by Wendy Lafond

Created on: October 13, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Grand Rapids, Michigan is a veritable winter wonderland from December through March, a snow and ice playground for kids of all ages. There is so much to do in the winter: from ice skating to downhill and cross country skiing; sledding, tobogganing, and tubing to snowmobiling; and from catching a Griffins hockey game to exploring one of the many fine museums in the area; everyone can find a winter pastime and many will find a snowy passion in or close to Grand Rapids.

Ice Skating

Rosa Park Circle Ice Rink, located in the Monroe Center at the intersection of Monroe and Pearl, is West Michigan's first refrigerated outdoor ice rink. Weekdays there is music played over the public address system and on weekends a DJ provides interactive entertainment and music for relaxing skating fun.

Indoor ice skating is also available, for those way-too-cold-outside days, at the Griff's Ice House at Belknap Park. Just north of downtown at 30 Coldbrook NE, the official practice ice for the Grand Rapids Griffins offers skate rentals, regular open skate times, 8-week learn-to-skate classes, special events, a concession stand, and more.

The Walker Ice and Fitness Center, located at 4151 Remembrance Rd in Walker, just north of Grand Rapids, offers open skating, rentals, skate lessons, skate sharpening, and party packages for a "chillin'" celebration. For those who want their kids to enjoy this ice, but would rather sit-it-out themselves, there is a heated lobby viewing area where you can watch the youngsters in comfort.

Skiing

The trails at Aman Park offer self-guided, interpretive hikes in summer and cross country ski adventure in the winter. The park is located just west of Grand Rapids, on Lake Michigan Dr. There is an available park trail guide here.

Kent Trails provides 15 miles of relatively flat, mostly paved, non-motorized cross country enjoyment. Used by bicycles, skateboards, and rollerbladers in the summer, it is virtually a skiers haven in the winter. With 5 main access points, and traversing across Grand Rapids and five of her suburbs, there is easy access and varied scenery for hours of crisp, refreshing exercise.

Many of the larger parks in and around Grand Rapids offer areas that are compatible with cross country skiing. Check the website for access, availability, and directions.

Cannonsburg Ski Area, located northeast of Grand Rapids at 6800 Cannonsburg Rd., is West Michigan's premier downhill and cross country ski destination. Its not Lake Tahoe, but it is a lot

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