The Best of Grand Rapids List for 2021
If you live in West Michigan and are like me, you often hear friends and neighbors talking about the new and interesting places opening in the Grand Rapids area.
Throw in all of the beloved places that have been a staple in West Michigan for decades and you soon realize just how many options there are on where to book a birthday party, where to enjoy a delicious pizza, and where to enroll your child in dance lessons.
So, when you are looking for a new park to play at or the best place to brunch with your family, where do you even start? Right here!
Thousands of our GRKIDS community members have told us the best Grand Rapids family-friendly places to go.
We’ve compiled their favorite places to eat, shop, learn and play with families in one spot.
Every listing in this guide received significant votes from our readers through an extensive social media campaign. Businesses voted in the top 10 were invited to sponsor their section, ensuring that you are getting information on top-notch businesses around Grand Rapids.
Congrats 2021 Grandtastic Award Winners!
Food & Drink
Food that someone else made always tastes better, doesn’t it? When kids are on the scene, though, our options can feel limited.
But highly-rated, family-friendly food is like a badge for Grand Rapids restaurant owners.
We don’t have to settle for so-so fare.
I can take my kid to my favorite coffee shop, and feel welcomed. We can have kicking brunch and they’ll have great stuff for the kids, too.
Here you’ll also find the most delicious sweets in our area from cakes to ice cream and everything in between.
If you are looking to take a break from preparing food for your family, read on for the GRKIDS readers’ GRANDTASTIC choices for take out or dine out.
Best Family-Friendly Breweries
Winner: Mitten Brewing Company
Winner: Mitten Brewing CompanyBest Family-Friendly Breweries List
1. Mitten Brewing Company
2. Third Nature Brewing Company
3. TwoGuys Brewing
4. Founders Brewing Company
5. New Holland Brewing – The Knickerbocker
6. VanderMill
7. Cedar Springs Brewing Company
8. Brewery Vivant
9. Perrin Brewing Company
10. City Built Brewing Company
Best Pizza
Winner: Mitten Brewing Company
Best Pizza Places in West Michigan
1. The Mitten Brewing Company
2. Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen
3. Peppino’s Pizzeria & Sports Grille
4. Buddy’s Pizza
4. Vitale’s Pizza of Ada
6. Flo’s Wood Fired Pizzeria
7. JT’s Pizza & Spirits
8. Brick Road Pizza Co.
9. Uccello’s Ristorante (E. Beltline)
10. Big Bob’s Pizza
10. Fricano’s – Grand Haven
10. JB’s Pizza Parlor (Alger Heights)
Best Family-Friendly Coffee Shop
Winner: Brody’s B Cafe
More Family-Friendly Coffee Shops
1. Brody’s Be Cafe
2. Outside Coffee Co
3. Herman’s Boy
4. Sandy’s Donuts
5. Madcap Coffee (Downtown Market)
6. Rise Authentic Baking Co
7. Frugthaven Farm
7. Wildroast Coffee Co
9. MudPenny
10. Madcap Coffee (Fulton St)
Best Family Take Out Meal
Winner: Amore Trattoria Italiana
Top Take Out Meals
1. Amore Trattoria Italiana
2. Luna GR
3. Rockford Corner Bar
4. Donkey Taqueria
5. HopCat (Grand Rapids Beltline)
6. Noco Provisions
7. TwoGuys Brewing
8. Cantina Mexican Grill
9. Main St. Pub – Allendale
10. Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano
10. Tupelo Honey Grand Rapids
Best Brunch
Winner: Anna’s House
Best Brunch Places in West MI List
1. Anna’s House
2. Real Food Cafe LLC
3. Wolfgang’s
4. Morning Belle
5. Lucy’s Cafe
5. The Omelette Shoppe
7. Westsider Cafe
8. Noble Restaurant
9. The Peppermill Grill
10. The Red Geranium Cafe
Best Cupcakes
Winner: The Salted Cupcake
Best Cupcakes in Grand Rapids
1. The Salted Cupcake
2. Nothing Bundt Cakes
3. Marge’s Donut Den
4. The Cakabakery
5. Sprinkles Donut Shop
6. Sugar Momma’s Bakery & Cafe
7. DreamScape Desserts
8. Sweetie-licious Bakery
9. Connie’s Cakes
10. GR Cookies & Cupcake By Design
Best Donuts
Winner: Marge’s Donut Den
Best Places for Donuts in West Michigan
1. Marge’s Donut Den
2. Sprinkles
3. Sandy’s Donut House
4. Bro’s Doughs
5. Cindy’s Donuts & Ice Cream
6. Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
7. Van’s Pastry Shoppe
8. Heidi’s Farmstand and Bakery
9. Phoenix Rising Bakery
9. Rise Authentic Baking Co.
Best Food Truck
Winner: Pizza Parliament Food Truck
Top West MI Food Trucks
1. Pizza Parliament
2. Underground Cookie Club
3. Patty Matters
4. Daddy Pete’s BBQ
5. Two Bones BBQ
6. Voodoo Foodoo Truck
7. Beecher’s Pretzels
8. Sweet Racks & Smokin’ Butts BBQ
9. Two Scotts Barbecue
10. The Everyday Chef and Wife
Best Birthday Cakes
Winner: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Best Birthday Cake Makers
