If you are looking for some outdoor winter fun this weekend then check out The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s family-friendly “Winter at Valade” celebration. The event will feature ice sculptures as well as live local music. Families will enjoy hands-on fun and make-and-take crafts. Warm up at the giant outdoor fireplaces. Or indulge in roasted marshmallows, hot chocolate or enjoy a meal at one of the two on-site restaurants. Robert C. Valade Park will host family-friendly winter activities every weekend through February 28.
Winter at Valade Celebration
Robert C. Valade Park is located at 2670 East Atwater along the East Riverfront in downtown Detroit. Every weekend features hands-on fun and winter games. Some activities include curling and box hockey. The “Sled Shed” will be open when it snows. They lend out free sleds for guests to use on the hills at Valade Park.
Guests can enjoy several large outdoor fireplaces throughout the park. Additionally, volunteers have free gloves and hand-warmer pouches available for guests during select hours.
The safety of all visitors is of utmost concern to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. Therefore, social-distancing measures will be in place for all activities during Winter at Valade. Additionally, the venue requires that all guests wear masks when not eating or drinking. Finally guests are asked to practice social distancing at all times.
Ice Sculpture Theme at Winter at Valade Celebration
Every weekend this winter will feature programming at the park. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, ice sculptures, as well as great food and games.
The hours for Winter at Valade are 5 until 9 PM on Friday. Noon until 9 PM on Saturday. Noon until 7 PM on Sunday. For more information, visit detroitriverfront.org.
Delicious Food and Seasonal Drinks on the Menu
Guests will love the tasty food and drink options. Bob’s Barge features hot classics like hot chocolate and cider. The vendor offers adult beverage options as well. Guests can also purchase smores kits for roasting at the park.
The two cafes within The Shed at Valade Park have become quite popular amoung guests. Smokey G’s menu includes pulled pork, brisket, ribs, macaroni and cheese as well as other tasty items. The menu of Geisha Girls Sushi features crab Rangoon, shrimp tempura, Panko chicken tenders, and more. Both eateries are open Wednesday through Sunday from Noon until 8 p.m.
Don’t miss the last themed weekend:
The family-friendly “Winter at Valade” celebrations continue with a “Motown Love” theme this weekend. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, live music as well as ice sculptures.
The love and Valentines-themed activities were moved to this weekend from last weekend due to the below- average temperatures and bitter wind chills.
Live Music from Local Musicians
Visitors can groove to Motown-themed tunes performed by local musicians. They will also host a Kids Valentine’s Dance Party on Saturday afternoon.
Friday, February 19
6 until 7:15 p.m. Sky Covington featuring Club Crescendo
7:45 until 9 p.m. Alise King
Saturday, February 20
2 until 5 p.m. Kids Valentine’s Dance Party with Kevin Devine
6 until7:15 p.m. Denise Davis & The Motor City Sensations
7:45 until 9 p.m. Larry Lee & Friends
Sunday, February 21
2 until 3 p.m. An intimate set with Saxappeal & Members of the Crü
3:30 until 4:30 p.m. Fusion Entertainment featuring Julie D and LaWanda
5 until 6 p.m. The Will Cyprian Trio featuring Condido & Eric Pruitt
Winter at Valade 2-2-2
Visitors Can Enjoy a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Along the Riverfront
Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides along the beautiful Detroit Riverwalk on Friday or Saturday. The 15-minute-long carriage rides are available by pre-registration only. Visit detroitriverfront.org/winteratvalade to reserve a spot for $30.
Ice Sculptures Will Feature Motown Theme
The “Motown Love” theme weekend will feature artists from U.S. Ice. Eight ice sculptures will be on display paying tribute to the Motor City’s signature musical sounds this weekend.
Activities to Engage Mind and Body
Guests can also enjoy of several activities designed to engage the body and mind. Saturday at Noon, children can find their inner Zen during a peaceful meditation located next to a large outdoor fireplace. Sunday at noon, all ages are welcome for a Polar Fitness session. On Sunday at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., everyone is invited to “Do the Hustle” at the Winter Hustle Workshop.
Amber is the proud Homeschooling mother to four beautiful children, Damian (24), Rosaleigh (10), Carlyn (7), Naomi (4), and a wife to her loving husband, Chancellor. Her family also includes three cats.
She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy.