The evenings are drawing in and winter is on our doorstep but that doesn’t mean we have to hibernate! The Lansing area has no shortage of things to do in the winter and we are bringing them all to you to enjoy this season to its fullest. Whether it’s a winter hike, resources for making the most of winter, Santa visits, 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 Peacock Road Family Farm and Potter Park Zoo for helping us bring this guide to you and we can’t wait to share all the magic that Potter Park Zoo and Peacock Road Family Farm have to offer this season!
A visit to the zoo may strike you as a summer activity, but colder weather doesn’t mean the activities, attractions, and festivities have to end! Potter Park Zoo is open to the public year-round, and there are plenty of reasons to come out during the colder months. Among the most popular is Wonderland of Lights, our multiple-day holiday event featuring light displays, holiday music, and take-home goodie bags. Ice Safari, our newest event, is also sure to delight. Guests will find a variety of ice sculptures on display throughout the zoo, and will even have the chance to view a live ice carving. You can grab your tickets for Wonderland of Lights here!
Events aside, ordinary winter days also offer plenty for guests see. In fact, many of our animal residents are just as active (or more active) in the cold! Winter-hardy North American species include the elk, Arctic foxes, North American river otters, bald eagles, and ravens. Several Asian species are also likely to be out and about in their enclosures, including the snow leopard, Amur tiger, red pandas, Pallas’ cat, and tufted deer. With luck, guests may even catch our black rhinos Doppsee and Phineus investigating a recent snowfall before returning to their heated barn. Of course, our indoor locations (the Bird & Reptile House, and Feline & Primate House) are also open year-round, offering guests a haven from the cold while visiting our more tropical and warm-weather species such as the cotton-top tamarins and gila monsters. Guests who come out for a winter visit will also take advantage of lower admission rates ($3.00 for children 12 and under and $4.00 for adults), which apply from Nov.1 to March 30.
A family-owned selfie installation museum designed to create photo fun, art, and culture. Come check out all of the different installations with your family, friends, or as a date night! Love Your Selfie Factory is also excited to announce our new Christmas Installations featuring, “Santa’s Sleigh ride with snow, Santa’s workshop, and a family portrait Christmas Livingroom Scene.” They make the perfect gift to put under the tree for all those experience gifts this season! Book a session here!
Peacock Road Family Farm is here for all your Christmas joy this year with the most magical visit to Santa. Come out to the farm and ride the Peacock Express to visit with Santa! You will ride the train to Santa’s cabin in the woods, visit with Mrs. Clause and warm up with some hot cocoa. Be sure to stop by the sugar shack too, head to the wreath shop for a custom made kissing ball and other decorations, or grab your Christmas tree from the pre-cut lot or pick one out on your own! There is so much Christmas fun to be had on the farm this season. Tickets are going fast, be sure to grab yours here before they’re gone!
For Winter Activities In + Around Lansing head here or read on below for more information.
Five Things You Need for Winter
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.
Ways to Beat the Winter (Pandemic) Blues
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!
Ready to cozy up at home with some good books? We’ve got you covered!
Lansing Mom strives to provide up-to-date information for our community. If you have more resources please email [email protected]
Looking for more resources?
Check out our Lansing Mom Approved Holiday Gift Guide here.
