Grandtastics 2025 DRAFT

Welcome to the Best of Grand Rapids 2025

Your votes told us where you love to shop, play, and eat -and all of your favorite things to do in Grand Rapids. Thank you!

This year’s results are reflected here, in the 2025 Best of Grand Rapids.

Take a look at 2025’s top places, food stops, and experiences that make Grand Rapids a fabulous place for families.

2025 Best of GR Winners Lists

Experience old favorites and try something new – The Best of Grand Rapids 2025 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 in the past year.

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!
CategoryWinnerOur Article
MuseumWinner: Grand Rapids Public MuseumExplore the best museums in Grand Rapids!
Place to See AnimalsWinner: John Ball ZooDiscover the best places that offer captivating and immersive animal experiences for all ages.
Fall Farm/Apple OrchardWinner: Schwallier’s Country BasketVisit top-voted apple orchards and fall destinations with activities like apple picking, hayrides, and corn mazes.
Coolest Park PlaygroundWinner: Millennium ParkEnjoy sprawling green spaces, playgrounds, picnic areas, and recreational activities for every age and interest.
Overnight CampWinner: Camp RogerCreate long-lasting friendships and memories at day and overnight camps.
Birthday Party VenueWinner: Craig’s CruisersHost your next birthday party at one of the top ten places voted by Grand Rapids area readers.
Indoor Play Place for Little Kids (paid)
Winner: Grand Rapids Children’s MuseumCheck out ultimate indoor playgrounds in West Michigan for endless hours of fun.
Game or Hobby StoreWinner: Aunt Candy’s Toy CompanyExplore the best game & hobby stores for family game nights.
Romantic Restaurant (non-chain)Winner: Amore Trattoria ItalianaDiscover the best voted date night restaurants in Grand Rapids.
Haircuts for KidsWinner: Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids – Grand Rapids (Knapps Corner)Schedule your child’s next haircut at one of the top voted places.
Attorney – Wills & TrustsWinner: John Inhulsen (Inhulsen Law)Find top voted attorneys for wills & trusts planning.
Financial PlannerWinner: Geoff Sadek (Academy Wealth Management)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 PlannerWinner: Jennifer Witham Buck (Love the Mouse Travel)Knowledgeable Disney Travel Agents help create magical trips.
Michigan WaterparkWinner: Michigan’s AdventureThrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools at the best Michigan water parks.
Resort in Michigan for FamiliesWinner: Great Wolf Lodge – Traverse CityReserve your room at one of the best resorts in Michigan, including a winter trip at these top ski resorts.
Dance Studio/LessonsWinner: Integrity Dance ArtsDiscover the top voted dance studios for kids.
Music Studio/LessonsWinner: Academy of Music in Grand Rapids and JenisonSchedule lessons at the top voted music studios.
West MI Experience Gift for KidsWinner: Membership to John Ball ZooTop voted experience gifts for kids like memberships and tickets.
Swimming LessonsWinner: Goldfish Swim School – Grand RapidsInvest in swimming lessons at top voted places.
Art Instruction/Studio for KidsWinner: The Mud RoomGet creative at top voted art classes and studios for kids.
Gymnastics/Tumbling/Movement ClassesWinner: Rising Starz Gymnastics & FitnessGet your little tumblers moving at parents’ favorite gymnastics places.
Place to take Driver’s TrainingWinner: Jungle Survival Drivers TrainingSleep easy knowing your teen has been well-prepared at top voted driver’s training places.
Soccer Lessons/ProgramWinner: LASSO LowellReaders love soccer lessons and programs at these places!
Coolest Coffee ShopWinner: Herman’s BoyGrand Rapids has over 40 cool coffee shops.
Candy StoreWinner: Sweetland CandiesFind top voted candy stores and places for sweet treats.
Outdoor Patio/Deck/Rooftop in West MIWinner: The ScoreGet outstanding views at top voted places with rooftop seating or beach & outdoor patio seating.
Couples Weekend GetawayWinner: Traverse CityEnjoy a romantic getaway less than 3 hours from Grand Rapids.
Bucket List ItemsWinner: Frederik Meijer Gardens ButterfliesFind over 50 iconic GR places and experiences for families’ bucket lists.
Photographer for Senior PicturesWinner: Memories by Mandy PhotographyCelebrate your high school senior with top voted senior pictures photographers.
