15 Fun and FREE Things to do in Grand Rapids

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. 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.

2. Get your disc on at free disc golf courses at Brewer Park, Fallasburg and Johnson Park.

3.Geocaching is a fun, family-friendly activity available in all Kent County parks, and a great way to get out into the fresh air.

4. 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.

5. The Eastown Street Fair September 13 features arts, crafts. music and of course food. Bring the whole family and enjoy the celebration.

6. 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.

7. Every Tuesday Grand Rapids Art Museum is free---take time out of your day to take in some amazing art.

8. 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.

9. 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!

10. 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.

11. Take a picnic to Lookout Park and take-in its views of the city and the Grand River.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14.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.

15. 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.

Leave your wallet at home and bank on a good time in Grand Rapids for free!