Dynamic Variation:
The metropolitan center of western Michigan is the perfect place for families.
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!
Millennuim Park named one of the 10BEST Splash Pads in 2023
Two days. Two families. Five kids under 5 years of age. Get inspired by their Grand Rapids itinerary!
Even if the weather may not be delightful, your Grand Rapids getaway can be – just move the fun indoors!
Find out how a teacher-dad turned a John Ball Zoo trip into an unforgettable experience for his kids!
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.
For only $20, Culture Pass GR is your ticket to explore cultural attractions and even more discounts in Grand Rapids.
October 3, 2023 - January 13, 2024
The Traveling Exhibit Series: Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum
Bed & Breakfast Package
- Valid: Always
Includes: Overnight accommodations Breakfast for two adults at Starbucks or at The Kitchen Counter by…
Best for Breakfast
- Valid: Always
Enjoy a great start to your day by selecting our Best for Breakfast package. Guests will receive 1…
Breakfast Tray Served Hot To Your Room
- Valid: Always
We provide a complimentary, homemade, Chef's choice breakfast delivered to your room between…
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Package
- Valid: Always
Stay with us an explore one of the premier botanical gardens in the country! Included in your rate is 2…
Stay for Breakfast Package
- Valid: Always
Package Includes: - Overnight accommodations. - Breakfast buffet for two adults and children under 12…
The hotel pool is always a highlight for a family-fun vacation.
Photo by Experience Grand Rapids
Experiences
Things to do with Teens in Grand Rapids
- 5 min
Must Read
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…