The weather outside is feeling more and more like winter days and we’re here to make the most of it! In Lansing and all around there is no shortage of activities to keep you warm and cozy, bring you outdoor fun, and more! Whether it’s a winter hike, resources for keeping the blues away and indoor play, books for the season, recipes, or more, we have got you covered with our Ultimate Guide to Winter In + Around Lansing.
We are so thankful to our partners at Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel, CATA, Potter Park Zoo and The Wharton Center. for helping us bring this guide to you!
Winter at the zoo is one of our favorite times! The magic of the Wonderland of Lights, with holiday displays, music, and more is the perfect way to step into the festive season.
Potter Park Zoo, located in Lansing, Michigan, offers a captivating experience for all ages. We’re open throughout the year, providing 364 days of wildlife exploration, with the exception of Christmas Day. During the winter months, our operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., giving you ample time to immerse yourself in the seasonal magic. Be sure to take advantage of our special winter rates and revel in the unique charm of the zoo during the colder months. Whether you’re visiting the captivating Wonderland of Lights or exploring our Ice Safari, there’s always something delightful awaiting you at Potter Park Zoo. You can visit Potter Park Zoo’s website for information, or specifically head to information on the Wonderland of Lights and Ice Safari!
Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel, part of the Soaring Eagle family of properties, is owned and operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. With 40,000 square feet of indoor waterpark fun, operating 365 days per year, families will always find a warm and happy good time.
You can check them out here!
Offering the best of Broadway and performing arts events, Wharton Center is the place to be for the Winter Season! We’ve had the opportunity to enjoy so many shows at the Wharton Center this year and we are looking forward to everything the Winter Season has to offer! Check out upcoming shows below and start planning today!
Shows you won’t want to miss this Winter |
- Dec 18-20 Cirque Dreams Holidaze
- Jan 16-21 Mamma Mia!
- Jan 31st Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, Yo-Yo Ma
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- Feb 6-11th Funny Girl
- Feb 23rd Maria Schneider Orchestra
- Feb 24th The Boy Who Cried Wolf
- Feb 25th The Boy Who Cried Wolf Sensory-Friendly Performance
- March 5th Golden Girls
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- March 9th Step Africa!
- March 16th Ray Chen
- March 19th John Mellencamp
- March 21st Small Island Big Song
- March 27th Celtic Woman
For a fun, affordable and hassle-free day trip in the Capital City region this winter, hop aboard a CATA bus to check out local attractions and scenery. We highly recommend a day in the city this season and our favorite stops are accessible along the CATA Route. We’ll be highlighting a day in the city with CATA on the Lansing Mom Instagram Channel soon, where we will be including some of the Lansing Area’s amazing family friendly places to stop! In the meantime Route 8 provides access to the Potter Park Zoo and Sycamore Park, both accessible from the bus stop on Lindbergh Drive. Route 1 is another great option, traveling along Grand River Avenue and into Downtown Lansing providing convenient access to the Lansing River Trail Art Path, Adado Riverfront Park and a variety of unique shops and eateries along the way. Both routes originate at the downtown Lansing CATA Transportation Center. One-way fare for adults is $1.25, students ride for 60-cents, and young children under 42” ride free when accompanied by an adult. For more information, call a CATA representative at 517-394-1000 or visit cata.org to plan your trip to destinations across the region.
For Winter Activities In + Around Lansing read on below for more information.
Winter Activities In + Around Lansing
Five Things You Need for Winter
Give your Time, Talent, and Treasure this Holiday Season
There is no shortage of winter activities in the Lansing area so we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites, including sledding and indoor fun options too. Click the link above for more information or head here for reasons to Head to the Zoo this Winter.
For outdoor activities in the Lansing Area head below for more information.
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean we have to stay indoors! Head to these posts for inspiration on how to get outdoors this winter!
Sledding Hills In + Around Lansing
Use Your Five Senses to Enjoy the Winter Season
Read on below for ways to take care of yourself this winter.
Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu Season
Ways to Beat the Winter (Pandemic) Blues
Ways to Manage Seasonal Depression
Ways to Protect Your Mental Health During the Winter Season
Missing Someone Through the Holidays
6 Ways to Take Care of Yourself During the Holidays
Setting Boundaries During the Holidays
Tips for Supporting Someone Struggling with Infertility During the Holidays
Outdoor activities not your thing? Don’t worry! Check out these cold day indoor activities instead!
Looking for ways to kick up the cozy comfort food for the holiday season? Look no further!
A Holiday Roast and Meal Everyone will Remember with Michigan Beef
Where to find Hot Cocoa Bombs In + Around Lansing
Ready to cozy up at home with some good books? We’ve got you covered!
Books to Celebrate Holidays Around the World
This time of year there is truly no shortage of holidays! From Diwali to Christmas, to Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, we’ve got all our resources right here!
- A Holiday Bucket List
- Teaching Your Kids About Holiday’s Around the World
- Lansing Mom Approved 2023 Holiday Gift Guide
- Lansing Mom Approved 2023 Foodie Gift Guide
- Starting New Holiday Traditions with Your Family
- 5 Non-Traditional Gifts for this Holiday Season
- 5 Fun Ways to Learn About Diwali with Your Kids
- Toys for Raising Culturally and Racially Aware Children
- Top 3 Tips to Help Kids Learn About and Celebrate Hanukkah
- Perfect Gifts for Baby’s First Christmas
- Stocking Stuffers for Everyone in the Family
- 3 Ways to Make Holidays Easier for Kids (And Mom!)
Lansing Mom strives to provide up-to-date information for our community. If you would like to be part of our guide please email [email protected]
Looking for more resources?
Check out our Lansing Mom Approved Holiday Gift Guide here.
