It may be cold (24/7) and always dark when you go to and from work, yet this city is still a Winter Wonderland. We have a few months left of winter, so let’s embrace it! There are so many great outdoor activities where you can enjoy the fresh, white snow… but don’t worry, there are plenty of indoor activities too!
Here are some of our top picks for fun things to do in Grand Rapids this winter!
Let’s start first with the obvious, Cannonsburg Ski Area. If you’re into the winter sports but don’t have the time to travel to the bigger slopes, Cannonsburg makes for a very convenient stop! There is something for everyone here, including ski school, racing programs and even tubing. This West Michigan gem provides a fun and safe winter experience for all ages.
Unwrap yourself from your blanket and go sledding – Winter fun for everyone! Enjoy a classic winter pastime at any sledding hill in Grand Rapids. We listed some of our favorite sledding hills in the area below!
Richmond Park-1101 Richmond NW
Belknap Park-30 Coldbrook NE
Cascade Township Park– 3810 Thornapple River Dr. SE
Go Ice Skating at Rosa Parks Circle – If you’re in the mood to get outside and enjoy the snow and holiday lights, grab your jacket and enjoy ice skating in the heart of the city at Rosa Parks Circle. The rink will be open all through January and the tree is still beautifully lit! Just $1.00 for children, and $3.00 for adults, open skate is the perfect way to enjoy downtown Grand Rapids for an outdoor adventure with friends, a date night, or a fun night with the family.
Dining Nearby: To warm up before or after your skate, head to Mazzo and enjoy some wine and Italian food! Make sure to start with the crostini.
Attend a Grand Rapids Griffins Game or Grand Rapids Drive Sporting Event – Put your game face on and root for the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team as they host 19 home games this winter at the Van Andel Arena this season. The Grand Rapids Drive basketball team, going on their fourth season will play 11 home games this winter at the DeltaPlex. With friends and family ticket packages, a hockey or basketball game is the perfect activity for anyone on a Friday or Saturday night. Don’t forget, you can also purchase a winter fun pack for Griffins games- click here!
Dining Nearby: After a Griffins game check out Wheelhouse, you won’t regret trying any of their high-quality food! After a Drive game, check out Graydon’s Crossing 1.5 miles away to see what their new chef is cooking up.
Grab a coffee or hot cocoa– What’s better than the perfect cup of hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate to help you get through a freezing day? Luckily, in Grand Rapids, a local coffee shop is never far away, whether it’s on a main street or around any of the great neighborhoods. Some of the city’s coffee shops are busy and bustling; others are perfect for just hanging out with friends. Take your pick and go taste all of the local goodness.
To see a list of some of our favorite coffee shops, click here!
Michigan Winter Beer Festival 2018 (Location: Fifth Third Ball Park)- Beer City USA brings the 13th Annual Winter Beer Festival. If you love Michigan craft beer, then this is the festival to catch this winter! Fifth Third Ball Park Hosts this special event on February 23rd and 24th which features more than 100 Michigan Breweries. The perfect festival to get out and try some new microbrews and support local Michigan businesses.
Dining Nearby: If you are in the mood for even more beer check out Elk Brewing in Comstock Park or grab a pizza at Vitales!
Grand Rapids Sport and Social Club – If your new years resolution is to stay active, the Grand Rapids Sport and Social Club is just for you! Joining in on the fun is a great way to stay active during these chilly months and it is set up to be fun for everyone. The best part? You will be introduced to a ton of new friends and, as an added bonus, this club gets you out of the house 🙂
X Golf – If staying inside a nice heated building during the winter is your thing, then X Golf is the place you want to be. Whether you go with family or friends, you are going to have a great time. This is one of the best places to enjoy a snow day…or any day off at that! It is also a cool place for any event. From birthday parties to work events, grab a drink and have fun getting a little competitive!
Vine and Wine! Have you ever wanted to do a snowshoe tour and drink wine while you are at it?! On February 17th, Grand Traverse Bike Tours is hosting a tour that includes: a guided hike, 5 tastings at each winery, a chili or soup (vegetarian) lunch provided by 9 Bean Rows served in the Suttons Bay Cider tasting room overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, and wine bottle pick up service. Click here to see the event on Facebook!
If it is really really cold, Lake Michigan turns into a frozen landscape of awesome beauty and wonder. We have proof (see photo below)
***It is very dangerous to go out onto the lake no matter how stable the ice may look!
No one should let the winter blues bring them down! If you need a day off after all these fun events, snuggle at home with your favorite pet or come visit us to snuggle with some of the top pets in the mortgage industry!
Check out some of our other related blogs:
The Grandest Brunches in Grand Rapids
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