19 Midwest Winter Activities for Forced Family Fun Nights
Forced Family Fun!
Do you live near The Great Lakes? Do you consider yourself a Midwesterner?
If so, I assume you grew up around here or naively moved during the gorgeous summer months. Either way, the days are getting shorter, and the snow is coming, especially if you live near our “lake effect” snow. The burnt orange and fiery red leaves of autumn are gone, and now we’re settling in for the winter. And though we experience four delightful seasons each year, winter lasts the longest. Locals joke that Michigan has only two seasons: winter and construction.
The novelty of winter wears off after the first few magical days of snowfall, and snowbirds (like my mom) literally flee the area. Then what? Hibernating like bears isn’t an option and, quite frankly, unhealthy. I have three teen-ish daughters in various activities and sports, but the long Midwest winters can leave us feeling gray, sluggish, and isolated.
To help curb the dreary wintery days, we purposefully plan some outings together as a family. Affectionately called “Forced Family Fun Nights” (for all you parents of teens out there), here are 19 activities to do together during the winter months:
1. Drive around to look at Christmas lights
This seems stupid, but I bet many of you have done it before! Our kids like changing into pajamas and hopping into the White Rocket, our trusty old minivan. We blast Christmas music, stop at a coffee shop, then drive through neighborhoods to see all the lights, for better or worse.
Bronson Park in Downtown, Kalamazoo, MI
Judging is absolutely part of the fun. All holiday light displays are not created equal. My favorite houses have nothing filled with air, but are full of colorful, twinkling lights, and my husband is a classic white lights kind of guy, so we argue about how boring he is.
If you’re new to the Southwest Michigan area, there are a few spots you won’t want to miss. First, make sure you drive down Long Road and the surrounding area in Kalamazoo. It’s not only full of gorgeous homes, but a few in particular go all out to decorate for Christmas, especially the Wiser family.
Next, take a quick drive down “Christmas Card Lane,” which is on Lauderdale Road in Kalamazoo. I remember looking at all the giant, homemade Christmas cards in each yard when I was a girl. This will not be the best stop on your journey, but it is a local tradition. Traffic flows slowly down the street and back, so just enjoy the stroll.
Next, stretch your legs and walk around downtown Kalamazoo at Bronson Park. They have a traditional “Candy Cane Lane” setup and multiple photo ops.
Some friends have mentioned playing a fun Bingo game while driving around. For instance, they try to find one house with all white lights or spot a house with a Frosty The Snowman. Though it’s too much work for me, it was still worth adding here for all of you Pinterest-y people.
I’m sure other locations are worth visiting, so let me know!
2. Go skiing or snowboarding
Yes, I said it. Try snow skiing or snowboarding! Though Michigan is known as “Flatlander” territory, we have some great ski hills! Our family loves to ski, and we always have a good time…that is, once everyone is finally dressed and has their ski gear on. My advice? Always help the kids first and then get your ski equipment on. If you try it the other way around, you’ll overheat and say things you’ll regret. Just saying.
Skiing is fun!
Located in Otsego, Bittersweet Ski Resort is our favorite in Southwest Michigan, followed closely by Timberidge Ski Area in Gobles. Both places offer lessons, which I highly recommend for everyone, and both places have nice lodges for snacks and drinks. Timberidge even has a snow tubing area for anyone who chickens out of skiing.
Our family buys school passes for everyone, and we head out to ski on a weeknight, if possible. Remember to take pictures and slow-motion videos!
If you’d like to graduate from our local ski places, the next step up is either Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, MI, Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, MI, or The Highlands at Harbor Springs (formerly Boyne Highlands), located in Harbor Springs, MI. All of these places offer ski and lodging packages and are family-friendly. These are great vacation spots if you don’t want to pay airfare to ski in Colorado.
3. Try a toboggan ride
If skiing isn’t your thing, then maybe a toboggan ride is? The Pokagan State Park Toboggan Run in Angola, Indiana, has a legendary reputation that seeps far into Michigan! Our family hasn’t been able to go yet, but it’s on our list! This park offers a toboggan run that has 90-ft drops and goes for a quarter mile! This outing isn’t suitable for little kids, but friends say it’s super fun for teens!
4. Go ice skating
Ice skating with family at Wings West
Hockey and ice skating are a thing in the Midwest, so why not try it? The cost to rent skates and ice time is equivalent to a movie theater ticket, so go for it! Remember to wear thick socks and pull those laces tight! We have many indoor locations, such as Wings West and a quaint outdoor area in Portage, MI, called the Ice Rink at Millennium Park. When searching for a place, look for skate times that are open to the public. The last thing you’ll want to do is be on the ice when the hockey team shows up!
5. Visit the Gilmore Car Museum
Driving the DeLorean at the Gilmore Car Museum
Located in Hickory Corners, MI, the Gilmore Car Museum is a gold mine of antique cars and a new Winter Wonderland Holiday Experience. We went last year and loved it! Our family walked and drove through 90 acres of light displays, had hot chocolate in a 1950s diner car, and all hopped in an old Checker taxi cab to tour the grounds! It was a magical experience and fun for kids of all ages. For little ones, there’s an elf hunt as you walk through the buildings. For the older kids, there are photo ops available. For adults, there were interesting displays of Christmas trees from around the world.
