GRKids Family Fun Guide | Holiday 2019

HOLIDAYS 2019

GRAND RAPIDS

VOL 7

FAMILY FUN west mi’s FAVORITE

GUIDE

SANTA CLAUS page 18

ALLERGY-FRIENDLY

Top around

RESTAURANTS Grand Rapids

STARTING ON PG 8

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IN

GRAND RAPIDS on page 16

WINTER BREAK + NYE

All Wrapped Up GRAND RAPIDS

KIDS

P U BLI C AT I ON

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HOLIDAY SPARKLE

Every year we track down all the holiday-decorated homes in Grand Rapids that go full-on Clark Griswold.

Visit

grkids.com/christmas-lights

and head out at dusk to take in the holiday magic.

Christmas Lite Show at Fifth Third Ballpark

FUN GIVE

order gift cards at craigscruisers.com

Welcome

to the GRKIDS Holiday Family Fun Guide! We’ve found everything you need to relish in the sights and sounds of another glittering Christmas season in West Michigan.

Discover the holidays in a fresh way with our 12 Days of Christmas in Grand Rapids.

Don’t forget to write your Christmas list for the ‘real’ Santa, because we’ve got the details on where you can find him in West Michigan this year.

Spread the holiday love with a tasty gift from our Holiday Sweets, Treats and Other Things to Eat feature. You can spread the love even further this season when you Give Back at the Holidays.

And on the slower days, enjoy family time with our Indoor Play Guide and Winter Break Activity Guide during the holiday break.

Team GRKIDS Melody VanderWeide Publisher

April Hunt Content Editor

Leanne Hendrikse Content Manager

Christie Tidd Graphic Designer

Caitlin Malski Contributor

Stephanie Sneller Contributor

FIND US ONLINE grkids.com Facebook.com/grkids Instagram.com/grkids grkids.com/daily

The Grand Rapids Family Fun Guide is published five times per year by Grand Rapids Kids in Grand Rapids, MI. ©2019 Grand Rapids Kids, All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher in accordance with our legal statement.

GRKIDS.COM

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SO MUCH Good

Stuff PACKED IN HERE!

Christmas Lights in West Michigan | 2 Local Toy and Game Stores | 5 Holiday Trains Around Grand Rapids | 6 Disney Jokes | 7 Top Allergy-Friendly Restaurants | 8 Giving Back at the Holidays | 10 Outlets for Your Artistic Kids | 11 Winter Break Activity Guide | 12 How to Avoid a Holiday Meltdown | 14 12 Days of Christmas in Grand Rapids | 16 West Michigan’s Favorite Santa Claus | 18 Experience Gift Guide | 20 Grand Rapids Holiday Bingo | 22 Ice Skating in West Michigan | 23 Holiday Sweets and Treats | 24 Indoor Play Guide | 26 Kid Friendly New Year’s Eve | 30 4

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Holidays 2019

GAME ON!

Experience the Magic of Christmas

at these LOCAL TOY and GAME STORES Shop local this holiday season when searching for the perfect gift for every kid on your list.

Blue Bridge Games // 954 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids The staff here will help you find the perfect board game for your middle or high schooler (or your spouse!) whether he or she is a casual player or a dedicated gamer.

Out of the Box Games // 114 East Main Ave, Zeeland and 5212 Division Ave S, Kentwood Find addicting family-friendly games for the littles, or complex strategy games for your teens. Helpful staff are great for recommendations.

Hopscotch Children’s Store 909 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids Search for the perfect gift from their selection of eco-friendly, Michigan made and educational toys and gifts.

Aunt Candy’s Toy Company

63 Courtland St, Rockford With 25 years of experience, Aunt Candy’s carries the most loved games, dolls, puzzles, plush toys and more from many well-known brands.

Sandcastle for Kids

2 E 8th St, Holland Enjoy shopping downtown Holland for games, puzzles, Legos, dolls, educational toys, and more at this specialty kids store.

The Toy Shelf // Rivertown Mall, 3700 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville Conveniently located in Rivertown Mall, browse toys for all ages with a huge selection of Playmobil, Melissa and Doug, board games and more.

Aunt Candy’s Toy Company 63 COURTLAND STREET ROCKFORD, MI 616.866.8783 M-F 10 8

SAT 9 6

SUN 12 5 GRKIDS.COM

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ALL ABOARD!

