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.
No entries match your request.
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 Gymco or 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?