The Great Lakes Bay Regions has so many fun winter outdoor activities and festivals. If you are looking for places to ski & snowboarding, hike or snow shoe, toboggan & sledding, ice skating
January – March: Downhill Skiing @ Apple Mountain, 4519 North River Road, Freeland. (989) 781-6217 Hours, Ski Rentals and Passes click HERE.
January – March: Outdoor Walks or Hikes
Dow Gardens, 1809 Eastman Ave., Midland, 800-362-4874 A beautiful 110 acre botanical garden that feature walking trails, a greenhouse, and many seasonal flowering beds and plants. Trails are open year round and cleared of snow in the winter. Hours: 9am-4:15pm Admission: $5/ Adults, $1/ Students, Children 5 and under = Free
Whiting Forest, 2303 Eastman Ave., Midland. (989) 837-8299 You’re invited to come play in the woods with 7 different forts throughout Whiting Forest. 40 acres and 2 miles of trails right in the City of Midland. Hours: 10am-4pm daily Admission: $5/ adults, $1/ students, free for children 5 and under.
January – March: Ice Skating, Cross Country Skiing & Tobogan Run @ City Forest, 2840 E. Monroe Rd., Midland 989-835-7011 During winter, there is an outdoor ice rink, sled hills, cross country skiing, and an old-fashioned toboggan run to enjoy at City Forest, Midland’s 520-acre nature park. Hours: Fridays 4-9pm, Saturdays 10am-9pm, Sundays Noon-6pm
January – March: Sledding & Cross Country Skiing @ Memorial Park, Park Drive, Frankenmuth. There are multiple hills of various sizes and directions that can be used sledding.
January – March: Outdoor Ice Rinks
Emerson Park, Intersection of Main St. and Orchard Dr., Midland. This regulation-size hockey rink is lighted from 5:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on evenings when the ice is skateable. Skate rental is not available.
Plymouth Park, Corner of Swede Ave. and E. Wheeler Rd, Midland. This location is not lighted for evening skate. Skate rental is not available.
Harvey Kern Pavilion, Heritage Park, 601 Weiss St. Frankenmuth. Skating is offered weekday evenings and weekends. Please check our website or call 652-3440 ext. 1 for skating hours, ice conditions, and updates.
January 9 @ 4-5:30pm: Snowshoe Hike @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds and other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult. FREE
January 11 @ 9-10am & 10:30-11:30am: Wee Stroll @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland This program is designed for parents to take a guided walk with their child, learn about the outdoors and learn ways to introduce children to the natural world around them. Ages: 6 mos-2 yrs w/adult FREE
January 12 @ 9-10am: Winter Hike @ Price Nature Center, 6685 Sheridan Road, Saginaw, MI. Join us for a snowshoe hike through the forest. Snowshoes will be available for pre-registered guests. Cross country skis and boots are also acceptable on this hike. Please pre-register call 989-790-5280.
January 13 @ 2-3 pm: Winter Wonderland Walk @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. We’ll slowly walk about two miles on trails; this is not a snowshoe hike. Meet Educator Jeanne Henderson at the Visitor Center entrance. All ages, under 18 w/adult Free
January 17 @ 4-5:30 pm: Snowshoe Hike @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds and other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult FREE
January 18 @ 4pm-Close: Apple Mountain Discount Day @ 4519 N. River Rd, Freeland. Present a POSTCARD for discount. $18/person for lift ticket and lesson. $24/person for lift ticket, lesson and ski rental. $38/person for lift ticket, lesson and snowboard rental.
January 22 @ 4-5:30pm: Snowshoeing @ Little Forks Conservancy’s Riverview Natural Area, Wheeler Rd., Midland. Join Dennis Pilaske from Chippewa Nature Center and Elan Lipschitz from the Little Forks Conservancy (LFC) for a snowshoe hike to LFC’s trails of Riverview Natural Area along the Tittabawassee River. We will meet at Little Forks Conservancy’s parking lot on Wheeler Road. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to reserve a pair. If there’s not enough snow for snowshoes, we will still hike. Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult FREE
January 23-28: Zehnder’s Snowfest For a complete schedule of events click HERE.
