10 Fun Things to do with Kids in Grand Rapids

Introduction

Grand Rapids is one of Michigan’s most charming cities and the perfect destination for a family vacation. This vibrant city has plenty of fun activities and attractions for kids of all ages. From outdoor parks and playgrounds to exciting museums and educational attractions, there’s something for everyone. Here are 10 of the best things to do with kids in Grand Rapids.

1. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is one of the most popular attractions for kids in Grand Rapids. This sprawling botanical gardens and sculpture park has something for everyone, and there are plenty of interactive exhibits, art installations, and activities to keep kids entertained. From the outdoor Children’s Garden to the indoor Great Lakes Garden, there’s something for everyone.

Indoor Attractions

The indoor attractions alone are worth the visit. Kids can explore the interactive Great Lakes Garden, which features an interactive boat ride, a 19,000 gallon aquarium, a solar powered carousel, and more. There’s also the Michigan Farm Garden, which features a butterfly house, a petting zoo, and a replica of a Dutch farm.

Outdoor Attractions

The outdoor attractions are just as exciting as the indoor ones. Kids can explore the Children’s Garden, which features a giant treehouse, a maze, and a 1,000-foot stream. There’s also an interactive water feature and a carousel. And don’t forget the sculpture park, which features over 200 sculptures from around the world.

Educational Opportunities

In addition to being a fun place for kids to explore, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park also offers a variety of educational opportunities. There are guided tours, interactive exhibits, and even classes for kids.

2. Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a great place for kids to explore the city’s history and culture. This interactive museum features a variety of exhibits and activities for kids, including a planetarium, an old fashioned carousel, and a replica of the city’s 1924 steamboat. Kids can also explore the “Life in the Grand River Valley” exhibit, which features a replica of an 1800s farmhouse.

Interactive Exhibits

The museum also has several interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids. Kids can explore the “Discovery Room,” which features an interactive water table, a bubble station, and a “touch and feel” wall. There’s also the “Kid’s Town” exhibit, which features a model train, a puppet theater, and a play kitchen.

Educational Programs

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for kids. There are classes for kids of all ages, as well as special events and workshops. Kids can learn about the city’s history, art, and science in a fun and interactive way.

Live Performances

The museum also hosts a variety of live performances and events. Kids can enjoy puppet shows, magic shows, and even live animal encounters. There’s something for everyone at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

3. John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Grand Rapids. This sprawling zoo has something for everyone, from the interactive exhibits to the animal shows. Kids can explore the “Animal Encounters” area, which features a variety of animals, including tigers, monkeys, and even sloths. There’s also the “Wildlife Theater,” which features live animal shows.

Interactive Exhibits

The zoo also has several interactive exhibits. Kids can explore the “Zoo Train,” which takes them on a tour of the zoo grounds. There’s also the “Giraffe Feeding Deck,” which allows kids to get up close and personal with the giraffes. And don’t forget the “Animal Discovery Center,” which features live animal encounters and educational activities.

Educational Programs

John Ball Zoo also offers a variety of educational programs for kids. There are classes for kids of all ages, as well as special events and workshops. Kids can learn about animals, conservation, and more in a fun and interactive way.

Live Animal Encounters

In addition to the exhibits and educational programs, John Ball Zoo also offers live animal encounters. Kids can get up close and personal with a variety of animals, including giraffes, sloths, and monkeys.

4. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is the perfect place for kids to explore and learn. This interactive museum features a variety of exhibits and activities, from the “Wonder Zone” to the “Creative Play Room.” Kids can explore the “Kid’s Town” exhibit, which features a replica of a 1920s-era Grand Rapids street, or the “Discovery Zone,” which features a variety of hands-on activities.

Interactive Exhibits

The museum also has several interactive exhibits. Kids can explore the “Kid’s Garden,” which features a giant treehouse, a sandbox, and a water feature. There’s also the “Art Studio,” which features a variety of art activities for kids. And don’t forget the “Space Station,” which features a replica of the International Space Station.

Educational Programs

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for kids. There are classes for kids of all ages, as well as special events and workshops. Kids can learn about the sciences, art, and more in a fun and interactive way.

Live Performances

The museum also hosts a variety of live performances and events. Kids can enjoy puppet shows, magic shows, and even live animal encounters. There’s something for everyone at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

5. Grand Rapids Art Museum

The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a great place for kids to explore the world of art. This interactive museum features a variety of exhibits and activities, from the “Art Cart” to the “Family Studio.” Kids can explore the “World of Art” exhibit, which features a variety of works from around the world, or the “Kids’ Studio,” which features a variety of hands-on activities.

Interactive Exhibits

The museum also has several interactive exhibits. Kids can explore the “Art Cart,” which features a variety of art supplies, or the “Family Studio,” which features a variety of activities for kids. There’s also the “Storytelling Room,” which features a variety of stories and activities for kids.

Educational Programs

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for kids. There are classes for kids of all ages, as well as special events and workshops. Kids can learn about art, history, and more in a fun and interactive way.