1. Nothing Bundt Cakes
2. The Cakabakery
3. Marge’s Donut Den
4. Connie’s Cakes
5. Arnie’s Bakery & Restaurants
6. Ryke’s Bakery
7. Steenstra’s Royal Dutch Bakery
8. DreamScape Desserts
9. Meijer
10. Ida’s Pastry Shoppe
10. Nantucket Baking Co.
Best Cookies
Winner: Underground Cookie Club
Top Cookie Spots
1. Underground Cookie Club
2. Nantucket Baking Co.
3. Sugar Momma’s Bakery & Cafe
4. The Cakabakery
5. GR Cookies & Cupcake By Design
6. Cookie Chicks
7. Monica’s Gourmet Cookies
8. Steenstra’s Royal Dutch Bakery
9. Daddy Dough Cookies
10. Cyclops Bakeshop
10. Sweetie-licious Bakery
Best Family-Friendly Restaurant
Winner: Russ’ Restaurants
Best Family-Friendly Restaurant List
1. Russ’ Restaurants
2. Rockford Corner Bar
3. Electric Cheetah
4. Peppino’s Sports Grille & Pizzeria
5. Yesterdog
6. Downtown Market
7. Noco Provisions
7. The Peppermill Grill
9. Bud & Stanleys Pub & Grub
10. Rose’s Restaurant
About Russ' Restaurants
Russ' Restaurants serving West Michigan since 1934! We are a locally owned family restaurant with 12 locations to serve you! We offer a family friendly environment with affordable dining and $3 kid's meals! Thank you GRKIDS fans for voting us #1 family restaurant!
T E S T I M O N I A L
Russ' is our go to family restaurant and has been for many years . We appreciate the family friendly environment for our little boys. The menu has a great food variety! The friendly and quick service never disappoints! -Jessica C.
Best Ice Cream Shops
Winner: Frosty Boy of Grand Rapids
Favorite Ice Cream Shops
1. Frosty Boy
2. Jersey Junction
3. Furniture City Creamery
4. Houseman’s Ice Cream
4. Rocky’s Dairy Depot
6. Captain Sundae
7. Custard by the Dam
7. Deer Tracks Junction
9. Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate
10. Double Dip Depot Ice Cream
Best Candy Store
Winner: Sweetland Candies
Popular Candy Stores
1. Sweetland Candies
2. Holland Peanut Store
3. Sweet Tooth of Rockford
4. Rocket Fizz
5. Ada Village General Store
6. Mokaya
7. Albertus Koeze & Company
8. Lakeside Emporium
9. Kilwins EGR
10. Krissy’s Kandies
Shopping & Services
You can usually have more fun if you have a good plan.
Need a unique gift for your child’s next birthday? A summer camp your child will love?
Having a baby? Great!! But he will need a safe place to be loved and cared for while you’re at work.
And then of course there’s the will & trust plans we all must make, even if they feel a little morbid. They are still so so important.
To make this work easier, we’ve polled our readers for their favorite places to get this real life work done. Use this list to find a summer camp, estate planner or realtor.
Best Daycare Centers
Winner: Milestones Child Development Center
Top Daycares
1. Milestones Child Development Center
2. AppleTree & Gilden Woods Early Care & Preschool
3. All Saints Academy Elementary
4. Treehouse Child Care (Grandville Public Schools)
5. Big Steps Little Feet (Ada)
6. The Goddard School For Early Child Development
7. Tutor Time
8. Kenowa Hills Early Childhood Center
9. Adventures Learning Centers
10. Childtime Learning Centers
About Milestones Child Development Center
Milestones Child Development Center offers 5 program locations in Cascade, Caledonia, Belmont, Portage and Grandville.
Open since 2005, Milestones enriches each child’s life with intentional educational, authentic experiences all while providing a nurturing and safe environment.
Milestones' state of the art facilities offer secure buildings, warm interiors and expansive natural playgrounds.
About AppleTree & Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool
Providing high-quality childcare and early education in a safe nurturing environment where your child can learn, grow, and thrive socially and academically. Visit your child anytime online using the Livestream video feed and receive daily activity reports online, in real-time with our electronic daily reports.
T E S T I M O N I A L
"We have had nothing but a wonderful experience. We love the app so we can see our child on camera anytime and the staff is wonderful. Very safe environment." - Monroe School Parent
Attorney – Wills & Trusts
Winner: Jordan Bush (Alles Law)
Favorite Wills & Trusts Attorneys
1. Bush, Jordan (Alles Law)
2. Alles, Tim (Alles Law)
3. The Law Offices of David L. Carrier, P.C.
4. Gleason, Linsey (Varnum)
5. Hofstee, Mark (Bolhouse Hofstee & McLean PC)
6. Muilenburg, Sara (Law Office of Sara Muilenburg)
7. Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
8. Brown, Christopher (Brown Law Firm)
9. Waalkes, Timothy (Verspoor Waalkes PC)
10. Brian J. Plachta
10. James M Mc Ewen Law Office (James Mc Ewen)
10. Sheridan, Kathlene (Sheridan Law PLC)
About Alles Law
At Alles Law, we know there is nothing more important than family. Proper planning with LifeMap™ focuses on what your family needs and provides you with confidence knowing that your family’s future is secure.
