Oftentimes, December is one of the best months to spend time with your grandchildren. After all, they’re on vacation for roughly half of it, due to their holiday break.
To fully relish your time with them, here are some activities you can enjoy in Grand Rapids or just outside of it.
A Zoo for You! Did you know that John Ball Zoo offers private, guided tours during its closed season? Weather dependent, each 45-minute tour is hosted by a Zoo Educator that’s available to answer any question you may have. Your grandkids will love this. And, best of all, there won’t be any crowds or lines!
Christkindl Market. This year, the Christkindl Market is celebrating its third straight year of providing West Michigan residents Christmas cheer in several ways. Located in Grand Rapids’ Downtown Market, Christkindl features artisan gift and food vendors, holiday lights and décor, live entertainment, and much more.
“ENLIGHTEN” at Meijer Gardens. From now until January 3, Frederik Meijer Gardens will be hosting “ENLIGHTEN.” A mile-long experience, “ENLIGHTEN” features more than 40 indoor and outdoor art installations, along with seasonal music. National and local artists alike will be participating, leading to endless gorgeous sights.
Fowling Warehouse. Do you love to bowl? Are you passionate about football? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, consider visiting Grand Rapids’ Fowling Warehouse. Anyone 10 years old or older may play the game (before 8 p.m.)—using a football to knock over bowling pins. You’ll have plenty of exercise and create great memories in a warm space!
Joyful Lights—from the Comfort of Your Car. Take some time to travel to Hudsonville this month and experience the Fairgrounds’ “Joyful Lights” for yourself. A half-hour light show, “Joyful Lights” will especially intrigue your younger grandchildren, as they’ll be enamored by thousands of colorful lights. Best of all? You’ll never have to leave your warm car!
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow. Until January 4, Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will be hosting its “Let it Snow” light show. Aside from the wide array of lights, the show will also feature great music, including holiday classics by renowned artists like Brenda Lee and Frank Sinatra.
“Streets of Old Grand Rapids” Exhibit. Throughout the holiday season, the Grand Rapids Public Museum will host the “Streets of Old Grand Rapids” exhibit. Featuring 15 historic Santas from all over the world, the exhibit is not only fun, but educational, too. In addition, you and your grandkids will search for 12 elves, which are hidden around the museum.
“The Christmas Lite Show”. For nearly 30 years, West Michigan residents have enjoyed Comstock Park’s “The Christmas Lite Show.” If you haven’t experienced the show yet, there is no better time than now to do so. Come out and relish one of the nation’s best light shows with your grandchildren, regardless of their ages, before it ends on January 3.
“The Winter Forest”. On weekends, you and your grandkids can visit Cannonsburg Ski Area’s “The Winter Forest.” Nestled along a half-mile-long dirt path in the woods, “The Winter Forest” features an assortment of lights and inflatables, along with Christmas music. You’ll feel like a kid again!
Treat Yourself to Tea. All month long (and into early January), High Tea GR will host its second straight “Victorian Christmas Tea.” Offering guests a winter menu with various flavors to choose from, the event also features an afternoon tea. To participate, please make a reservation as soon as possible.
Simply put, the holiday season is a magical time of year in the Grand Rapids area. Whether you and your loved ones treasure animals, exhibits, lights, new hobbies, or tea, there is no shortage of entertainment options in December. Get ready to make some memories!
