what to do with toddlers in grand rapids mi
Things to Do in Grand Rapids With Kids
I may be a petty biased considering it'due south where I live, but I love Grand Rapids city proper.
Our wonderful mini-metropolis has and then much fun squeezed into the city that families can come back again and again and experience something new each time.
My kids think that everyone has a John Ball Zoo where they can visit exotic animals weekly and have no idea how unique information technology is to ride a carousel. (Did yous have a neighborhood carousel growing upwards? Neither did I.)
And doesn't everyone have a massive, impeccably designed children's garden full of landscaping, water play and swinging bridges in the woods? Only Grand Rapids kids tin can hit up Frederik Meijer Gardens on the regular.
Across that, in that location are beautiful parks and playgrounds, sculptures, murals, and more dotting the city.
We've got several popular urban center pools in the summertime and concerts in the park. It'south so walkable and each neighborhood has its own practiced eats, fun shops, and friendly people.
Tell the states, what's your favorite Metropolis of Grand Rapids activity? Did information technology brand our listing?
Yard Rapids Christian Schools
Over 2200 students from various cultural, economic, and spiritual backgrounds observe their place at Grand Rapids Christian Schools.
Students graduate from GRCS prepared to engage, serve, and make a meaningful touch on on their communities and around the world.
Urban center of Grand Rapids Quick Facts
What it's Like to Live in the City of Grand Rapids
In that location'south a lot that people love about living in the city of M Rapids and then nosotros'll outset with the biggies: food + brewing and coffee, art, music, and mega crowd-cartoon events.
Life in Grand Rapids
Why people honey to alive here: The calm hum of each neighborhood lends to a chill space to call home. On whatsoever given day there's always some event or activity happening effectually the urban center, frequently gratis. Notice many of these on the event calendar.
This 'small city with a big city vibe' draws people to live in Thousand Rapids.
Families honey the walkability and easy access to these perks and fun things to exercise listed below.
Traffic is depression, and information technology'southward one of the cleanest cities around. Add together in earth-class medical facilities on "Medical Mile" and epic Slap-up Lakes beach access less than an hour abroad, and why would yous want to alive anywhere else?
You lot should know:When people talk most Grand Rapids many picture the downtown area. Only the actual city of Grand Rapids spans equally far as Frederik Meijer Gardens to the Due east, only shy of Horrocks Farmers Market to the south, the tip of Millennium Park to the W, and just below the Whitecaps Stadium to the due north.
There are many neighborhoods within the city, but many of them are non officially incorporated. While you lot're technically still in Grand Rapids, if tell people you're in Alger Heights or Creston, and people volition instantly know where in GR you are.
The Top 25 Things to Practise in the City of Thousand Rapids With Kids
Living in the city means y'all can experience it all without the bulldoze. Many residents in the city dear that they tin popular over to many of the post-obit activities afterward school for quick trips without the crowds. Parking is nearly e'er easy (and oftentimes complimentary) and many venues are stroller friendly.
Adventuring in Grand Rapids with kids is probably one of the easiest city experiences in the country.
1 – Visit the Animals at John Brawl Zoo
1300 Fulton Due west, K Rapids, MI 49504
Lions and tigers and bears- and more than! Every child loves a trip to the zoo!
Non merely can yous enjoy the many animal exhibits, but John Ball Zoo in the city of Chiliad Rapids besides offers classes, camps, Twilight Tours, Overnight Adventures, Animal Adventures and special events, like IllumiZoo, throughout the year for even more than hands-on learning.
It'due south one of the best zoos around for easily-on experiences like camel rides, zilch line, feeding budgies and fifty-fifty a petting zoo.
2 – Dive in at a Urban center Pool
MLK Pool
900 Fuller Ave SE, Thou Rapids, MI 49506
Briggs Park Pool
350 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Richmond Park Pool
1101 Richmond St NW, One thousand Rapids, MI 49504
From mid-June to mid-Baronial, city residents and guests tin cool off at one of iii mega pools in the city. Boasting huge slides and shallow and deep ends, pools are big fun in the metropolis and great thing to do in Grand Rapids with kids.
