By Gari Voss
Christmas is just around the corner. Even before the gifts are opened and parents are trying to get the last minute tasks completed, and definitely after the gifts are opened, the Christmas meals are consumed, and the guests have headed home, out pops the dreaded words, “I’m bored!”
It may be thought that these words come from the younger members of the household, but alas, the adult members express the same sentiments. Never fear! The Allegan area has opportunities for young, not so young, and families.
Without a penny in one’s pocket, a brisk walk, a visit to the library, window shopping along the Downtown streets, a tour through the Old Jail Museum, a bike ride or sledding, or friendly soccer or baseball practice can bring together friends and family. These activities can be done with no technological equipment and may bring some wonderful discoveries.
Just a few suggestions that require little or no money, and a few that may cost a bit more. All can include the larger New Year’s Eve celebrations around Downtown Allegan.
The Regent Theater
Dec. 20th, 4pm: Fa, La, La Friday offers White Christmas. Following the film is the last 2024 Festive Friday in Downtown Allegan. It’s Home for the Holidays, and there will be specials in the shops and restaurants and breweries. Don’t forget Santa at City Hall!
Now – Thur., Dec. 19th, 7pm: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever finds the town’s yearly Christmas pageant full of surprises.
Fri., Dec. 20th – Jan. 2nd: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 at 7pm and matinees on weekends will bring in the New Year as Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before!
Allegan District Library
There will be activities for all ages. Though the library will be closed Dec. 24th – 25th, and Dec. 31st – Jan.1st, there will be something for everyone on the open days.
Dec. 30th at 11am-Noon: Noon Year’s Eve Party. Young people can dance and play their way into the New Year with a noon ball drop.
Allegan Aquatic Center
1560 M-40 Allegan
Check at https://ard.recdesk.com/Community/Program for more opportunities and to register.
Family Fun Swim, 10:30 – 11:30am: Dec. 17, 18, 19, 20, 27, and 30
Open Swim, 1:30-3:30pm: Dec. 21
Old Jail Museum
Sat., Dec. 21st, 28th and Jan. 4th, 10am-4pm: The volunteers at the Old Jail Museum on N. Walnut St. will open the museum doors for all who wish to wander or take a tour or ask questions about specific events in Allegan County history. Drop in.
Tilt 118
Stop in and learn how to play Pinball or one of the other games available. There is a bit of a charge and food is available.
Hidden Alley Gaming
Down the alley next to the Regent Theater is a great place to learn some very challenging table games. Stop in and watch or try your skills. Phone: (269) 941-3619
Learn a New Skill
Stop at Sharon’s Quilts and More in the Shoppes at Penney’s Mall and investigate a new creative hand skill.
Board & Brush Creative Studio has opportunities to create décor with wood. Call (269) 686-9537 for sessions.
Cottage Arts & Eats will be open and have a variety of open studio and workshops. Call (269) 512-7001 for schedule.
Baker Allegan Studio is open Wed.-Sat. 10am-5pm stop and browse or shop the fiber arts or learn how to weave on looms. 148 Mill District Road, Allegan, Call (269) 903-6883
Allegan Event
Dec. 31st, 10am-9pm: Open at Allegan Event on North St. just off River St.
5-9pm: New Year’s Eve Adventure Party – only 150 tickets are available
Jan. 1st, 10a,-9pm: New Year’s Day Fun
Tantrick Brewing Co.
Sun., Dec. 22nd, 4-8pm: Mug Club. Tantrick will be open to Mug Club members only for a holiday celebration with music, appetizer buffet and special refreshments.
Mon., Dec. 23rd, 6pm: Festivus Celebration. Air your grievances, display feats of strength, and enjoy the meatloaf special.
Visit a Park
The weather may not be frightful or snowy during Break. If it is snowing, try a day at Bittersweet or Timber Ridge or just find a piece of cardboard and a snowy hill. If no snow arrives, visit some of Allegan’s offerings. For a map, check https://www.cityofallegan.org/departments/parks.php.
Hanson Park with its play structures is just behind the library and the Griswold Auditorium.
Jaycee Park is near Village Market. Just bring a skateboard or head for the climbing structure. Bring your 4-legged friends and let them chase balls in the Dog Park, or bring a frisbee for a rollicking game of Frisbee Golf in the snow.
Cook Street Park nestled back off Cook and River Streets. Quietly watch the birds that gather.
Rossman Park has the Pickle Ball courts and offers an opportunity to practice with rackets and balls even if the nets are not up, the practice keeps players sharp.
Mountain Bike Park has trails that can be picked up off 114th St.
Wellness & Sports Complex can be visited with a soccer ball or baseball and bat for some winter practice or just take a walk along the lovely paths whether bare or snow covered.
Armintrout & Milbocker Nature Preserve has trails calling for visitors to enjoy nature in winter.
Investigate the Scouts
Allegan offers Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. Contact Rob Keen at 269 568-0435 for more information.
Camp Kidwell Winter Camp
Registration is open to celebrate the outdoors and the New Year at Camp Kidwell from Dec. 29th to Jan 1st. This has a registration fee, but there may still be some scholarships available.
Volunteer
Allegan Co. Animal Shelter has a dog or cat that is just as bored as you are. You do not have to adopt to just enjoy some time with a 4-legged friend. Call (269) 686-5112.
