If you are looking for some outdoor winter fun this year then check out The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s family-friendly “Winter at Valade” celebration. The event will sledding, toasty fires as well as great programming for all ages. 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 27th.
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 of the special activities include live music and carriage rides. 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.
Special Event Weekends at Valade
Dec. 10 – Dec. 12 | Holly Jolly Riverfront – Santa, Wreaths, Ice Sculptures and also Live Christmas music for all ages!
Jan. 14 – Jan 16 | Fire and Ice – Ice carving competition, Ice Throne, Techno Dance Party, as well as Renaissance Fair Demos
Jan. 28 – Jan 30 | Winter around the World – International Food Trucks, Curling Demos, in addition to Kid’s Parade of Nations
Feb. 11 – Feb 13 | Motown Love – Live music, Riverfront Carriage Rides, together with Date night in the park,
Feb. 25 – Feb 27 | Mardi Gras at Valade – Second Line Band, mask making, and also Creole inspired cuisine and drinks
Winter at Valade Celebration Hours
Every weekend this winter will feature programming at the park. Guests can enjoy winter fires, marshmallow roasters, sledding, 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 among 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.
Connect with The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
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More Metro Detroit Winter Activities
Glenlore Trails – Aurora
Mystery and magic await at Glenlore Trails light show in Commence Township. During your visit, guests will be fascinated by the updated and extended one mile outdoor path filled with lighting, projection, and other sensory elements for all to enjoy! The Multi Lakes Conservation Association light show is simply amazing.
Big, Bright Light Show
The Big, Bright Light Show will run nightly from 5:00 pm – midnight through Jan. 2, 2022 in Downtown Rochester. After January 2, The Big, Bright Light Show will be aglow every Friday, Saturday & Sunday in January through the weekend of January 15.
Enjoy shopping, dining or even strolling through Downtown Rochester which will be lit up with more than one million shimmering holiday lights.
Starry Lights
Starry Lights, a new 3/4 mile winter light walk, features immersive displays on the grounds of the Ford Estate in Grosse Pointe Shores.
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.