Grand Rapids's Fun Activity Guide

Attractions

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  Bavarian Inn Lodge

  Frankenmuth

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  Bavarian Inn Lodge

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  The Bavarian Inn Lodge

     Nestled along the Cass River in Frankenmuth is one of the state's largest indoor water park hotels. The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants - all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square foot Family Fun Center houses two thrilling waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 160 video and redemption games, a two-level children's play village and Willy's Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, nightly entertainment year-round and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In over 30 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor. (less) ... Read more

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  Bavarian Inn Restaurant

  Frankenmuth

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  Bavarian Inn Restaurant

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  Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William "Tiny" Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn - whether it's the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan's greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products, striving to serve more Michigan-grown and produced foods and Michigan-produced beverages than any other restaurant. Authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities make a trip to Frankenmuth incomplete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn. (less) ... Read more

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  Grizzly Jacks Starved Rock

  Utica

  Grizzly Jacks Starved Rock

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  Welcome to Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort A Hotel and Resort Near Starved Rock State Park

     Discover a magical family getaway just beyond the glow of Chicago at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort. Nestled in the Starved Rock area of Illinois, Grizzly Jack's is an oasis of relaxation and adventure - a destination where water park fun meets nature. Escape from the big city and enjoy a vacation in the scenic Northwoods at Grizzly Jack's - an unforgettable place to unwind, play, meet, dine and explore with family and friends.

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  Ice Castles

  Multiple Locations

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  Ice Castles

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  Tickets Go On Sale Nov. 28

     Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon that brings fairytales to life. Opening in January 2023, the frozen, outdoor attraction is bringing the wonder and magic of winter to 5 locations across the United States. The experience is built entirely by hand using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, caverns, slides, and fountains. At night, color-changing lights embedded inside the ice twinkle and dance to whimsical music. Come explore, and escape into a winter wonderland where magic and imagination await. Tickets on sale November 28 at www.icecastles.com (less) ... Read more

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  LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan

  Auburn Hills

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  LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan

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  LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan is the ultimate indoor LEGO playground - perfect for families with young children! You'll love our two interactive rides, 4D Cinema, LEGO Factory Tour, Build & Test areas, MINILAND, LEGO City play structure and more! Plus, take a class in the Creative Workshop and learn top tips from our expert builders!

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  Nelis' Dutch Village

  Holland

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  Nelis' Dutch Village

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  Our theme park is a step back into the Netherlands of over 100 years ago, complete with authentic Dutch architecture, flowering gardens, canals and windmills. The history and culture of the Dutch come to life as our associates, dressed in native costumes including wooden shoes, demonstrate village life. Songs from our towering 25-bell carillon greet arriving visitors. While strolling through the park, they can enjoy the music of our Amsterdam street organs, and watch the klompen (wooden shoe) dancers kick up their heels with our Dutch folk dance. Afterward, everyone can join the fun and become an honorary Dutch Dancers for the day! A tour of our Frisian farmhouse with connected barn shows how a Dutch farm family would have lived in those times. Everyone enjoys a visit to our wooden shoe factory where shoes are carved by hand and with antique automated machinery. All are encouraged to try on a pair of Klompen (wooden shoes). (less) ... Read more

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  SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium

  Auburn Hills

  SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium

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  SEA LIFE is Michigan's largest aquarium, with over 5,000 creatures and 250 species including sharks, stingrays, seahorses, a giant Pacific octopus, green sea turtle and more! Plus, you'll get to touch a crab, sea star, urchin and other rockpool creatures in our Interactive Touchpool!

Events/Performances

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  Berlin Raceway

  Marne

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  Berlin Raceway

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  Berlin Raceway located in Marne, MI (Just outside of Grand Rapids) is a premier short track featuring 7 classes of cars, in addition to visiting series such as ARCA, CRA, Must See Xtreme Sprints and others. The Track is a 7/16 Mile oval and has been in operation since 1950 and has featured some of the biggest names in motorsports over the years. Watch stock cars, modifieds and sprint cars battle head to head and cheer on your favorite driver. Berlin is a family friendly environment and is a great way to have some fun outside and an affordable cost. Berlin's Mascot Horsepower is always there to greet kids and fans of all ages. Come out of a fun night of racing this Spring and Summer at Berlin! (less) ... Read more

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  Circle Theatre

  Grand Rapids

  Circle Theatre

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  Circle Theater is a preforming arts theatre created to enrich, entertain, and educate our community through exceptional theatrical arts in an intimate setting.