Wednesday (23) – All Day – Children’s Snow Sculpting @ Frankenmuth River Place.
Thursday (24) – All Day – Children’s Snow Sculpting @ Frankenmuth River Place
1-3pm – Bingo, FREE to all ages @ Warming Tent
6:30–9pm – Family Night, Winter Wonder Worship
Friday (25) – Children’s Play Area Open @ Next to Frankenmuth Toy Company
4–7pm – Free Petting Zoo & Children’s Pony Rides $2.00
3-8pm – Putt Putt Golf Course @ Zehnder’s Parking Lot, $2.00
Saturday (26) – Children’s Play Area Open @Next to Frankenmuth Toy Company
– 11am-5pm – Free Petting Zoo
12-6pm – Children’s Pony Rides for $2.
11am-8pm – Putt Putt Ice Golf Course @ Zehnder’s Parking Lot, $2.00
6:45pm Annual Fireworks Display
Sunday (27) – Children’s Play Area Open @ Next to Frankenmuth Toy Company
– Noon – 5pm – Free Petting Zoo & Children’s Pony Rides, $2.00
12-5pm – Putt Putt Ice Golf Course @ Zehnder’s Parking Lot, $2.00
January 24 @ 10 am-12pm: Family Snowshoe Hike @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds and other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). Ages: 5+, under 18 w/adult FREE
January 26 @ 5:30-7:30 pm: Full Moon Snowshoe Hike @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. Join Senior Naturalist Janea Little for a nighttime hike on snowshoes under the light of the full moon. With good snow cover, the bright reflection of the full moon will give us plenty of light to see by as we explore the Nature Center at night. With some luck, we’ll see a fox or raccoon or hear coyotes howling at the moon! Call 631-0830 to reserve snowshoes. If there’s not enough snow for snowshoes, we will still hike. Meet at the Visitor Center. Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult FREE
January 29 @ 4-5:30pm: Snowshoe Hike @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds and other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC).
January 31 @ 4-5:30pm: Snowshoe Hike @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk on our trails. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds and other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adut FREE
February 3 @ 2-3:30 pm: Winter Wanderings: Looking For Signs of Animals in Winter @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. Winter often seems like a time when little is alive. However, animals may be more lively than you think … you just don’t see them. But you can see the tracks and other “signs” they leave behind. Educator Jenn Kirts will take you outside to hunt for clues in the field, so dress warmly. All ages, under 18 w/adult FREE
February 5 @ 4-5:30pm: Snowshoeing @ Little Forks Conservancy’s Riverview Natural Area, Wheeler Rd., Midland. Join Kyle Bagnall from Chippewa Nature Center and Elan Lipschitz from the Little Forks Conservancy (LFC) for a snowshoe hike to LFC’s trails of Riverview Natural Area along the Tittabawassee River. We will meet at Little Forks Conservancy’s parking lot on Wheeler Road. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to reserve a pair. If there’s not enough snow for snowshoes, we will still hike. Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult FREE
February 6 @ 4-5:30pm: Snowshoe Hike @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk on our trails. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds and other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult FREE
February 8 @ 9-10am & 10:30-11:30am: Wee Stroll @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. This program is designed for parents to take a guided walk with their child, learn about the outdoors and learn ways to introduce children to the natural world around them. Ages: 6 mos-2 yrs w/adult, FREE
February 9 @ 9-10am: Winter Hike @ Price Nature Center, 6685 Sheridan Road, Saginaw. Join us for a snowshoe hike through the forest. Snowshoes will be available for pre-registered guests. Cross country skis and boots are also acceptable on this hike. Please pre-register call 989-790-5280.
