When the icy winds of winter arrive in West Michigan, we all need a good reason to actually leave the house.
Lucky for us, Michiganders have a lot of practice going through this season (it happens every year, in fact). Which means we’ve found dozens of ways—at least 50—to have a great time despite the cold.
One of the best ways? Make the most of this weather! There are plenty of things we can only do thanks to the cold, between ice skating, snowshoeing and dining in an outdoor dome. But if you’re looking to stay warm indoors, we have plenty of options too. This is the perfect time for bowling, go-karts and escape rooms.
You’ll find ideas like these and many more in this year’s 50 things to do this winter.
INDOOR FUN
See A Movie at Wealthy Theatre
grcmc.org
Unless you were born in 1920, you’ve missed a whole lot of cinema experiences. Whether it’s the sci-fi existentialism of Tarkovsky’s Stalker (1979) or the absurd idiocy of Dumb & Dumber (1994), Wealthy Theatre gives you the chance to see movies on the big screen—with a crowd of fellow fans—for the first time. Check the site for offerings including Edward Scissorhands, The Room, Legally Blonde, Tree of Life and more.
Concerts Under the Stars
grpm.org
Easily the most unique concert venue in Michigan is the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s planetarium. This series brings together musicians and visual artists for a show that combines tunes with dazzling video manipulated in real-time, in sync with the music. This winter has two shows each month, starting with moody electro-synth pop duo How to Live Together and artist Kristin Zuller on February 12-13.
See a Tribute Band
While a good chunk of touring bands tend to take winter off, presumably to avoid the icy nightmare we Michiganders annually endure, tribute bands are out in full force. Some stick to one group, like The Rush Tribute Project (GLC Live, February 22), Smells Like Nirvana (Intersection, February 13) and Stayin Alive (Devos, January 3). Others go with a theme, like ‘80s-focused Starfarm (Bell’s Brewery, January 10) and ‘90s-centric Fool House (The Big Room, March 27).
Dink and Ding
Pickleball has swept the nation, and if you’re the last skeptic holding out—why? It’s easy to learn, easy to play, easy on your body, and even affordable. And we have plenty of spots around town that make it easy to pick up a paddle and dink around indoors, including Pickle & Pin, Dinks and Dingers and Broad Leaf Kentwood around GR, or Friendly Pickle in Kalamazoo.
Give Improv a Chance
If you’re an improv comedian, don’t read this next part: We all know improv has a reputation for being a bit cringe. And if all you’ve ever seen was your ex performing with his dormmates in college, that’s understandable. But the truth is, when done well, it’s a revelatory experience, a moment of communal joy that happens exactly one time and never again. We have groups like Pop Scholars, River City Improv and Battle Bots with collective decades of experience performing together, and we guarantee you’ll be delighted. Or, if you’re more into sketch comedy, check out The Comedy Project!
Take a Seat for Stand-Up
In addition to improv, we’re lucky to have stellar stand-ups visiting venues all over West Michigan. A few of the big names coming this winter include Brad Williams (DeVos, February 13), Legends of Laughter (DeVos, February 15), Lewis Black (Firekeepers Casino, February 27), and Rory Scovel (Wealthy Theatre, March 20). Keep an eye out for the LaughFest lineup as well, March 11-15.
Try Trivia
Quite a few times, our editor has gone into trivia expecting to come in last, then left with a $20 gift card and a fleeting sense of superiority. Yes, this is a brag, but it’s also a reminder that you might be better at trivia than you think. Just about every brewery and distillery in town hosts a trivia night of some sort, so we don’t have room to list them all here, but keep in mind this is a perfect winter activity to get out of the house and socialize.
Sing, In Public
Before you try karaoke, it seems impossible. What if I don’t know all the words? What if you’re totally tone deaf? None of that matters even a little. Never in all our years of karaoke have we seen anything but total support from a crowd. You can get up there and sing the Star-Spangled Banner and people will eat it up. Plus, it’s FREE. Wherever you live, chances are there’s karaoke going on somewhere every night of the week. Get out there and let it all out.
Meander a Museum
If you haven’t walked the halls of a museum in a while, winter is the perfect time. You can enjoy the power of art up close with sprawling exhibitions at the GRAM, Muskegon Museum of Art, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, and Kalamazoo Institute of Art. You can explore science and history with the GR Public Museum’s rotating experiences (and we don’t just mean the carousel), Muskegon’s USS Silversides, and Kalamazoo’s Air Zoo. Or you can enjoy art and nature together at Frederik Meijer Gardens!
Hone Your Crafts
It’s never been a better time to try out a new craft, as workshops and studios have sprung up around West Michigan as people look for activities that don’t involve staring at a screen for hours on end. Places like Spruced Studio offer workshops for everything from embroidery to watercolor, tapestries, hat burning, knitting and much more. Also check out Ghosthouse for fine art, Pottery Lane and Mud Room for pottery, Pinspiration for various art parties, and Colors & Cocktails in Kalamazoo.
