20 Fun Things To Do In Grand Rapids Michigan

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a must-see attraction in Grand Rapids. This expansive, 158-acre park is both a botanical garden and an art museum. Located at 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, it features a wide range of beautiful gardens, including a tropical conservatory, a Japanese garden, and a children's garden.

Visitors can stroll through lush landscapes, enjoy seasonal exhibits, and participate in educational programs. The admission fee is affordable, making it a budget-friendly activity.

This bustling indoor marketplace is a great spot for food lovers and those looking to experience local culture. Here, you can find a variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and unique eateries all under one roof.

The market features a range of food vendors offering everything from gourmet cheeses and freshly baked bread to delicious international cuisine. It’s also home to a few local shops selling handmade crafts and specialty items.

These activities to do in Grand Rapids allow you to buy just a small snack or enjoy a full meal.

Disc golfing in Grand Rapids is one of the great things to do in Michigan, Grand Rapids. It is organized at various parks and courses throughout the city.

This outdoor activity combines the rules of golf with the fun of throwing frisbee-like discs into metal baskets, set among scenic park landscapes. It's a great recreational sport suitable for all ages and skill levels, offering a blend of physical activity and strategic gameplay.

Visitors interested in disc golfing can learn more by visiting the Grand Rapids Disc Golfers United website or contacting local parks and recreation departments for course details and events.

This museum offers a diverse range of exhibits that cover everything from local history to science and natural history. The museum also features a planetarium, which provides immersive shows about the stars and planets.

The exhibits are interactive, making learning fun and engaging. Additionally, the museum frequently hosts special events and educational programs, making it a dynamic spot to visit throughout the year.

For a fun and educational day out, the John Ball Zoo is a fascinating place. This zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, and bears, as well as unique species like red pandas and snow leopards.

What makes John Ball Zoo particularly enjoyable is its interactive approach. Visitors can feed giraffes and stingrays, which allows for up-close encounters with these fascinating animals.

The zoo also features a zip-line adventure that takes you over the zoo grounds, offering a thrilling perspective of the animal habitats.

ArtPrize is an exciting international art competition that transforms Grand Rapids into a vibrant open-air gallery. Held annually, this unique event spans 19 days, during which artists from around the world showcase their work in various public spaces and venues throughout the city.

From murals and sculptures to installations and interactive pieces, ArtPrize features a diverse range of artistic expressions. Best of all, visiting ArtPrize is completely free, making it accessible to everyone.

Fish Ladder Park is a unique destination known for its functional fish ladder. The park's primary feature is a specially designed structure that helps fish navigate the Grand River's rapids during their annual migrations.

This fish ladder allows visitors to observe various fish species as they swim upstream, overcoming natural obstacles. The park itself offers more than just the fish ladder. It's a peaceful urban green space where visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Grand River and downtown Grand Rapids.

Finding the perfect picnic spot at Lookout Park in Grand Rapids is a delightful way to spend a day. Lookout Park offers stunning views of the city skyline, making it an ideal location for a relaxing picnic. You can spread out a blanket, enjoy a meal with family or friends, and take in the scenic beauty around you.

The park's elevated position provides a great vantage point for watching the sunset or simply enjoying the cityscape. It’s a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and its location makes it one of the best things to do in Grand Rapids MI.

Grand Rapids is celebrated as one of the top craft beer cities in the United States, earning the nickname "Beer City USA." The city boasts a vibrant craft beer scene, with numerous breweries offering a wide range of unique and flavorful beers.

Notable breweries include Founders Brewing Co., known for its innovative and award-winning brews, and Brewery Vivant, which combines Belgian-style beers with a rustic charm.

The craft beer culture in Grand Rapids is not just about drinking beer but also about experiencing it. Many breweries offer guided tours where visitors can learn about the brewing process and taste various beers.

Located in downtown Grand Rapids, this outdoor rink is a popular winter attraction, offering a picturesque setting with the city's lights and skyline in the background. It's open during the winter months, typically from November through March, depending on weather conditions.

The rink is known for its charming atmosphere, especially in the evening when it's illuminated and surrounded by festive decorations. It's a great spot for a magical skating experience under the night sky.