Family Fun/Activity Center (Paid)Winner: Craig’s CruisersPlay 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 ZooCheck out these top local outings to experience with your child.
Performing Arts OrgWinner: Grand Rapids Civic TheatreAspiring young performers can check out these classes.
Mobile Entertainment ServiceWinner: BattleGR Tactical GamesBring the party anywhere with the best mobile entertainment services.
West MI BeachesWinner: Grand Haven State ParkSpend the day at one of 60+ beaches in Michigan.
Cheap Date Night Idea (Outside of the House)Winner: Grand Haven – watch the sunsetChoose from 19 date night ideas under $25!
Cocktails in GRWinner: Max’s South Seas HideawayGrab a drink with your special someone and use our A-to-Z list of date night ideas to plan your next stop.
Desserts in GR (non-chain)Winner: Frosty Boy – Grand RapidsEnjoy an after-dinner treat at these top dessert places.
Date Night Experience (Paid)Winner: Grand Rapids Civic TheatreFind over 100 date night ideas to enjoy in GR.
Breakfast in Grand RapidsWinner: Lucy’s
Ice Cream ShopWinner: Frosty Boy – Grand RapidsWe all scream for ice cream at these top rated ice cream shops.
FriesWinner: Stella’s LoungePass the ketchup and try some of the best fries in the area.
Locally Owned Mexican RestaurantWinner: Tacos El Cuñado – Burton St. SWEnjoy a taco, fajita or margarita at the top local Mexican Restaurants.
Sushi in Grand RapidsWinner: Ju Sushi & LoungeDine at Ju Sushi, then try another top date night restaurant on our list
Pizza in Grand RapidsWinner: The Mitten Brewing Co. – Grand RapidsFind your favorite slice at locals’ favorite spot for pizza.
Burger in Grand RapidsWinner: Stella’s LoungeEat burgers at Stella’s Lounge, or check out 16 other unique local places to dine.
Family Dining Experience (Non-Chain)Winner: The Old GoatExplore the best places to dine in GR.
Cinnamon RollsWinner: Anna’s House – East BeltlinePick up the best gooey freshly baked cinnamon rolls for your next breakfast.
Instagram-Worthy Family Photo SpotWinner: Rockford Dam OverlookFind the top 21 Instagrammable spots around GR.
Event/FestivalWinner: John Ball Zoo Lantern FestivalEnjoy a one-of-a-kind experience at a Michigan festival this year!
Local Spot for Grandparent-Kid-Parent FunWinner: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture ParkLocal fun for Grandparents and grandkids alike!
Local Non-profit Helping FamiliesWinner: Kid’s Food BasketExplore volunteer opportunities for kids, teens and families.
Local Family-Owned BusinessWinner: Boulder Ridge Wild Animal ParkSupport local with these top-tier family-owned businesses.
Sports Team Fan ExperienceWinner: West Michigan WhitecapsExperience the thrill of a White Caps Game, a Griffins Game or Grand Rapids Rise match.
Family Staycation Spot (Overnight)Winner: Sandy Pines ResortStaycation? No problem with 60 fun things to do with kids in West Michigan.
Stops in OhioWinner: Hocking HillsOhio offers waterparks, zoos, museums and many other family-friendly adventures throughout the state.
Stops in TennesseeWinner: Great Smoky Mountains National ParkCreate memories at these must-see vacation spots in Tennessee.
Stops in WisconsinWinner: The DellsSplash around at the Dells or experience more of Wisconsin at these travel destinations.
Stops in IllinoisWinner: Shedd AquariumExplore the Windy City and the state of Illinois on your next trip.
Stops in IndianaWinner: ShipshewanaCheck out all Indiana has to offer, including the largest Children’s Museum in the world, plus stops in Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne.
Tutoring/Academic SupportWinner: Kumon Math and Reading Center of Grand Rapids – NorthGet help for your student with West Michigan tutoring programs.
High School Theater ProgramWinner: Rockford High SchoolEnroll in one of West Michigan’s theater and acting classes.
Elementary Language Immersion ProgramWinner: Ada Vista Elementary SchoolFind language immersion programs near you.
High School Band ProgramWinner: Rockford High SchoolListen to the best local marching bands.
High School Football ProgramWinner: Rockford High SchoolThese High School Football Programs make for memorable fall Friday nights.
Inspiring PrincipalWinner: Jeremy Karel – Valley View Elementary SchoolParents and teachers cherish these local Principals.

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