Family-friendly Winter Break Activities in the Traverse City Area!
Winter break is here, and with an extra-long stretch this year, we’ve got even more time to make some memories! I’ve rounded up the top activities to help you create a winter break filled with fun and unforgettable memories.
Festival of Trains - December 21-December 31
Creekside Community Church 3686 W South Airport Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684
The Northern Michigan Railroad Club, the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, and Creekside Community Church are pleased to announce the 2024 Festival of Trains. The Festival starts December 21 and runs through December 31 at the Creekside Community Church (3686 W South Airport Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684).
Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday, 1pm to 4 pm with special hours of 10 am to 4 pm on December 24 and December 31. The Festival will be closed on December 25.
Admission is $6 per person for everyone 5 and up – 4 and under free! Or buy a $30 Festival Pass and bring your family of up to 5 free each day the festival is open.
More info
Horse Drawn Surrey Rides at Crystal Mountain - December 21-31; January 3,4
Be whisked away through a winter wonderland by a team of gentle Belgian horses. Complimentary hot chocolate concludes the ride. Surrey pick-up and drop-off will be at the Crystal Center. Rides are approximately 20-25 minutes in length. Advance reservations required.
More info
The Enchanted Trails at the Highlands - Daily through January 4th
600 Highland Dr, Harbor Springs, MI
2103 Highland Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740-9464, United StatesTake a magical winter walk through the woods, perfect for families and adventurers alike. This serene, snow-covered path is illuminated by soft, twinkling lights, guiding guests on a peaceful journey surrounded by the beauty of nature. As you wind through the trail, the crisp winter air and quiet of the woods create a sense of calm and wonder. At the end of the trail, you'll find a cozy yurt, where you can warm up by the fire, enjoy a hot drink, and take in the festive atmosphere.
More info
Tuesday December 24th
Ski with Santa at Crystal Mountain
Hit the slopes with Santa before his trip around the world! Begins at 10am.
Wednesday, December 25th
Ski Free with Santa on Christmas Day
Shanty Creek Resorts, 2400 Troon South Dr, Bellaire, MI
Pick up your no charge lift ticket at any lift ticket window and hit the slopes with Santa between 11am-4:30pm.
More info
Thursday, December 26th
Unlimited Climbing at Elev8
Enjoy Unlimited climbing at ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness during the Winter holiday break (they are open every day 12/26 through the start of school in the new year - 11 days!) Their unlimited pass includes:
Rental Climbing Gear
$10 Gift Card (great for snacks!)
ELEV8 Sticker
Price: $85 youth (14 & under) | $105 adult
Free Showing of Love Actually at the Garden Theater in Frankfort - 5-8pm
The showing is FREE to all guests, and if you dress up in your "best festive outfit," you get a free Kilwins treat! (Limited to first-come, first-serve basis.)
More info
Merry Mystery Sasquatch Search at The Curiosity Place/Great Lake Children’s Museum - December 26th - 28th
Ever wonder if Bigfoot exists? Can you imagine seeing a Sasquatch? Believe it or not, The Curiosity Place is conducting a Sasquatch search this holiday season. Come with questions. Use sasquatch science to investigate and explore the mystery of Bigfoot.
Do you ever wonder: “Is bigfoot is out there?” Can you imagine what he would eat, or where he would hide? If you hear a sound in the woods, would you believe it might be bigfoot?
Find the answers to all your sasquatch questions.
This activity is included with admission to the Museum.
The science is in the searching.
More info
Friday, December 27th
5toOne Playgroup in Lake Ann - 10-11:30am
Lake Ann United Methodist Church Community Center
This free playgroup includes:
-Child-led playtime in our nursery area and gymnasium
-A healthy snack
-A story session
-A free book to take home
Register
Holiday Music with Miriam Pico - 5-8pm
Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate, 7007 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI
Join one of our favorite singer songwriters playing a mix of her own music and the holiday classics!
More info
Tubing at Mount Holiday is open! 12/27-12/28
Saturday, December 28th
Family Cooking Day at Interlochen Public Library - 10am
Call 231-276-6767 to sign up for this class, as we are limited to 6 families.
The H&W Family Cooking Class is here to provide recreational cooking and baking classes while teaching you how to create delicious, fresh, scratch-made meals that are easy to prepare and won't break the bank. Miss Jennifer teaches our courses in a fun, hands-on, and interactive environment! Try one of our family cooking classes for an experience everyone can enjoy. Prior cooking experience is optional. Come ready for culinary fun while experiencing new techniques and cooking methods!
More info
$1 Kids Matineee at the State: Frozen 2 - 10am
More info
Winter Family Fun Day - 3:00pm
Interlochen Public Library, 9411 Tenth Street, Interlochen, MI
Join IPL in the Community Room on Saturday, December 28, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM for a fun-filled afternoon! They will have games, activities, crafting, and delicious pizza to enjoy with your loved ones. Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to celebrate creativity and coding during the holiday season! This free program is sponsored by the Friends of IPL.
