In winter, being bored and cold is a given, especially over winter break. There aren’t many activities which come to students’ minds to burn time, especially because it’s cold, and not many people want to be outside. However, if students are willing to get out and face the cold, there are opportunities for fun all around.
When students desire something active, Patterson Ice Rink has open indoor ice skating on both Saturdays and Sundays. Patterson Ice Rink also hosts hockey games for Forest Hills Central, Forest Hills Eastern, Forest Hills Northern and East Grand Rapids High schools. Additionally, they hold the Grand Rapids Amature Hockey Association, as well as open hockey sessions.
Another ice skating opportunity is Rosa Parks Circle, but unlike Patterson, it’s outside. Rosa Parks Circle opened December 1 for ice skating this year.
For something a little warmer, students can see the Christmas light show at Lake Michigan Credit Union Ballpark. It features a two mile drive through a huge Christmas light set up, which is put up by the Christmas Lite Show. They opened November 23 and goes on until December 31.
Cannonsburg is a ski resort located in Belmont. It has tubing and slopes for snowboarding as well as skiing. They’re currently open and have both season passes and day passes.
Junior Sasha Kuhnle works at Cannonsburg during the ski season.
“I would definitely say there’s a lot of people going to Cannonsburg. The lines are always long, and there’s plenty of people there,” Kuhnle said. “It’s the only place nearby to [snowboard and ski], and I think a lot of people do enjoy going there.”
If students enjoy sledding, East Oakview Elementary School has one of the biggest hills in the district to go sledding. This is an activity that can be enjoyed by anybody in the family.
Sophomore Leah Murphy grew up going to East and sleds there nearly every snow day.
“Everyone has fun when they [sled] there, and I feel like it’s just a bonding experience because [of that],” Murphy said.
Lastly, students can go sightseeing in Grand Haven and walk the snowy pier and beach. During the winter, it’s a very popular place to go walk around and look at all the snow and frozen-over Lake Michigan.
As winter quickly approaches, students have plenty of options to find holiday cheer through participating in these activities.
