The Polar Express

    'Tis the season to go out and find holiday experiences that your kids will not soon forget.  While going onto the Polar Express probably wouldn't be realistic for a whole class, a family would fit right in with a mug of hot cocoa and some holiday crafts.
    For those living in Michigan, Owosso is hosting the Polar Express train ride.  For four hours you and your family will view Michigan's wintry landscape(whenever we get snow. Not that this teacher, who has to deal with at least 10 snowsuits right out of "The Christmas Story" in order to go on the playground, is complaining.), drink hot cocoa with a cookie, take part in holiday crafts, and meet Santa while shopping in his mart.  The cost for adults is $85 and children ride for $55 (perhaps the mug you can take home contains some deluxe hot chocolate?). 
    If you can forgo the chocolate goodness, then adults ride for $70 and children go for $40 .  The train departs from the Steam Railroading Institute Visitor's Center in Owosso, goes to "Santa's Village", and ends back up at the Institute's Visitor's Center.
    There are also other options for those not in Michigan.