Frederik Meijer Gardens

Holiday Trains to WATCH OR RIDE around Grand Rapids Christmas magic comes alive with these intricate holiday train displays! You can even get in on the action when you climb aboard Coopersville & Marne Railway’s Santa Train.

Holiday Train Display | Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids

After acquiring the former Breton Village Mall train last year, the museum added to the train and modified it to fit in their feature exhibit space. The Ford Museum will offer free admission during Christmas Break to view the train and exhibits.

Holiday Train Show | Howard Miller Community Center at Zeeland Library 14 South Church St, Zeeland Hosted by the Holland Modular Railway Club, watch as holiday themed trains race around a miniature village.

Railway Garden | Frederik Meijer Gardens 1000 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids

This magical holiday train runs through a miniature Grand Rapids village made out of natural materials, spanning many of the indoor gardens.

Model Train Show | Fennville District Library - 400 West Main St, Fennville Check out The Lakeshore Model Railroaders train show on December 6 from 10 AM - 5 PM, December 7 from 10 AM-2 PM or December 8 from 2 - 4 PM.

Coopersville Santa Train | Coopersville & Marne Railway 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville

Climb aboard the Santa Train on Saturdays and Sundays starting November 30. Elves escort children to sit with Santa and each child gets a present from Santa's Big Bag. These rides sell out quickly, so be sure to purchase tickets early!

Get all the details at GRKIDS.com/christmas-trains 6

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Holidays 2019

Disney Jokes

YOUR KIDS will have to LAUGH AT

Why can’t Cinderella play sports?

Why does Snow White use an Android phone?

She always runs away from the ball.

Because she doesn’t like apples.

Why didn’t Anna and Elsa’s parents teach them the whole alphabet?

Why did Olaf miss his blind date?

Why isn’t it much fun to be a Dwarf?

Who’s the smartest Disney character?

Why did Mickey Mouse get hit by a baseball?

What happens when Olaf gets mad?

Why does Eeyore smell?

Because they got lost at C. He got cold feet.

Because six out of seven aren’t Happy.

Gaston - he won the No Belle Prize.

Because Donald ducked.

He has a meltdown.

Because he’s always playing with Pooh.

ALLERGY-FRIENDLY

Top around

RESTAURANTS Grand Rapids

Have a gluten allergy in your family?

Or maybe it’s nuts, dairy, or something else.

Don’t let dietary roadblocks keep you at home! These allergy-friendly restaurants go the extra mile for your food-sensitive family members.

Anna’s House Open till 3:00 PM each day, Anna’s House is a hometown favorite among specialty breakfast lovers. Anna’s House will easily customize meals and their waitstaff is highly understanding.

2409 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids 3874 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids 3766 Potomac Cir, Grandville

Brick Road Pizza Finding a delicious, gluten-free pizza is near impossible. Unless you go to Brick Road Pizza. Brick Road Pizza models their pizza after traditional Chicago style pizzas and diners love the locally sourced ingredients and commitment to quality.

1017 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids

The Electric Cheetah | 1015 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop | 1133 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids The Old Goat | 2434 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids These restaurant cousins work conscientiously with parents to avoid gluten, dairy and soy. The staff at Electric Cheetah and The Old Goat are especially respectful of food allergies and work hard to avoid any health concerns.

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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Holidays 2019

San Chez If your kid with food allergies is an adventurous eater, take them to San Chez. San Chez’ impeccable staff is willing to work with your family to ensure a top-notch experience with no health issues.

38 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids

Noble Noble cooks organically from scratch and offers soy free, dairy free, gluten free and nut free options.

1851 44th St SW, Wyoming

Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Wild Wings’ easy to work with menu includes options for gluten, dairy, egg, and all types of nut allergies. Buffalo Wild Wings is also a great place to go when THE GAME is on, as there are televisions everywhere!

Multiple Locations

Olive Garden Olive Garden is transparent with its ingredient list, making it easier for parents to make smart choices with their children’s health.

3883 28th St SE, Grand Rapids 3030 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids 4499 Potomac Ave SW, Grandville

Red Robin Red Robin is more than just a burger joint. Parents love the accommodating staff, management, and allergy-friendly menu at this popular chain restaurant.