What they beloved even more than is the price: historically for residents it's but $1/kid and $2 for ages 18+ to take a dip! (Non residents can come up, too, for $4/person.)
3 – Play & Learn at Grand Rapids Children's Museum
eleven Sheldon Ave NE, G Rapids, MI 49503
With so much to do, your kids will have fun for hours. Exhibits rotate on a monthly footing, but some favorites include Little GR, Amazing Dinosaurs, Merely Fort Fun, Wee Find, Just Playing Effectually and Bubbling.
Members: Every Tuesday is members-only from 9am – 2pm.
Museums for all special admission (EBT or WIC card holders, upwardly to 12 people per carte) – $1.75 per person.
iv – Store & Play the Iconic Brick Streets of Eastown
Wealthy St SE, between Diamond & Lake Dr SE
You know you're in Eastown when the streets plow to brick. This eclectic neighborhood is a great spot to spend the afternoon in Grand Rapids with kids. We recommend you lot bring the stroller.
Start with coffee for the adults at either The Sparrows or Squibb Coffee Bar.
Next, head due east on Wealthy and scope out fun eateries and shopping. (There'due south a cute establish shop effectually the corner on Calkins Ave – The Plant Parlor.) Don't miss celebrated Wealthy Theatre on the right and plan to grab a retro film or alive show sometime.
Take a left on Lake Drive and care for the kids to a candy wonderland at Viscous Fingers.
Sticky Fingers GR
1503 Lake Dr SE, Thou Rapids, MI 49506
Or if you want to featherbed that ultimate sugar rush, keep walking downwards Lake and dejeuner at either Terra Bagel (best bagles in GR!) or That Early on Bird.
Eastown has a lot of bully food, and cute shops. Rebel is picture perfect, quirky habitation goods. So is their sister store Commune. (Sticky Fingers is role of this family unit.)
Give the kids a gamble to run, climb and play with a pitstop at
Wilcox Park
100 Youell Ave SE, Thou Rapids, MI 49506
v – Catch a Concert or Show at Van Andel Loonshit
130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Van Andel Loonshit is a 10,834-seat multi-purpose venue offering numerous entertainment options throughout the year.
From concerts to K Rapids Griffins hockey games to Disney on Ice and monster truck shows, you are guaranteed to find something to make your kids smile!
Many national touring shows make annual stops to the metropolis of Grand Rapids.
vi – Explore Grand Rapids Public Library Downtown
111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Come for story time, play and learn in the kids area, and then bank check out some books to go on the fun at abode!
The Thou Rapids Public Library offers free story fourth dimension, classes, activities and special events for all ages.
In full there are 8 GRPL branches in the city, each offer something unique for anyone in Grand Rapids with kids – or without!
vii – Visit the Famed Alexander Calder Sculpture
"The Calder" – La Grande Vitesse
351 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
A visit to downtown Grand Rapids is not complete without a stop at La Grande Vitesse, the massive red sculpture affectionately referred to as "The Calder" past locals.
As a office of the city since 1969, it serves as a distinctive landmark and symbol of the city of 1000 Rapids.
8 – Wave to Finny at G Rapids Public Museum
Subtitle for This Block
Finny is a staple at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The fin whale's skeleton soars over the outset floor as you enter the exhibits, welcoming visitors.
But he's not the only larger-than-life sight at GRPM. This amazing museum is also home to a massive antique steam engine that is too suspended in air near the second floor (and weighing over xxx tons!).
The planetarium tin can take y'all on space adventures, and their beloved carousel (currently undergoing repairs) is a must-do when visiting.
All this and we haven't even touched on their world-class exhibits. This identify is astonishing, (and is costless to kids who live in Kent County).
9 – Find Endless Outdoor Rec at Millennium Park
1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534
Millennium Park includes over 1,400 acres of outdoor activity, including paved hiking/biking trails, playgrounds (including a ninja warrior class), boating, splash pad and beach.