Best Realtors
Winner: Emily Brougham at Keller Williams
Top Realtors in West Michigan
1. Emily Brougham (Keller Williams Grand Rapids East)
2. Maria Kauffman (Bellabay Realty)
3. Kristin Ruther (RE/MAX of Grand Rapids – RE/MAX Global)
4. Sarah Nelson ( Five Star Michigan)
5. Amanda Rogers (Rogers Neighborhood Realty)
5. Vito Dolci Jr. (DOLCI GROUP)
7. Ben Iwema (RE/MAX)
7. Kaitlyn Overbeek (Century 21)
9. Amanda DeLong (Evermark Realty)
10. Jayne Overbeck – Five Star
10. Kevin Yoder (Yoder Real Estate)
10. Laurie Zokoe Team
About Emily Brougham - Realtor
My goal is to make this process as comfortable for your whole family from our beginning meeting to your home closing. Having knowledge of home construction lends support when showing you homes, and working with a great team helps in making your transaction process as smooth as possible.
T E S T I M O N I A L
"We loved working with Emily. She was efficient and always on top of her game. Her work ethic is impeccable. She made both the selling and buying process stress free, we always understood what was going on."
About Rogers Neighborhood Realty
Hi there, I’m Amanda! I’m the Broker/Owner of Rogers Neighborhood Realty in Lowell, MI and serve the greater Grand Rapids area, providing home-buyers and sellers alike with professional, responsive and attentive real estate services. Want an agent who'll really listen to what you want in a home? Need an agent who knows how to effectively market your home so it sells and get you the best deal on finding your new one? Give me a call! I'm eager to help and would love to talk to you.
~Solid Experience.
~Real Results.
~Full Transparency.
~Communication Guaranteed.
T E S T I M O N I A L
“Amanda was honest, kind, and very helpful in our first home buying experience. She has truly gone above and beyond, she is very responsive, and we felt that we had a personal experience. We would certainly recommend working with Amanda!"
About Maria Kauffman Real Estate at Bellabay Realty
West Michigan local realtor that focuses on quality over quantity. I care about my clients and focus our strategy on their individual goals.
Best Children’s Clothing Store
Winner: River Babe Threads
Favorite Spots for Children’s Clothing
1. River Babe Threads (Rockford)
2. Kid to Kid
3. Pink Lemonade Boutique (East Grand Rapids)
4. Village Kids Consignment Boutique (Ada)
5. Tip Toes (Holland)
6. Hopscotch Children’s Store
7. Once Upon A Child – Walker
8. Once Upon A Child – Wyoming
9. EcoBuns Baby & Co (Holland)
10. Freshwater Whale Boutique
Best Toy Store
Winner: Aunt Candy’s Toy Store
Top Toy Stores
1. Aunt Candy’s
2. The Toy Shelf
3. Hopscotch Children’s Store
4. Galactic Toys & Games
5. Schuler Books
6. Out of the Box
7. ECOBUNS BABY + CO.
8. Blue Bridge Games
9. Tweed Baby Outfitters
10. Toys Are Used
Best Financial Planner
Winner: Pathway Financial
Favorite Financial Planners
1. Pathway Financial
2. Edward Jones – Financial Advisor: Shaun A Rayman, AAMS®
3. Schwallier Wealth Management LLC
4. Hantz Financial Services – Grandville, Michigan
4. Vision Financial Advisory PC
6. James Sanford – Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
6. Legacy Planning & Associates, Inc.
6. Lifeworks Advisors
9. Edward Jones – Financial Advisor: Sheri Postema, AAMS®
9. Edward Jones – Financial Advisor: Alex J Gass
Best Tutoring/Academic Support
Winner: Sylvan Learning of Grand Rapids
Favorite Places for Tutoring and Academic Support
1. Sylvan Learning of Grand Rapids
2. Kumon Math and Reading Center of Grand Rapids
3. Mathnasium
3. Streams of Hope
5. ChildLinkGR
5. Outside the Box: Creative Tutoring LLC
About Kumon of Cascade
From preschool to high school, students steadily build a solid grasp of math and reading, becoming more confident and motivated with each worksheet they solve.
Best Residential Cleaning Service
Winner: (TIE)
Cascade Fresh Cleaning Services, Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Services and Time to Shine Maid Service
Best Residential Cleaning Services
1. Cascade Fresh Cleaning Services
1. Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Services
1. Time to Shine Maid Service
4. Top Care Cleaning Services
5. Tidy Home Helpers
6. Thuro Clean
7. Ultimate Sparkle Cleaning LLC
8. Extra Hands Cleaners, LLC.
8. KODA Cleaning Services
8. The Cleaning Authority – Grand Rapids
Best Car Detailing Service
Winner: Breton Auto Wash
Favorite Care Detailing Service
1. Breton Auto Wash
2. Crystal Clean Auto Detailing
3. Millennium Auto Detailing
4. Fox Shine Detail and Appearance Center
4. Ray’s Detailing
6. Auto Body Xperts
6. Black Diamond Detailing LLC
6. Touch of Class Auto Wash
9. Hoogs Customs
9. Wedgwood Christian Services Employment Training Program
Best Home Organizing Service
Winner: Moxie Life Organizing
Popular Home Organizing Services
1. Moxie Life Organizing (formerly Clean Slate by Kate)
2. Skinny House
3. Spark Joy in MI
4. Simplified Organizing, LLC
5. SMA Organization
Best Home Insurance Agent
Winner: Kevin Curtis – State Farm Insurance Agent
Favorite Home Insurance Agents
1. Kevin Curtis – State Farm Insurance Agent
2. Boer Insurance Group
3. Marcey Allington – AAA Grand Rapids
3. Marsha Veenstra – State Farm Insurance Agent
5. Angela Schalow – Farmers Insurance
6. Booth Hilaski Grevenstuk Insurance
6. Marlou Collins- Rant Insurance
6. Eric Blair – State Farm
9. Andy Steensma Insurance Agency Inc. – Meemic Insurance Agent
9. Nathan Smith – State Farm
Best Musical Instrument Store
Winner: Meyer Music
Best Musical Instrument Stores
1. Meyer Music
2. Marshall Music Co
3. RIT Music Central
About Meyer Music
Start your student’s musical journey with Meyer Music, the school music specialists recommended by more teachers in West Michigan!
