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 9th to March 1st. There are special events hosted throughout with permanent exhibits you can enjoy any time. Some notable World of Winter events include:

  • Fire & Ice: Take part in this street party with live entertainment (including fire performances and figure skating), food trucks, and interactive activities. Saturday, January 10th, from 6pm – 10pm
  • Circus Wonderland: Step into a magical night of circus acts, games, performances and more. This event is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Saturday, January 24th, from 6pm – 9pm.
  • Paint the Park: Help paint the ice rick at Rosa Parks Circle! Bring the whole family and get creative at this fun event. Saturday, February 21 from 11am – 5pm
  • Human Hungry Hippo Tournament: Gather your team, it’s game time. Six person crews will race across the ice in sleds, scooping up balls in this fast, chaotic and seriously fun competition. Saturday, February 28, from 12:30pm – 7pm

The best part of early evening is that by 5:30pm or 6pm you can truly enjoy the World of Winter Festival. The festival takes place throughout downtown, but the four main hotspots are: Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 555 Monroe Skate Park, Canal Park, Sixth Street Park.

Ah-Nab-Awen Park Meet the Anooki, two droll and cheeky figures who have lost their home! These giant, inflatable messengers commandeer urban spaces, turning Grand Rapids into their playground.

555 Monroe Skate Park Experience a striking light and sound display that draws inspiration from the patterns of nature and everyday life. Watch color and sound move together in a dynamic performance designed to engage your senses and invite a moment of pause.

Sixth Street Park has a birdhouse that comes to life when cranked, Manidoo Bawating – an 11-ft. tall sculpture representing and honoring important symbols and unique traditions of the Native American community that thrived along the Grand River and throughout the Great Lakes region, a giant lightning bolt that crackles, and more.

Plan your visit to WoW by beginning here. Don’t forget to check out the events calendar.

While the World of Winter is best enjoyed at night, but make the most of the day trip by visiting some of the other great attractions. With the 1-Day Attraction Pass is $18 for kids, $32 for adults and provides admission to several attractions including our go-to favorites: Ford Presidential Museum (general admission $7 for kids and $13 for adults), Grand Rapids Art Museum (general admission $6 for kids and $12 for adults) AND Grand Rapids Public Museum (general admission $5 for kids and $12 for adults).

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