Are you the type of person that puts up their holiday tree and decorates the house on November 1? Do you love Christmas music and snow? Are you always the first to get festive for the holidays? Maybe you are the complete opposite and hate the holidays and snow? Either way you’re in Michigan so you more than likely love winter and the snow. As we move into November and the winter months, it’s easy to get in the mindset that there’s not much to do and you’d rather hibernate all winter long. But, there’s so much to do right here in Lansing! Don’t stay cooped up all winter. Instead, get out, and enjoy winter while it lasts. There are ways even the biggest Scrooge can enjoy winter in Lansing. Here’s a list of things you can do, right here in the Lansing area. Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you have to sit around. Get out, stay active, and get a breath of fresh air, even if it is only 10 degrees. Please keep in mind that hours, capacity, and openings for activities and events listed are subject to change due to possible COVID-19 restrictions.
Go sledding or tubing
During the winter, Hawk Island has a spectacular tubing hill that is groomed specifically for snow tubing. The multiple lanes drop you 50-60 feet over a course of 500-600 feet. Oh – and don’t worry about lugging the tube back up the hill, they have a magic carpet style uphill conveyor lift that transports riders to the top of the hill.
Another great option is Burchfield Park, which is the largest park in Ingham County with its 540 acres of scenic woods, trails and beach. Burchfield Park has two sledding hills, one for smaller kids, and one for the more daring – if you’re brave enough!
Hit the slopes on your board or skis
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, get the family together and go on a ski/snowboarding trip! Since we’re sticking to more local options, Mt. Brighton is the closest ski area to Lansing, just 45 minutes away. You’ll have a blast on their 25 trails and five lifts covering 130 acres. If you’re new to the sport, they offer lessons for adults and children, so no need to worry about knowing when you should “pizza” or “french fry.”
Try snowshoeing or cross country skiing
If you’re not into speeding down a snowy slope, try snowshoeing or cross country skiing as a way to stay active while also having more control over your speed, and less wipeouts! Weather permitting, Burchfield Park in Holt and Lake Lansing North in Haslett offer snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Rent the gear there and get some exercise while taking in the beautiful, wintry views of the parks. You can even cross country ski under the stars with moonlight skiing on Friday and Saturday nights at the Lake Lansing location.
Visit a nature center or park
Visit Fenner Nature Center to hike their trails, snowshoe, or take a winter seed sowing workshop to learn about how Michigan native plant seeds adapt to survive and thrive throughout winter. The workshop also includes creating a mini-greenhouse out of recycled materials and planting some seeds to take home with you! Take your kids, ages eight and up, along for some immersive learning and get their green thumb started young!
You can also check out Woldumar Nature Center and its 180 acres of woodland, prairie and wetland terrains, with over a mile of accessible shoreline on the Grand River. Their trails are not groomed in winter but are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. They also have a Winter Break Camp for children grades K-6 where they will learn about winter science, animal adaptations, and learn winter survival skills like building a shelter and starting a campfire. They will also learn the history of the settlers, and more, all while enjoying the outdoors.
The lights at Potter Park Zoo
Potter Park Zoo is fun year-round, but from November 21 to December 27, you and your family can enjoy their beautiful holiday lights displays at their Wonderland of Lights event! Stroll through the zoo to see their thousands of twinkling lights while holiday music plays. They even give out goodie bags with a craft, cookie, and a hot cocoa packet to take home or enjoy as you leave. It’ll feel like you’re living in a Hallmark Christmas movie!
Ice skating at Suburban Ice
Suburban Ice in East Lansing has been extra careful when it comes to following COVID-19 safety guidelines and regulations so that everyone can enjoy the fun of ice skating this year! Check out their monthly activity schedule to see when public skate is open for registration!
Mid-Michigan offers a variety of different winter activities to stay active and get outdoors. Even if you don’t like the snow and are the biggest Grinch around the holidays, you may just have a fun time and create a new perspective on winter in Lansing. If you go out this winter to enjoy one of the above activities, be sure to tag us Michigan Creative on Facebook!