WEST MICHIGAN — Winter break is here for a lot of West Michigan families, which means a lot of West Michigan families will be looking to get out of the house and have some fun before school starts back up in the new year.
A normal go-to for families is Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink, which opened on Dec. 5. But you might be wondering, is it an ice rink or a swimming pool with the warmer temperatures we're seeing this week?
According to the Ice Rink's Facebook page, two compressor pumps keep the ice, ice with temperatures as high as the mid-40's.
The good news is, according to our meteorologist extraordinaire Terri DeBoer, our temperatures look like they will be hovering around 40-45 degrees this week, and the sun angle is very low, so there is not as much solar radiation to melt the ice. Throw in some cloud cover, and that will help a lot. This weather-criteria goes for other outdoor skating rinks like the new Holland Ice Park, which has said it has technology to help people keep skating up to around 50 degrees. Remember if you want to hit the ice there, you need to get tickets ahead of time.
And if you're not interested in skating, check out the Grand Rapids Public Museum and their Snowflake Break feature 12 special themed days of activities, shows and, more. Kent County kids under 17 can get in for free.
- Tuesday, December 23 – Five Olympic Rings
- Wednesday, December 24 – Open on Christmas Eve
- Thursday, December 25 – CLOSED for Christmas Day
- Friday, December 26 – Dino Eggs A-Laying
- Saturday, December 27 – See the Sturgeon Swimming
- Sunday, December 28 – Eight Facts About the Milky Way
- Monday, December 29 – A Day of Dancing
- Tuesday, December 30 – Ten Frogs A-Leaping
- Wednesday, December 31 – Open for New Year’s Eve
- Thursday, January 1- CLOSED For New Year’s Day
- Friday, January 2 – Wurlitzer Organ A-Piping
- Saturday, January 3 – Hear the Drummers Drumming
As our Hudsonville Reporter Giselle Valentine reported here, a Hudsonville neighborhood has transformed into a winter wonderland, offering families a free festive experience through a synchronized holiday light show that combines music, technology, and community spirit.
Kalamazoo neighborhood reporter Julie Dunmire also showed us the activities happening at the Air Zoo, which as free admission options for some families.
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