Tired of kids having all the fun? We have solutions for you! There are a growing number of attractions around Grand Rapids where you can have some good, old-fashioned fun, perfect for date night or an outing with friends. 

Some of these attractions are family-friendly places where you don’t need a kid’s birthday party as an excuse to have fun, but most are intended for adults (those ages 18 and older). Here are some of our favorites. 

Axe Throwing

Yes, you read that right. More than 1,000 axes are thrown daily at the 28 targets inside Wood-Splitters Axe Throwing in northeast Grand Rapids. If you aren’t a lumberjack or have never thrown an axe, the well-trained staff is available to give you tips and tricks to make your first experience a successful one. 

To keep everyone safe, all throwers and spectators receive a safety briefing and anyone under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign a safety waiver. All players must wear closed-toed, flat shoes. Book your reservation online or call 616-325-4083 to see if any last-minute slots are available.

For axe throwing closer to downtown GR, check out FlannelJax’s, just a seven-minute drive or bus ride from Rosa Parks Circle. Wood-Splitters and FlannelJax’s have different rules and requirements, so be sure to read their FAQs closely. 

Escape Room

How about some brain-powered play? Grand Rapids Escape Room lets you exercise your clue-hunting, code-cracking and puzzle-solving skills as you work together with friends to discover a way out of one of four scenarios – a secret lab, cabin in the woods, abandoned castle or top-secret government research facility. Time is ticking – you have one hour to complete the challenge.

Participants must sign a safety waiver to play. All ages are welcome, but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent. No food or drink is available or allowed to preserve the integrity of the rooms.

Other area escape rooms include The Great Escape Room (downtown), Locked 460 Escape Rooms and The Ruse Escape Rooms, each offering different themes and experiences.

Break Room Therapy

Do you ever find yourself just wanting to break something? Break Room Therapy provides a safe environment that allows you to release your emotions physically without any repercussions. Forget screaming into a pillow; scream at the top of your lungs! Swing a bat to a set of dishes and you’ll feel your anger melt away. 

All sessions are by appointment only. Once you arrive, you can pick out your smashing object of choice, such as a baseball bat or hammer, put on your safety gear and get smashing. 

Participants must either be over the age of 18 or aged 13+ with a parent/guardian who will be staying on the premises during the session. As you can imagine, closed-toe shoes are required and anyone suspected of being intoxicated will have to sit out.

Go Karts at Craig's Cruisers In Grand Rapids, MI

With go-karts, an arcade and laser tag, Craig's Cruisers has many options to enjoy.

Photo by Photo courtesy of Craig’s Cruisers. Photography by Chad Ronald.

Craig’s Cruisers

If you’re looking for something fun to do any time of year, look no further than Craig’s Cruisers. This Michigan-based business is the largest family fun center in Michigan and provides entertainment for all ages. 

Adults can step back into their youth with a full arcade, laser tag (more on that later), go-karts and, of course, bumper cars. Make time to enjoy the zip line and trampoline park. With an abundance of activities to choose from, Craig's Cruisers will add an element of excitement to your next date night. When you’re finished, plan to eat at the buffet, which features pizza, pasta, salad and desserts.

Fowling Warehouse

Fowling Warehouse is the only place in West Michigan to get in on the fun of playing the original pin game that combines football and bowling. Described as a competitive yet friendly sport, the goal is to knock down all 10 of your opponent’s pins with a football before they knock down yours. Play on one of the 30 football bowling lanes by yourself, in teams of two, or grab a group and set up some tournament play. 

The facility is restricted to those 21 and older after 8pm; those 10 and older are allowed to play until 8pm. Open play is $14 per person, or you can call to schedule your group. The Fowling Warehouse offers beer, liquor, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, and you can bring your own food or order in from nearby restaurants while you’re playing.

Trampoline Parks

As adults, it can be easy to forget how fun it is to move like a kid. You’ll remember quickly when you visit Rebounderz Trampoline Park

Get some serious air when you slam-dunk on the face-to-face 4 Lane Basketball Slam, where you can challenge your friends to a dunk contest on the adjustable height rims. Or play Xtreme Dodgeball as you “Dodge, Duck, Dip and Dive” off the walls and beds of the trampolines. It’s the game you always wished it was when you were younger! 

Remember to save time for the 16-foot Jump Xtreme Tower and Ninja Warrior Course. And if you work up an appetite, there’s also a cafe where you can find snacks and refreshments. Be sure to check out the website for additional safety information and guidelines. 

Other trampoline parks to add to your list include Sky Zone and Altitude. Check them out and go have fun!

The Clique Bowling Alley sign in Grand Rapids, MI
Clique Lanes

Clique Lanes, commonly referred to as The Clique, has been a Grand Rapids staple for more than 65 years.

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Bowling 

Named one of the top 10 bowling alleys in Michigan by MLive, Clique Lanes offers a unique two-floor layout and retro 1950’s feel with updated technology. Featuring 16 bowling lanes, a full menu, and adult beverages, Clique Lanes is a great place to go and unwind. 

Rent out the upper floor with a large group or enjoy open bowling in the evenings. Open until 1am Thursday – Saturday and 12am every other night, it’s a great place to start – or finish – a night out.  

Be sure to also check out Westgate Bowl, Wengers Bowling Center, or one of Grand Rapids’ other fun bowling options.

Event at Amped Virtual Reality

Amped Virtual Reality is the perfect place to play pretend and feel like a kid again!

Photo by Haley Chicoine for Experience GR.

Amped Virtual Reality

Need an escape from your day-to-day reality? Join Spider-Man on a swing through New York City, traverse the oceanic depths, make your way through a zombie apocalypse or an island of dinosaurs and tackle dozens of other exciting games at Amped Virtual Reality.

You’ll choose your game(s), grab a controller, strap on a headset and be transported to a whole new environment, without ever leaving the comfort of the Amped VR arcade. Some games are strictly solo, others let you compete with or against others in your group.

You can book online if you like – reservations are strongly recommended on Saturdays – and there are party packages available for groups, complete with food and refreshments. Game sessions last one hour and all guests must sign a waiver before playing.

Woodrows Duckping Bowling, opened in 2022 in Grand Rapids.

Woodrows DuckPin offers seven lanes, a lounge area and a variety of seating options.

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Duckpin Bowling 

Experience a different spin on bowling at Woodrows DuckPin inside the Amway Grand Plaza in downtown GR. The lanes are shorter compared to traditional bowling. The balls are smaller and have no holes. The pins are shorter, squattier and lighter than traditional ones, and arranged a bit differently. It’s actually more challenging to knock them down, so you get three rolls per frame instead of two.

You don’t need to rent (or bring) bowling shoes or a ball, just show up and pay for your lane. Carefully curated cocktails, craft beer and wine are available, and you can bring your own food from outside. It’s a comfortable, casual environment complete with a lounge area and large TV displays – perfect for hanging out after your game.

Laser Tag

A good game of laser tag gets your heart pumping and your face smiling. And when you play with other adults, you don’t have to worry about being “that person” tagging all the kids. When you’re ready to rumble, call up BattleGR. Battle GR also offers mobile laser and archery tag at your location of choice. All you have to do is grab some competitors and show up. They do all the rest!

Be sure to check out laser tag at Craig’s Cruisers and Rebounderz as well. 

Acting like a kid is good for the mind and the body. And with the variety of options available, there is definitely something for everyone to get out and enjoy!