3195 28th St SE, Kentwood 3722 Potomac Cir, Grandville

To view our full list of Gluten Free and Dairy Free restaurants,

visit grkids.com/gluten-free-restaurants *Grand Rapids Kids realizes that allergies affect your health and we urge you check with the restaurants before you go to ensure that your needs will be accommodated.

GRKIDS.COM

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how we Give

Back

at the holidays

This holiday season, start a new family tradition of giving back with these inspirational ideas from GRKIDS contributors.

I take my kids to an Angel TreeÂŽ location and let them select a tag.

They usually chose kids the same age as themselves and have a blast picking out gifts for them.

- Kelly Dentler

The Holiday Wishes program at D.A. Blodgett - St. John's Home is my absolute favorite way to give back to our community. Social workers at DABSJ collect wish lists from children in their programs, and volunteers like me (or you!) then go shopping to fulfill their lists.

It's a lot of fun, and a great opportunity to involve your kids in a service project.

- Megan Inchauste

Our family participates in Community Dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas in Cedar Springs. It is through an organization called City Impact - affiliated with our church, City Church Rockford. It's a great way to meet the needs of our community and to connect as we eat a meal together.

- Jessica Wilson

Looking for more ways to contribute to our community? Check out our huge list of places to volunteer with your kids at grkids.com/volunteer.

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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Holidays 2019

6 OUTLETS for your Artistic

Kids

Nourish those artistic talents with a semester long program, or just drop in for a session at these area studios.

Goo Genius Drawing Club

// 17 W 6th St, Holland

googenius.com/kids/draw-club

Each week during the school year, explore a new drawing technique such as cartoons, comics, card or t-shirt making, posters, graphic stories and color theory with other kids who love to draw.

Academy of Art and Design

// 6159 28th St SE, #9, Grand Rapids

artndesign.net

Choose a course on a variety of art forms including drawing, papermaking, digital sketch, ceramics, watercolors and more.

Pottery Lane // 401 Hall St SW, Ste B128, Grand Rapids potterylanegr.com

Sit behind a pottery wheel and create your art piece. Classes available for students ages K-12 as well as parent and child Wheel Workshops.

Grand Rapids Art Museum

// 101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids

artmuseumgr.org/learn/dropinstudio/

Drop in every Saturday from 1- 4:00 PM to explore hands-on art making activities and interactive learning spaces at the studio.

Accidental Art // 355 Northland Dr NE, Rockford accidentalartrockford.com

Choose and paint your own pottery piece. Creations are ready to be picked up one week later.

The Mud Room

themudroom.us

// 1971 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids

At this DIY art studio, spin a ball of clay on the potter's wheel to form a bowl, cup, or other small vessel or grab a paintbrush and decorate pottery or a wood sign.

GRKIDS.COM

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Winter Break ACTIVITY GUIDE

Winter Break is coming - how will you spend it with your kids? Our city offers a wide range of activities throughout Christmas break.

H O L I D AY E V E N T S

Christmas Lite Show at Fifth Third Ball Park 4500 W River Dr NE, Comstock Park

Drive, walk or run nearly two miles of over a million lights, animated displays, lighted tunnels, and more.

Christmas Experience at Deer Tracks Junction 7850 14 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs

Not only will you find Santa, but visitors can take a Wildlife Safari tour with Holiday Characters!

Critter Barn’s Live Nativity 9275 Adams St, Zeeland

Get a glimpse of the magic of the first Christmas.

OUTDOOR FUN

Snowshoe at Blandford Nature Center 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids

Rent snowshoes on site (free for Blandford members) and hike the trails after a snowfall.

AMPED REALITY Escape the Michigan winter at Amped Reality!

Enjoy up to 44 different experiences with friends or throw a Virtual Reality birthday party for your child!

Visit www.ampedrealityvr.com or call 616-608-5508

Winter-Time Walk through the Children’s Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids Throughout December, bundle up and visit the Children’s Garden for an outdoor interactive discovery walk to investigate the Children’s Garden in new ways.

Luge at Muskegon Winter Sports Complex 462 N Scenic Dr, Muskegon

Slide down their 750ft track during their 2.5 hr Learn to Luge program, available on the weekends.

INDOOR FUN

Experience Virtual Worlds at Amped Reality 2923 28th St SE, Grand Rapids

Put on a headset and escape with games such as Spiderman Marvel Adventure or ride on a roller coaster. Explorers will love adventures like swimming right up to a manatee or great white shark.

