Whether you are gliding over an outdoor ice rink lit with twinkling lights or you’re dancing in the snow with your little ones, winter magic is an entirely different experience. Outdoor winter activities are great, but sometimes they’re not possible. With the chilly temperatures and blustery winds of Michigan, it can be difficult to find great everyday experiences for the winter.
Fortunately, Waterford, Goodrich, and other surrounding Detroit suburbs offer tons of options for kids of all ages. From learning opportunities to magical journeys, you and your children will never be bored in the winter again.
Whimsical Ice Skating in Waterford
It can be challenging to find winter activities that help your little ones get their wiggles out. Fortunately, the Lakeland Arena is a popular spot for Waterford families of all shapes and sizes. This area features open skating opportunities, lessons for both hockey and figure skating, plus exciting ice shows for those too little to skate.
Ice skating is a wonderful way to practice developing gross motor skills. It’s also at an extremely convenient location, just about ten minutes from the Waterford location of The Breakie Bunch Learning Center. This Waterford gem is a win-win for parents, allowing littles to work off energy without everyone freezing outdoors.
Goodrich Has Great Museums
Another popular winter activity that can entertain the whole family is a trip to a fabulous museum. The Sloan Museum of Discovery is just up the way from The Breakie Bunch’s Goodrich location. Not only is this museum extremely affordable (and even free for Genesee County residents), but it boasts over one hundred square feet of interactive learning opportunities for kids of all ages.
Another huge bonus of this museum is that it’s actually two-in-one. At the same location, The Longway Planetarium offers one-of-a-kind experiences to see the gorgeous Michigan night sky with guides for spotting planets and stars. Your little ones will be utterly speechless at the beauty and wonder of this planetarium. Both of these opportunities are indoors, making them the perfect winter activity for Goodrich residents.
Winter Activities that Complement Learning
It’s always a bonus if you can choose activities for your children that complement what they are learning in preschool or after-school care. Whether you’re choosing games for preschool play at home or you want a little adventure to get out of the house, matching preschool learning objectives is a great way to give your kids a well-rounded education.
When you’re choosing these activities, try to incorporate:
- Counting skills
- Language
- Arts and crafts
Focusing on these three things helps work towards the ever-important STEAM approach, embarking on a comprehensive, well-rounded educational journey. Between a great preschool and stimulating family experiences, your little one will get the best start possible.
Family Time in the Winter
Winter truly offers a magical canvas to create everlasting memories with your family. Cold weather activities not only foster creativity and unique learning opportunities, but they can be an immense source of joy. From the thrill of building a snowman to the wonder of a new museum, Waterford and Goodrich provide tons of surprising ways to bond with your children, even on Michigan’s chilliest days.