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  Grand Rapids Civic Theater

  Grand Rapids

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  Grand Rapids Civic Theater

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  The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre remains one of the great community theatres in the nation, through the passionate delivery of high-quality live performance, innovative and comprehensive education, enriching volunteer participation, and a superior customer experience.

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  Grand Rapids Griffins

  Grand Rapids

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  Grand Rapids Griffins

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  The Grand Rapids Griffins are a professional hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL). They play in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the Van Andel Arena. They are the AHL affiliate to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League.

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  Grand Rapids Symphony

  Grand Rapids

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  Grand Rapids Symphony

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  The Grand Rapids Symphony presents more than 400 performances each year, touching the lives of some 170,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community service programs. The Symphony sponsors the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, Grand Rapids Youth Choruses, and it also provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. Led by Music Director David Lockington and Associate Conductor John Varineau, the orchestra presents eight concert series with performances designed to capture the imagination of young children and adults alike, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles. (less) ... Read more

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  Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour

  Nationwide

  Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour

  Reviews

  HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2023 WORLD TOUR - PRESENTED BY JERSEY MIKE'S The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike's is coming with game like never before! Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism and a non-stop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world's winningest team! In 2023, every fan is getting in on this action...that means YOU, so get ready! It's GLOBETROTTER game time! (less) ... Read more

  NOW ON SALE - Save up to 20% with Promo Code: USFAM

  Save up to 20% with Promo Code: USFAM - MUST PURCHASE 1 WEEK BEFORE GAME DATE. Bringing world-class basketball showmanship to arenas all over the U.S. HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2023 WORLD T…

  View Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour Coupon
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  Van Andel Arena

  Grand Rapids

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  Van Andel Arena

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  Van Andel Arena is a 12,000+ seat entertainment venue in downtown Grand Rapids, hosting the biggest names in concerts, comedy, family shows and sporting events.

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  West Michigan Whitecaps

  Comstock Park

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  West Michigan Whitecaps

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  The West Michigan Whitecaps are a professional minor league baseball team. A member of the 16-team Midwest League and Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, the Whitecaps play 70 home and 70 road games each season. "Home" is Fifth Third Ballpark, a privately-owned stadium built in conjunction with the Whitecaps' arrival in 1994, located in Comstock Park, MI (seven miles north of Grand Rapids, MI).

Family Activities

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  Baketivity

  Online Store

  Baketivity

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  Subscribe! Bake! Discover! IT'S MORE THAN JUST A BAKING KIT: Baketivity Is A Wonderful Way To Bond With Children And Build Skills In An Informal Way; It Is Easy, Fun, And Mess-Free With The Most Delicious Results! WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: Create Everlasting Memories With Fresh, Certified Kosher Ingredients That Are Manufactured In An FDA Approved Facility In The USA. EASY BAKING: Mix and stir in a snap with pre-measured ingredients and simple, kid-friendly instructions. RECIPES BOOK: Step-by-step instructions with colorful, kid-friendly illustrations to make sure every bite comes out perfectly. ENJOYABLE LEARNING: Explore exciting, colorful lessons and play educational games while your treats bake. SHOPPING LIST: Detailed shopping list for the wet ingredients and baking tools you will need in each kit. FREE HAT AND APRON: One size fits all Baketivity kids apron with a chef hat; it will be the best addition for your little baker! (less) ... Read more

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  DK Orchards

  Conklin

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  DK Orchards

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  June - Labor Day: M, W, F, 8am-8pm, Sat. 8am-5pm. Labor Day - Halloween: M, W, F, 8am-7pm, Sat. 8am-5pm Halloween-Christmas: Wed & Sat. 10am - 5pm After Christmas: Call for an Appointment

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  Grizzly Jacks Starved Rock

  Utica

  Grizzly Jacks Starved Rock

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  Welcome to Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort A Hotel and Resort Near Starved Rock State Park

     Discover a magical family getaway just beyond the glow of Chicago at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort. Nestled in the Starved Rock area of Illinois, Grizzly Jack's is an oasis of relaxation and adventure - a destination where water park fun meets nature. Escape from the big city and enjoy a vacation in the scenic Northwoods at Grizzly Jack's - an unforgettable place to unwind, play, meet, dine and explore with family and friends.

