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Useful Lansing area tidbits for families
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Lights are twinkling, carolers are singing, and our calendars are filled with holiday cheer.
For most families, not only are we doing our regular duties of early wake-ups, hectic pick-up lines, and helping with homework, but we have also been bending over backward to make the season magical for our families.
We are eager for a little reprieve from all the hustle and bustle. A time to rest from a fast-paced life and embrace fun activities and cozy quiet time.
The question is: What are we going to do for two weeks off school?
Spending unstructured time with my little ones is priceless, but having some solid ideas really helps a parent out. Can you relate?
Books, video games, and TV will have their moments to shine, but we’re adding some downtown fun, indoor play places, outdoor fun, and special outings to the mix as well.
Let’s have some fun during winter break with these bucket list ideas.
Lansing has some great options to keep the kids occupied while staying warm and cozy. If indoor options are calling your name this winter break, look no further than our list of 55+ great indoor Lansing play spots.
Places like nature centers, museums like Impression 5 and the Michigan History Museum, ice skating, story times, and jumping at SkyZone Trampoline Park or Launch Lansing are always great options, too.
You never know what type of weather we’ll get during winter break. Sometimes unseasonably warm, sometimes frigid, and other times right in the middle with lots of snow.
If we do get some of that nice white fluffy stuff, you bet playing in it will make everyone excited.
And if we don’t, there are still plenty of ideas to explore the outdoors in Lansing.
Going to the movies as a kid is a special experience, and lucky for us the Lansing area has a lot of movie theaters to choose from. Some are big with comfy chairs that recline or heat up and all the concessions while others are quaint and offer old-fashioned charm.
Celebration Cinema
NCG Cinema
Regal Lansing Mall
Studio C! Meridian Mall
Sun Theatre in Grand Ledge
Sun Theatre in Williamston
Eaton Theatre in Charlotte
Goodrich Jackson 10
Michigan Theatre in Jackson
As if we haven’t had enough sweets for the holidays, right? If you have a sweet tooth no matter what the day, you might like going on The Donut Trail!
Some other fantastic Lansing favorite dessert spots include:
Chocolate: Fabiano’s Candies, Oh MI Organics
Popcorn: Cravings Popcorn, Pop-ity Popcorn Co
Candy & Nuts: The Peanut Shop, Kean’s Store Co
Hot Chocolate & Coffee: Château Coffee Co, Blue Owl Coffee, TIN Cup Café & Creamery
Taking a class to learn something new is a great way to shake up your routine and get inspired. Whether it’s learning to cook, taking up pottery, or trying out a new language, there’s something so rewarding about building a skill from scratch.
Horrocks Market offers more than groceries—it’s a destination. You could easily spend an entire day there!
Step inside and explore gourmet treats, fresh-cut flowers, sushi, specialty cheeses, and unique gifts all under one roof.
BONUS: The Horrocks beer garden is a semi-heated outdoor dining escape for couples, friends, and family—offering live local artists, delicious food, and a relaxing atmosphere. Horrocks also hosts seasonal events like Oktoberfest, St. Patrick’s Day, and kids’ holiday celebrations.
Even if it’s not very far away or even overnight, getting out of town for a bit can be worth your while. My kids love to visit new places and then sleep in their own beds at night.
Read on for some fun day trip ideas for your family that will be easy on the kids and the budget.
DETROIT: Check out Belle Isle, the DNR’s Outdoor Adventure Center, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, and Peppa Pig World of Play.
And no trip to Detroit is complete without a stop at Decked Out Detroit this holiday season.
GRAND RAPIDS: Make the not-so-long trek to Grand Rapids for a complete change of scenery. There are tons of winter break activities, drive-through light shows, and events galore to keep you busy for days.
One of our favs is the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.
KALAMAZOO: Just over an hour away from Lansing, Kalamazoo has so much to offer. Enjoy some epic winter fun, yummy restaurants, and cool winter events.
One of our personal favorites is the Air Zoo. You can easily spend the whole day exploring and not see it all.
SAGINAW: This might just be my pick this year as my kids have been asking to get back to the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum. But the Saginaw Castle Museum is something to get excited about, too.
Plus, Bay City State Park is just 20 minutes up the road and depending on how cold it is, hiking on the beach is invigorating and fun. Just remember to bring your warm gear and bundle up.
This time of year, there are special winter events, shows, and concerts galore all over Lansing. Click our calendar of events to see what’s happening.
Have an outstanding winter break whatever you do. Whether you’ll be cozying up on the couch, playing indoors, playing outdoors, or everything on this list…we wish you a great time with your family!
Happy Winter Break Adventuring, Lansing!
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