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Family-Friendly Events

January 2025

The lakeshore communities of West Michigan do a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There’s so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that’s part of what makes being here so amazing!

Every season in West Michigan has it’s unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the “young at heart”. Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there’s always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!

In addition to the following list, check out all the special events and programs provided by Sandcastles Children’s Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries.

Here's a list of family friendly events happening in January:

November 29th, 2024-January 3rd, 2025
Dusk-Dawn

Little River Festival of Lights
Get ready for a free drive through the Little River Casino Resort RV park. The park is filled with twinkling lights, dazzling displays, and festive cheer. 2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee. For more info, visit facebook.com

Wednesday, January 1st, 2025
11am

New Year’s Resolution Run 5k
Run course includes downtown Ludington and the 4th Ward area. For more information, visit downtownludington.com

Saturday, January 4th, 2025
6-8pm

Special Lantern-Lit Event
Walk at the Ludington State Park (8800 M-116, Ludington) using the trail along the south side of the Big Sable River on the open southern portion of the park. The route will be marked with lit lanterns and there will be a bonfire at the amphitheater. Parking will be in the lot at the end of the Amphitheater road adjacent to the Skyline Trail.

Sunday, January 5th, 2025
2pm

Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program
Women between the ages of 18-28 from Mason, Manistee, Oceana, and Lake counties compete and are judged based on-talent, evening wear, on-stage interview, and their social impact initiative pitch. The winner is qualified to enter the Miss Michigan Pageant, a precursor to the Miss America Pageant. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. Enter by emailing missludington@gmail.com.

January 17th-19th, 2025

Michigan’s Free Snowmobiling Weekend
Michigan offers the opportunity to snowmobilers to operate their machines without a snowmobile registration or trail permit. 

January 17th-19th AND 23rd-25th, 2024

Performance of The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe
Thursdays-Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm AND 7pm, Sunday at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. Eighth St., Traverse City.

Saturday, January 18th, 2025
6-8pm

Great Start Book Walk
Held in conjunction with the Lantern Lit Event, families will receive a free copy of the book “One Light” (first come, first serve). Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.

Saturday, January 18th, 2025
6-8pm

Special Lantern-Lit Event
Walk at the Ludington State Park (8800 M-116, Ludington) using the trail along the south side of the Big Sable River on the open southern portion of the park. The route will be marked with lit lanterns and there will be a bonfire at the amphitheater. Parking will be in the lot at the end of the Amphitheater road adjacent to the Skyline Trail.

What's Happening in West Michigan?

Discover more to do in West Michigan!

Scroll below for more articles about Activities & Attractions in the West Michigan area.
 

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