By Dr. Alyssa Whitford and William J. Whitford
Winter break is coming, and as the temperatures drop and the snow falls, opportunities abound to build memories (and snowmen!) with your tween. Looking for fun and festive activities in the Ann Arbor area? We’ve gathered several options for you to explore!
Skating at Buhr Pool & Ice Arena
Tweens can have a blast during winter break at Skating at Buhr Pool & Ice Arena, where the cold weather actually makes the fun even better. They can glide around the rink with friends, practice new moves, or join open skate sessions for a relaxed vibe. Lights, music, and the friendly atmosphere make it a great hangout spot during cold days. And when they need a break, they can chill out with some hot cocoa!
For more information, visit their website, call (734) 794-6234 or drop by 2751 Packard Road, Ann Arbor.
Cheer for the Home Team at University of Michigan
Take your tween on a trip to cheer for U of M in their athletics! With many sports happening, including Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Ice Hockey, Women’s Gymnastics and Wrestling, this is a sure way to keep your tween entertained for hours, while spending valuable time with them! It’s a great way to bond, all while saying… GO BLUE!!!
For more information, visit their website.
Marvel over the sculptures in the Dexter Ice Fest
On January 17, 2026, you and your tween can head on down to the Dexter Ice Festival, where you can look at over 80 awesome ice sculptures, watch live “ice demos”, and go through a downtown cocoa crawl! This event begins at 10am and is held by the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce. With so many things to do, this event will be an amazing way to entertain your tween (and yourself) over winter break!
For more information, visit their facebook page.
Check out a film at Michigan or State Theaters
If the Michigan weather’s too cold for outside activities, enjoy a break at the Michigan or State Theaters. Watch some of the many classic or modern films with your tween, or even take in a live show, all while taking in the historic decor. Escape from the weather and enjoy a show, right in the heart of Ann Arbor.
For more information, visit their website.
Sled the steepest hills at Rolling Hills County Park
If you’re looking to enjoy the snow that Michigan weather tends to bring, take a trip down to Rolling Hills County Park. These amazing hills will have your tweens sledding for hours, with amazing heights and beautiful scenery. Take a group to make the best memories, and don’t forget to bundle up!
For more information, visit their website.
Escape from Decode Ann Arbor
If you’re looking for a way to activate your tweens’ brain now that they have a break from school, bring them to Decode Ann Arbor. Decode Ann Arbor boasts several different escape rooms, including Around the World in 80 Days and Trouble in Paradise, and offers a branch in Ypsilanti (Decode Ypsilanti) with additional rooms to try. Cracking codes and figuring out how to escape is a fun and entertaining way to make you and your tween think like a team.
For more information, visit their website or call (313) 438-8054.
Meet New Animals at the Creature Conservancy
If your tween is an animal lover, you should take a look at the Creature Conservancy, a non-profit wildlife education organization located in Ann Arbor. Open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, the conservatory offers a variety of programs and even private tours. Over winter break, the conservatory even offers an event called “Lights, Cameras, Creatures,” which includes live animals and fun movie trivia. The creature conservatory is home to over 400 animals, so go take a look at some of the rescue animals and how they naturally behave. Just don’t get eaten!
For more information, visit their website.
Author: Dr. Alyssa Whitford is a former K-12 teacher and current professor of education at Hope College in Holland, MI. She is passionate about literacy, social studies, and all things education. She is also a proud parent to two children of her own.
William J. Whitford is a 15-year-old journalist and a sophomore at Maple Valley High School. He loves playing baseball and helping his amazing mom out with the articles she writes.
