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!

1. Artprize
One word-ArtPrize! Starting September 24 through October 12, roam the streets of Grand Rapids and experience over 1,500 pieces of art for free.
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2. Disc Golfing
Get your disc on at free disc golf courses at Brewer Park, Fallasburg and Johnson Park.
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3. Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun, family-friendly activity available in all Kent County parks, and a great way to get out into the fresh air.
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4. Kent Trails
Take your bike, shoes etc. out for a walk on Kent Trails. Explore 15 miles of non-motorized trails with parking in five different county parks.
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5. Eastown Street Fair
The Eastown Street Fair Opens a New Window. September 13 features arts, crafts. music and of course food. Bring the whole family and enjoy the celebration.
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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. While you are there, be sure to check out Fallasburg School in Fallasburg Historical Village, one of the oldest schoolhouse buildings in the Lowell area.
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7. Grand Rapids Art Museum
Every Tuesday Grand Rapids Art Museum is free---take time out of your day to take in some amazing art.
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8. Rockford Harvest Festival
The Rockford Harvest Festival is September 26-28. Plan a trip to wander the city, build a scarecrow and take a hayride through the downtown streets. The weekend also features musical entertainment, a chili cook-off and a petting zoo among other fun and free activities.
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9. Movies in the Park at Reeds Lake
You can still catch two free movies on the shore of Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids. Despicable Me 2 is the feature September 12 or make a date to see Winnie the Pooh September 19. Don't forget your lawn chair and blanket!
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10. Story Time in Rivertown Crossings Mall
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Barnes and Noble at Rivertown Crossings Mall in Grandville offers a preschool story time at 10:30. Hear classic and current children's stories and even make a craft.
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11. Lookout Park
Take a picnic to Lookout Park and take-in its views of the city and the Grand River.
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12. Gerald R Ford International Airport
Did you know on average 200 planes take off and land every day at Gerald R Ford International Airport? And they are all fun to watch from the observatory area, open from 7:00 am 10:00 pm located on Kraft Avenue north of 52nd Street.
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13. Meyer May House
Visit the Meyer May house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in 1908-09 it is called Michigan's Prairie masterpiece for its classic Prairie School era styling.
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14. Downtown Market
Chefs at the Market occurs every Saturday through September. Stop by Downtown Market from 10:00-11:00 am and check out a free food demonstration from a local chef.
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15. Ada Historical Society at Averill Historical Museum
The Averill Museum in Ada, operated by the Ada Historical Society, is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1-4. Enjoy the old time flower and vegetable garden tended by several local master gardeners.
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