Top 10 Family-Friendly Winter Activities in Barry County for January 2026

As we embrace the heart of winter on this January 10, 2026, Barry County, Michigan, offers a delightful mix of cozy indoor gatherings and invigorating outdoor adventures perfect for families. With our county's 64,000 residents enjoying the serene beauty of snow-dusted forests, lakes, and small towns like Hastings, Nashville, Middleville, and Delton, January brings opportunities to combat cabin fever while building memories. We've considered multiple angles: accessibility for rural families, safety in snowy conditions (e.g., checking DNR for ice thickness), inclusivity for different age groups and abilities (e.g., wheelchair-friendly paths), and wellness benefits like reducing seasonal affective disorder through outdoor time amid shorter days. Activities include a mix of indoor and outdoor to handle variable weather. From educational workshops to community play, these highlight Barry's natural and community riches!

1. Free Snowmobiling Weekend at Yankee Springs Recreation Area

   Gear up for Michigan's Free Snowmobiling Weekend on January 10-11, 2026, where no trail permit or registration is required—perfect for families trying the sport. Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, features over 10 miles of groomed trails through forests and along Gun Lake, suitable for ages 12+ with adult supervision. It's a thrilling way to explore Barry's 5,200 acres of winter landscape, with nuances like wildlife spotting (deer, birds) for kids. Safety: Helmets mandatory, and check trail conditions—recent snow makes it ideal, but fog can reduce visibility. Edge case: For younger kids, combine with snowshoeing on adjacent paths. This promotes family exercise and supports eco-tourism in our county. For details, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/snowmobiling/free-snowmobile-weekend.

   
   

2. Boom to Bust: Invasion of the Spongy Moth Workshop at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

   Join an educational family workshop on invasive species at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings on January 9, 2026 (10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). Led by University of Chicago professor Dr. Greg Dwyer and Barry Conservation District, this free event explores the spongy moth, its virus, and control methods—perfect for curious kids and adults learning about Barry County's ecosystems. Held indoors with outdoor elements if weather permits, it's inclusive for all ages with hands-on discussions. Nuances: Bring lunch for the break; implications for teaching environmental stewardship in our prairie-rich county. Edge case: Suitable for homeschool groups. Register at www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/events.

3. Preschool Storytime at Hastings Public Library

   Warm up with engaging stories at the Hastings Public Library in Hastings on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (e.g., January 16, 23, 30, 2026). These free sessions feature classic and current children's books with winter themes like snow adventures, geared toward ages 3-5 but welcoming siblings. No registration required; nuances include interactive songs and crafts for motor skills development. www.hastingspubliclibrary.org/news-events/hpl-event-calendar.
   

4. Rockin' Tots at Hastings Public Library

   Get moving with music at the Hastings Public Library's Rockin' Tots session on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. This free, drop-in program for young children includes songs, dances, and winter-themed play, encouraging family participation. Held indoors, it's ideal for toddlers and preschoolers; nuances like rhythm instruments make it interactive. No registration needed; details at www.hastingspubliclibrary.org/news-events/hpl-event-calendar.
   

5. LEGO Club at Hastings Public Library

   Build creativity at the Hastings Public Library's LEGO Club on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free for youth and families, this indoor session provides LEGOs for open building with winter challenges like snowfort designs. All ages welcome. No registration; calendar at www.hastingspubliclibrary.org/news-events/hpl-event-calendar.
   

6. Sew Much Fun Youth Sewing Workshop at Hastings Public Library

   Learn a new skill at the Hastings Public Library's Sew Much Fun workshops on Thursdays, January 15, 22, and 29, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. These free sessions for youth teach basic sewing with winter projects like scarves, requiring registration due to limited spots. Family involvement encouraged; nuances include materials provided. Register at www.hastingspubliclibrary.org/news-events/hpl-event-calendar.
   

7. Volunteer Stewardship Workday at Yankee Springs Recreation Area

   Give back to nature at the Yankee Springs Recreation Area Volunteer Stewardship Workday on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Families can help remove invasive species around Hall Lake, with tools provided—suitable for ages 10+ with adult supervision. Free; dress for weather. Register at www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/calendar/2026/01/24/yankee-springs-recreation-area-volunteer-stewardship-workday.
   

8. Winter Trail Fest West Half Marathon and 5 Mile at Yankee Springs Recreation Area

   For active families, the Winter Trail Fest West on February 21, 2026 (preview now) at Yankee Springs Recreation Area offers a 5-mile trail run/walk for all ages, with run and ruck divisions. Start planning—registration open. Details at https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Middleville/WinterTrailFest.

   
   

   

   Yankee Springs Winter Trail Fest

   
   

9. Nature Book Club at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

   Cozy up with books at the Nature Book Club on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Discuss nature-themed reads in a warm indoor setting—free with registration. Great for multigenerational families; nuances include coffee provided. Implications: Encourages reading in winter. Register at cedarcreekinstitute.org/events.
   

10. Winter Shrub Removal Volunteer Activity at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

    Join the Winter Shrub Removal session on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute—a short, family-volunteer opportunity to help restore habitats. Free; dress warmly for light outdoor work. Info at cedarcreekinstitute.org/events.
    

Barry County's winter activities offer something for everyone, from adrenaline rushes to quiet learning, with broader implications for health (reduced seasonal affective disorder through outdoor time) and economy (supporting local venues). Always monitor weather via www.weather.gov/grr for safety. Explore our Events and Outdoors directories for more, and subscribe for weekly updates. Share your winter fun photos with us—what's your family's favorite?