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  Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour

  Nationwide

  Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour

  Reviews

  HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2023 WORLD TOUR - PRESENTED BY JERSEY MIKE'S The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike's is coming with game like never before! Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism and a non-stop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world's winningest team! In 2023, every fan is getting in on this action...that means YOU, so get ready! It's GLOBETROTTER game time! (less) ... Read more

  NOW ON SALE - Save up to 20% with Promo Code: USFAM

  Save up to 20% with Promo Code: USFAM - MUST PURCHASE 1 WEEK BEFORE GAME DATE. Bringing world-class basketball showmanship to arenas all over the U.S. HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2023 WORLD T…

  View Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour Coupon
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  Holiday Inn Express South

  Grand Rapids

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  Holiday Inn Express South

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  Relax and splash around in the hotels 10,000 foot, expanded pool area featuring a wet and wild splash pad, zero depth toddler play area with mini slides and tipping buckets. Or simply relax in the hot tub, and single lane swim area featuring a swirling vortex pool.

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  Ice Castles

  Multiple Locations

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  Ice Castles

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  Reviews

  Tickets Go On Sale Nov. 28

     Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon that brings fairytales to life. Opening in January 2023, the frozen, outdoor attraction is bringing the wonder and magic of winter to 5 locations across the United States. The experience is built entirely by hand using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, caverns, slides, and fountains. At night, color-changing lights embedded inside the ice twinkle and dance to whimsical music. Come explore, and escape into a winter wonderland where magic and imagination await. Tickets on sale November 28 at www.icecastles.com (less) ... Read more

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  Robinette's Apple Haus and Orchard

  Grand Rapids

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  Robinette's Apple Haus and Orchard

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  Every morning, our bakers fill the air with the wonderful aromas of breads, donuts, pastries and pies. Come and enjoy the good foods with a cup of coffee. At lunch, you can indulge in soups and sandwiches. We have a lunch box menu so you can order your lunch to go or for your office functions. Outside you can enjoy the play area with picnic tables near our big apple. Bring home a pie for dessert or a loaf of one of our popular breads. In the apple room, you can get a taste of many different apple varieties. Depending on the season, you can purchase sweet and tart cherries, peaches, apricots, apples, nectarines and pumpkins. If we happen to be making cider, you can watch how it s done. Every batch is different because each has a different mix of apple varieties. (less) ... Read more

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  Snappy Apple Farm Market

  Casnovia

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  Snappy Apple Farm Market

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  August-November Wednesday-Monday 10-5 closed on Tuesday Snappy Apple has been satisfying customers over 60 years. We proudly offer homegrown peaches and over 15 varieties of crisp, juicy apples. Our farm market overflows with fresh fruits and vegetables in season, cider, honey and maple syrup, produced locally for that fresh farm-to-fork flavor Our facebook is Snappy Apple Farm Market

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  YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

  Grand Rapids

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  YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

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  At the Y we will help build your child's confidence by focusing on making good decisions through morals and values. Kids are the building blocks for the future. That is why helping to create strong, healthy kids is the foundation of all YMCA programs. We believe in nurturing the potential of every child and teen. This is done through child care, education, leadership, sports, and play. These programs allow us to take an active hand in helping each child succeed in their goals and reaching their full potential.

Fun Centers

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  Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Center

  Wyoming

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  Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Center

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  Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Center offers lots of family fun. Activities include pizza/pasta buffet, indoor electric go-karts, out door go-carts, bumper boats, bumper cars, frog hopper, paddle boats, mini Golf, laser tag, batting cages, ropes course, and lots more! Open 10 AM- 11:00PM Monday-Saturday and 12:00PM-11:00PM On Sunday. Buffet closes at 9:00 PM Every day.