Lessons
Want to enroll your child in dance, swimming lessons or music programs, but don’t know where to start?
We’ve found the best Grand Rapids places to learn and discover with your kids!
Best Dance Studio/Lessons
Winner: Hearts in Motion Dance
Top Dance Studios/Lessons
1. Hearts in Motion Dance
2. Integrity School of Dance Arts
3. Caledonia Dance & Music Center
4. Kathy’s Dance Co. (Hudsonville)
5. Body Language Dance Company
5. Rhythm Dance Center
5. Rockford Dance Company
8. Rising Starz Gymnastics and Fitness
9. Dance Dimensions
9. Dorr Dance Academy
9. Grand Rapids Ballet School
9. Lake Michigan Dance Academy
9. Over the Top Academy of Dance
About Hearts in Motion
At Hearts in Motion, we believe that dance has the power to create strong, confident, happy kids. We focus on teaching great technique while fostering a joy for the love of dance and creating magical moments. Be sure to check out our new satellite location in downtown Ada!
T E S T I M O N I A L
This is an amazing environment for dancers of all ages. The instructors promote hard work but are extremely fun and excellent with the students. I love the age appropriate dances and costumes along with tastefully selected music and themes!
About Caledonia Dance & Music Center
For 21 years, CDMC has been committed to safety and consistency for families. The positive well-being of the whole child is the reason behind their work. Whether taking class online or in-person; let their team of professional instructors inspire your child through the joy of music and dance.
T E S T I M O N I A L
We appreciate CDMC's heart for kids, their vision and leadership. We value their care for the group as a whole, and their compassion for each individual kiddo. We are grateful for CDMC's lasting input into our daughter's life. - Cassie
About Rhythm Dance Center
Whether you're just starting, have practiced for years, or love the thrill of competition, there is a place for you at Rhythm Dance Center. Students ages 3 to adult will find opportunities for personal expression and creative movement.
About Over the Top Dance Academy of Dance
We offer a full compliment of dance styles with an emphasis on Tap Dance.
We believe dance gives your child a foundation for life.
Best Music Studio/Lessons
Winner: Academy of Music
Popular Music Studio/Lessons
1. Academy of Music in Grand Rapids
2. Ada Piano Academy
2. St. Cecilia Music Center
4. Grand Rapids Symphony
5. Joyful Sounds Music Studio
5. K Voice Studio
7. Franciscan Life Process Center (Lowell)
8. Fliehman School of Music
8. Luc James Music Studio
About Academy of Music
Our goal is to foster confidence and creativity in students with an exceptional musical learning experience. Our experienced instructors teach piano, guitar, singing, violin, drums, and more in our state-of-the-art facilities. Our convenient, comfortable locations in Grand Rapids and Jenison and our flexible hours accommodate today’s busy families.
T E S T I M O N I A L
Two things-- friendly atmosphere and quality teaching. Our daughter recently began piano lessons, and we could not be happier. She loves it and is doing so well. We could not be happier with our decision to choose Academy of Music.
About K Voice Studio
Voice lessons for all levels. Ages 8-adult. Online via Zoom or in person following Covid-19 procedures on website. Reliable, enthusiastic teacher with 14+ years experience.
Best Swimming Lessons
Winner: Goldfish Swim School
Best Swimming Lessons in West MI
1. Goldfish Swim School
2. Miss Patty’s Swimming
3. Miss Rita’s Swim School
4. MVP Sports Clubs
4. YMCA – David D. Hunting
6. Julie’s Swim School
7. Kentwood Public Schools Aquatic Center
7. The Kroc Center
9. ISR (Infant Swimming Resources) – Michael Petrella
10. YMCA – Wolverine Worldwide Family
Best Youth Sports Training
Winner: Michigan Sports Academies
Favorite Youth Sports Training
1. Michigan Sports Academies
2. SpartanNash YMCA
3. PowerStrength Training Systems
4. The First Tee of West Michigan
5. Premier Athletic & Tennis Club
6. D1 Training
7. Diamonds Sports Training Academy
8. Premier Martial Arts Grand Rapids
9. I9 sports Grand Rapids
9. Super T Karate Inc.
9. Thousand Oaks Golf Club
9. West Michigan Club House
Best Art Class/Studio
Winner: The Mud Room
Best Art Class/Studio
1. The Mud Room
2. Accidental Art (Rockford)
3. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
4. Kendall College of Art and Design
5. Grand Rapids Art Museum
5. Wine & Canvas Studio / Cookies & Canvas
7. Brush Studio (Grand Rapids)
7. Hearts for the Arts
9. Paint a Pot (Holland)
About The Mud Room
Paint pottery, make wood signs, or sign up for a private Potter's Wheel class. Creative fun for all ages - no experience needed!
About Paint a Pot
A paint your own pottery shop for the young and old! Come create a memory with your kids that will last a lifetime! Stop in anytime or pick up a to go box!