The symphony, known for its high-caliber performances, offers a diverse season of concerts ranging from classical masterpieces and modern compositions to engaging pops and holiday specials. The venue itself, DeVos Performance Hall, is renowned for its excellent acoustics and elegant setting, enhancing the overall experience.

In addition to regular concerts, the Grand Rapids Symphony often hosts special events and educational programs. These may include behind-the-scenes tours, guest artist appearances, and community outreach initiatives designed to make classical music more accessible and engaging.

Strolling along the Grand River is a great way to experience the natural side of Grand Rapids and is one of the top things to do Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Grand River offers a scenic backdrop with its winding waters and lush surroundings, making it perfect for a relaxing walk.

The trails are popular among locals and tourists alike, offering picturesque views of the river and opportunities to observe local wildlife. The Grand River pathways also connect to various parks and landmarks, making it easy to explore more of the city’s attractions.

This spot is a fun and interactive way to enjoy things to do in Michigan Grand Rapids. Visitors can stroll through the orchard and pick their apples straight from the trees.

The farm also features a winery where you can sample and purchase local wines, along with a bakery that serves delicious treats like apple pies and donuts. It's a great way to spend a day, enjoying the fresh air, delicious fruits, and homemade goodies.

Robinette's is known for its warm hospitality and provides a perfect blend of outdoor fun and delicious treats, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The Lena Meijer Children's Garden is a delightful part of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. It's specifically designed to engage children with nature through interactive exhibits and activities.

Kids can explore themed gardens like the Storytelling Garden and the Great Lakes Garden, where they can learn about plants and ecosystems in a hands-on way. There are sculptures, bridges, and water features that add to the magical atmosphere, making it a favorite for families visiting the park.

Among the other things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this activity boasts a rich history intertwined with intriguing ghost stories, particularly along its oldest streets.

One notable area is the Fulton Street Cemetery, where tours by Grand Rapids Running Tours delve into the city's ghostly past.

These tours offer a blend of historical narratives and supernatural tales, making for a spine-chilling yet educational experience. The stories often revolve around local legends and paranormal sightings linked to the cemetery and nearby locations.

For those fascinated by local lore and ghostly encounters, these tours provide a unique opportunity to explore Grand Rapids' lesser-known facets.

Millennium Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including walking and biking trails, a large lake with paddle boating, and picnic areas.

The park also features a sandy beach where you can swim and relax. It’s a great place for families and individuals looking to enjoy nature and outdoor fun. The best part is that access to the park and its amenities is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly destination for anyone wanting to spend a day outdoors.

Heritage Hill Historic District is a captivating area in Grand Rapids that offers a step back in time. Located just east of downtown, this neighborhood is one of the largest and most well-preserved historic districts in the United States.

It features over 1,300 historic homes and buildings, showcasing a variety of architectural styles from the 19th and early 20th centuries. As you stroll through Heritage Hill, you’ll see beautiful Victorian mansions, classic Greek Revival homes, and charming turn-of-the-century houses.

This area is free to visit and provides a wonderful way to explore the city’s architectural history and charm.

This large, modern arena hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, sporting events, and family shows. It's known for its state-of-the-art facilities and comfortable seating, making it a popular spot for high-quality entertainment.

The arena frequently features major musical acts, exciting sports games, and various live performances, ensuring there’s always something happening. Ticket prices vary depending on the event, but the arena often offers a range of options to suit different budgets.

It’s easily accessible from various parts of the city, making it a convenient choice for both locals and visitors.

Grand River kayaking in Grand Rapids offers an exciting way to explore the city's scenic waterways. The Grand River flows through downtown, providing paddlers with unique views of the city skyline and natural landscapes.

Several outfitters, such as GR Paddling and Grand River Kayak & Canoe, offer kayak rentals and guided tours suitable for all skill levels.

Exploring the river by kayak allows participants to observe wildlife such as herons and turtles, adding a natural dimension to the urban adventure.

This 100-acre nature preserve features scenic trails winding through diverse habitats like forests, meadows, and wetlands. As you hike along the well-marked paths, you can enjoy the tranquility of nature and observe various bird species in their natural habitat.

The preserve is home to many birds, including songbirds and raptors, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. The trails are accessible and suitable for all skill levels, providing a great opportunity for both casual walkers and serious hikers.