Swim and Climb at The Kroc Center 2500 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids

An indoor water park, climbing wall, and game room are just a few of the family-friendly activities available.

Explore at Grand Rapids Children’s Museum 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids

Discover the new Dinosaurs exhibit and also enjoy your favorite classics.

LOOKING FOR MORE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR WINTER BREAK? Visit grkids.com/winter-break for our huge list.

REAL TALK

HOW TO AVOID A HOLIDAY MELTDOWN Andy Williams croons that, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And then he lists seemingly endless events that quickly turn December into a jam-packed, overly-stimulating, whirlwind of a season.

Most wonderful time of the year, indeed.

Between school parties, family gatherings, altered sleep schedules, recitals, pageants, plays, and programs, the December rush can make our kids struggle with stress and big emotions.

We talked to parents, as well as other experts in the field, and here are some insights to keep in mind.

TAKE A CUE FROM ELSA, AND ‘LET IT GO’ Give yourself permission to say “no.”

Attending five different Christmas celebrations in two days to keep your parents, siblings, in-laws, and children happy will likely result in a miserable Christmas for you and everyone else who endures this frantic shuffle.

Instead, determine what is healthy for you and those you are responsible for and then clearly communicate this to everyone who has expectations of you in a timely fashion.

Jean Holthaus LISW, LMSW Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services

It’s easy to slip into FOMO (fear of missing out) during the holiday season, but take an honest assessment of what is realistic for your family and embrace the JOMO (joy of missing out).

KEEPING AHEAD OF THE “HANGER” Be prepared with quick snacks and water bottles.

Kristen Alford GRKIDS Reader 14

“[I get ahead of potential meltdowns with] food and good rest. This doesn’t always work but many times meltdowns happen because the boys are hungry or tired (those Snickers commercials are real life!). I try to always have a few snacks with me and try to be proactive about giving them out."

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Holidays 2019

In a similar vein, remember to keep those water bottles nearby along with reminders about sipping. Even though it’s colder, kids still run the risk of dehydration, leaving them less capable of managing their emotions and reactions.

RECOGNIZE AND RELEASE Guide your child through a calming exercise to help him regain control.

[We will sing] the Daniel Tiger song ‘If you're mad, and you want to roar: take a deep breath and count to four.’ Then I let him experience his emotions and calm down.

Kristen Schell GRKIDS Reader

Your kids don’t like losing their control any more than you do, but they don’t always have the tools to cope and quickly adapt. When you see anger, stress, jealousy or any other big emotions arising, take some time to help name what your child is feeling and use some deep breathing to help them regain control.

Not a Daniel Tiger watcher? Try this trick instead: hold up four fingers and then ask your child to take a deep breath and “blow out the candles,” then one by one, lower each finger as the candles are “blown out.”

vvandmkidsden�stry.com

Your Dental Team

At Valleau, VanDeven, and Massie Dentistry for Children, what sets our office apart is the kind, gentle, and compassionate care we provide all of our pa�ents. We understand that a child’s mind is constantly growing and developing and that all children cope with new situa�ons differently. Our wonderful staff takes pride in making all children feel comfortable, relaxed, and even making a dental visit fun!

Grand Rapids

(616) 455-1301

2000 43rd St S.E. - Grand Rapids, MI

Rockford

(616) 884-5812

170 Marcell Dr N.E. - Rockford, MI

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

in And a partridge in a pear tree... We’ve reinvented the beloved classic 12 Days of Christmas with this GR-themed version. But this one isn’t for singing!

Experience the festive magic with your family by counting down the holidays with these 12 Days of (GR-style) Christmas.

Looking for more ways to feel the joy of the season?

Visit GRKIDS.COM/GRAND-RAPIDS-CHRISTMAS-EVENTS for all things holiday in our area.

Use Promo Code

GRKIDS

to get $4 OFF each ticket to any of these 5 Griffins Theme Games this season!

