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Online Visitors Guide

2012 Visitors Guide

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Family Playcations

mr gr blog blueGrand Rapids is one of the kid-friendliest places on earth. You'll find activities and events for every age and interest. Best part is, most of them are fun for you, too - so you can all enjoy a "playcation" together!

Families with Young Children

 Family - Children't Museum - horizontal
John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids

Fun with Exploration

Izzy's World of Shapes at Grand Rapids Children's Museum invites your kids to visit a shape garden, create an unusual shape mural, design flowers in window boxes and much more. January 24-April 24.

John Ball Zoo is now open for the season. See more than 1,100 animals greet the spring with a flurry of activity. Don't miss LV Eberhard Red's Hobby Farm for kid-focused interactive fun.

MUSEUMS FREE 4ALL. Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and Grand Rapids Public Museum offer FREE admission on Sunday, April 15. These downtown museums are within just a few blocks of each other, so you can easily see them all - just bring comfortable shoes!

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents Pinkalicious, a perfectly pinkeriffic musical stage show based on the popular book. April 20-29.

Spring Break Ballet. Grand Rapids Ballet presents The Aquatic Adventures of Johnny Starfish and the Mermaids, a 30-minute ballet for kids. Pre-show activities include an up-close look at costumes, creative and energetic activities, and the chance to learn some choreography from the show. Just $5 per person. April 3-7.

Families with Teens

  Rope Bridge in Grand Rapids

Winter Jam in Grand Rapids
 Baseball Game in Grand Rapids

John Ball Zoo is now open for the season. In addition to the animal attractions, teens will love the four-story Zipline ride over the zoo and Sky Trails Ropes Course that tests courage and strength.

MUSEUMS FREE 4ALL. Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and Grand Rapids Public Museum offer FREE admission on Sunday, April 15. Make a culture-packed day of it!

The Sound of Music. Cornerstone University presents the most popular movie musical of all time, live on stage. Select dates from March 29-April 22.

West Michigan Whitecaps. This Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers play their first home game of the season on Monday, April 9 - and 12 more home games throughout April.

Winter Jam 2012. Christian music's largest annual tour ventures into Van Andel Arena with a stellar cast including Skillet, Santcus Real, Peter Furler, illusionist Brock Grill, and many more. April 1.

Culture Pass GR. This card offers exclusive specials and discounts at Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids Public Museum, DeVos Performance Hall, and 20 or so other GR attractions. Get a free Culture Pass when you book select hotel packages or purchase a $10 Pass for your stay.


Hotel Package

Bed & Breakfast Family Package

Always Available
Riverfront Hotel-Grand Rapids

With the Bed & Breakfast Package you receive an All American Breakfast Buffet for four in The Landing Restaurant or for Room Service included during your stay.

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly

Craig's Cruisers

October 05, 2011 – October 05, 2012
Hampton Inn

Enjoy an overnight stay which includes our free deluxe continental breakfast featuring hot items and freshly made waffles and use of our indoor pool and whirlpool. Then come Eat and Play at Craig’s Cruisers. Your family will enjoy Craig's Cruisers All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Buffet, a pass to one of the following activities: indoor go-karts, laser tag, bumper cars, high ropes course, rock wall or frog hopper, and five game credits. This package is for a family of 4. Additional passes can be purchased at Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Center which is located .5 miles from our hotel.

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly
Booking Code
Craig's Cruisers Package

Craigs Cruisers Package

November 16, 2011 – December 31, 2020
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Grand Rapids North

Our Craig's Cruisers package include room accommodations along with a complimentary pass for up to four peoples to enjoy Craig's incredible all-you-can-eat buffet. Each guest also receives one activity pass good for indoor go carts, laser tag, high ropes course, and five game credits.

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly

Frederik Meijer Gardens Package

November 18, 2009 – November 18, 2020
Best Western Hospitality Hotel & Suites

Come visit one of Grand Rapids most popular attractions. The Frederik Meijer Gardens is ready for you to come and explore it. Whether traveling alone or with your family the Frederik Meijer Gardens will keep your day packed full of adventures! Attractions such as the Children's Garden, Tropical Conservatory, Arid Garden or the Carnivorous Plant House are just a few stops in your day. Visiting relatives during the holidays? Don't miss out on the "Christmas and Holidays Traditions around the World". You and your family will enjoy the spirit of the season while taking a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, hopping on the trolley or riding on the train around the Railway Garden, the choice is yours! We make it easier for you. This package includes a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Gardens.