Play Michigan’s Official Card Game
If you grew up here, there’s a decent chance at some point you were forced to learn how to play Euchre, or you’ve forced someone else to learn. Well, don’t let that knowledge go to waste! It’s like they say, “Pass up a bower, lose for an hour.” House Rules has Euchre Thursdays every week, while Harmony Brewing hosts Euchre nights on Mondays.
Visit Your Library—No Reading Required
Of course, libraries are full of books and knowledge, and that’s reason enough to visit, but they offer so much more. Just about every day, you’ll find different events to attend, whether it’s crafternoons, yoga, genealogy nights, community game nights, language groups, historical society lectures, therapy dogs, or even Music in the Stacks—free concerts held right among the book-filled shelves.
Dine & Drag
Drag brunches are still going strong in West Michigan, if you haven’t been in a while, but they’ve also extended into drag dinners and beyond. On January 29 is Brushes & Betches, a paint and sip experience with drag. Or for a unique brunch experience, check out Punk vs. Pop on January 18!
Bowl a 300
Okay, so you might not bowl a perfect game this year, but it doesn’t hurt to try. When it’s dismally cold outside, bowling gives everyone an excuse to leave the house, get moving and enjoy a beer with some mid-tier fried food. It’s an American tradition. And if you’re looking to change it up, check out duckpin bowling at Woodrows in GR, Socibowl in Muskegon, or One Well Brewing in Kalamazoo.
Fowling with Friends
Is your overhand better than your underhand? Are you looking for an excuse to show off your tight spiral? Do you just like throwing stuff? If so, the Fowling Warehouse is for you. It’s football and bowling combined, and anyone can do it. Plus, they have two fully-stocked bars, including liquor, wine, n/a beverages and beer that fills from the bottom up, with something called the Mystery Beer Machine!
Move With a Group
If you struggle to go to the gym consistently, a group exercise class might just be the key. You get expert guidance, which offloads the need for home research. You get community, which motivates you to keep going and is a rare place as an adult where you can make new friends. And you get scheduled appointments, which feel bad to cancel. Check out yoga, barre, cycling, kickboxing, Pilates, Zumba—whatever gets you moving!
Cheer for Local Sports Teams
Embrace your inner superfan! Watch the Grand Rapids Griffins dominate the ice, root for the Grand Rapids Gold on the court, see Grand Rapids Rise bump, set and spike at a professional level, or check out the Grand Raggidy Roller Derby. These events are filled with entertainment from start to end, not to mention tasty stadium food and beer.
Be Amazed & Amused
trinomagic.com/amaze-and-amuse
You’ve spent hours watching Reels of magicians performing tricks and comedians telling jokes—now come see it in person. Featuring comedy magician Trino and a special guest performer every month, Amaze & Amuse incorporates comedy, mind-blowing magic, and lots of audience participation at Wealthy Theatre. Guests include sleight-of-hand magicians, comedy jugglers and more.
Catch a Musical (or Dance)
Theater: It’s like a movie that happens in real-time, which makes it that much more impressive. That’s especially true for the big Broadway shoes coming to town, like Disney’s The Lion King at DeVos, April 8-26, or CHICAGO The Musical at Miller Auditorium, January 20-21. But we also have fantastic local theater here, like Ain’t Misbehavin’ at GR Civic or Dance Nation at Actors Theatre. Not to mention our world-class dance scene, including GR Ballet, Deos Contemporary Ballet, and more. The Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival, held in Kalamazoo this March, is the perfect introduction to the dance world.
Mini-Golf, Indoors
When the snow starts falling, the putt-putt courses quickly go into hibernation—unless they’re indoors, of course. Great Lakes Glow Golf is one perfect option, making use of blacklights to set the mood for an 18-hole course filled with art and Michigan animals. You also get access to a free arcade here! Or, head to Big Mini Putt Club, which doubles as a bar and features nine holes of uniquely challenging mini-golf, smack dab downtown. Plus, they have air hockey, skee ball, darts, giant Jenga and more.
Indoor Go-Kart Racing
If you’re looking for some high-speed fun, we suggest doing it in a go-kart rather than risking your life and car in a street race. There are quality karts to be found at Craig’s Cruisers and AJ’s, but if you want to race like a pro, check out Grand Rapids Grand Prix, home to a 30,000-square-foot indoor track. The electric karts are fast (more so than a standard family fun center), the corners are tight, and there’s no snow or ice on the road to worry about.