About Accidental Art
Pottery painting is fun for all ages! No experience or artistic ability needed! Great for family fun, date nights, and birthday parties!
Best Gymnastics Program
Winner: For the Kidz Gymnastics
Top Gymnastics Lessons
1. For the Kidz Gymnastics
2. Rising Starz Gymnastics and Fitness
3. Grand Rapids Gymnastics
4. R-Athletics
5. Gymco
6. NorthStar Gymnastics Inc.
7. Kids Unlimited Activity Center
8. Horizon Complex
8. Miss Stacie’s Flipkins
10. Empowered Athletics
10. Red Arrow Youth Gymnastics and Cheer
About For the Kidz Gymnastics
For the Kidz has something for everyone. Your kids can enjoy our 12 trampolines, large foam pit, inflatable, and exclusive area just for young ones.
About Grand Rapids Gymnastics
Activities include Preschool/Recreational Gymnastics, Ninjas, Bumblebees, Birthday Parties, Open Gym, Competitive Team for Boys and Girls, and more.
Best Martial Arts Studio
Winner: Crusader Martial Arts
Popular Martial Arts Studios
1. Crusader Martial Arts
2. Standale Karate & Fitness
3. Flees Martial Arts
4. Super T Karate Inc.
5. Shorin-Ryu Karate School
6. Premier Martial Arts Grand Rapids
7. Big Dog Tae Kwon Do
7. Pro-Karate Grand Rapids
9. Champion Force Athletics
9. Mirandette’s Martial Arts
About Premier Martial Arts Grand Rapids
Kids learn character development while having fun through the martial arts. Our program combines Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga, and Kickboxing with life lessons to help kids grow in self confidence, focus and concentration, respect for others, and perseverance.
Local Attractions
Experience some old favorites and try something new at the best playgrounds, beaches and indoor play places around West Michigan.
Best Museum
Winner: Grand Rapids Public Museum
Favorite Museums in West Michigan
1. Grand Rapids Public Museum
2. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
3. Gerald R Ford Museum
4. Grand Rapids Art Museum
5. USS Silversides Submarine Museum
6. Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives
7. Engine House No. 5 Museum
8. Lakeshore Museum Center
8. Lowell Area Historical Museum
10. Urban Institute for Contemporary Art (UICA)
Best Movie Theater
Winner: Celebration! Cinema Grand Rapids North & IMAX
Top Theaters
1. Celebration! Cinema Grand Rapids North & IMAX
2. Celebration Cinema Grand Rapids South
3. Celebration Cinema Studio Park
4. AMC Star Grand Rapids 18
5. Getty Drive-In
6. Celebration Cinema Rivertown
7. North Star Cinemas
8. M-89 Cinema
9. Sperry’s Moviehouse
10. The Old Regent Theatre
Best Indoor Play Venue
Winner: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Best Indoor Play Venues
1. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
2. Amped Virtual Reality
3. Craig’s Cruisers
4. Catch Air (Kentwood)
5. Altitude
5. Rebounderz Indoor Trampoline Arena (Jenison)
7. Dave & Busters
8. Allegan Event
8. BattleGR Tactical Games
10. Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park (Kentwood)
Top Indoor Play Venue (Paid)
Catch Air is West Michigan's largest and most fun, indoor play facility for children 10 and under!
My kids love this place. I think they’ve done great with maintaining a clean and safe environment and it will continue to be part of our family fun days for years to come.
Best Outdoor Family Attraction (Paid Admission)
Winner: Deer Tracks Junction
Favorite Outdoor Family Attraction (Paid Admission)
1. Deer Tracks Junction
2. Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park
3. John Ball Zoo
4. Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
5. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
6. Blandford Nature Center
6. Michigan’s Adventure (Muskegon)
8. Millennium Park (Walker) – Kent County
9. Nelis’ Dutch Village (Holland)
10. Craig’s Cruisers (Wyoming)
About Deer Tracks Junction Adventure Park
DTJ Adventure Park has hours of fun for all! Tons of animals with up close encounters, huge one-of-a-kind play areas, and homemade ice cream! New fun for 2021! Feed the animals or just enjoy time to love on 'em. Adventures vary by season; check our website for current schedule.
T E S T I M O N I A L
Best animal place I have ever been to. Animals are well taken care of. Extremely friendly and caring staff. The place is very clean and safe. This will always be a go to place for me every year.
Don Scott
About Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
A full day of fun awaits at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo! Unique animals, attractions, and activities for all ages!
Best Outdoor Playground/Park (Free)
Winner: Deer Tracks Junction (Playground Section)
Best Outdoor Playground/Park (Free)