Booking Method
Visit Their Website

Frederik Meijer Gardens Package

Always Available
Ramada Plaza Hotel

Includes overnight accommodations, a $25.00 Old Chicago Certificate, complimentary round trip shuttle transportation, and two adult passes to Frederik Meijer Gardens (children’s passes available at ticket counter at gardens) starting at $139.00.

Booking Method
Visit Their Website

Frederik Meijer Gardens Package

November 01, 2011 – November 01, 2023
Prince Conference Center at Calvin College

Come visit one of Grand Rapids most prized attractions. The Frederik Meijer Gardens is ready for you to come and explore it. Whether traveling alone or with your family the Frederik Meijer Gardens will keep your day packed full of adventures. Attractions such as the Children's Garden, Tropical Conservatory, Arid Garden or the Carnivorous Plant House are just a few stops in your day. Visiting relatives during the holidays? Don't miss out on the "Christmas and Holidays Traditions around the World". You and your family will enjoy the spirit of the season while taking a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, hopping on the trolley or riding on the train around the Railway Garden, the choice is yours! This package includes two tickets to the Gardens ($24 value), and we are just a mile down the road from the Gardens.

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly

Frederik Meijer Gardens Year Around Play-cation Package

June 13, 2011 – July 13, 2013
Country Inn & Suites East Beltline

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Year-round Play-cation Package At the Country Inn & Suites East Beltline, only one block from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, we offer guest room accommodations in a standard room and we include two tickets to Meijer Gardens (Value $24), as well as complimentry suite upgrades when available. Always free, fresh and hot breakfast buffet is included, in addition to use of our beautiful indoor pool, whirlpool and on site game room at the hotel. You can also enjoy free Internet, coffee and cookies 24 hours a day. During your stay, you will experience 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 named one of the world's 30 "Must-See Museums" by Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before you Die. 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 1750-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 and Calder. For more information, please visit www.meijergardens.org. Terms and Conditions Must book one day in advance Frederik Meijer Gardens is closed on Christmas Day Guarantee required Tax not included

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly
Dates Unavailable
Christmas Day

Get-A-Way & Play

Always Available
Ramada Plaza Hotel

Includes deluxe overnight accommodations for up to four people, four Castaway Bay wristbands, and a Craig’s Cruisers entertainment voucher that includes four passes to Craig’s Incredible Pizza Buffet, Craig’s Cruisers activity passes and 20 Game Credits, starting at $139.00.

Booking Method
Visit Their Website

Island Birthday Party Package

Always Available
Ramada Plaza Hotel

Includes ten Castaway Bay wrist bands, two large one-topping pizzas, three 2-liter Pepsi products, $10 in game tokens, all for $179.00 + tax. (package valid Sundays only) Call hotel directly for booking - (616) 949-9222

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly

Kids Getaway

Always Available
Country Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Airport

Grab your friends and head to the Country for fun, food and swimming! This Kids Getaway includes: One night stay in a guest room with two queen beds All-you-can-eat pizza buffet at Craigs Cruisers for up to four people Four people also receive 5 game credits each and one activity pass each to either laser tag, bumper cars, rope wall, miniature golf, frog hopper, go-karts or kiddie karts Access to our indoor hotel pool Free hot breakfast including sausage, eggs and waffles We look forward to seeing you in the Country! Terms and Conditions Voucher for Craigs Cruisers presented at check-in Not redeemable for cash 24-hour cancellation policy

Booking Method
Visit Their Website

Old Fashion Fun-Grand Rapids Public Museum

October 17, 2011 – December 30, 2012
Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids Southwest

This package includes an over night stay, Free breakfast in the morning, use of the indoor pool and spa, plus 4-Museum general admission tickets, 2 adults, 2 kids, 4 carousel ride tickets, and a 10% off coupon to cafe and gift shop. More tickets to the museum can be bought at the museum.