Climb Every Mountain
We may not have mountains in West Michigan, but we do have tons of top-notch climbing gyms. If you’re looking for an exercise that involves a surprising amount of logic and puzzle-solving, and makes use of muscles you may have never activated, climbing is the way to go. You can do rope climbing at spots like Scrapyard Climbing Collective, Higher Ground and Climb Kalamazoo, or go bouldering which doesn’t involve any ropes/harnesses at Terra Firma and Shift.
Rock & Roll
After a decade or so where roller rinks seemed to vanish from West Michigan, they’re definitely back in full force—and they’re not just for middle schoolers. Spots like Tarry Hall (which opened with new ownership in 2021) host adult nights that are 18+, so you can expect age-appropriate music, and you don’t have to worry about any unexpected speed bumps. Also check out Rollxscape in Holland, Jumpin’ Jupiter in Muskegon, and Rollerworld in Kalamazoo.
Shake A Leg
You might think you “can’t dance,” but the fact is, when you’re out on the floor, no one can tell! They’re all busy moving and grooving on their own. So we suggest getting out there, with plenty of parties coming up soon, including multiple events at The Pyramid Scheme: Chvrch: In the Dead of Winter (January 24), Anime Night (February 12), and Sleaze Freaks (February 20). Or check out Daft Disko at The Intersection on January 16.
Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Hike with Goats
During their holiday hikes, running through January 11, Dreamgoats in Belding lets you hang out with (and hug) friendly goats, get some winter steps in, enjoy hot cocoa by a fire, and even gives you a place to recycle your Christmas tree. It’s perfect for the whole family or your group of friends!
Skate the Ice
Ice skating in the open air is fun, romantic, and often funny, as long as you’re not out there with an Olympic medalist. It’s the perfect excuse to hold hands as you both try not to fall—or, we suppose, it can be done platonically. This is the perfect year to check out the brand-new Holland Ice Park, which includes a curling “sheet” if you’re interested in trying your hand at an Olympic sport. Or, head to Rosa Parks Circle in GR or Millennium Park in Portage!
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
msports.org
As far as we know, there’s only one place around you can ice skate through the woods, and that’s Muskegon Luge. The 1/4-mile trail winds through a hardwood forest under twinkling lights, connected to a two-acre outdoor rink. That’s not to mention the cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and the obviously unique luge track—one of only four in the entire country, and designed by an Olympian.
Melt Your Worries Away in Holland
Holland is home to the largest municipal snowmelt system in North America, allowing you to stroll the cobblestone sidewalks year-round. That means you can easily shop for clothing, jewelry, books, gifts, home goods, hobbies and more, while enjoying food and drink at a number of local restaurants, bakeries, breweries and distilleries.
Shop the Kalamazoo Mall
Already been to Holland and wishing we had something similar but different nearby? Kalamazoo has large sections of heated sidewalks as well! You’ll find boutiques, bookstores, a Lego store, salons, gift shops, candy, ice cream, antique markets, and a thriving arts scene—alongside plenty of food and drink, of course.
Drink & Dine in an Igloo
Okay, so they’re not exactly traditional igloos made of ice and snow, but the heated domes around town still offer the magic and adventure of enjoying the outdoors without the harsh winter winds. Check out spots like Donkey, Third Nature Brewing, Farmhaus Cider, jdek at Margaux, Cody Kresta, Round Barn Winery, Three Blondes Brewing, and more! Just keep in mind they all have different rules in terms of reservations and pricing.
Ski ‘Cross the Country
Skiing downhill has a learning curve, and let’s be honest, it’s a bit scary. Cross-country skiing, on the other hand, just takes some leg power and the motivation to keep moving forward. Just about anyone can do it, and it’s a great way to get moving in winter. Rent a set from Bill & Paul’s and take it to your favorite summer walking trail, or head to Palmer Park, Pigeon Creek Park or Muskegon Luge to rent a set on-premises, where the trails are sure to be groomed.
Put On Your Snowing Shoes
If you want something more leisurely than skiing, but still in the great outdoors, snowshoeing is the way to go. It forces you to slow down and smell the evergreens. This is one of the most affordable winter activities around and takes basically no preparation. Just show up and rent a pair at spots like Blandford Nature Center, Indian Trails Golf Course, Cannonsburg, or the Outdoor Discovery Center.
Tube Time
Once you’re a full-grown adult, those cheap plastic sleds can prove difficult, but tubes will never let you down. We have multiple spots around that let you enjoy the thrill of going down a hill, fast, from the comfort of a snow tube—and then take a tow rope back up to the top and do it all over again. Check out Echo Valley in Kalamazoo, Timber Ridge in Gobles, and Cannonsburg in Belmont.
EVENTS
Winter Wheat Music Festival
The Intersection
January 10
Enjoy nearly nine hours of music on two stages at The Intersection! With roots running deep in Wheatland Music Festival traditions, Winter Wheat welcomes all to come in out of the cold to warm up with the best traditional music that Michigan has to offer, featuring Americana, bluegrass, Cajun, Latin, honky-tonk and more.