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  Hudsonville Lanes Bowling Center

  Hudsonville

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  Hudsonville Lanes Bowling Center

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  Family friendly bowling. No alcohol is served to provide a family friendly atmosphere. Bumpers available on all 24 lanes.

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  Kentwood Fun Spot

  Kentwood

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  Kentwood Fun Spot

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  ROLLER SKATING: The Kentwood Fun Spot is Grand Rapids Finest Skating rink. We have been faithfully serving the community for over 60 years and are the oldest existing business in the city of Kentwood. We offer public skating, birthdays, private group skating, fund raisers, and much much more. We partner with the Grand Raggidy Roller Girls and provide them with a venue that supports their practice needs. We also have speed skating club called GR Speed that practices out of our facility and consistently earns high marks in local, regional and national competition. We have new skates and offer skating for children and adults alike. We enjoy what we do and hope it shows everytime a customer walks in the door. (less) ... Read more

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  Tarry Hall Roller Rink

  Grandville

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  Tarry Hall Roller Rink

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  Tarry Hall Roller Rink has been a family tradition in the Southwest market since 1968. Family owned and operated we now host over 50,000+ individuals a year through our doors. This number is virtually an even split between private party attendance and public skating sessions.

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  YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

  Grand Rapids

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  YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

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  At the Y we will help build your child's confidence by focusing on making good decisions through morals and values. Kids are the building blocks for the future. That is why helping to create strong, healthy kids is the foundation of all YMCA programs. We believe in nurturing the potential of every child and teen. This is done through child care, education, leadership, sports, and play. These programs allow us to take an active hand in helping each child succeed in their goals and reaching their full potential.

Museums/Zoos

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  Boulder Ridge Animal Park

  Alto

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  Boulder Ridge Animal Park

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  Located on 80 acres of land in Alto, MI, Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park is a unique, hands-on experience for the entire family. The park boasts a distinct collection of exotic animals and reptiles, and the variety and dynamic atmosphere make Boulder Ridge anything but your average zoo.

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  Fredrick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

  Grand Rapids

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  Fredrick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

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  One of the world's most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park serves more than a half-million visitors annually. Meijer Gardens was recently ranked in the top 100 most-visited art museums worldwide by Art Newspaper, the leading publication in global art news. The 132-acre grounds feature Michigan's largest tropical conservatory; one of the largest children's gardens in the country; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Degas and Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens; and a 1900-seat outdoor amphitheater, featuring an eclectic mix of world-renowned musicians every summer. The internationally acclaimed Sculpture Park features a permanent collection including works by Rodin, Oldenburg, Moore, Bourgeois and Plensa, among others. Indoor galleries host changing sculpture exhibitions with recent exhibitions by Picasso, Degas, di Suvero, Borofsky, Calder and Chadwick. Yearly exhibits include Butterflies are Blooming, and Christmas and Holiday traditions around the world. (less) ... Read more

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  GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park

  Naubinway

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  GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park

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  A child friendly zoo with people friendly animals located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan just 40 minutes west of the Mackinac Bridge. Enjoy feeding the deer, goats, llama and even the bear. You will see tiger, cougar, wolves, bobcat, river otter, camel, alligator, grizzly bear and more. Check out the gift shop filled with wildlife related gifts and souvenirs for all ages

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  Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and Library

  Grand Rapids

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  Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and Library

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  The permanent exhibits are the core of the Museum's program. They allow visitors to participate in history, not just view it, while reviewing the highlights of the lives of President and Mrs. Ford. In addition to the permanent exhibits, a succession of temporary exhibits draw upon the rich holdings of the entire Presidential libraries system, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives, and others. Not all museum programs revolve around the exhibits schedule. Museum staff organize and host special events, everything from a 1940s fashion show to activities for school children. The Museum also hosts naturalization ceremonies for new citizens and opens the grounds to the community festivities and fireworks on the fourth of July. The Museum Store sells items relating to President and Mrs. Ford and other Presidents and First Ladies, along with a number of souvenirs. (less) ... Read more

