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Dynamic Variation:
Summer in the City
Summer Activities in Grand Rapids
It’s a different kind of summer in Grand Rapids this year, as we continue to follow state guidelines for a safe and gradual reopening of the economy. Though many events have been canceled, there are still great opportunities to enjoy the warm-weather season.
We’ll keep updating this page to reflect new summer openings and opportunities, so check back often.
The health and well-being of the local community and our visitors is paramount, so we urge you to observe the recommendations of national and local public health officials. Michigan requirements include:
- Wearing a face covering in all enclosed spaces (except when dining) and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
- Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from people not in your household.
- Gathering in groups no larger than 10 people.
Please check our travel updates for visitor tips and safety guidelines. Together, we can ensure that you can travel confidently.
Things To Do
Attractions
Some of the area’s biggest tourist attractions are now open for visitors – including A.J.’s Family Fun Center, Blandford Nature Center, Craig’s Cruisers, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Public Museum, John Ball Zoo, and Michigan's Adventure WildWater Adventure. Hours and procedures may have changed, check websites for details.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Every Tuesday Grand Rapids Art Museum is free---take time out of your day to take in some amazing art.…
Learn More ›
Grand Rapids Public Museum
This museum offers world-class exhibits on history, nature, cultural heritage and more. Ride a 1928 carousel, catch a show in the planetarium or eat in the cafe overlooking the Grand River.…
Learn More ›Social Zones
Outdoor dining has always been a highlight of summer in Grand Rapids – and new social zones allow even more restaurants to offer al fresco dining. The city has teamed with businesses to transform streets, sidewalks, parks and parking lots into socially distanced spaces for food and beverage service, exercise classes and more. Four downtown zones and three outlying zones give you plenty of options for open-air fun! You can enjoy an adult beverage while strolling around the city. “Refreshment Areas” in select Social Zones allow patrons of participating restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues to carry an open alcoholic beverage outdoors.
Dining
Michigan restaurants have been given the go ahead for in-person dining, so local eateries continue to reopen their doors in accordance with health and safety regulations. Many have signed on to the Michigan Restaurant Promise, which spells out their commitment to guests – and explains how guests can help make the dining experience safer for everyone. You can search our restaurant listing to find locations that offer dine-in service, outdoor seating, carry-out, delivery and more.
Craft Beverages
Few things are more satisfying than an ice-cold beer on a hot summer day. Fortunately, many Beer City breweries are now open for in-person service. So are many cideries, distilleries, coffeehouses and other beverage destinations. (Bars that earn less than 70% of their gross receipts from alcohol sales cannot open for now.) Always check with a location before you go.
The Grand Outdoors
Soak up plenty of healthy Vitamin D in wide-open, socially distanced outdoor spaces in an around the city. Golf dozens of excellent courses. Hike or bike hundreds of miles of trails. Get on the water with your canoe or kayak. Picnic in a park or bask in the sun on a beach. Check out all the possibilities for outdoor recreation.
Shopping
Retail shops are opening back up under state guidelines for safe operation. Rivertown Crossings Mall, Tanger Outlet Mall and Woodland Mall are all open for business. Check out our list of shopping destinations and call individual stores to confirm hours. (Many stores continue to offer curbside pickup, too.)
Virtual Visits
You can experience some aspects of Grand Rapids from the comfort of your home, thanks to the ingenuity of local cultural organizations. Watch a live music performance. Tour a museum exhibit. Attend a workshop or virtual gathering. Explore our calendar of upcoming virtual events.
Dream Grand
If you don’t feel comfortable traveling yet, we invite you to Dream Grand with us – explore this website and imagine all the things you’ll want to do on your next visit. You can even build a wish list for your trip. When you find an event or attraction that interests you – like the Grand Rapids Public Museum – just click on the ADD TO LIST button under the address. That creates a running list of things you want to see and do. Click “My Trip” at the top of any page for your complete schedule.
The Insider Experience>
Eat, stay, and play like a local this summer
Breweries with Great Outdoor Spaces
Matthew Makowski
April 16, 2021
Summer, fall, winter, or spring — no matter the time of year in the Mitten State, many West Michigan breweries have...
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Sensory-Friendly Experiences in Grand Rapids
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April 12, 2021
Several Grand Rapids attractions, including John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), are taking steps to...
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15 Fun and FREE Things to do in Grand Rapids
Experience GR Team
April 6, 2021
Whoever said nothing in life is free hasn't been to Kent County, Michigan. The greater Grand Rapids area offers a wide...
Experience GR TeamApril 6, 2021
Grand Rapids Area Outdoor Dining Spaces
Experience GR Team
March 31, 2021
Outdoor Dining in Any Season Grand Rapidians love the outdoors – so much so that local restaurants and breweries have...
Experience GR TeamMarch 31, 2021
Grand Rapids Hotel Pools Open for Swimcations & Staycations
Experience GR Team
March 25, 2021
You don’t need to wait until summer to enjoy a fun swimcation – pack up the bathing suits, floaties and swim goggles and...
Experience GR TeamMarch 25, 2021
Summer Hotel Packages
Plan your summer getaway with a hotel package that includes a special perk geared around a specific Grand Rapids highlight – from beer to food to culture and beyond. Consider enriching your stay even further with immersive Tours & Experiences.
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Dynamic Variation:
Official Travel Guide
Our Visitor's Guide features 90 colorful pages of don't-leave-home-without-it information on attractions, activities, lodging and more. Flip through the online guide or request your FREE copy by mail.
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