Whoever said nothing in life is free hasn't been to Kent County, Michigan. The greater Grand Rapids area offers a wide variety of no-cost activities to keep you busy throughout the fall. So take out your planner and get moving - here are 15 ideas for fun, free things to do this autumn!

<i>Harvest Dome 3.0</i> by SLO Architecture was one of the many projects entered in ArtPrize 2018.

Harvest Dome 3.0 by SLO Architecture was one of the many projects entered in ArtPrize 2018.

Photo Credit: Experience Grand Rapids

1. ArtPrize

Roam the streets of Grand Rapids and experience more than 1,500 pieces of art for free!
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Beautiful fall weather and dozens of nearby courses make Grand Rapids a disc golfer's paradise.
Disc golf bag

Beautiful fall weather and dozens of nearby courses make Grand Rapids a disc golfer's paradise.

Photo Credit: Experience Grand Rapids

2. Disc Golfing

Get your disc on at free disc golf courses at Brewer Park, Garfield Park,  Fallasburg Park, Johnson Park and Riverside Park.
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3. Riverwalks

Stroll the paths alongside the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, the Rogue River in downtown Rockford and the Flat River in downtown Lowell – keep your phone ready for photo ops!

Mountain biking trails in Cannonsburg Ski Area.

Riding Through the Trails at Cannonsburg Ski Area.

Photo Credit: Experience Grand Rapids

4. Trailventures

Bike, hike, roller blade, snowshoe or cross-country ski on endless miles of non-motorized trails through all sorts of terrain. Many paved trails are accessible to people with disabilities.
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5. Downtown Skate Park

Grind the rails on your BMX bike, skateboard, scooter or skates at the 555 Monroe Skate Park alongside the Grand River. It’s open year ‘round!
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Taking a Break While Hiking to the Fallasburg Bridge

Fallasburg Park offers plenty amenities including three playgrounds, fishing, disc golf, hiking trails, and a bridge built in 1871 that you can still drive over.

Photo Credit: Experience Grand Rapids

6. Fallasburg Covered Bridge

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Fallasburg Covered Bridge near Lowell is one of only three covered bridges in Michigan that allows car traffic.
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Two people viewing art at the GRAM.

Enjoy the exhibits featured in the Grand Rapids Art Museum Gallery.

Photo Credit: Photo: Experience Grand Rapids

7. Grand Rapids Art Museum

Enjoy free general admission at Grand Rapids Art Museum every Tuesday (noon-6pm) and Thursday (5pm-9pm).
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8. Fish Ladder Park

Visit downtown’s Fish Ladder Park to watch migrating fish jump up a sculptural artwork to get around the powerful water flow of the Grand River.
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9. Ninja Warrior Playground

There’s a small fee to use the beach and splashpad at Millennium Park, but this playground modeled after the American Ninja Warrior TV series is totally free – as are two adjoining playgrounds for younger kids.
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10. Walking Tours

Download the free GR Walks and Vamonde Live GR Stories apps to access self-guided tours exploring local art, culture, history, neighborhoods and more.
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11. Lookout Park

Take a picnic meal to Lookout Park and take in the bird’s-eye views of downtown GR and the Grand River.
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Gerald R. Ford Airport

Gerald R. Ford Airport

Photo Credit: Experience Grand Rapids

12. Gerald R. Ford International Airport

As many as 300 aircraft take off or land at Gerald R. Ford International Airport on any given day. You can watch them from a special Viewing Park equipped with parking spaces, picnic tables and restrooms.
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Meyer May House

Meyer May House

Photo Credit: Experience Grand Rapids

13. Meyer May House

Tour the Meyer May House designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908-09. This classic example of Prairie School Architecture is open to the public Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (online reservations required).
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Downtown Dog Park by Founders Brewing Company

Get outside with your pup at the Downtown GR Dog Park.

Photo Credit: Experience Grand Rapids

14. Dog Parks

Bring Fido for some free exercise at Covell Dog Park, Downtown GR Dog Park, Grand Ravines Dog Park,  Hillcrest Dog Park, Lowell Dog Park at Stoney Lakeside Park or Rockford Dog Park.

15. FREE Postcards

Send a free postcard to friends and family telling them how much you enjoy Grand Rapids – and inviting them to visit!

This story was originally written by Amy Busse and has been updated by the Experience GR team.

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