While the beach and splash pad have a price, most of the park is free, making it a very popular matter to do in Grand Rapids with kids.
Fly a kite, pack a picnic, or bring some bikes. Millennium Park is your own gigantic lawn, correct here in the city.
10 – Walk the Blue Bridge and See all the Murals
GR Walking Loop + Mural Clamber
Blue Bridge, 1000 Rapids, MI 49504
Have you lot really experienced Downtown GR if you haven't walked the full Blue Span walking loop?!
Start anywhere on the river trail and it will loop you around the downtown area. We like to start virtually the blueish span so we can experience information technology twice.
1 of the best parts almost this walk is the art you lot experience along the way.
If that whets your whistle for fine art in our metropolis, start a bucket list with this comprehensive mural crawl.
xi – Accept in River Views and Relax at Ah-Nab-Awen Park
220 Front end Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Ah-Nab-Awen Park is the perfect identify to take in the beauty of the city of Grand Rapids.
The park runs along the Chiliad River with a overnice paved sidewalk forth the depository financial institution that'southward perfect for strollers. And the kids will dear to stop and enjoy the fountain in front of the Gerald R. Ford Museum.
12 – Climb the Big Reddish Button
220 Front Ave. NW, Grand Rapids 49504
As you lot stroll through Ah-Nab-Awen, be sure to finish at Lorrie's Button (aka the Large Cherry Push button). This is always a favorite thing to practise in Chiliad Rapids with kids. Y'all'll detect it at the n cease of the park, towards Michigan Street.
13 – Marvel at our Local Talent at Civic Theatre
thirty Division Ave N, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
I of the largest community theaters in the nation, y'all'll be awed at what our local talent brings to the stage. From costumes to props to of grade – the performers! – shows at the Civic Theatre are tops. Find musicals and plays, including many family-friendly pieces, each season.
14 – Grab a Bite at Downtown Market
435 Ionia Ave SW, G Rapids, MI 49503
Stop in at the Downtown Market for some succulent food at their many eateries. Kids particularly dig Love'due south Water ice cream and boba from Rak Thai. Once you lot've bought your treats, head upstairs to bask them, along with some fun overhead views of the bustling market or their incredible greenhouse.
Keep an eye on their agenda to notice cooking classes and events throughout the twelvemonth that are geared toward children, teens, families, and everyone in between.
15 – Ice Skate at Rosa Parks Circle
135 Monroe Heart St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Enjoy outdoor ice skating right in the urban center of Grand Rapids at Rosa Parks Circle.
Skate rental is gratuitous with admission, so take hold of the family unit and head to Open Skate.
16 – Watch Fish Climb the Fish Ladder
Fish Ladder Park
560 Forepart Ave NW, G Rapids, MI 49504
With gratuitous parking and bathrooms, Fish Ladder Park is a convenient place to drib by with the kids- and they will love watching the fish try to leap their way upwards the ladder or fisherman making a large catch. Fish are almost active on the ladder in fall, but as well brand some debuts in the spring.
The ladder itself is something to marvel. Designed in 1974 past creative person Joseph Kinnebrew, information technology is ane of the many large-scale art pieces effectually downtown.
17 – Spend the Mean solar day at Frederik Meijer Gardens
1000 Beltline Ave NE, Chiliad Rapids, MI 49525
You'll never get bored at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, located at the edge of the city of Grand Rapids limits.
Roofing 158 acres, Meijer Gardens has Michigan's largest tropical solarium, five indoor theme gardens, outdoor gardens, nature trails and boardwalk, sculptures and more than!
And yous definitely won't want to miss the interactive Children's Garden which includes sculptures, a sand quarry, a Great Lakes h2o characteristic, tree houses, a log cabin, a butterfly labyrinth, a sensory garden, and fifty-fifty a kid-sized beaver society.
xviii – Ride the Massive Tire Swing (Motu Viget)
Calder Plaza (NW Corner) – backside the Federal Edifice
110 Michigan St NW, Yard Rapids, MI 49503
The behemothic tire swing is actually a piece of interactive art named Motu Viget. It was created by Mark di Suvero in1977.