More info
Tuesday December 31st
Countdown to Noon “Fun-raiser” at the Curiosity Place! 10am-12:30pm
Anyone who says New Years Eve is a holiday just for grown-ups has never celebrated at the Great Lakes Children’s Museum. See their new location in the Grand Traverse Mall where they’ll drop their own version of “the Ball” and say an early “hello” to 2025!
More info
New Year's Eve at the Arts Center & Petoskey District Library - 5pm
Ring in 2025 on the corner of Division Street and Mitchell Street in downtown Petoskey.
Enjoy live music, a magician, silent disco, cocoa & cookie stations, bonfire pits with s'mores kits, photobooth, face painting, a DJ on the plaza, pizza, salad, and pasta buffet from Mancino's, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Admission tickets (buttons) are required for entry into Crooked Tree Arts Center/Carnegie building. Outdoor activities and the Petoskey District Library remain free and open throughout the event. In previouis years, tickets have sold out quickly. Get yours today to enjoy live music, pizza, art projects, silent disco and main stage entertainment.More info
More info
Kids New Years Eve Party at Clearwater Township Hall in Rapids City - 5:30pm
5440 River St NW, Rapid City, MI
A Special Celebration for Rapid City Kids to Kick off the New Year! Enjoy a fun-filled time with Food, Fun, & Games AND A special New Year's Countdown!
More info
Glow Night at Avalanche Bay Water Park - 4-5pm
Ring in the New Year with a tidal wave of fun! Join us on Sunday, December 31 from 4 - 8pm for an unforgettable aquatic celebration. Watch the final hours of 2024 slip away as you slip and slide through the illuminated wonderland. Our park transforms into a glowing spectacle, with each attraction offering a unique way to count down to the new year.
Event Includes:
- Glow Sticks and necklaces available for guests
- Evening Passes starting at $32
- Tiny Splashers, ages 2 and under, splash FREE
More info
Traverse City CherryT Ball Drop - 10pm
Downtown Traverse City
Can’t make it to Times Square for the famous Ball Drop? No worries—the CherryT Ball Drop is right here in Traverse City, and we think it’s even sweeter! Head downtown to Front Street as they ring in the New Year like the Cherry Capital does best - with a giant glowing cherry descending onto the city, lighting up the night and welcoming 2025 with style!
The celebration begins at 10 PM and wraps up just after we cheer in the New Year!
More info
Thursday, January 2nd
Tropical Treasures Winter Camp by Nature Explorers International and Amalia Celeste Fernand - January 2-3
6962 Burr St., Benzonia, MI, United States, Michigan 49616
Let’s pretend to travel to warm weather together this winter while we explore rainforests and coral reefs! Ms. Amalia loves visiting tropical rainforests and scuba diving coral reefs to find wild animals. She will share pictures and stories from her adventures on almost every continent. Discover hidden creatures in the layers of the rainforest, erupt underwater volcanoes, build reef sculptures, catch tropical fish, and follow sea turtles. Create a treasure box and fill it with daily prizes on treasure hunts.
More info
Friday, January 3rd
Candlelit Hike at Mt McSauba - 5-8pm
Join Charlevoix Recreation and Visit Charlevoix every Friday evening, beginning at 5:00 PM for a Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba.
Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails. The length of the trail is about a mile. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot. The event takes place between 5 - 8 PM. Dress for the weather! This event is free to attend.
More info
Friday Family Night at Pond Hill Farm - 5-8pm
5699 S Lake Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI
Bring your loved ones together for an evening of old-fashioned family fun. Enjoy tubing down the new and improved Bluster Mountain Sled Hill (weather permitting), playing classic board games, gathering around cozy bonfires roasting s'mores, sipping on hot cocoa, and indulging in our delicious homemade pizza.
More info
Saturday January 4th
Winter Sleigh Rides at Treetops Resort - 3-7pm
Step into a fairytale as our horse-drawn sleigh pulls you through a winter wonderland on our Natural Springs Trail. Traverse over streams and through fields. Enjoy delicious hot chocolate (adults 21+ can add Irsih Cream), rock candy, and a warmup stop at our crackling fire pit. This activity is great for a couple's getaway or fun for the entire family.
More info
Skate and Classic Ski Clinics at Cross Country Ski Headquarters - January 4-5
9435 N Cut Rd, Roscommon, MI, United States, Michigan 48653
Northern Michigan University Nordic Team Alum and top Michigan Cup racer, Jordyn Ross, is back for another outstanding clinic series. Divided into two days, this updated clinic series will be geared towards beginner, proficient beginner, and intermediate skiers on Saturday, and advanced-intermediate and expert level skiers on Sunday. Cost for a clinic is $20. Please sign up in advance on our website (space is limited), or call 800-832-2663.
More info
Don’t forget to follow along at https://www.instagram.com/myupnorthkids!
