Winter Break 2023 Ideas for Lansing Families
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
And also the busiest!
For most families, not only are we doing our regular duties of early wake-ups, hectic pick-up lines, and helping with homework, we have also been bending over backwards 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 fast-paced life and embrace fun activities and cozy quiet time.
Winter break is almost here and I’m SO happy I could sing! Seven songs to be exact, and they all have to do with the fact that it’s…..Winter Break!
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 I’m adding a few events, indoor play places, outdoor fun, and special outings to the mix as well.
My family can’t stop singing Into the Unknown from Frozen II and many karaoke choices lately, so songs are on the brain inspiring this Lansing Winter Break Mix Tape. Below are 7 fun ideas to help enjoy your winter break to the fullest and have a plan on how to spend it.
Lansing’s Winter Break Mix Tape – 7 Ideas for Lansing Families
Let’s have some fun during winter break with these 7 song-inspired ideas.
01. Try an Indoor Play Place
Inspired by: BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE (ELF // Zooey Deschanel and Will Ferrell)
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 34+ great indoor Lansing play spots.
Places like nature centers, museums like Impression 5 and the Michigan History Museum, ice skating, story times, jumping at DEFY or Launch are always great options too.
02. Play Outdoors or in the Snow
Inspired by: DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN? (FROZEN // ANNA)
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.
03. Go to the Movies
Inspired by: LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES (Annie)
Going to the movies as a kid is a special experience, and lucky for us the Lansing area has lots of movie theaters to choose from. Some are big with comfy chairs and all the concessions. Others are quaint and offer old fashioned charm. Have a fun day out at these local theaters:
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
04. Go on a Treat Trail
Inspired by: ON THE GOOD SHIP LOLLIPOP (Shirley Temple)
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! Don’t miss a single spot by using the included map.
Some other fantastic Lansing favorite sweet places include:
Chocolate: Fabiano’s Candies, Oh MI Organics
Popcorn: Cravings Popcorn, Horrocks
Candy & Nuts: The Peanut Shop, Kean’s Store Co
Boba Tea: Momo Tea EL, Ding Tea EL, Kungfu Tea
05. Take a Fun Class and Learn Something New
Inspired by: SCHOOL DAYS (Chuck Berry)
Al!ve, Allen Street Neighborhood, REACH, East Lansing Library, Foster Community Center, and Hannah Community Center have classes throughout the year and some drop-in classes run through winter break. From cooking to art and getting crafty, fitness, and many in-between there are places around town offering something for almost everyone.
If you have a class idea you want to do but don’t know where to find it, we love helping. Join the LFF Facebook community group and let’s chat!
06. Take a Day Trip to a Place You’ve Never Been Before
Inspired by: INTO THE UNKNOWN (Frozen II)
Even if it’s not very far away or even overnight, getting out of town for a bit can be totally worth your while. My kids love to see new places AND 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.
Some favorite family day trips:
DETROIT: Check out Belle Isle (FREE to visit), the DNR’s Outdoor Adventure Center, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, and Peppa Pig World of Play.
We had an amazing experience at Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit where there’s now an outdoor skating rink!
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 kid-friendly restaurants, and cool winter events.
We love the Kalamazoo Nature Center, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum (FREE admission), and their several delicious coffee shops to get your caffeine fix.
SAGINAW: This might just be my pick this time around as my kids have been asking to get back to the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum. But I hear the Saginaw Castle Museum is something to get excited about, too. If you go – let me know what you think!
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.
07. Go to a Winter Break Event
Inspired by: THE GREATEST SHOW (The Greatest Showman // Hugh Jackman)
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.
Check out our Facebook group and search “winter break” to see even more fun events happening around us. Make sure to share your favorite events with our community on our group.
As Hugh Jackman sings in The Greatest Showman, it might just be “where you want to be.”
FULL LIST OF 2023 WINTER BREAK EVENTS IN LANSING
Happy Winter Break Adventuring
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!
Have a song to add? Comment below and let us know which song is inspiring you this season!