Looking for something to do with the kids during Winter Break?  Here are some fun family events taking place over the next two weeks.

Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World
Now through Sunday, January 9
Frederik Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids
www.meijergardens.org
See over 40 international trees, 300,000 lights, strolling carolers and a holiday express train exhibit.

Snowflake Break Days
Now through Sunday, January 2
Public Museum of Grand Rapids
www.grmuseum.org
A special buy-one-get-one admission ticket continues through next weekend.  Enjoy discounted rates, free carousel rides, free crafts and fun activities.

Tubing at Pando
Now through Sunday, January 1
Pando Winter Sports Park – Rockford
www.pandopark.com
The park is open from 10am-10pm over Winter Break for tubing.

Cirque De Noel
Thursday, December 23 at 7:30pm
DeVos Performance Hall – Grand Rapids
www.grsymphony.org
The Grand Rapids Symphony performs holiday classics along with acrobats, jugglers and aerialists.

Night at Your Museum
Monday, December 27 from 6-9pm
Public Museum of Grand Rapids
www.grmuseum.org
Characters will come to life on all three floors of the museum.  Kids will get a flashlight and have the evening to explore!  Cost is $20 per person and includes dinner.

½ Off Kroc Center Day Passes
Monday, December 27 through Thursday, December 30
Salvation Army Kroc Center – Grand Rapids
http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/grandrapidskroc
Kids get in for $2.50 and adults for $3.50 for full use of the facility.

Learn to Luge
Monday, December 27 through Thursday, December 30
Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
www.msports.org
Have you ever wanted to learn to luge?  Now is your chance.  Classes are held at Noon and 3:30pm.  While you’re there you can also ice skate or check out the sledding hills.

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Here are some fun things going on this weekend…..Where You Live!

Butterflies are Blooming
Now through Saturday, April 30
Frederik Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids
www.meijergardens.org
See over 6,000 beautiful butterflies flying freely inside the Garden’s botanical garden.

HPA Presents “Annie”
Thursday, March 4 through Saturday, March 6
Caledonia High School Fine Arts Center
www.hpami.org
The Homeschool Performing Arts is putting on “Annie.”  This production is made up of over 100 homeschoolers from West Michigan.  Tickets are $7.50 in advance or $8.50 at the door.

West Michigan Home and Garden Show
Thursday, March 4 through Sunday, March 7
DeVos Place – Grand Rapids
www.showspan.com
Start thinking spring with the Home and Garden show.  Attend free seminars and visit over 350 booths with home and garden information.

Welcome Back Party!
Saturday, March 6 from 10am-2pm
John Ball Zoo – Grand Rapids
www.johnballzoosociety.org
The John Ball Zoo is officially back open and they’re celebrating!  Come out for special events and activities.  Admission is $3.50 for adults, $3.00 for kids 3-13 years old and kids under two are free.

Sugarbush Festival
Saturday, March 6 at 10am
Blandford Nature Center – Grand Rapids
www.blandfordnaturecenter.org
Learn about traditional and contemporary means of maple syrup making! From tapping to bottling to sampling this all-natural treat.  Get in touch with nature and hike the trails while you’re there.  Cost is $3 per person.

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It’s the holiday weekend and there are all sorts of activities taking place for families.  Here are my recommendations.

Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” Train Tour
Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6
Greenfield Village – Dearborn
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/christmascaroltraintour/#/tour/
Climb aboard the rails for a once-in-a-lifetime experience behind the scenes of Disney’s latest movie “A Christmas Carol.”  Get an exclusive 3-D sneak peek at the movie with artifacts, character designs and more!

Leonardo da Vinci – Machines in Motion
Saturday, September 5 through the end of the year
Public Museum of Grand Rapids
www.grmuseum.org
Check out 40 life-sized and fully operational artifacts linked to the elements of air, water, land and fire.

American Idols LIVE!
Sunday, September 6 at 7pm
Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids
www.vanandelarena.com
See the 10 top finalists from this year’s American Idol perform live!

Grand Crossings Labor Day Bridge Walk
Monday, September 7 at 8am
Ah-Nab-Awen Park – Grand Rapids
http://www.grand-rapids.mi.us/
Your family can walk up to seven bridges in downtown Grand Rapids.  Meet at the park at 8am and wear your tennis shoes!

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Looking for something to do this weekend?  Here are Maranda’s recommendations for family fun.

Kalamazoo Nature Center
Saturday, April 18 from 9:30am-5pm
www.naturecenter.org
Celebrate Earth Day with free admission.  Event includes trail tours, gardening and fun activities for kids.

Party for the Planet
Saturday, April 18 from 10am-3pm
John Ball Zoo – Grand Rapids
www.johnballzoosociety.org
It’s time to help celebrate Earth Day at the John Ball Zoo.  Over 30 West Michigan organizations will be attending with seedling giveaways, games, entertainment, science experiments, recycling and conservation tips.

Kent District Library Green Fair
Saturday, April 18 from 10am-2pm
KDL – East Grand Rapids Branch
www.kdl.org
Learn ways to live a greener life while enjoying games, prizes, crafts and presentations by local experts and organizations.

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