WHICH THEME NIGHT WILL THRILL YOUR KIDS? New Year’s Eve December 31, 2019 Heroes vs. Villains Night January 11, 2020 Wizards Night January 18 Princess Day February 9 Star Wars Night March 7 GRIFFINSHOCKEY.COM/PROMOCODE 16

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Holidays 2019

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6

3

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MAIL DELIVERIES WITH LAST MINUTE GIFTS

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CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS

LOOPS AROUND ROSA PARKS CIRCLE ICE RINK

HORSE DRAWN SLEIGH RIDES

5

POUNDS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES

DAYS OF SHOPPING

CHOCOLATE LETTERS ON SINTERKLAAS DAY

ABC

2

MILES OF TWINKLING LIGHTS AT THE FIFTH THIRD CHRISTMAS LITE SHOW

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7

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FESTIVE TREE LIGHTINGS

NIGHTS OF THE NUTCRACKER BALLET

MINUTES TO WATCH THE MINIATURE TRAIN TRAVEL FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS

1

DOWNTOWN SANTA PARADE

GRKIDS.COM

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HO! HO! HO!

WEST MICHIGAN’S

favorite Santa Claus

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Meet the REAL Santa Claus This Christmas It’s his white beard, actually, that turned Kraig Haybarker of Lowell into Santa in the first place. One Christmas Eve Kraig was greeting guests at Lowell First United Methodist Church when a preschool boy came through.

“He reached up and shook my hand and just said, ‘Hi Santa’!” Kraig laughs.

And there, the magic of Christmas was dusted on Kraig. Not long after he was invited to be Santa in Lowell, and went on to become the Frederik Meijer Gardens Santa and the jolly old elf you see in the Art Van Christmas Parade in Grand Rapids.

That’s how it works when you people know you’re the real Santa.

“In my wildest dreams, even when I decided to let (my beard) grow long that first season, I never thought about becoming Santa,” says Kraig.

If you’ve ever met him, though, you’d know that this is his calling. There’s a reason he’s always had white hair, and that that little boy saw him for who he really is. Because love and kindness has always been in Kraig’s heart.

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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Holidays 2019

“

I love kids,” says Santa.

“It’s the kids I think that make it so rewarding.

”

Looking for the “Real” Santa this Holiday season? Find him at Meijer Gardens, Lowell Chamber of Commerce and the Art Van Grand Rapids Jaycee’s Santa Parade.

ffe

ha

We love him.

He might actually be the REAL Santa.

My daughter was scared to sit with Santa and I was okay with that. I was so happy when he took the time to talk with Lily on her level though, even showing her the magic key he keeps with him at all times to help him get into the homes. He really made her day.

r

Check his schedule at believeinsanta.us

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S

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He gives the kids all the time they need, he looks them in the eye and truly listens to what they say. Every time, my son walks away a believer with his heart full of Christmas joy.

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K a t hy D y k

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EXPERIENCE

Gift Guide New Attractions

Birthday Parties

Discounts Available!

Gift Cards Available!

Give the gift

OF A MEMORY!

ith us!

Come jump w Group

Private Parties

3707 Northridge Dr NW | Grand Rapids, MI 49544 616-784-5437 | JestersCourt.com | Play@JestersCourt.co

Visit grkids.com/holiday-grandrapids-gift for our Holiday Experiences Gift Guide including ideas for kids, mom and dad!

ALLEGAN EVENT

Peace. Health. Happiness.

A gift that lasts a lifetime.

LIMITED TIME:

Holiday Gift Package Two months of group lessons, Bubbles storybook, Bubbles plush toy, 6 Family Swim Passes, and much more!

Annual Membership Fee may apply

Call TODAY to order yours!

GRAND RAPIDS | 616.259.0725 goldfishswimschool.com |

EXPERIENCE

Gift Guide

LOCAL EXPERIENCE GIFTS YOU’LL WANT TO PUT UNDER THE TREE Giving an experience means your gift will last a lifetime as a fond festive memory.

Our Holiday Gift Experiences Guide showcases the coolest places to spend time with your family or places for your loved ones to learn a new skill.

Wrap gifts in creative ways to keep the excitement going, even if the recipient can’t use the gift immediately.

For example, wrap a zoo membership card in a map of the zoo, or tie it around the neck of a plush zoo animal toy. Wrap theatre or concert tickets in a giant box to throw them off the trail. If the real gift is swim lessons, wrap the swim school’s brochure with a new swimsuit and towel.

Grand Rapids Holiday Bingo!

See how many ways your family can score holiday bingo this year.

