5 places to check out during your Spring Break staycation

There are plenty of ways to stay busy and entertain the family while staying close to home for Spring Break. If you’re planning a staycation this year, then you’re in luck. Our lakeshore communities have so much to offer in your own backyard. Check out these five places your family will love. 

Holland Aquatic Center 
550 Maple Ave, Holland
616-393-7595
hollandaquatic.org

Not heading south for Spring Break? No problem! Holland Aquatic Center has you covered for all your swimming and water-fun needs. The facility just reopened after a major renovation; updates include a warm-water leisure pool, a new six-lane lap pool, an updated and expanded children’s play area, a new climate-controlled track, a large spa, a steam room, sauna and fitness space. The children’s play area features a zero-entry wading pool, a lazy river and a larger, three-story water slide.

Single-visit passes are available and provide access to Family Splash Time, Preschool Splash Time, Open Therapy, Regular Lap Swim, the fitness room and indoor track. Visit the center’s website for up-to-date schedule and operating hours. 

Urban Air Adventure Park
12331 James St., Holland 
616-931-5147
urbanair.com/michigan-holland

The whole family will love Urban Air Adventure Park in Holland, an indoor playground filled with adrenaline-pumping attractions.

“There is always something going on at Urban Air,” said Julie Erne, owner of Urban Air Holland. “With our variety of attractions, you are sure to have a blast, young or young-at-heart! Our tubes playground is the perfect space for little ones, while the ‘big kids’ can master the Warrior Course and challenge friends on the Battle Beam or high ropes course!” 

Jump flip and fly in the trampoline park where you can literally bounce off the walls. Show off skills on the Warrior obstacle course, just like the ninja courses seen on TV. Test your balance on the Battle Beam while trying to knock your opponents into a giant foam pit. Reach new heights with climbing walls while building strength and agility. 

“Our attractions include interactive games, indoor climbing adventures, wild amusement rides and more,” Erne said. “Some of our most thrill-seeking attractions include Sky Rider, where you can soar above the park, and our Flip Zone Bumper Cars, our twist on the traditional bumper cars! Come in and see for yourself, we are much more than just a trampoline park!”

Day passes and memberships are available. With the “play-all-day” concept, your entry fee allows you to stay as long as you’d like. Reservations are recommended. Urban Air also specializes in birthday parties —  you can save up to $50 on birthday parties through April 8.

Holland Museum
31 W. 10th St., Holland
616-796-3329
hollandmuseum.org

Even though school’s out for Spring Break doesn’t mean the family can’t learn something new! The Holland Museum tells the story of Holland, from its Dutch immigrants to today’s innovative, successful and diverse community. The museum features thousands of historic objects. 

“New activities have made their way to the Spark!Lab Smithsonian exhibit, just in time for Spring Break,” said Katie Baker, development and communications associate director. “Invent a solution to plastic pollution during our Help Clean Up The Ocean activity. Explore Michigan animal habitats and create your very own during our Build A Habitat activity. Finally, test your inventor skills during our Now What challenge.” 

Baker said during Spring Break visitors can explore the museum’s galleries and participate in a family-friendly scavenger hunt to learn about scientists whose inventions have helped clean up the planet.

On view through June 20, “Contemporary Portraits of Native Americans by James Cook” will share a glimpse into the faces of native people from across the United States. The collection of 25 color photographs explores the varied lives of Native Americans in the modern-day through the lens of photographer James Cook. 

Be sure to check out the museum’s event and program calendar on its website to better plan your next visit. 

Scrapyard Climbing Collective
76 S. River Ave., Holland
616-294-3931
scrapyardclimbing.com

Get your climb on at Scrapyard Climbing Collective, a home-grown climbing gym and sports facility that welcomes beginner and experienced climbers. Founded in 2018, Scrapyard is a collection of individuals committed to the idea rock climbing has a uniquely engaging power to draw people together and bring out the best in them.

The facility includes 3,200 square feet of climbing walls, featuring bouldering, roped climbing, the largest 60-degree overhang in West Michigan, padded flooring and training equipment. Scrapyard offers climbing classes and lessons geared toward all types of climbers. Scrapyard can get busy during Spring Break, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. 

Lakeshore Museum Center
430 W. Clay Ave., Muskegon
231-722-0278
lakeshoremuseum.org

With two full floors of exhibits to explore, Lakeshore Museum Center is sure to entertain the family. From discovering prehistoric plants and animals of Michigan to uncovering the way things work in the Science Center, there is always something new and exciting to experience, whether it’s a popular permanent exhibit or must-see temporary one. The museum also offers programs and events for children, families and adults.  

The museum’s permanent exhibits trace over 400 million years of Michigan history. Learn about Muskegon County’s past with stories from families who settled or immigrated there. You can see a life-sized Mastodon and lumbering tools. The STEM Center combines academic concepts with real-world applied activities, like building sturdy bridges and racing Hot Wheels. 

On view through April 23, “L’Dor V’Dor” celebrates the history of the Jewish Community in Muskegon, exemplified by Congregation B’nai Israel, which was founded in 1888. The exhibit invites visitors to learn about Judaism and Congregation B’nai Israel by exploring three major elements of Judaism in daily life: education, religious practices and family.