Plan a Family Adventure in Grand Rapids
Want to ensure your kids have the most possible fun on your next getaway? Book a family trip to Grand Rapids and let your kids play their way!
Grand Rapids is so kid-friendly that it’s been named the best place in America to raise a family. It’s packed with play opportunities for every kind of kid: toddlers and tweens, daredevils and daydreamers, introverts and extroverts, the rowdy and the sensitive. When you let your kids lead the play, they’ll gravitate to the things that fit their unique personality – and you’ll reap the dividends in smiles and laughter.
So go ahead and manage the logistics of your Grand Rapids trip – like hotels, transportation and discount passes. Then let your kids choose what makes them happy. Start by scrolling down this page!
To prove how friendly the town is for family travel, CNN reporter, Derek Van Dam brings his seven-year-old daughter Maya to take in everything Grand Rapids has to offer. CNN recently named Grand Rapids one of America's Best Towns to Visit.
Play Their Way at these attractions
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.
Even if the weather may not be delightful, your Grand Rapids getaway can be – just move the fun indoors!
A Parent's Guide to GR-Area Playgrounds
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Offers Sensory-Friendly Play Environment
John Ball Zoo Offers Year-Round Learning Opportunities for the Whole Family
More places to Play Their Way:
Other kid-fun things to do
Air Zoo
- 6151 Portage Rd
Blandford Nature Center
- 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW
BattleGR Tactical Games
- 284 Dodge NE
Allegan Event
- 439 River St
Altitude Trampoline Park
- 3495 Alpine Ave. NW
Craig's Cruisers
- 5730 Clyde Park Ave. SW
Rebounderz
- 7500 Cottonwood Dr.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
- 3636 29th Street SE
Play Their Way at sporting events
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
Check out the Whitecaps baseball at Fifth Third Ballpark.
For only $28, Culture Pass GR is your ticket to explore cultural attractions and even more discounts in Grand Rapids.
Play Their Way at events created for kids:
Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit
Christmas Adventure at Deer Tracks Junction: A Drive-Thru Light Experience!
Stay & Play Their Way with hotel packages
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
- 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…
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…
Discover Grand Rapids
- Valid: February 23, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Discover Grand Rapids with the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport. Enjoy overnight accommodation breakfast for…
Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Staycation
- Valid: February 23, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Enjoy a night at the newly renovated Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport. Package includes overnight…
10% Off
- Valid: July 2, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Take advantage of this exclusive discount on one regular-priced clothing or gift item at our Laker Store…
Santa Suite
- Valid: November 22, 2024 - December 21, 2024
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
Play Their Way in hotels with pools
Things to do with Teens in Grand Rapids
- photo by Haley Chicoine for Experience GR
- 5 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…