#MIKidsCan: Work Out With Santa Claus
Julie Bitely
| 4 min read
Delivering gifts and goodies to the world’s children in one night is an amazing feat of endurance.
Although Santa might look like he doesn’t work out, the jolly old elf actually engages in some serious sport, in the weeks leading up to December 25th.
Check out these Michigan opportunities for your kids to be active and meet St. Nick at the same time.
Fun Runs/Walks
Santa takes part in a lot of these around the state to make sure he’s ready to pull that famed all-nighter. Sign up for one near you today!
Yule Run I’ll Walk 5K/Fun Run | Nov. 22, 2014 | Comstock Park
Tour the Christmas Lite Show at Fifth Third Ballpark – twice! – as you run or walk this family-friendly course. Strollers and pets are welcome, although a $2 donation to PAWS with a Cause is requested for Fido. Your entry fee will get you an event t-shirt, finisher award, aid stations on the course, and the chance to see Santa.
Santa Run/Walk | Dec. 6, 2014 | Flint
Walk or run your way through downtown Flint and raise funds for the YMCA of Greater Flint scholarship assistance program, so more youth and families in the community can get active. Every participant will get to dress up like Santa with a five-piece Santa suit included in your registration fee.
Santa 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk | Dec. 13, 2014 | Paw Paw
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be Santa Claus? Find out as you run through the streets of downtown Paw Paw in full Santa Claus suit. Each adult participant receives a five-piece Santa suit to wear during the race, and kids younger than 12 get a Santa hat. Spread holiday cheer as you work up a sweat as a family!
The Whoville 5K | Dec. 21, 2014 | Grand Rapids
Watch out for that mean old Grinch as he tries to thwart your efforts to make it to the finish line in this fun and festive race the Sunday before Christmas. Dr. Seuss’ classic tale comes to life at this 4th annual event, held at Grand Rapids’ Riverside Park. Dress up in your Whovian best and look for help from Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the Cat in the Hat. The kid’s run is first on the day’s agenda, complete with an epic snowball fight. Reward yourself with hot chocolate and chocolate goodies after the race.
Nite Lites Christmas 5K Fun Run/Walk | Nov. 26, 2014 | Jackson
Run through the lights in Jackson! Over a million dancing lights illuminate Santa Claus and his reindeer, the North Pole, and many more holiday scenes as part of the Jackson Nite Lites Christmas Display. Enjoy it on foot for the first time with this inaugural event, which includes a cookie station, concessions, visits with Santa, and a holiday train. Each pre-registered participant receives a long-sleeve shirt, Santa hat, and glow accessories. Additional shirts for kids five-years-old and younger will be available to purchase the day of the event.
Not a runner? Santa has your family covered with swimming, skiing, and ice skating!
Holiday Dance with Santa Workshop | Dec. 5, 2014 | Fenton
Kids ages two through seven are invited to a fun workshop where they’ll get to bust a move with Santa. They’ll also have a chance to decorate cards and make a small craft. Send the kiddos in comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. Find complete cost and registration details here.
Swim with Santa | Dec. 13, 2014 | Howell
Kids can swim on up to the big guy and share their wish list in the pool. Everyone gets a picture with Santa, a holiday frame, and a toy to take home. Cost is $6 per child or a maximum of $20 per family through the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority. Register online.
Skate with Santa Party | Dec. 20, 2014 | Michigan Tech University in Houghton
Get out on the ice and show Santa how it’s done! Cost is $7 per person or $5 per person for groups of five or more.
Skate with Santa | Dec. 21, 2014 | Novi
Enjoy a fun Sunday afternoon with Santa! Skate your heart out and enjoy games and raffles as you take to the ice at the Novi Ice Arena. Cost is $4 for residents and $5 for non-residents. Check out the City of Novi’s website for additional information.
Ski Free with Santa | Dec. 25, 2014 | Shanty Creek Resorts in Mancelona
After bearing gifts to all those houses, Santa likes to relax by skiing on Christmas Day. Spot the jolly fellow on the slopes and have an active, outdoor Christmas the whole family will fondly remember. See Santa ski from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What are your favorite active ways to meet Santa? Let us know in the comments!
Photo credit: Ryan Litwiller
