Gather the family and experience spring break in Calhoun County! Whether you’re looking for art, tacos or magic – there is something fun for everyone.
Play at Kids ‘N’ Stuff
Kids ‘N’ Stuff in Albion is ready for another fun filled Spring Break! From March 25 to April 2, they are offering a full week of art projects and science experiments for kids of all ages. All the classic exhibits are still around to fill an afternoon with play: the water table, costumes and theater stage, block mountain, farm and shopping mart, the auto garage, art room, and baby room. Kids ‘N’ Stuff is about more than toys – it’s about inspiring kids to be creative, to get messy, to engage in parallel play.
Catch a Movie
The JC Cinema always offers low movie ticket prices. NCG Cinema at Lakeview Square Mall has $2 family movies. The GQT cinema features $5.50 movies on Tuesdays. Bogar Theatre is a cute family-friendly spot in Marshall, while Bohm Theatre in Albion is a refurbished movie palace from the early 20th century.
Enjoy the thrill
Bowlero Lanes in Battle Creek offers so much more than spares and strikes. They have a variety of attractions, including an arcade, escape room, laser tag and a virtual reality experience. They offer bundle deal pricing, as well as a full bar and food menu.
Experience new cuisine
There’s no need to travel far to experience flavors from around the world. Catch the tastes and sounds of the Caribbean at Island Style BBQ, where you can indulge in smoked chicken coated in authentic jerk sauce with a side of cornbread and Haitian greens. If you want to go further afield, there are great options for Japanese, Korean, Thai, Malaysian, Burmese and more. Start with New Asian Taste, Kume Hibachi and Sakura Sushi Bar & Grill. Enjoy authentic Mexican food, a seafood bar, and unique cocktails at Torti Taco’s downtown location. You can even experience a European getaway at Griffin Irish Grill and Pub.
Immerse yourself in art and history
Explore the history of America through automobiles at the Gilmore Car Museum. The campus is huge and there’s tons to see for all ages, from a movie set to muscle cars. On March 25, Gilmore will be taken over by Princesses, Villains and Superheroes. Meet-and-greet characters, listen to storytime, train to be a superhero or a princess and other activities. The American Museum of Magic opens in April. Visitors can experience the wonders and treasures of notable magicians from around the globe. If you are in town on April 1, join the museum in celebrating Michigan Magic Day for a full day of events and fun for the whole family.
Grab some novelty items
Stop in downtown Marshall and pick up some unique gifts and goodies. Pick out a spring break vacation book at New Story Community Books – they have books in an array of genres like silly, scary, magical, and relatable. The Mole Hole has a great selection of family board games and puzzles. Grandma’s Toys & Treats also has a broad selection of fun crafts and science experiments to keep busy over break. EastEnd Gallery is offering art activities March 28-30. Find more creative materials at Paper & I, Glass Act and Just-Bead-It. Be sure to make a stop at Great Lakes Candy and Cones on your way out! Create your own candy mix by shoveling various kinds of treats into a bag and pay by the pound. If your furry friend is accompanying, they can find treats down the street at Pawfitters.
Ride the ramps
Battleground Skate House is an indoor skate park located in an old store at Lakeview Square Mall. Don’t have room for your bike or want to try skateboarding? They offer equipment rentals. The mall also has a movie theater, Barnes & Noble and Dunham’s. If you need to do a little shopping for summer clothes, there’s also a nearby TJ Maxx, Target and Kohl’s. Rumor also has it that the new Horrock’s Farm Market will open at the mall during spring break – just in time for all your gummy candy snacking needs.
Cruise historic bridges
Load up your bicycles and pedal on over to Historic Bridge Park for a paved trail that will take you through the woods. From the park to the wooden boardwalk and back again is about three miles. The park is also a great spot for a picnic, with a playground, kayak launch, and some beautiful old bridges to explore. You can sit at a table right next to the Kalamazoo River and grill hot dogs.
Explore the Fantasy Forest
Embark on a journey through a world of wizards, castles, dragons, and other mythical creatures at Leila Arboretum. The Forest features a sculpture garden filled with art carved from trees that were dying because of the Emerald Ash Borer. Now with new life, the statues are weird and whimsical. Fantasy Forest is part of a larger park, with a walking trail, farm stand, disc golf course, flowering trees and a Kaleidescope garden.
Snap Instagram-worthy photos
Stop by the Battle Creek Welcome Center to pick up a Color the Creek guide. It maps out more than 30 murals in Battle Creek, many of them within walking distance of the Welcome Center. For the perfect photo backdrop, try the Love or Prism murals. If you’re looking to see more art, view the origami sculptures outside the Welcome Center.