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  Grand Rapids Art Museum

  Grand Rapids

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  Grand Rapids Art Museum

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  The Art Museum plans programs for families that will spark a child's interest in the arts. Every work of art in the galleries is special and filled with surprises, so don't try to see the entire museum in just one day. Spending a longer time looking at and discussing just a few of your favorites, will enhance the connection your family makes to the inspiring objects on view. By engaging with original works of art and participating in creative and interactive learning experiences, your children will develop skills that are necessary for success in all school subjects.

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  Grand Rapids Children's Museum

  Grand Rapids

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  Grand Rapids Children's Museum

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  The Grand Rapids Children's Museum celebrates childhood and the joy of learning by providing an interactive, hands-on environment that inspires learning and encourages self directed exploration. Thursday evening is Family Night from 5:00p - 8:00pm with $1.50 admission per person, ages 1 year and above.

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  Grand Rapids Public Museum

  Grand Rapids

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  Grand Rapids Public Museum

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  Van Andel Museum Center has 80,000 square feet of permanent exhibits space and is capable of hosting major traveling exhibitions each year in a 9,500 square foot changing exhibit gallery. The building's design on the east, or river side, employs natural light as a major architectural element, while on the west side the exhibit galleries are windowless, to protect Museum collections and exhibitions from the long-term degradation of sunlight. The large windows on the east frame the historic Grand River and bring bright natural light into the Galleria and cafe during the day. At night, the windows provide an intriguing view into the glowing interior of the Van Andel Museum Center, with the distinctively lit whale skeleton and carousel readily seen from adjacent bridges as well as other vantage points on the east bank of the river. (less) ... Read more

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  John Ball Zoo Society

  Grand Rapids

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  John Ball Zoo Society

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  The John Ball Zoological Garden is owned and operated by the County of Kent. The John Ball Zoological Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation serving as a private support organization for the John Ball Zoo. The Zoo Society incorporated in 1950 and has been working in partnership with the Zoo since that time. The Society operates a membership program, food services and the Gift Shop, coordinates publicity and promotions, and conducts fund-raising operations. The Zoo Society contributions include funds for promotions, events, marketing, advertising, animal purchases, a portion of the education budget, and all capital exhibit construction. (less) ... Read more

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  Urban Institute For Contemporary Art

  Grand Rapids

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  Urban Institute For Contemporary Art

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  UICA is Michigan's largest contemporary arts center and a dynamic, multidisciplinary laboratory for the advancement of the art of our time. UICA showcases groundbreaking visual arts exhibitions, innovative performances and presentations, studio programs for local artists, cutting-edge films, as well as educational and expressive arts programs for youth and adults.

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  Veen Observatory

  Lowell

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  Veen Observatory

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  The James C. Veen Observatory, owned and operated by the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association, is available for group tours most of the year (mid-March through mid-November). These evenings feature tours of the observatory, audio visual presentations, observing of stars, planets, and other astronomical objects through the large telescopes. There are also opportunities for Q&A sessions with local astronomers.

Preschool Activities

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  Tiny Tykes

  Tiny Tykes

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  TinyTykes Pre-School Summer Soccer Camps

     Child development with Challenger Sports team of experts and their nationally acclaimed innovative preschool soccer program! TinyTykes is an innovative program, created by childcare specialists that introduces children aged 2 to 5-years to the basic skills of soccer. Both our Cubs (2- 3 years) and our Lions (4-5 years) modules use fundamental soccer activities, games and stories to develop their skills in the following areas: Balance, Agility and Coordination, Technical Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Physical Development, Social Skills, Self Confidence, Communication and of course Teamwork!

Online

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  Look Up to the Stars

  Virtual

  Look Up to the Stars

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  On-Demand STEM Hands-On Activities These fun and exciting STEM hands-on astronomy activities take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes to complete for people of all ages. Each activity below has its own page with PDF printouts, video, step-by-step instructions, materials required, and printable templates when needed for the activity.