1. Deer Tracks Junction (Playground Section)
2. John Ball Park
3. Millennium Park (Walker) – Kent County
4. Blandford Nature Center
5. Frog Hollow Park (Wyoming)
6. Hager Park (Georgetown Twp.)
7. Cascade Township Park
8. Fallasburg Park (Lowell)
9. Ada Township Park
10. The Imagination Station (Grand Haven)
Best Beach
Winner: Grand Haven State Park
Top Beaches
1. Grand Haven State Park
2. Millennium Park (Walker)
3. Holland State Park
4. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon)
5. Pere Marquette Park (Muskegon)
6. Tunnel Park (Holland)
7. Grand Haven City Beach
8. Duck Lake State Park (Muskegon)
9. Kirk Park (West Olive)
10. Oval Beach (Saugatuck)
Best Library for Kids
Winner: East Grand Rapids Branch – KDL
Favorite Libraries for the Kids
1. East Grand Rapids Branch – KDL
2. Krause Memorial (Rockford) Branch – KDL
3. Wyoming Branch – KDL
4. Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch – KDL
5. Plainfield Township Branch- KDL
6. Cascade Township Branch – KDL
7. Caledonia Township Branch – KDL
8. Byron Township – KDL
9. Main Library – GRPL
10. Grandville Branch – KDL
Best Field Trip Location
Winner: Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park
Top Field Trip Spots
1. Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park
2. John Ball Zoo
3. Deer Tracks Junction
4. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
5. Critter Barn (Zeeland)
6. Blandford Nature Center
7. Schwallier’s Country Basket (Sparta)
8. Dairy Discovery – Swiss Lane Farms (Alto)
9. Robinette’s Apple Haus
10. Grand Rapids Public Museum
10. Post Family Farm (Hudsonville)
About Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park
Located on 80 acres of land in Alto, MI, Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park is a unique, hands-on experience for the entire family.
Best Birthday Party Venue
Winner: John Ball Zoo
Favorite Birthday Party Venues
1. John Ball Zoo
2. Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park (Alto)
3. The Mud Room @ Knapp’s Corner
4. Craig’s Cruisers
5. Deer Tracks Junction
6. Amped Reality
7. Catch Air
8. Whitecaps Baseball
9. Allegan Event
9. Rebounderz
About BattleGR
BattleGR where families can play together! Indoors activities include: Tactical Laser Tag, Archery Tag, Arcade, and basketball, volleyball or futsal on our sport courts. Every Friday night 7-10pm Teen-ish Night (10 yrs +).
T E S T I M O N I A L
We had our son's 10th birthday party here. It.Was.Amazing. From walking in and seeing his name on the whiteboard, to the literal concierge scooping pizza and pouring drinks. They even passed out his presents and provided a hand written list of gifts.
About Amped Virtual Reality
Amped Reality is the new, 4.9-star rated Virtual Reality entertainment center (by Woodland Mall) with something for every age and interest! Be inside MINECRAFT, travel the world, or be inside a DISNEY movie. Amped Reality is great for STEM summer camps, company events, birthday parties, date nights, and education!
T E S T I M O N I A L
Excellent staff! So helpful. Very clean place. The workers were so friendly to my 8-year old little girl, who doesn't read well yet. Highly recommend!!! Worth the money and a great way to spend a few hours.... 5 stars! - Amanda
About The Mud Room
Pottery painting, potter's wheels, and more! Creative parties are FUN for the kids and EASY for the parents! Available in studio or at home.
Photographers
For all the stages of life, there is a photographer to capture the moment. Some naturally love taking photos of babies and newborns, others can’t wait to document your family or take pictures of your graduating senior. Find the photographer that is right for you with our Grandtastic winners.
Best Maternity Photos
Winner: Kara Hanes Photography
Popular Maternity Photographers
1. Kara Hanes Photography
2. Katie Cook Photography
3. Brick Street Studio
4. The Mittentog
5. Abby Jane Photography
6. Moments in life Photography
Best Family Photos
Winner: Kara Hanes Photography
Favorite Family Photo Photographers
1. Kara Hanes Photography
2. Katie Cook Photography
3. Erin Massie Photography LLC
4. Brick Street Studio
5. Kerri Jenison Photography
Best Mini Sessions
Winner: Katie Cook Photography
Best Mini Session Photographers
1. Katie Cook photography
2. Mae Photo Co.
3. Jen Q Photography
4. Megan Davis- Silver Gallery Photography
5. Memories by Mandy
Best Senior Pictures
Winner: Kara Hanes Photography
Top Senior Picture Photographers
1. Kara Hanes Photography
2. Katie Cook Photography
3. Heather Abram
4.Memories by Mandy
5. deVries Photography
6. Nikki Leetsma, On the Heights Photography
Best Child/Baby Photos
Winner: Kara Hanes Photography
Best Child and Baby Photographers
1. Kara Hanes Photography
2. Katie Cook Photography
3. Erin Massie Photography LLC
4. Abby Jayne Photography
5. Heather Abram
5. La Reverie Photography
5. Pamela Fallon Photography
Banks/Credit Unions
Looking to buying a home and need a mortgage? Kids ready to open their own bank account after a few successful lemonade stands? Or maybe you’re looking to find a bank that is right for you. We polled our readers and these are their top banks.
Best Kids Money Program
Winner: Lake Michigan Credit Union
Top Kids Money Program
1. Lake Michigan Credit Union
2. Consumers Credit Union
3. DFCU Financial
4. tcf Bank
5. AAC Credit Union
6. Independent Bank
Local Boutiques
We love shopping local to support our small businesses. Find the perfect top for your next event, update your child’s wardrobe as they grow and send a bouquet to a friend with these top boutiques.