ICE SKATE AT ROSA PARKS CIRCLE

VISIT REINDEER AT KDL

FIND THE PICKLE AT MEIJER GARDENS

GET MATCHING JAMMIES

GO TO A TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

DRIVE AROUND AND LOOK AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

RIDE ON OR LOOK AT A HOLIDAY TRAIN

ATTEND A SANTA PARADE

GO SLEDDING

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CHECK OUT A LIVE NATIVITY

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Holidays 2019

GET A PHOTO WITH SANTA

DO SOMETHNG NICE FOR SOMEONE ELSE

JUMP OFF MAKE A HOLIDAY ALL OF THAT GIFT AT SUGAR AT A GRCM’S TRAMPOLINE GIFTWORKS PARK

WATCH ELF AT THE CIVIC THEATRE

DECORATE A COOKIE

DRINK HOT COCOA OUTDOORS

MAKE AN ORNAMENT AT THE MUD ROOM

WATCH A NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCE

VISIT A CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

SHOP THE GIVE YOUR ROGUE RIVER TIME (OR RESOURCES?) CRAFT SHOW TO A CHARITY IN LOWELL

SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

GRAND RAPIDS

KIDS

STAY HOME ONE NIGHT (LOL. AND NOT BE BUSY!)

LACE UP

ICE SKATING IN

West Michigan

Sharpen those skates and hit the ice at these local skating rinks. Whether you want to show off your double axel, score a hat trick or glide along a trail, there's an indoor or outdoor rink near you!

1

Griff’s Georgetown | 8500 48th Ave, Hudsonville

2

Kentwood Ice Arena | 6230 Кalamazoo Ave SW, Kentwood Ice skating & hockey lessons, open skate and drop-in hockey. There is a $20 maximum cost per family which includes skate rental. $$

3

Millennium Park (Portage) | 280 Romence Road, Portage

4

Muskegon Winter Sports Complex | 426 Scenic Drive, N. Muskegon With two acres of outdoor skating, there is enough ice for everyone. Park includes a skating rink, hockey rink and lighted 1/4 mile skating trail. Skate rentals available. $$

5

Patterson Ice Center | 2550 Patterson Ave SE, Grand Rapids

6

A year-round facility offering open skate, hockey instruction and learn-to-skate programs.

Group outings and party packages available. $$

Home to the first refrigerated outdoor ice rink in southwest Michigan. Check their website for special events held each year, such as the Valentine’s Skate Date and Twilight Skate. $$

Learn basic skating skills, hone your hockey skills or perfect your figure eights on this NHL & Olympic size rink. Open skate, broom-ball and skate rentals are available. $$

Rosa Parks Circle | 135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids Experience the magic of winter downtown at this outdoor skating rink. Skate rental is free with paid admission. $$

GRKIDS.COM

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SUGAR RUSH

Sweets TREATS

HOLIDAY

a nd

3080 44th St SW Grandville, MI 49418 616-532-3967 grandrapidscookiesand cupcakebydesign.com

WE MAKE IT FRESH, YOU MAKE IT FUN!

Knapp’s Corner Eastown Downtown GR

spoonlickersgr.com

11539 E Lakewood Blvd STE #30 Holland, MI 49424

616-396-0200

hollandcakery.com 24

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Holidays 2019

SUGAR RUSH

Sweets TREATS

HOLI DAY

a nd

MOELKER ORCHARDS

& FARM MARKET 9265 Kenowa Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534

616-453-2585 Home of the Old Bell Bakery Donuts, Fudge, Pies & More!

moelkerorchards.com

820 Monroe Ave NW at Lofts of GR 616-608-4533 435 Ionia Ave SW The Downtown Market 616-551-3491 fieldandfire.com GRKIDS.COM

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INDOOR PLAY

Guide

Living in Michigan during the winter means being creative when it comes to planning activities for our families.

From jumping on trampolines to golfing under neon lights to rocking around a roller rink, West Michigan has everything thing you need to beat cabin fever.

Keep our Indoor Play Guide handy to find the perfect place to spend the day with your family.

