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Pure Michigan

4th and 5th Graders Can Get Free Lift Tickets in Michigan Through the Cold is Cool Passport Program

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Whether you live in Michigan or are planning your next winter trip here, you and your family can hit the slopes for reduced rates if you have a fourth or fifth grader in your family thanks to the Cold is Cool passport program.

Kids skiing

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) has brought back its Cold is Cool Ski & Ride Passport App for families with fourth and fifth graders. Families can download the app for $25 and get up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 29 different participating ski areas – including Mid-Michigan’s very own Snow Snake Ski & Golf in Harrison, MI – for their fourth and fifth grade children.

In addition to the lift tickets donated by the participating ski areas, the Cold is Cool Passport includes a coupon for 20% off a helmet purchase and $20 off the purchase of $100 at participating ski shops across the state. Some ski areas have also included coupons for equipment rental and free or discounted lessons.

Learn more and register today!

Our Movie Adventure to the Crystal, MI Box Office Theater

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We love going to the movies, but by the time you buy tickets for the entire family, it can be a long term negotiation on what you can afford at the concession stand. As a result, we are always on the lookout for a great deal.

A friend tipped us off to the Crystal Box Office in Crystal, MI as a suggestion. An affordable, single screen theater in a small town we had never stopped in before. We checked the schedule and saw that they were playing Aquaman around New Years. The boys and I were ready for an adventure to someplace new, and we set off to check it out. 

I had no idea what to expect. Maybe a small screen and long lines. But we arrived to find a parking space right in front of the theater and no wait to purchase our tickets at the old style booth that opened to the outside sidewalk. The tickets were only $4 each!

Then we got inside and found a concession stand from a bygone era, filled with the fresh smells of popcorn and other treats. For $3 you could get a huge popcorn and fountain pop for a buck.

We had the theater almost to ourselves and got a perfect spot toward the middle. The sound was great and the screen large. While we were enjoying the film we didn’t even remember that we were at a smaller theater. 

The building is a bit dated and the facility shows a little wear and tear, but it also gives it an old school charm. I would recommend this stop to anyone in the Central Michigan area looking for a fun, new spot to catch a flick on a budget. Although, you’ll want to check ahead to see if they are playing the movie you want on their only screen. 

For the most up to date listings and more information, visit their facebook page at facebook.com/crystalboxoffice.

Free Family Fun Events in Mid-Michigan this December

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Looking for some free family fun in the Mid-Michigan area this holiday season? Here are just a few opportunities for you and your family to enjoy no matter your budget.

Free Family Fun Events

This December is full of holiday fun. Whether you’re looking for something to do outdoors or inside, we’ve got you covered.

Enjoy live holiday music at ArtReach in downtown Mt. Pleasant every Thursday evening from 5-8pm December 1st-December 20th. 

Downtown Mt. Pleasant is also kicking off the holiday season with its annual Christmas Weekend November 30th-December 1st. Join in on the fun and visit the participating shops and restaurants, visit a hot cocoa warming station, go for a hay ride and visit Santa. Visitors can also attend the lighted Christmas parade at 6pm December 1st. And be sure to stick around for the fireworks display directly after.

Visit the orchard and enjoy the evening with Santa on December 1st at the Leaman’s Greenapple Barn in Freeland. Can’t make it on the first? Additional dates include December 7th and 8th.

While you’re in Freeland, don’t forget to pull your car up for the annual light show at the park. Bring some snacks and tune your radio to  93.9 FM to see the lights in tune with the music. Shows kick off at 5:30pm and last about 12 minutes each. The last show is at 10pm. Pull your car up any night of the month.

Get into the Christmas spirit at the Veterans Memorial Library where they will be showing the Polar Express December 1st at 11am. This interactive opportunity features a model version of the train and a conductor ready to stamp tickets for those in attendance. Hot chocolate and bells to be provided.

December 4th you can visit the movie theater for FREE! Wear you pajamas and bring a non-perishable food item for your chance to win a door prize. Popcorn and hot cocoa will be served. The North Pole Pajama Party at Celebration Cinema in mt. Pleasant kicks off at 5:30pm. Registration is required in advance. 

Looking for an opportunity to get your craft on? Then stop by the Veterans Memorial Library in downtown Mt. Pleasant on December 4th at either 5:15 pm or 6:30 pm for your chance to make holiday ornaments.

Dow Gardens is beautiful any time of year, but the Christmas season is particularly magical. Visit Dow Gardens in Midland for their annual Christmas Walk on December 6th, 7th, 8th, 14th, or 15th between 5 and 7:30 pm. Enjoy candelight, reindeer, music, and poinsettia displays. Want to take in some fireworks too? A firework show is scheduled for December 8th at 7 pm.

Christmas Cart Tours are also available on December 5th at Dow Gardens. This opportunity is exclusively available to guests with mobility issues and their families.

Love Mary Poppins? The Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant has another opportunity for an interactive movie experience taking place on December 7th. Watch the movie on the library’s big screen and receive items to use throughout the movie to make it come to life. Pizza to be provided by Dominos. Showtime scheduled for 5:30 pm.

December 8th you can stop by and visit one of Kati’s dietetic student volunteers at the Health and Safety Fair taking place at the Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant from 9am – 12 noon. She’ll be at the Around the Plate booth to share some positive holiday food vibes alongside other health professionals offering a variety of screening services at no cost to families.

A free breakfast and snack items will be provided and prizes given every 15 minutes. An inexpensive Christmas store for those 6 years and under will also be available with free gift wrapping too.

Another option on December 8th is the Midland TubaChristmas taking place downtown at the H hotel at 2 pm. It’s the third annual showing and destined to be a good time. Play the tuba, euphonium or baritone? You can join in on the performance. More information about this event can be found here. 

Or stop by the Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm in Clare, Michigan December 8th to join children’s book writer Sue Thoms, author of the 12 Days of Christmas in Michigan, who will be visiting the farm from 11am-3pm.

Later in the evening on December 8th, take the family to Central Michigan University for the Dance Minor Showcase at Plachta Auditorium. The show starts at 7 pm.

Looking to connect with other parents and have some kid-free time? The Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant is hosting a Caregivers Dinner Night on December 20th at 6pm. Childcare and dinner is provided.

We hope you and your family have fun all month long!

Know of other free events taking place this month for families to enjoy? We’d love to know all about it. Share your events in the comments below.