If you need a break in your routine and a place for winter fun take a day trip to Grand Rapids for a family adventure this winter. The World of Winter Festival is an outdoor illuminated art installation that is fun for everyone. 

The World of Winter is a FREE, outdoor winter festival in downtown Grand Rapids that runs January 6th to March 5th. There are special events hosted throughout with permanent exhibits you can enjoy any time. Best enjoyed at night, make the most of the day trip by visiting one of these three great spots during the day:

  • Grand Rapids Public Museum: From A (Automobiles) to Z (Zoology) the three story museum is packed with engaging and interactive activities for kids. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3 to 17. The museum is open daily and tickets can be purchased same day.
  • Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: The hands-on museum for kids is especially fun for littles who love to play – from music and Legos to bubbles and balls -there’s plenty to keep kids busy. Capacity is limited and it’s advisable to reserve your tickets in advance. Admission is $10 per person.
  • Cannonsburg: Located just outside Grand Rapids, Cannonsburg offers skiing, snowboarding and SNOWTUBING! Reservations for snow tubing are required and cost $20 per person on weekdays and $25 per person on weekends.

The best part of early evening is that by 5:30pm or 6pm you can truly enjoy the World of Winter Festival. Start your stoll at Sixth Street Park where you’ll find parking and a Rainbow Tree (and possibly a free outdoor concert), follow the bath to the Manidoo Bawating Hybycozo lighted prism before reaching Monroe Park. The Ice Park features ice carved games, an artist pod and a lighted art display.

Continue down Monroe Street (spotting art displays along the way) until you reach Rosa Parks Circle for ice skating under the lights. Across the street you’ll spot the iconic LOVE statue – take some selfies and pass it until you get to Campau Avenue – turn towards the Grand River and Blue Bridge.
Get your pictures with the Angels of Freedom and signature Massimals of Grand Rapids. Across the bridge you’ll find yourself at the Public Museum with interactive art displays along the riverwalk. You can’t miss the Starry Night installation in front of the Ford Presidential Museum and you’ll get the best views from the Gillett Bridge where you’ll spot Talking Heads and Messie the Grand River Monster. From there you can continue to explore or take Monroe Street back to your car – or the Embassy Suite Hotel for a true staycation!

Find a map with all art exhibits listed here.

Grand Rapids is approximately 2 hours from metro Detroit, a reasonable day trip drive for families looking for a little extra fun.

Photo credit: Facebook