Think the Symphony is Only for Adults? Think Again.
Another weekend is on the horizon and you’re looking for fun things to do in Grand Rapids. Don’t let your mind wander right past the Grand Rapids Symphony.
An evening (or afternoon!) at the symphony is one of the best things to do in Grand Rapids with kids. That’s right: with kids.
The Grand Rapids Symphony is more than just sitting quietly in your nicest clothes while listening to string instruments play Beethoven.
Sure, you can do that, but you can also listen at the park during Picnic Pops or at the the Acrisure Amphitheater.
With performances at different times and venues all over West Michigan and lineups that appeal to all ages, the Grand Rapids Symphony will have you reimagining a Symphony concert.
in this article
The Symphony is Meant for Kids, Too
Grand Rapids Symphony is proud to bring world-class musical performances to West Michigan, whether at DeVos Performance Hall, St. Cecilia’s, the Acrisure Amphitheater or a neighborhood park.
DeVos Performance Hall is the Symphony’s home base. When you attend a concert here, there’s no need to tiptoe and talk in hushed voices.
Instead, you can expect a warm welcome when you arrive.
The friendly staff will help you find restrooms, concessions and your seats. They’re also happy to answer any questions.
Be sure to come early to take advantage of kid-friendly activities in the lobby prior to the concert.
Visit the concessions areas at DeVos to buy water, pop, specialty drinks and snacks that you can take into the auditorium to enjoy during the performance. (Outside food and drinks are not allowed.)
When you attend a family-friendly concert, there’s no need to worry about keeping your kids quiet and still the entire time. They’re expected to wiggle, move and enjoy the music.
Not sure if the concert you want to see is good for kids? Give the box office a call and ask! They’re always happy to help.
Grand Rapids Symphony on the Road
Grand Rapids Symphony travels all over West Michigan to bring the joy of music to everyone.
If you’re still not sure if attending a concert at DeVos is right for your family, there are plenty of other ways to experience the Symphony. Head to St. Cecilia’s for educational programming or check out Picnic Pops at a Grand Rapids-area park during the summer. Last summer, they even collaborated with John Ball Zoo!
In fact, the Symphony performs matinee concerts dedicated to school age audiences every year. This year’s lineup includes:
| LolliPops Concert | Forest Hills Fine Arts Center | For grades PreK – 1st |
| Percussion Discussion | New Vintage Place | For grades 2 – 3 |
| Link Up | DeVos Performance Hall | For grades 3 – 5 |
| Coffee Masterworks | St. Cecilia Music Center | For grades 6 – 12 |
Visit their website for more information about all the Symphony’s educational programs.
2026 – 2027 Season Highlights
Mark your calendars for these family-friendly concerts at DeVos:
Holiday Pops, Dec 4 – 6: It’s a family tradition full of popular holiday favorites and yuletide cheer.
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film, Dec 16 – 17: Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale on the big screen as the Symphony performs the score live.
Cirque de la Symphonie: Fire and Ice, March 12 – 13: Cirque de la Symphonie returns and promises more thrills than ever before. Marvel at the strong men, aerial flyers, contortionists, and more, as the Symphony creates the perfect soundtrack.
The Music of Billy Joel: The Piano Man’s Greatest Hits, May 14 – 15: Enjoy Tony DeSare’s signature vocal and robust piano style as he pays tribute to the iconic songs of Billy Joel.
WIN Grand Rapids Symphony Tickets
With this incredible family-friendly lineup, the symphony is the place to be this season. And it gets even better!
Grand Rapids Symphony is giving one (1) lucky reader the chance to WIN four (4) tickets to four (4) performances this season. That’s a total of 16 tickets to one lucky winner!
The winner will receive four tickets to Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film on December 16 or 17; Celebrating Beethoven, February 26 or 27; Cirque de la Symphonie: Fire and Ice, March 12 or 13; and The Music of Billy Joel: The Piano Man’s Greatest Hits, May 14 or 15.
The winner will select which day works best for them for each performance.
Enter Here
Fill out the form below to be entered to WIN these sixteen tickets.
| FINE PRINT: This giveaway will close on December 3, 2026, at 11 PM and the winners will be notified via email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond by email accepting the prize. No purchase necessary to enter the contest. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to grkids.com and not to Facebook. Entrants will release Facebook from all liability. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age and reside in Michigan. Only one entry per household or IP address. Grand Rapids Kids’ liability is limited to the value of the prize. |
Know Before You Go
Every person, regardless of age, is required to have their own ticket.
Location
Grand Rapids Symphony Box Office
300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-454-9451
Website
Hours
The box office is open Monday – Friday from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Discounts
Group discounts are available for six or more tickets. Call the box office to purchase.
Symphony Scorecard provides up to four (4) free tickets for military and Bridge card holders.
Scorecard members can also request a FREE concession ticket, eligible for up to four sodas or bottled waters at the concession stand. They may also request FREE bus passes to aid in transportation to and from DeVos Performance Hall.
Campus Club allows students and educators to purchase two (2) tickets each for a discounted price of $12. This is open to all students and educators at every level. A valid school ID is required.
Reimagine the Symphony
If you’ve been picturing the Symphony as a quiet night of sitting still in fancy dresses and three-piece suits, it’s time to reimagine what a family concert can offer.
From family-friendly performances at DeVos Performance Hall to outdoor concerts at the park, there are plenty of ways to experience the Grand Rapids Symphony with your kids.
Check out the upcoming performances and you might just discover a new favorite family tradition.
