Grand Rapids Children's Museum
GRCM offers all sorts of different ways for young ones to play, and all of them lead to joy and learning. Sensory tool kits are available for kids who need some extra support.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Kids who like to discover stuff through play will love GRPM, where three wonder-filled floors accommodate history & science exhibits, a 1928 carousel, a planetarium and much more.
John Ball Zoo
Get up close to 2,400 animals? Check. Ride a zip line over a waterfall? Check. Take a funicular up to a treehouse? Check. The zoo has ways to play for just about every kid!
Lena Meijer Children's Garden @ Meijer Gardens
Specially designed and sized for youngsters, this outdoor play space at dazzling Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park encourages kids to touch, smell, splash, dig and create.
Deer Tracks Junction
Play with goats, pigs, camels, bunnies, more. Play in a barn full of tunnels, slides and a giant sandbox. Play adventurer on a drive-thru safari of wild animals. It’s all here in one place.
Parks & Trails
Hike through forests. Bike over rivers. Get wet at a splash pad. Spread out on the beach. Climb a sand dune. Fish for bluegill. Visit a nature center. Grand Rapids is a giant playground for outdoor-loving kids!
Even if the weather may not be delightful, your Grand Rapids getaway can be – just move the fun indoors!
Explore the different learning opportunities at the John Ball Zoo!
Other kid-fun things to do
Air Zoo
- 6151 Portage Rd
Craig's Cruisers
- 5730 Clyde Park Ave. SW
Blandford Nature Center
- 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW
BattleGR Tactical Games
- 284 Dodge NE
Allegan Event
- 439 River St
Grand Rapids Griffins
See the coolest game in town from October through April. This AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings plays in downtown’s Van Andel Arena.
Grand Rapids Gold
NBA Development League affiliate of the Denver Nuggets.
Grand Rapids Rise
Professional Women's Volleyball team.
West Michigan Whitecaps Baseball
As the High-A affiliate of Michigan’s major league baseball team, the Whitecaps provide a training ground for young talent and a whole lot of fun for fans.
Save 50% with Our Attraction Pass
Receive admission into many attractions around Grand Rapids as well as additional exclusive discounts with our Attraction Pass now with adult, children and senior pricing.
Christmas Adventure at Deer Tracks Junction: A Drive-Thru Light Experience
5BR Family Rental - Whole Building
- Valid: Always
Welcome to The BlueJay, your family-friendly haven in downtown Grand Rapids' bustling Bridge Street…
Bed & Breakfast Package
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Includes: Overnight accommodations Breakfast for two adults at Starbucks or at The Kitchen Counter by…
Best for Breakfast
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Enjoy a great start to your day by selecting our Best for Breakfast package. Guests will receive 1…
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Package
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Stay with us an explore one of the premier botanical gardens in the country! Included in your rate is 2…
Stay for Breakfast Package
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Package Includes: - Overnight accommodations. - Breakfast buffet for two adults and children under 12…
Santa Suite
- Valid: November 21, 2025 - December 20, 2025
Discover the North Pole right here in West Michigan! Experience the holiday season like Santa himself in…
The hotel pool is always a highlight for a family-fun vacation.
Photo by Experience Grand Rapids
Things to do with Teens in Grand Rapids
- 6 min
Traveling to Grand Rapids with a teenager? The city and region offer plenty of possibilities to satisfy even the hardest-to-please adolescents. Whether your teen prefers outdoor adventure or indoor…
Family-Friendly Things to Do with Kids in Grand Rapids
- 8 min
Grand Rapids is where kids and families come to Play Their Way, in every season and all year ‘round. It’s jam-packed with things to do for every kind of kid and every kind of family, so you can plan a…