Grab your winter gear to head outside! It was just National Play Outside Day and it’s the perfect time to get in some chilly fun! Take a break from the screens and play outside. This is your time to go outside and do something fun with your friends and family. Read on for five outdoor winter activities.
Like most kids, my 4-year-old loves playing outside. The fresh air and burning some energy. As parents, we know the importance of that. And as a Michigander, playing in the snow is a must!
Top 5 outdoor winter activities in the Lansing area:
Snow Tubing – Hawk Island Park (1601 E Cavanaugh Road, Lansing)
Riders will speed down one of many thrilling 16 feet wide sculpted snow lanes as you drop 50-60 feet over a course of 500-600 feet. Outdoor fires, hot chocolate and s’mores are available. I have been dying to take my family to try it out. It looks like the sledding upgrade any family is looking for.
- Reserve your time and ticket online.
- There is a vehicle entrance fee at Hawk Island Park.
Sledding – North Meridian Road Park (5191 Meridian Road, Williamston)
In the winter, families love going down the North Meridian Road Park sledding hill, hiking and cross-country skiing along the two miles of nature trails in the popular year-round 60-acre park. Sledding is my daughter’s favorite winter-time activity. I love watching her face. Makes me feel like a kid again.
- A sled library is available for those who don’t have their own sleds or who wish to donate.
- The park includes year-round heated restrooms and a pavilion.
Ice Skating
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Reutter Park, 400 S. Capitol Ave.Lansing, MI 48933): Located in Downtown Lansing in the City Hall Plaza, the 3,300 square foot synthetic ice outdoor skating rink is available. Colorful lights, benches and heaters surround the rink.
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Meridian Township’s Ice Rink (1995 Central Park Drive, Okemos): Located at the new Marketplace on the Green pavilion, is the new 40’x92′ outdoor artificial ice rink. The rink is open seven days a week from dawn to 9:00 pm daily for free. Skates are available to borrow from the lending box. Hockey is not allowed.
Snowshoeing at the Harris Nature Center (3998 Van Atta Road, Okemos)
Walk above the snow and explore the beauty of local trails. Snowshoe rentals and classes are available at the Harris Nature Center.
- Reserve your snowshoes between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
- Cross country ski rentals are no longer available at the Harris Nature Center.
Cross Country Ski at Burchfield Park (881 Grovenburg Road, Holt)
Rent some cross country skis at Burchfield County Park in Holt, weather permitting. Discover nature on a two row track through the trails. Moonlight skiing is available on Saturday evenings.
- There is a vehicle entrance fee at Burchfield Park.
- Check current trail conditions here.