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly
Booking Code
Grand Rapids Public Museum Package

Old Fashioned Fun Package

November 01, 2011 – November 01, 2023
Prince Conference Center at Calvin College

The Grand Rapids Public Museum has many full time exhibits and special exhibits that will intrigue everyone. Stop by and see the history of furniture city, stroll the old streets of Grand Rapids, or go on a scavenger hunt through the hallways. You can also take a ride on a carousel from 1928 above the Grand River. Offer includes: General admission to the Grand Rapids Public Museum for up to four guests, 2 adults and 2 children, Four carousel rides, 10% off total purchases at the museum cafe and curiosity shop, and enjoy our new bedding package, complimentary wireless internet, and complimentary hot breakfast to get your day started right.

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly

Old Fashioned Fun in Grand Rapids, MI

Always Available
Country Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Airport

Have some old fashioned fun at the Public Museum! Offer includes: General admission to the Grand Rapids Public Museum for up to four guests Four carousel rides 10% off total purchases at the museum cafe and curiosity shop Swimming in our indoor pool after a long day of fun Daily breakfast, featuring waffles with syrup and whipped cream Terms and Conditions Guests will receive the Grand Rapids Public Museum package voucher at check-in.

Booking Method
Visit Their Website

Pizza Plunge Package

Always Available
Ramada Plaza Hotel

Includes overnight accommodations in a standard king or two double, a 2-liter bottle Pepsi product, one large one-topping pizza, and four Castaway Bay passes, starting at $119.00.

Booking Method
Visit Their Website

Stay and Play

Always Available
Riverfront Hotel-Grand Rapids

Buy one night, get the second night for 1/2 off* Breakfast for up to 2 Adults and 2 Kids in The Landing restaurant Good for Friday & Saturday night only *discount applies to smallest rate

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly

Get Cultured in GR packages

Get cultured in Grand Rapids with a FREE culture pass giving you discounts and special offers to many West Michigan arts and cultural organizations.

Culture Package

September 29, 2011 – September 30, 2012
Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids Southwest

Spend the night at the Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids Southwest, enjoy the Free Hot Express Start breakfast in the morning, indoor pool, and receive one Culture pass per room booked. Room rates vary on time of the year.

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly
Dates Unavailable
Not valid on Holidays

Culture Pass GR

September 29, 2011 – September 30, 2012
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Includes the breakfast buffet at Bentham's for up to 2 adults and 2 children 12 and under registered under the same room, one Culture Pass Grand Rapids, self parking in the hotel ramp and use of the Plaza Fitness Center.

Booking Method
Visit Their Website
Dates Unavailable
12/31/2011

Culture Pass GR

September 29, 2011 – September 30, 2012
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown

Includes hot breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children 12 and under registered in the same room in The Bistro, one Culture Pass Grand Rapids and self parking in the hotel ramp for one vehicle.

Booking Method
Visit Their Website
Booking Code
CUE
Dates Unavailable
12/31/11

Culture Pass GR

September 29, 2011 – September 30, 2012
Homewood Suites by Hilton

Get Cultured in Grand Rapids! Book select hotels for a FREE Culture Pass giving you year-round benefits to exclusive discounts and special offers to many West Michigan arts and cultural organizations.

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly

Culture Pass GR

September 29, 2011 – September 30, 2012
JW Marriott Grand Rapids

Includes breakfast buffet for 2 adults and 2 children 12 years of age or under registered in the same room at six.one.six, one Culture Pass Grand Rapids and self parking in the hotel ramp.

Booking Method
Visit Their Website
Booking Code
CUE
Dates Unavailable
12/31/11

Culture Pass GR at the Riverfront Hotel-Grand Rapids

September 29, 2011 – September 30, 2012
Riverfront Hotel-Grand Rapids

Starting at $123.00, package includes our Full Hot breakfast buffet at The Landing Restaurant for up to 2 adults and 2 children, one Culture Pass Grand Rapids, and all hotel amenities including complimentary on-site parking and hi-speed internet access.

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly
Dates Unavailable
December 31st, 2011

Culture Pass Package

September 29, 2011 – September 30, 2012
Country Inn & Suites East Beltline

Includes our hot and cold deluxe breakfast buffet, two tickets to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a Culture Pass with discounts to over 20 other Grand Rapids cultural locations.

Booking Method
Call Hotel Directly