Best Women’s Clothing Boutique
Winner: Onalee’s
Favorite Spots for Women’s Clothing
1. Onalee’s (formerly Hawthorne Collection Boutique)
2. Lee & Birch
3. Jade
4. The Found Cottage
5. Paperdoll Boutique
Best Women’s Resale
Winner: Gild the Lily
Best Women’s Resale Shops
1. Gild the Lily
2. Uptown Cheapskate
3. Georgie’s
4. Platos Closet
5. Style Encore
Best Children’s Resale
Winner (TIE): Kid to Kid and Once Upon a Child (Alpine/Walker)
Top Children’s Resale Shops
1. Kid to Kid
1. Once Upon a Child (Alpine/Walker)
3. Village Kids Consignment (Ada)
4. Once Upon a Child (Wyoming)
5. Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids
Best Florist
Winner: Stems Market
Favorite Florists
1. Stems Market
2. Eastern Floral
3. Kennedy’s Flowers and Gifts
4. Ball Park Floral & Gifts
5. Ludema’s Floral and Garden
Date Night
We love date night more than ever these days. We’ve got your resource for a lovely night out whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, cocktails, dessert or, if you’re lucky, a full night stay at a nearby hotel.
Best Distillery
Winner: Long Road Distillers
Top Distilleries
1. Long Road Distillers
2. Michigan Moonshine Distillery
3. Eastern Kille Distillery
4. Bier Distillery
5. Wise Men Distillery
Best Date Night Take Out
Winner: Amore Trattoria Italiana
Best Spot for Date Night Take Out
1. Amore Trattoria Italiana
2. Luna
3. Jaku Sushi
4. Two Guys Brewing
5. San Chez
6. Lindo Mexico
6. Max’s South Seas Hideaway
8. First Wok
8. Mitten Brewing
8. West Side Social
Best West MI Romantic Night Stay
Winner: JW Marriott Grand Rapids
The Best Place for a West MI Romantic Night Stay
1. JW Marriott Grand Rapids
2. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
3. CityFlats Hotel (Holland)
4. Harbor House Inn (Grand Haven)
5. Homewood Suites Downtown GR
Best West MI Romantic Restaurants
Winner: Amore Trattoria Italiana
Favorite Romantic Restaurants
1. Amore Trattoria Italiana
2. San Chez Bistro
3. The Chop House
4. Leo’s Seafood
5. Bistro Bella Vita
6. Ruth’s Chris
7. Osteria Rossa
8. Noto’s
9. Blue Water Grill
10. Cooper’s Hawk
Best Beer Selection (Restaurant or Brewery)
Winner: Hop Cat
Top Beer Selection at a Restaurant or Brewery
1. Hop Cat
2. 7 Monks Taproom
3. The Score
4. TwoGuys Brewing
5. Gravity Taphouse Grille
5. Mitten Brewing
7. San Chez Bistro
8. Logan’s Alley
9. Railtown Brewing
9. Third Nature Brewing
Best Wine Selection (Restaurant or Wine Bar)
Winner: Cooper’s Hawk
Best Wine Selection at a Restaurant or Wine Bar
1. Cooper’s Hawk
2. Reserve Wine and Food
3. House of Wine
4. San Chez Bistro
5. GRNoir
6. Two Guys Brewing
7. Nonna’s: The Trattoria
8. Hudsonville Winery
9. Rockwell Republic
10. Aperitivo
10. Pike 51
Best Place for Cocktails
Winner: Donkey Taqueria
Top Places for Cocktails
1. Donkey Taqueria
2. Butcher’s Union
3. Westside Social
4. San Chez Bistro
5. Long Road Distillers
6. Eastern Kille Distillery
7. Lindo Mexico
8. Luna
8. SIDEBARGR
10. Divani
Best Place for Dessert
Winner: Cheesecake Factory
Best Places to enjoy Dessert
1. Cheesecake Factory
2. Amore Trattoria Italiana
3. San Chez Bistro
4. Brewery Vivant
Beauty
Time for some pampering! A little self care goes a long way and our reader’s voted on their top spots for pedicures, massages and haircuts – some for you, some for kids and even “Mommy & Me“.
Best Mommy & Me Pedicure
Winner: A Charmed Life Nail Salon (Rockford)
Favorite Salon for Mommy & Me Pedicures
1. A Charmed Life Nail Salon (Rockford)
2. Posh Nails & Spa – Metro Health Village
3. VIP Nails
4. Pleasant Nails & Spa
5. Alpine Nails & Spa
6. Cheshire Nail Salon
6. Gloss Nails
6. K K Nails
6. Kim’s Nails & Spa
6. Nail Masters
Best Massage
Winner (TIE): Design 1 Salon Spa Grandville and The Woodhouse Day Spa – Grand Rapids
Best Massage
1. Design 1 Salon Spa Grandville
1. The Woodhouse Day Spa – Grand Rapids
3. Salus Massage Therapy and Skin Care
4. GR Massage Life
4. NV Massage Therapy
6. Born Again Massage
6. Grand Rapids Massage Therapy
6. Simply Massage
6. Westside Massage
10. Douglas J Aveda Institute
10. Urban Massage LLC
10. Wanderlux Beauty & Wellness Spa
Best Ear Piercing for Kids
Winner: Kitten Flower Boutique
Popular Spots for Ear Piercing for Kids
1. Kitten Flower Boutique
2. Screaming Needle Tattoo & Body Piercing Studios
3. Mos Eisleys Tattoos
4. Honest to Goodness Tattoo & Piercing
5. Claire’s
5. Paperdoll Boutique
Best Haircuts for Kids
Winner: Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids
Best Salon for Haircuts for Kids
1. Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids
2. Kliparoos Haircuts for Kids
3. Great Clips
4. Meraki Salon
5. Cheeky Strut
5. Hazel + Rose Salon
7. Thrive Salon (Allendale)
8. Forest Hills Barber Shop
9. SJ Design Hair Studio
10. Design 1 Salon Spa Gaines
10. Design 1 Salon Spa Plainfield
About Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids
Our fun stylists serve children of all abilities with quick and stylish haircuts. Fantasy chairs, TVs, and a slide make it an amazing experience!