Grand Haven Winterfest
January 22-26
We don’t want to exaggerate, but Grand Haven’s Winterfest might just be the most fun you’ll have all year, and it’s distinctly Michigan. This weekend of winter fun is designed to beat your cabin fever, with: a cardboard sled race, dog sled demos, flapjacks, snow volleyball, glowbowl, bonfire bash, slopestyle competition, snow angel contest, euchre tournament, and a fireworks finale!
Blue Man Group
Miller Auditorium
January 28-29
Dive into the thrilling Blue Man Group experience—a blend of captivating music, interactive art and audience engagement. Blue Man Group creates a fun, disruptive and out of the ordinary atmosphere that exhilarates the senses and uplifts spirits for audiences of all ages.
Kalamazoo Bourbon Fest
Delta Hotels Conference Center
January 31
Are you a connoisseur of the brown stuff? Kalamazoo Bourbon Fest is an indoor bourbon festival that features more than 100 rare and high-end whiskeys and bourbons, classic cocktails and local distilleries. Plus, food, live music and other vendors!
Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures
Van Andel Arena
February 5-8
Once you’ve been ice skating, you’ll realize what an impressive feat it is to perform an entire show, in costume, on the rink. Discover a Whole New World as you’re swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade, featuring your favorite Disney characters including Frozen, Toy Story 4, The Lion King, Mary Poppins Returns and more.
Winter Beer Fest
LMCU Ballpark
February 28, 1-6 p.m.
This is one of West Michigan’s most anticipated festivals every year, drawing people out into the cold winter air with hundreds of breweries offering more beer than you can imagine, along with local music, ice sculptures, fire pits, food and more. It’s one big party, celebrating its 20th year in 2026!
The Price is Right Live
DeVos Performance Hall
March 16
Have ever dreamt of spinning The Big Wheel? This is your chance! This isn’t just any stage show—it’s an interactive, non-televised, live version of the iconic game show you know and love, hosted by a larger-than-life celebrity host who brings all the fun, flair, and unforgettable personality you expect from The Price Is Right.
Maple Sugar Festival
Kalamazoo Nature Center
March 7
Each year, we celebrate the first signs of spring, from the festival’s humble beginnings of a kettle on a tripod to today’s full day of activities with the all-important pancake breakfast topped off with real Michigan maple syrup. Join the generations of visitors who have walked across the iconic bridge to breathe in the fresh air and delicious smells of pancakes.
TRAVEL
Ironwood
If winter had a headquarters, it might be in Ironwood. Tucked into the western edge of the Upper Peninsula, winter adventure is the main event. The area’s legendary powder transforms the landscape into a playground for skiers, snowshoers, fat-tire bikers, and snowmobilers who crave long, winding trails through pine forests heavy with snow.
Hit the slopes at nearby ski hills, then slow things down with a winter hike to frozen waterfalls or a peaceful trek through the Ottawa National Forest. Downtown Ironwood offers a warm contrast to the wild outdoors, with historic buildings, local diners, and no-frills taverns perfect for thawing out over a hearty meal.
Cadillac
Cadillac feels like the postcard version of winter Up North. Nestled between lakes and forests, the town leans fully into the season with outdoor recreation that’s approachable, family-friendly, and endlessly scenic. Caberfae Peaks delivers downhill thrills, while nearby trails invite cross-country skiers and snowshoers to glide through quiet woods. The lakes freeze into shimmering expanses ideal for ice fishing, skating, or simply admiring from shore with a hot drink in hand.
Traverse City
In winter, this bustling summer hub softens into something more intimate, trading beach crowds for crackling fireplaces and snow-dusted vineyards. Downtown shops and restaurants remain lively, offering plenty of reasons to stroll, browse, and linger over a long meal.
Winter is prime time for tasting rooms along the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas, where snow-covered vines create a dramatic backdrop for reds, whites, and warm conversation. Outdoor lovers can explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on snowshoes, watching Lake Michigan stretch out in icy blues and silvers. End the day fireside at a hotel or inn, glass in hand, as snow falls softly outside.
Lansing
Lansing offers a winter escape with an urban edge. The state capital balances outdoor beauty with cultural depth, making it an ideal cold-weather destination. Snow blankets river trails and parks, inviting quiet walks along the Grand River or a brisk afternoon in Fenner Nature Center.
When the chill becomes too much, Lansing’s museums, galleries, and performance venues step in. Catch a show, explore local history, or warm up at one of the city’s many coffee shops and eateries. From craft breweries to globally inspired menus, the food scene thrives year-round.
Written by Josh Veal, Managing Editor of REVUE West Michigan.
The original version of this article first appeared in REVUE, a Serendipity Media publication.
Main photos courtesy of Grand Haven Winterfest and Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park.