6. Go to Gull Meadow Farms
Gull Meadow Farms is a family-owned and operated business that loves to spread holiday cheer through the fall and Christmas seasons. They have a few options for Christmas on the Farm, including meeting Santa and walking through lights displayed throughout their greenhouses. As you walk through, holiday songs are timed to music, you can pet cute farm animals, and warm drinks and donuts are a must. Our family often bundles this stop with our drive around town to look at Christmas lights.
7. Drive to the beach
You heard me correctly…drive to the beach! If you live near one of our Great Lakes, then pack everyone up and head to the beach. Winter on Lake Michigan is mesmerizing, especially if you go to a place where waves crash against a lighthouse. Walk near the water and wander into town for dinner or a snack. You’ll be surprised at how fun a beach town is in the sleepy winter months!
8. Shop at a local bookstore
A Forced Family Fun Night doesn’t require driving long distances, so shop at a local bookstore when you stay close to home. Browse the books and sit down in a cozy area to read for a bit. I bet your local bookstore will have treats and drinks available. If you’re near Grand Rapids, I suggest Baker Book House. Taking the time to slow down and thumb through the newest books inspires everyone. In fact, I’m on an adventure to publish my first book. Follow my journey here.
9. Go to a college or professional game
WMU Volleyball 2023 MAC Champions
If you’re like me, you already watch your kids play sports, but how about going to a college or professional game? We live close to Western Michigan University and have been to volleyball, basketball, and hockey games. We just watched the WMU volleyball team win the MAC Championship title. Way to go, Broncos! A short drive gets us to Ford Field, home of the shockingly good Detroit Lions. Or, if you’re a hockey fan, I’m sure you’d love to see a Red Wings game!
10. Host a Christmas Cookie decorating party
Christmas Cookie Party Judging Table
Though it’s the most wonderful time of the year, it’s not Christmas until we host our annual Christmas Cookie party! Our family tradition started before I was even around, so it’s as if I was born for this. You can make this party as crafty and crazy as you’d like, but the basic idea is to invite friends over to make Christmas sugar cookies and decorate them! Competition is also part of the fun!
If you’d like the juicy details, I make the sugar cookie dough a week in advance. I recommend this recipe here. Each batch makes about 20-25 cookies, so I pre-make about four batches (yes!) and refrigerate them. I also add the zest of one lemon into each batch and squeeze a bit of the fresh lemon juice into the frosting, but you do you. I mix powdered sugar with milk and fresh lemon juice for the frosting, then separate into bowls and add food coloring. I also buy frosting tubes with various tips and so many sprinkles, coconut, mini chocolate chips, and more that the cashier never fails to ask why. Pro tip: I put tape over most of the sprinkle bottle holes so they last longer.
During the party, we roll out, cut out, and decorate millions of Christmas cookies all in one night. If you’re not a baker, buy pre-made cookies and just decorate them! The point is to host an evening filled with laughter, flour, and frosting! The fun begins when all cookies are moved to the judge’s table. Just like my dad used to do, my husband makes up awards as he goes along: Most Sprinkles, Best Angel, Most Political, Worst Snowman, Best/Worst Collaboration, and Most Inedible Cookies are all viable categories!
11. Host a gingerbread house competition
Karrer Family Gingerbread House
Similar to the Christmas Cookie party, why not host a Gingerbread House competition? Invite families and friends and build gingerbread house kits. It’s simple, easy, and most items are included in each box! If you’re on a budget, have each family bring their own, but I suggest all kits should be the same (and please just buy them for all the teens that want to come).
Whether you have families pitted against each other or individual teens, be sure to set a timer, or some competitors will never be finished! For added fun, announce a “twist” during the competition. Perhaps someone on each team has to decorate blindfolded for five minutes, or possibly everyone has to incorporate prunes, or maybe there must be a tasting element for the judges! Hand out silly prizes at the end and send the gingerbread houses home so you’re not stuck with them!
12. Craft Christmas ornaments
When I was little, my mom bought Christmas ornament kits for us to make each year. I remember using a lot of glue, pins, sequins, and Styrofoam back in those days, and I still have some of my priceless work today. If you’re a more crafty mom, there are so many fun ornament-making options at your local craft store. Make a night out of it, but remember that the more messed up the ornaments are, the better off they will be!
If you’d rather not craft Christmas ornaments at your house, search for a local glass maker in your area. If you live near me, we have a wonderful ornament option at Glass Art Kalamazoo Gallery and Studios.
13. Go on a progressive adventure
Huge pizza slices from Benny DiCarta’s!
