Best Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Grand Rapids
When rain looms in the forecast in Grand Rapids and you have kids at home, it’s easy to panic and start thinking of things to do with kids in Grand Rapids when the weather is wet and wild.
Maybe visions of kids going stir crazy and bouncing off the walls form in your mind.
No need to fret, though – West Michigan is stacked with indoor activities and options. We’ve gathered Grand Rapids’ classic rainy day ideas here.
If cabin fever has set in hard, there are dozens of indoor play places in Grand Rapids. And if your ambitious kids exhaust this “best of” list below, set them loose with these 200+ indoor activities for kids.
Favorite Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Grand Rapids
1 – Visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
We love Meijer Gardens at any time of year, but especially when the weather turns grey. Warm up in the tropical conservatory, take in some art, and grab a snack in their cafe.
If you time it right, you may be able to visit one of their famous seasonal displays – Butterflies are Blooming in the spring or Christmas & Holiday Traditions during the Christmas season.
2 – Head to a Grand Rapids Museum
An absolute must for indoor fun is the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
And did you know there are activities for kids at the Grand Rapids Art Museum? Bonus: admission is free every Tuesday (all day) and on Thursday night! 101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is always a fun choice, with new kid-friendly exhibits every few months. 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum might not be at the top of your mind when you think indoor fun for kids, but it’s a really neat place! Take a trip through history with your kids and help them see life through a different lens. 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Check out the art galleries and exhibits at the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives. They have programs and events geared towards kids and families. Most programs are free and open to the public. 87 Monroe Center St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
For even more museum options, check out this Big List of Museums, Zoos & Science Centers.
3 – Explore the Kids Section at a Local Library
Speaking of things to do inside, the local libraries are true gems in our communities.
Visit your town’s library or journey beyond and find a new one. They are all different and offer so much for families. We’ve put together a great list of local library play areas to get you started.
4 – Climb the Walls at Open Gym
Many gymnastics facilities host open gym sessions at various times during the week.
R-Athletics and GR Gymnastics are a couple to get you started.
5 – Visit the Children’s Play Areas at Local Malls
Woodland Mall – 3195 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Rivertown Crossings Mall – 3700 Rivertown Pkwy, Grandville, MI 49418
Both Woodland Mall and RiverTown Crossings Mall offer indoor play options.
At Woodland, be sure to check out the double-level forest-themed play area in the food court.
At RiverTown you can spend some time at the Magic Treehouse, the carousel, or the children’s area at Barnes & Noble. (Beware – there’s a Build-a-Bear store at Rivertown, so don’t let your kids catch a glimpse unless you want that to be part of your adventure!)
6 – Go Swimming, Indoors
Many local indoor pools around greater Grand Rapids offer daily admission.
Looking for more than just a pool?
Holland Aquatic Center (550 Maple Ave, Holland, MI 49423) is a favorite, with its 150-foot waterslide, Splash Zone, AquaTrack, and zip line!
7 – Go Bowling
Did you know that in the summertime kids bowl free around West Michigan?
Head to a place like Hudsonville Lanes and kids get bumpers, rolling ramps, and a snack bar with scooped ice cream to add to the fun.
Clique Lanes is good for a retro vibe, and includes a second-story bowling alley!
8 – Get Moving at an Indoor Amusement Center
West Michigan is home to a bevy of indoor activity centers.
Find things to do inside like trampolines, foam pits, climbing walls, laser tag, ninja courses, and even go-karts at some locations (Craig’s Cruisers!).
Energy burning destinations include:
• BattleGR – 284 Dodge Court, NE Suite 100, Comstock Park, MI 49321
• Craig’s Cruisers – 5730 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
• Rebounderz – 7500 Cottonwood Dr, Jenison, MI 49428
• Allegan Event – 439 River St, Allegan, MI 49010
• Tarry Hall Roller Rink – 3330 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418
• Sky Zone – 3636 29th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
• Altitude Trampoline Park – 3495 Alpine Ave NW, Walker, MI 49544
• Soar N’ Bounce – 3668 Rivertown Pkwy SW Grandville, MI 49418
• Main Event – Woodland Mall: 3195 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
9 – Visit an Indoor Play Area or Play Cafe
Have toddlers or younger kids that are going stir crazy?
Head to one of the indoor play areas that are specifically designed with climbing kids in mind!
• Holland Playland – Central Wesleyan Church – 446 W 40th St, Holland, MI 49423
• Playzone – Beechwood Church – 895 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424
• The Jungle – Christ Memorial Church – 595 Graafschap Rd, Holland, MI 49423
• Coffee Clubhouse – 3858 52nd St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
• Everplay Cafe – 6886 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
• Stomping Grounds Play Cafe – 9028 North Rodgers Ct SE, Caledonia MI 49316
• Children’s Village Cafe – 505 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331
• Giggles and Gourmets Play Cafe – 2426 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
• Itsy Bitsy Play Cafe – 5426 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids, NI 49525
• Dino Daisy Play Cafe – 2241 84th St SW, Suite 102, Byron Center MI 49315
• Tia’s Play Cafe – 1533 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
10 – Head to the Movies
Check the listings at local theaters to see if there are any popcorn-worthy movies showing.
Celebration Cinema has lots of options for kids and fams.
Kids get in free to Flick’s Family Film Festival every spring & fall.
Get tix for only $6 on T.A.C.O. Tuesday.
Sensory showtimes are great for families, too.
11 – Make Art
The Mud Room, Paint a Pot, and Accidental Art are all destinations inviting you into their creative spaces.
Paint pottery, fuse glass, make signs, and more.
12 – Find Something Fun on the GRKIDS Event Calendar
Hundreds of events for this week are waiting for you!
Here are a few happening just today – perhaps this is where you’ll find the things to do on a rainy day in Grand Rapids that sound like fun.
Things to Do at Home on a Rainy Day
If venturing out doesn’t look like fun, here are things to do on a rainy day at home:
Or You Can Just… Go Outside and Play in the Rain!
Put on your rain boots, grab an umbrella and go for a puddle-stomping walk in the rain!
Warm up with some hot cocoa when your kids are done getting wet and cold.
Did we miss any of your favorite indoor activities or things to do inside on a rainy day? What other fun ideas do you have?
Let us know in the comments below!
We just moved here with a 3 year old and this list is just fantastic! Love the build a bear warning lol! Thanks so much for this!!!