February 12 @ 4-5:30pm: Snowshoe Hike @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds and other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult, FREE
Saturday, February 16 @ 12-4pm: Arctic Zoo Fest @ Saginaw Zoo, 1730 S. Washington Ave, Saginaw. Bundle up and head to the Children’s Zoo for some Arctic Fun! Observe a chainsaw wood carving demonstration, visit with our cold-loving animals, and much more! Admission is FREE with donations appreciated to help keep the animals warm through the long winter! Train (weather permitting) and Carousel rides just $2 per
Saturday, February 16 @ 9am-7pm: 20th Annual Winter Festival @ Bay City State Recreation Area, 3582 State Park Dr., Bay City. Annual Youth Ice Fishing Clinic. Ice Fishing Derby. Morning bird hikes and bird feeding workshops. “Snowball” Tournament. Live wildlife presentation. Snow Snake Clinic & Tournament. Ice Crystal Treasure Dig. Snowshoe Hikes. Evening Owl-Calling Hike. FREE but a $11 State Park Passport is required for all vehicles entering the park
February 19 @ 4-5:30pm: Snowshoe Hike @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds and other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult. FREE
February 22 @ 7-8:30pm: Owl Prowl: A Natural History of Owls@ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. Join Naturalist Tom Lenon for an adventure into the nighttime world of owls. The program will start inside with a look at the habits and habitats of local owls. Then we’ll head outside to spots where owls are often observed at the Nature Center and try to call one in for a closer look. Ages: 5+, under 18 w/adult, FREE
February 23 @ 4pm-Close: Apple Mountain Discount Day @ 4519 N. River Road, Freeland. Present a POSTCARD for discount. $18/person for lift ticket and lesson. $24/person for lift ticket, lesson and ski rental. $38/person for lift ticket, lesson and snowboard rental.
February 24 @ 2-4pm: Wigwam in the Winter @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. Drop by the wigwam and join Kyle Bagnall to get a glimpse into what it was like for Ojibwa Indians to live in a wigwam along the Pine River several hundred years ago. The lodge will be toasty warm with a small fire inside. Here, you’ll have a chance to see some traditional tools used for hunting and preparing wild game, learn about the fur trade and see some plants used for making cordage and baskets. If there is enough snow, we’ll play a game of snowsnakes outside. All ages, under 18 w/adult. FREE
March 2 @ 1:30-4:30pm: An Afternoon at the Sugarhouse @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. Visit the Beech-Maple woods, where buckets “decorate” trees and where, on warm days, you can hear the sap dripping into buckets. Watch the steam rise off the evaporator pan in the sugarhouse as the sap is boiled down to make sweet maple syrup. An interpreter will be on hand to explain the whole process. All ages, FREE
March 3 @ 1:30-4:30pm: An Afternoon at the Sugarhouse @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. Visit the Beech-Maple woods, where buckets “decorate” trees and where, on warm days, you can hear the sap dripping into buckets. Watch the steam rise off the evaporator pan in the sugarhouse as the sap is boiled down to make sweet maple syrup. An interpreter will be on hand to explain the whole process. All ages, FREE
March 8 @ 9-10am & 10:30-11:30am: Wee Stroll @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. This program is designed for parents to take a guided walk with their child, learn about the outdoors and learn ways to introduce children to the natural world around them. Ages: 6 mos-2 yrs w/adult, FREE
March 9 @ 1:30-4:30pm: An Afternoon at the Sugarhouse @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. Visit the Beech-Maple woods, where buckets “decorate” trees and where, on warm days, you can hear the sap dripping into buckets. Watch the steam rise off the evaporator pan in the sugarhouse as the sap is boiled down to make sweet maple syrup. An interpreter will be on hand to explain the whole process. All ages, FREE
March 9 @ 9-10am: Winter Hike @ Price Nature Center, 6685 Sheridan Road, Saginaw, MI. Join us for a snowshoe hike through the forest. Snowshoes will be available for pre-registered guests. Cross country skis and boots are also acceptable on this hike. Please pre-register call 989-790-5280.
March 10 @ 1:30-4:30pm: An Afternoon at the Sugarhouse @ Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland. Visit the Beech-Maple woods, where buckets “decorate” trees and where, on warm days, you can hear the sap dripping into buckets. Watch the steam rise off the evaporator pan in the sugarhouse as the sap is boiled down to make sweet maple syrup. An interpreter will be on hand to explain the whole process. All ages, FREE
Be sure to also check out the INDOOR FUN PLACES directory!