Live Performances

The museum also hosts a variety of live performances and events. Kids can enjoy music performances, puppet shows, and even art-making activities. There’s something for everyone at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

6. Grand Rapids Public Library

The Grand Rapids Public Library is a great place for kids to explore the world of books. This interactive library features a variety of exhibits and activities, from the “Story Room” to the “Reading Garden.” Kids can explore the “Book Nook,” which features a variety of books, or the “Book Buggy,” which features a variety of interactive activities.

Interactive Exhibits

The library also has several interactive exhibits. Kids can explore the “Story Room,” which features a variety of stories and activities for kids. There’s also the “Reading Garden,” which features a variety of books and activities for kids. And don’t forget the “Book Buggy,” which features a variety of interactive activities.

Educational Programs

The library also offers a variety of educational programs for kids. There are classes for kids of all ages, as well as special events and workshops. Kids can learn about literacy, art, and more in a fun and interactive way.

Live Performances

The library also hosts a variety of live performances and events. Kids can enjoy puppet shows, music performances, and even story time. There’s something for everyone at the Grand Rapids Public Library.

7. Grand Rapids Parks and Playgrounds

Grand Rapids has an abundance of parks and playgrounds, which are perfect for kids of all ages. Kids can explore the splash pads, playgrounds, and walking trails at any of the city’s parks. There are also a variety of sports fields and courts, which are perfect for kids who love sports.

Interactive Playgrounds

The city’s parks also feature a variety of interactive playgrounds. Kids can explore the “Adventure Park,” which features a variety of slides, swings, and climbing structures. There’s also the “Imagination Station,” which features a variety of interactive activities for kids. And don’t forget the “Climbing Wall,” which features a variety of climbing challenges.

Sports Fields and Courts

The city’s parks also feature a variety of sports fields and courts. Kids can enjoy basketball, tennis, baseball, and more at any of the city’s parks. There are also a variety of skateparks, which are perfect for kids who love to skateboard.

Educational Programs

The parks also offer a variety of educational programs for kids. There are classes for kids of all ages, as well as special events and workshops. Kids can learn about nature, sports, and more in a fun and interactive way.

8. Grand Rapids Farmers Market

The Grand Rapids Farmers Market is a great place for kids to explore the world of local food. This vibrant market features a variety of vendors, from farmers to artisans. Kids can explore the “Kids’ Corner,” which features a variety of interactive activities, or the “Taste Garden,” which features a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Interactive Exhibits

The market also has several interactive exhibits. Kids can explore the “Kids’ Corner,” which features a variety of interactive activities, or the “Taste Garden,” which features a variety of fruits and vegetables. There’s also the “Market Kitchen,” which features a variety of cooking activities for kids.

Educational Programs

The market also offers a variety of educational programs for kids. There are classes for kids of all ages, as well as special events and workshops. Kids can learn about local food, nutrition, and more in a fun and interactive way.

Live Performances

The market also hosts a variety of live performances and events. Kids can enjoy music performances, cooking demonstrations, and even farm tours. There’s something for everyone at the Grand Rapids Farmers Market.

9. Grand Rapids Whitewater

Grand Rapids Whitewater is a great place for kids to explore the city’s waterways. This interactive park features a variety of exhibits and activities, from the “Rafting Experience” to the “Waterfall Adventure.” Kids can explore the “River Walk,” which features a variety of interactive activities, or the “Fishing Pier,” which features a variety of fishing activities.

Interactive Exhibits

The park also has several interactive exhibits. Kids can explore the “Rafting Experience,” which features a variety of rafting activities, or the “Canoe Adventure,” which features a variety of canoeing activities. There’s also the “Fishing Pier,” which features a variety of fishing activities.

Educational Programs

The park also offers a variety of educational programs for kids. There are classes for kids of all ages, as well as special events and workshops. Kids can learn about nature, conservation, and more in a fun and interactive way.

Live Performances

The park also hosts a variety of live performances and events. Kids can enjoy music performances, river tours, and even kayaking activities. There’s something for everyone at Grand Rapids Whitewater.

10. Grand Rapids Children’s Theatre

The Grand Rapids Children’s Theatre is a great place for kids to explore the world of theatre. This interactive theatre features a variety of shows, from classic fairy tales to modern musicals. Kids can enjoy a variety of performances, from plays to musicals, or they can attend one of the theatre’s workshops or classes.

Interactive Shows

The theatre also has several interactive shows. Kids can explore the “Disney on Stage” series, which features a variety of Disney classics, or the “Musical Adventures” series, which features a variety of musicals. There’s also the “Theatre for Young Audiences” series, which features a variety of shows for kids.

Educational Programs

The theatre also offers a variety of educational programs for kids. There are classes for kids of all ages, as well as special events and workshops. Kids can learn about theatre, acting, and more in a fun and interactive way.

Live Performances

The theatre also hosts a variety of live performances and events. Kids can enjoy plays, musicals, and even puppet shows. There’s something for everyone at the Grand Rapids Children’s Theatre.

Summary

Grand Rapids is an ideal destination for a family vacation. There are plenty of fun activities and attractions for kids of all ages in this vibrant city. From outdoor parks and playgrounds to exciting museums and educational attractions, there’s something for everyone. From Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to the Grand Rapids Children’s Theatre, there are plenty of fun things to do with kids in Grand Rapids.