KENT COUNTY, Mich. — It's the first weekend of 2024 and—if one of your New Year's resolutions is to get out of the house more—there's no shortage of things to do in West Michigan.
Paper Lanterns at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
The 2024 World of Winter Festival in Grand Rapids kicks off Friday, January 12th, but you can get an early start this weekend. Head to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum on Saturday, January 6th anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a family drop-in craft activity. The craft activity is creating the paper lanterns that will be used for the Luminary Light Parade on the opening night of the festival. No registration is required, and the kit is available and included with museum admission. If you want a look at the more than 50 sculptures, exhibits, and events for World of Winter, head to worldofwintergr.com.
Grand Rapids Gold's Star Wars Night
The Grand Rapids Gold is taking on the Osceola Magic at Van Andel Arena at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 7th. Sunday is "Star Wars" night, and the first 2,500 fans in the arena get a free lightsaber. The team will be playing in commemorative jerseys that will be autographed and auctioned off after the game. You can get more information and tickets at vanandelarena.com.
Holiday Hikes & Hugs
Come out and meet the herd over at Dreamgoats over in Belding! Take a stroll with a group of goats as you sip hot chocolate along their hiking trails. It's the last day for their "Holiday Hikes & Hugs," so make your reservation while you can! Ticket prices start at $10 for kids over ten years-old and $20 for adults. You can learn move over on their website.
Christmas & Holiday Traditions at Frederik Meijer Gardens
It's your last chance to catch the "Christmas and Holiday Traditions" exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Attendees will have the opportunity to appreciate the winter plantings, gorgeous Christmas trees representing countries all over the world, the railway garden and 350,000 lights. It's open until Sunday, January 7th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Head to meijergardens.org for information.
Make a splash at Holland Aquatic Center
Grab the family and get your splash on at the Holland Aquatic Center. There are five pools, a three-story slide, obstacle course, alpine challenge, basketball, ziplines, diving boards and innertubes. It's open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $7 for residents and $13 for standard admission. Head to Holland Aquatic Center’s website for more.
Hike the Lighted Trail at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
If you'd rather brave the great outdoors for a winter workout, it's the last chance to hike the lights at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. During this free event, you can hike more than four miles of lighted trails ranging from beginner to intermediate. A headlamp is recommended for the darker sections, and dogs on a leash are welcome. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, January 6.
