Welcome to the Family Choice Awards 2026
Your votes told us all of your favorite things to do in Grand Rapids. Thank you!
This year’s results are reflected here, in the 2026 Family Choice Awards (formerly known as Grandtastics).
You told us where you like to play, learn, visit – and even where to plan your next camping trip!
Take a look at 2026’s top places, experiences and education programs that make Grand Rapids a fabulous place for families.
2026 Best of GR Winners Lists
Experience old favorites and try something new – The Family Choice Awards 2026 is packed with old standbys that have stood the test of time as well as exciting newcomers that popped up on the West Michigan scene recently.
The top ten winners in each sub-category are listed (exceptions made in cases of a tie).
Let’s play local and celebrate all there is to love about Grand Rapids!
The ‘Best of’ rankings displayed on this website were determined through votes cast by our community members, parents, and other website users. They are solely based on the preferences and opinions of the individuals who participated in the voting process.Quick Look at the Winners – Open here!
| Category | Winner | Our Article |
|---|---|---|
| Museum | Winner: Grand Rapids Public Museum | Explore the best museums in Grand Rapids! |
| Place to See Animals | Winner: John Ball Zoo | Discover the best places that offer captivating and immersive animal experiences for all ages. |
| Fall Farm/Apple Orchard | Winner: Deep Roots Produce | Visit top-voted apple orchards and fall destinations with activities like apple picking, hayrides, and corn mazes. |
| Coolest Park Playground | Winner: Millennium Park | Enjoy sprawling green spaces, playgrounds, picnic areas, and recreational activities for every age and interest. |
| One-of-a-Kind West MI Experience | Winner: Butterflies at Frederik Meijer Gardens | Explore GR and check out these 50+ bucket-list-worthy experiences. |
| Birthday Party Venue | Winner: Craig’s Cruisers | Host your next birthday party at one of these top local venues. |
| Indoor Play Place for Little Kids (paid) | Winner: Happy Kids Indoor Playground | Check out ultimate indoor playgrounds in West Michigan for endless hours of fun. |
| Game or Hobby Store | Winner: Bricks & Minifigs | Explore the best game & hobby stores for family game nights. |
| Haircuts for Kids | Winner: Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids – Grand Rapids (Knapps Corner) | Schedule your child’s next haircut at one of the top voted places. |
| Candy Store | Winner: Holland Peanut Store | Find top voted candy stores and places for sweet treats. |
| Financial Planner | Winner: David Foster (Thornapple Financial Center) | After getting your finances in order with the best local financial planners, pass along some pro tips to your teen about financial independence. |
| Disney Vacation Planner | Winner: Quincy Kwast (Adventures by Quincy) | Knowledgeable Disney Travel Agents help create magical trips. |
| Family Campground in MI | Winner: Dunes Harbor Family Camp | Reserve a site at one of these top Michigan Campgrounds. |
| Local Hotel Pool | Winner: JW Marriott Grand Rapids | Splash around at one of the top local hotel pools. |
| Dance Studio/Lessons | Winner: Integrity Dance Arts | Discover the top voted dance studios for kids. |
| Music Studio/Lessons | Winner: Academy of Music – Grand Rapids | Schedule lessons at the top voted music studios. |
| Art Instruction/Studio for Kids | Winner: The Mud Room | Get creative at top voted art classes and studios for kids. |
| Swimming Lessons | Winner: Goldfish Swim School – Grand Rapids | Invest in swimming lessons at top voted places. |
| Soccer Lessons/Program | Winner: Soccer Buddies | Readers love soccer lessons and programs at these places! |
| Gymnastics/Tumbling/Movement Classes | Winner: Rising Starz Gymnastics & Fitness | Get your little tumblers moving at readers’ favorite gymnastics places. |
| Place to take Driver’s Training | Winner: Jungle Survival Driver’s Training | Sleep easy knowing your teen has been well-prepared at top voted driver’s training places. |
| Performing Arts Org | Winner: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre | Aspiring young performers can check out these classes. |
| West MI Experience Gift for Kids | Winner: John Ball Zoo Membership | Give kids the gift of experiences with these top gift picks. |
| Family Fun/Activity Center (Paid) | Winner: Craig’s Cruisers | Play indoors at family fun centers, art studios, or any of the 70 local indoor play places. |
| Local Spot for Parent-Child Dates (Paid) | Winner: John Ball Zoo | Check out these top local outings to experience with your child. |
| Mobile Entertainment Service | Winner: Sammy’s Party on Wheels | Bring the party anywhere with the best mobile entertainment services. |
| Family Volunteering Opportunity | Winner: Kids’ Food Basket | Explore volunteer opportunities for kids, teens and families. |
| Local Non-profit Helping Families | Winner: Hand2Hand | These non-profits help support our community. |
| Tutoring/Academic Support | Winner: Mathnasium – Grandville | Get help for your student with West Michigan tutoring programs. |
| High School Theater Program | Winner: Jenison High School | Enroll in one of West Michigan’s theater and acting classes. |
| Elementary Language Immersion Program | Winner: Los Lagos Bilingual Academy (formerly West Ottawa Dual Language Spanish Immersion) | Find language immersion programs near you. |
| High School Band Program | Winner: Jenison High School | Listen to the best local marching bands. |
| High School Football Program | Winner: Hudsonville High School | These high school football programs make for memorable fall Friday nights. |
| Inspiring Principal | Winner: Shawn Veitch – Dutton Elementary | Parents and teachers cherish these local principals. |