With three teen girls, my family has different opinions on what to do together. Instead of picking just one option, use everyone’s ideas! Start with the youngest or oldest, and go on a progressive adventure from there! For example, my youngest would probably want to shop at her favorite store, my middle daughter would like coffee, and my oldest would like to watch a movie. I always choose family bike rides, and they hate that, but they luck out in the winter, so I’d have to choose strolling downtown Kalamazoo. Perhaps even ordering a Benny DiCarta’s ginormous pizza. My husband would end the evening by picking up ice cream!
What would your family's progressive adventure look like?
14. Cook dinner together
If you have elementary kids or older, forcing them into the kitchen is a good thing! Have each family member cook part of your dinner. Start with an appetizer and end with dessert. Older kids can make more than one thing, and I’ve found that they actually like to take responsibility for an entire dish! Your meal can even be a little strange…all orange things, for example! Or give everyone the option to choose what they’d like to make, perhaps calling it a “My Favorite Things” dinner. Even though you’ll have random foods paired together, it’s part of the charm, so have fun!
Shop ahead of time for ingredients. Some families prefer to shop for ingredients together, but I’d rather saw off my left arm. Regardless, turn on some music while in the kitchen and enjoy!
15. Visit the Grand Rapids Downtown Market and the new Christkindl Markt!
If you’re near Grand Rapids, visit the Downtown Market. It’s an eclectic array of indoor food vendors and artisans! During the holidays, there’s a special outside Christkindl Markt at the Downtown Market, where vendors, crafters, and food vendors mirror the quaint European Christmas markets. It’s new this year, and I can’t wait to go with my family. A friend of mine recently went to a Christkindl Markt in Downtown Indianapolis and highly recommended it! Dress warm!
16. Go candlemaking
Kids of all ages will enjoy making their own candles at Kalamazoo Candle Company. With multiple locations around Southwest Michigan, gather family and friends to mix and pour a custom candle! There’s no hot wax to burn little fingers, no reservations required, and the project doesn’t take long. My kids loved choosing from all of the colors and custom scents, and I didn’t have to clean anything up. If you decide to visit the downtown Kalamazoo location, make it an evening by visiting Cheri’s Chocol’art and sharing some monster shakes!
17. Watch a live theater show
There’s nothing better than watching a live theater show! Search for shows in your local area and plan a day around it. If you’re near Kalamazoo, I suggest The Civic Theater, Miller Auditorium, or The Barn Theatre. The Civic Theater is currently showing one of my favorite shows, “The Sound of Music,” and The Barn Theatre has a special Christmas Cabaret show, but their season is typically during the summer months. Miller Auditorium has a few concerts and a variety of other options available.
18. Go to an indoor water park
My adventurous nephew at Great Wolf Lodge
Let’s talk about indoor water parks. If you live in the Midwest, going to an indoor water park in winter is a must! It’s a budget-friendly, redneck tropical getaway without hopping on a plane. It’s also a rite of passage for us parents, considering all the germs (and kids) in one warm, steamy place! The chlorine smell alone is enough to singe eyebrows, and my kids definitely have red, devilish eyes for days afterward, but it’s worth it. Great Wolf Lodge has rooms that are part of their resort theme, and it’s perfect for toddlers to elementary ages. Still, years ago, our extended family gathered at the Mason, OH, location for Grandma’s 80th birthday! And yes, she went down the water slides! For what it’s worth, the Traverse City, MI, location is not as large as the Mason, OH, building, so when your kids get a bit older and can wander the place by themselves, I’d recommend the Mason location.
Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky, OH, is the perfect place for older kids (elementary and up) because it has more water slides and activities than a Great Wolf Lodge. The outside park is also impressive in the summer. The rooms aren’t themed, but my older kids don’t care.
If you live on the east side of Michigan, my Saginaw friend has a few recommendations. She says Zehnder’s Splash Village in Frankenmuth is the place to be! In fact, spending a weekend touring Frankenmuth during the holiday season is absolutely magical! Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel in Mount Pleasant, MI, is another idea, but it’s not as large as the other options.
Regardless, here are a few of my indoor waterpark tips:
Bring towels for everyone, but don’t use them until you return to your room. Most waterparks won’t let you carry the waterpark towels back to your room, so little ones freeze and complain the entire way.
Bring an electric griddle and extension cord. Make pancakes for breakfast (just add water) and grilled cheese for lunch! Remember the plastic silverware and plates. Or, if you’re more of a milk and cereal fan, the rooms typically have a small fridge where you can store milk.
Claim your meeting space early. Most families set towels, bags, and sandals in one spot and stay there all day. The best spots are available when the park opens.
Pack two swimsuits for each person so you can change into a dry suit when you go back to the room for a break.
19. Take outdoor family pictures
You heard me correctly. Book outdoor family pictures in the middle of winter! It’s a fun, creative way to capture your family, and don’t forget the snowball fight and snow angels at the end! There are so many great photographers, but I recommend my friend Nicole at Nicole Marie Foster Photography. The best thing about a family photo session in the winter? It can’t possibly last very long! You’ll capture hilarious memories in a short time!
Outdoor fun in wintery Michigan