Home & Garden
Our homes are our retreat from it all. Looking for that perfect sofa for your living room or ready to make the plunge for an inground pool? We’ve got the stores and services listed below to deck out your home.
Best Furniture Store
Winner: Talsma Furniture
Favorite Furniture Stores in West MI
1. Talsma Furniture
2. Stonesthrow
3. Northwestern Home Furnishings
4. West Elm
5. Value City Furniture
6. Klingman’s Furniture & Design – Grand Rapids
7. Ashley Homestore
7. MI Hometown Furnishings
9. Bell’s Home Furnishings
9. Van Hill Furniture & Mattress
Best Home Decor Store
Winner: HomeGoods
Top Home Decor Store
1. HomeGoods
2. At Home
3. The Found Cottage
4. West Elm
5. Wilderness Expressions
6. Design Quest
7. Beyond the Door
8. The Honeysuckle
9. Gather-d
10. Changing Thymes
10. Parooz
About gather-d
gather-d is an inviting and well curated space filled with home decor, clothing and gifts for everyone. We also offer a small rental gathering space.
Best Garden Store/Nursery
Winner: Countryside Greenhouse
Best Garden Store/Nursery
1. Countryside Greenhouse
2. Flowerland
3. Koetsier’s Greenhouse
4. Horrocks Market
5. Romence Gardens & Greenhouses
6. Harder & Warner
7. Ludema’s Floral & Garden
8. W.W. Greenhouses, Inc.
9. Cherry Valley Gardens
9. Motman’s Greenhouses
Best Home Builder
Winner: Eastbrook Homes
Popular Home Builders
1. Eastbrook Homes
2. Heartland Builders LLC
2. Roersma & Wurn Builders Inc
4. Buffum Homes
4. Sherwood Custom Homes
Best Local Hardware Store
Winner: Rylee’s Ace Hardware
Top Local Hardware Stores
1. Rylee’s Ace Hardware
2. Rockford Ace Hardware
3. Gemmens
4. Caledonia Village Ace Hardware
5. Kingsland Ace Hardware & Renta
6. Alger Hardware & Rental
7. Allendale True Value
8. Bernard’s Ace Hardware
8. Godwin Plumbing & Hardware
8. Ivanrest True Value Hardware & Variety
Best Moving Company
Winner: Two Men and a Truck
Popular Moving Companies
1. Two Men and a Truck
2. Big Lake Movers
3. Scully Statewide Moving Inc
4. Michael the Mover
5. H&H Moving Company
Best Swimming Pool Builder
Winner: Zagers Pool & Spa
Favorite Swimming Pool Builders
1. Zagers Pool & Spa
2. Spoelstra Pool & Patio Inc
3. Polynesian Pool & Spa
4. Quality Pool & Spa
5. Acme Pool Construction, Inc.
Pets
Fur babies are an important part of many families, so making sure they get the care and exercise they need is a priority. Find a dog park with room to roam, a loving boarder to take of your pet while your away and a pet store with everything you need with our top recommended resources for pets.
Best Pet Boarding
Winner: Camp Bow Wow
Favorite Pet Boarding Spots in West MI
1. Camp Bow Wow
2. Whiskers Resort & Pet Spa
3. Cascade Hospital for Animals
4. Wash & Wags Pet Grooming
5. Animal Medical Center of Wyoming
5. Kim’s K-9
Best Pet Grooming
Winner: Wash & Wags Pet Grooming
Best Pet Grooming
1. Wash & Wags Pet Grooming
2. Dirty Harry’s Pet Spa
2. Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique
4. The Posh Pet Dog and Cat Salon
5. Backdoor Guests Pet Grooming
6. VIP Grooming Salon
7. Fido & Stitch
8. Canine & Feline Design Inc
8. Handsome Hounds Grooming LLC
8. Woof & Wagz Pet Grooming and Boutique
Best Pet Store
Winner: Chowhound
Favorite Pet Stores
1. Chowhound
2. PetSmart
3. V I Pets
4. Pet Supplies Plus Grandville
5. Fido & Stitch
Best Pet Training
Winner: A Pleasant Dog
Top Pet Trainers
1. A Pleasant Dog
2. Happy Tails Dog Training
3. West Michigan K9
4. A Dog’s Life GR
5. Off Leash K9 Training – Grand Rapids
5. Pawsitive Behavior LLC
Best Veterinarian
Winner: Dr. Ashley Womersley, Cedar Animal Hospital
Top Docs for your Pet
1. Womersley, Dr. Ashley (Cedar Animal Hospital)
2. Dr Randall Carpenter (Family Friends Veterinary Hospital)
3. Georgetown Animal Hospital: Good Maureen DVM
4. Denyes, Dr. Jennifer (Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic)
5. Zylstra, Dr. Ron (Kentwood Veterinary Clinic)
6. Renshaw, Dr. Harland (Animal Clinic Inc)
6. Kursch, Dr. Rebecca (South Kent Veterinary Hospital)
8. Jackson, Dr. Bob(South Kent Veterinary Hospital)
8. Hart Animal Hospital: Daniel Hart, DVM
8. Zech, Dr. Bobbie (Grand River Veterinary Hospital P.C. – Lowell)