INDOOR FUN ALL YEAR LONG

Great Family Fun! Check out our Facebook page or website for rates, hours and specials

3330 Fairlanes Ave., Grandville MI, 49418 (616)534-8235 // tarryhall.com 26

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Holidays 2019

craigscruisers.com

INDOOR PLAY

Guide

Read and discover at Grand Rapids Public Library | Multiple Locations Reach new heights at Altitude Trampoline Park | 3495 Alpine Ave NW, Walker Bounce around at Jester's Court | 3707 Northridge Dr NW, Grand Rapids Roll a strike at Hudsonville Lanes | 5775 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville Explore a castle play structure at Catch Air | 2978 28th St SE, Grand Rapids Get hands on at Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids

Try gymnastic moves at R-Athletics 2845 Thornhills Ave SE, Suite A Grand Rapids

Skate around at Tarry Hall Roller Rink 3330 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville

Putt-putt under neon lights at Great Lakes Glow Golf

3494 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids

Speed down the 150ft water slide at Holland Community Aquatic Center 550 Maple Ave, Holland

GRKIDS.COM

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INDOOR PLAY

Guide

2978 28th St. SE GR, 49512

616-200-6956

grandrapids@catchairparty.com FB Catch Air Grand Rapids

We are so excited to have opened a state of the art indoor play center for children 10 years of age and under!

PLAY A ROUND FOR THE FUN OF IT. Home of the FREE PLAY ARCADE included with each admission

Senior and Military discount of 15% children age 4 and under play free.

3494 Plainfield Ave NE | 616.279.2111

greatlakesglowgolf.com

New Attractions

Birthday Parties

ith us! w p m u j e m Co Group

Discounts Available!

Gift Cards Available!

Private Parties

3707 Northridge Dr NW | Grand Rapids, MI 49544 616-784-5437 | JestersCourt.com | Play@JestersCourt.co

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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Holidays 2019

INDOOR PLAY GUIDE

LIBRARIES with

Great Kid Play Places

From dynamic storytimes to unique kid-friendly spaces, each branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL) and Kent District Library (KDL) has something new for children to discover. Visit the library for interactive fun and leave with a bagful of books to enjoy together at home.

Seymour GRPL | 2350 Eastern SE, Grand Rapids

This branch offers children early literacy computer stations, blocks and other building materials, a train table, puzzles and more.

Byron Township KDL | 8191 Byron Center Ave SW, Byron Center

Find a play kitchen, toy bins and magnet board, a play grocery store stocked with pretend produce, a LEGO wall, and a dress up station.

Krause Memorial KDL | 140 E. Bridge St, Rockford

This KDL has many options for play with a LEGO table, puzzles, a light table, and an imagination station, as well as a chance to work on writing skills at the writing center.

Baby & Me

Toddler Time

Family Time

STEAM Ahead

Pajama Time

Bilingual Pajama Time

616.988.5400 WWW.GRPL.ORG/STORYTIMES GRKIDS.COM

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Kid Friendly

THIS IS 2020

NEW YEAR’S EVE Ring in the New Year with your family at any of these local celebrations.

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE HAVEN 456 Phoenix St, South Haven Usher in 2020 in the heart of downtown South Haven. Stay up late enjoying music, dancing, ice skating, special features from local restaurants, party favors and a beach ball drop!

NEW YEAR’S EARLY EVE Grand Rapids Children’s Museum 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids Party with the little ones from 6-8 PM at this interstellar celebration featuring music, dancing, balloon drop with confetti and more. $$

nEW yEAR’S eVE fAMILY PARTY // Double JJ Resort 5900 Water Rd, Rothbury Slide into the New Year at the Gold Rush Indoor waterpark. Enjoy a kid friendly, late night party with DJ and music in the water park, arcade, black light mini golf and family karaoke. $$

NYE CELEBRATION // Kentwood Fun Spot 14 52nd St SE, Kentwood Celebrate the end of the year with two events at The Fun Spot. Bring the littles to the New Year’s Matinee Balloon Drop starting at noon or bring the family to the evening NYE Celebration with roller skating, games and prizes! $$

NYE Ball Drop & Fireworks // Downtown Grand Haven Washington Ave, Grand Haven Gather along Washington Avenue and 1st Street before the stroke of midnight to watch the ball drop. Afterwards, enjoy the first minutes of 2020 with fireworks.

Saugatuck new year’s eve fireworks Docks at Coral Gables - 220 Water St, Saugatuck Start the new year with a stunning fireworks display over the Kalamazoo River at midnight in downtown Saugatuck.

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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Holidays 2019

GRKIDS.COM

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New office coming 2020!

1750 Grand Ridge Ct. NE Suite 202 Grand Rapids, MI 49525

growingsmilesgr.com

616.988.9485 At Growing Smiles, we help children develop good oral hygiene habits for a lifetime of beautiful, growing smiles. We’re specialists in

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