocked bars.
Winter Break Activity in Comstock Park
BattleGR Winter Break Idea
284 Dodge NE Suite 100,Comstock Park, MI 49321
BattleGR is your ultimate destination for creating unforgettable moments with loved ones.
We have programs where you can drop your kids off or you can come play with them.
*Tactical Laser Tag
*Archery Tag
*Axe Throwing
*Cafe & Bar
*Arcade
*Sport Courts
Check out our holiday camps, wristbands, Trivia Nights, and New Year's Eve Party!
We have programs where you can drop your kids off or you can come play with them.
*Tactical Laser Tag
*Archery Tag
*Axe Throwing
*Cafe & Bar
*Arcade
*Sport Courts
Check out our holiday camps, wristbands, Trivia Nights, and New Year's Eve Party!
Winter Break Activity in Grand Rapids
THE MUD ROOM @ KNAPP'S CORNER Winter Break Idea
1971 E Beltline Ave NE, Suite 103,Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Visit this popular DIY art studio for handmade gifts… or creative staycation fun!
The Mud Room 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!
All ages can Paint Pottery during open studio hours (no experience necessary). Check their website for extended holiday hours.
Be sure to follow their social media or sign up for newsletters to hear about other artful happenings and events, like Glass Fusing, Potter’s Wheel lessons and Camp Mud.
Classes fill up, so RSVP early!
The Mud Room 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!
All ages can Paint Pottery during open studio hours (no experience necessary). Check their website for extended holiday hours.
Be sure to follow their social media or sign up for newsletters to hear about other artful happenings and events, like Glass Fusing, Potter’s Wheel lessons and Camp Mud.
Classes fill up, so RSVP early!
Love this place. Made things as gifts and with my kids that are now priceless memories!!!
-Teresa Ann D.
-Teresa Ann D.
Winter Break Activity in Portage
Air Zoo Winter Break Idea
6151 Portage Rd,Portage, MI 49002
Escape the chilly weather and come have a blast at the Air Zoo's Winter Family Fun Days!
There will be exciting activities for the entire family. Enjoy themed crafts and games (while supplies last), meet special guests, and engage in interactive programs.
Come join the fun on Dec. 27-28 and Jan. 3-4!
Don't want to wait until midnight to celebrate the new year? Start early at the the Air Zoo's Countdown to Noon balloon drop on New Year's Eve. The Air Zoo opens at 10 AM to ring in the New Year with fun party activities for the whole family.
There will be exciting activities for the entire family. Enjoy themed crafts and games (while supplies last), meet special guests, and engage in interactive programs.
Come join the fun on Dec. 27-28 and Jan. 3-4!
Don't want to wait until midnight to celebrate the new year? Start early at the the Air Zoo's Countdown to Noon balloon drop on New Year's Eve. The Air Zoo opens at 10 AM to ring in the New Year with fun party activities for the whole family.
Winter Break Activity in Grandville
Tarry Hall Roller Rink Winter Break Idea
3330 Fairlanes Ave SW,Grandville, MI 49418
Extra weekday afternoon skating hours all through Winter Break open for all ages!
1:30-4:30pm:
- Friday, December 20
- Monday - Friday, December 23 - January 3
Open for our normal schedule too:
- Thursdays Adult Night 8:30-11:00pm (18+)
- Fridays 7:00-10:00pm
- Saturdays 1:30-4:30pm & 6:30-9:30pm
- Sundays 2:00-5:00pm
*Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, open New Years Day*
*Adult Ugly Sweater Party 12/19*
*Santa Skate: 12/21*
*New Years Eve Party: 12/31 from 6:30-9:30pm
1:30-4:30pm:
- Friday, December 20
- Monday - Friday, December 23 - January 3
Open for our normal schedule too:
- Thursdays Adult Night 8:30-11:00pm (18+)
- Fridays 7:00-10:00pm
- Saturdays 1:30-4:30pm & 6:30-9:30pm
- Sundays 2:00-5:00pm
*Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, open New Years Day*
*Adult Ugly Sweater Party 12/19*
*Santa Skate: 12/21*
*New Years Eve Party: 12/31 from 6:30-9:30pm
Winter Break Activity in Grand Rapids
Great Lakes Glow Golf Winter Break Idea
3494 Plainfield Ave,Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Great Lakes Glow Golf is your destination for fun!
We are more than mini golf: we are about experiences and entertainment.
Whether you choose Glow Golf or the NEW Aurora Bowl, you're sure to score BIG!
Join us this holiday season during our EXTENDED holiday hours.
OPEN daily at 11 AM beginning Dec 22. Closed Christmas Day.
Locally owned and operated.
We are more than mini golf: we are about experiences and entertainment.
Whether you choose Glow Golf or the NEW Aurora Bowl, you're sure to score BIG!
Join us this holiday season during our EXTENDED holiday hours.
OPEN daily at 11 AM beginning Dec 22. Closed Christmas Day.
Locally owned and operated.
Winter Break Activity in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Children's Museum Winter Break Idea
11 Sheldon Ave NE,Grand Rapids, MI 49503
✨Make winter break magical at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum!
From Dec 17 - Jan 5, enjoy daily special programs like Giftworks and live performers, included with admission. Explore two floors of hands-on fun and experience Very Eric Carle—your last chance is Jan 5!
Visit grcm.org for details.
From Dec 17 - Jan 5, enjoy daily special programs like Giftworks and live performers, included with admission. Explore two floors of hands-on fun and experience Very Eric Carle—your last chance is Jan 5!
Visit grcm.org for details.
Winter Break Activity in Zeeland
Challenge Island 616 West Winter Break Idea
Esker Drive,Zeeland, MI 49464-8580
Join us this winter break for an unforgettable adventure filled with STEAM-y fun!
Our winter break mini camps are designed to engage your child in thrilling activities that span from the whimsical world of historical events, like the legendary Spaghetti Tree, to exciting engineering challenges inspired by Minecraft.
Our winter break mini camps are designed to engage your child in thrilling activities that span from the whimsical world of historical events, like the legendary Spaghetti Tree, to exciting engineering challenges inspired by Minecraft.
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.
Drive one (or several!) of our curated routes.
There are also a lot of grand drive-through Christmas displays and walk through Christmas light shows 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.
This year FMG has a new version of 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.
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 Horizon Kids Complex during open gym hours. You can also take them to a nice library play area.
Need more than open gym? Try a holiday camp at GR Gymnastics.
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.
Play a round of mini golf or bowl under the UV lights at Great Lakes Glow Golf.
Or step into virtual reality with VR games, parties, and more at Amped Virtual Reality.
Kids with all the moves would love roller skating. Favorites are Tarry Hall and GR Skate & Event Center.
Lace up the ice skates at Southside Ice Arena for open skating or try skating camp at Greater Grand Rapids Figure Skating Club.
Bounce out all that excess energy at Altitude Trampoline Park.
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.
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 Xavier Riddle exhibit is closing in January. It’s a great time for 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.
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.
Load up the minivan and strap on the skis at Crystal Mountain.
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!
Is there a place where I can print a list of all the different activities to do over Christmas break?