This cool downtown sculpture is all easily on for kids… (and hey, even adults, also!)
To find the tire swing, walk past the Calder and become behind the Federal Building. Yous'll be overlooking Monroe Ave.
19 – Ride the Lazy River at the Kroc Center
2500 Segmentation Ave South, One thousand Rapids, MI 49507
There's tons of stuff to keep the kids decorated at The Kroc Center!
The aquatics center features three 25-yard lap lanes, a 28-foot water slide, a lazy river, a 17-person hot tub and a "zero–depth" entry area with a play structure, as well as an outdoor splash pad during the summer months.
And if you're non looking to swim, check out the fitness heart, gym, climbing wall, game room or outdoor campus.
Notation: Typically, the Kroc Center sells 24-hour interval passes for non-members. During covid times, however, the The Kroc Center is currently available for member employ only. No mean solar day passes are being sold until further discover – check their website or call for the most upwards-to-date info.
20 – Play in the Marshlands at Huff Park
2399 Ball Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
This northeast gem recently received playground upgrades and a cute new boardwalk through woods and marsh areas teeming with wildlife.
The city deer are plentiful here, making it like shooting fish in a barrel for kids to spot ane on the hike.
Please annotation: the trail entrance, parking lot, playground, and picnic area are located off of Aberdeen, not Ball as the address suggests. Utilise "1435 Aberdeen NE" as the accost in your map app. You should come across a sign and a parking lot on the south side of the road.
21 – Explore the Gerald R. Ford Museum
303 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
This history museum captivates kids from the moment they meet the cool fountain and astronaut sculpture outside. (The Gerald R. Ford Museum is on the grounds of Ah-Nab-Awen Park.)
Its fascinating exhibits bring the history of our 38th President, Gerald R. Ford, to life.
22 – Cheer on the Grand Rapids Griffins at a Theme Night Game
Van Andel Arena
130 Fulton St W, G Rapids, MI 49503
Adults and kids of all ages will have a blast cheering on our dwelling hockey squad- so bring the whole family!
Non but is this AHL team super fun to watch, but the Griffins are regularly hosting themed nights like Star Wars night and offer family unit 4-pack deals.
23 – Immerse Yourself at Thou Rapids Art Museum
101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Art galleries, tours, programs… One thousand Rapids Art Museum has then much to offer and they love being accessible to the next generation.
You can enjoy it for FREE from 12 – vi pm each Tuesday and on Thursday nights from 5-9 PM. Try their driblet-in studios on Saturdays where you can create art yourself.
24 – Experience World-Renowned Art Prize
Downtown Grand Rapids
Did you know ArtPrize is the world's largest art competition? And nosotros get complimentary front end row seats!
Every fall nosotros are dwelling to this incredible cultural experience where nearly 200 G Rapids venues display fine art from artists around the globe. With so much variety, there are always larger-than-life exhibits or other enchanting fine art pieces that kids love.
It'due south one of the virtually unique things you can practice in Chiliad Rapids with kids.
25 – See What's Fresh at the Fulton Street Farmer's Market
1145 Fulton St Eastward, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
This celebrated farmers market is always worth a stop.
You lot never know what you'll find there–simply you can count on it to exist fresh and local.
It's fun to let your kids pick out a new fruit or vegetable to endeavour later. Y'all tin can besides observe fresh flowers, handmade goods and plants for the garden.
26 – Get a Cityscape View at Lookout Park
Lookout Park in the Belknap Neighborhood
801 Fairview Ave NE, One thousand Rapids, MI 49505
Notice a spot on a swing, this is one of the all-time sunset spots in Grand Rapids.
You tin can run across the whole town from Watch Park.
For extra adventure, go far past climbing the stairs connecting to the park from Division Ave.
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Source: https://grkids.com/things-to-do-city-of-grand-rapids-with-kids/
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