Nine Nearby Activities for Families With Kid Age Gaps

It is truly challenging to find activities that fit the whole family when you have a big age gap between kids. We’re looking for more ideas, but here’s what we’ve come up with for nearby things to do with kids so far. Please let us know if you have any to add!

Foot Golf

Any kid old enough to kick a soccer ball and walk the course will enjoy this game while the little kids can take in the game as they ride in the stroller along with path with mom or dad. Locally, Maple Hill Golf Course offers footgolf on select days.

Rollerskating

Again, kids too young to don skates can be pushed around the rink in their stroller by an adult. Weeee! Try Tarry Hall roller rink – just be sure to ask if your skate session allows strollers and wear helmets.

Geocaching

This kind of treasure hunt has no age limit and needs minimal equipment.

If you’re geocaching, you’ll use GPS coordinates to find a “treasure”, called the cache. Caches are usually a container of some kind, ranging from acorn size to a 5 gallon bucket.

Most contain a paper log where you can record your name, and some even have treats to trade.

Family Activity Adventure Centers

When it comes to this category, you have options! Do you want a trampoline park? A ninja warrior course?

Local destinations include Craigs Cruisers, Rebounderz, BattleGR, SkyZone and Catch Air. If you’re up for a little drive, Allegan Event has killer rockwalls and a gigantic indoor ropes course.

Bowling

This may be the iconic athletic game for all ages. You can use the bumpers if you’ve got younger kids.

And if it’s summertime, be sure to sign up for the Kids Bowl Free promotion.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum is great because it’s designed for the youngest child and yet entertains…well, even grownups!

Older kids can wander the exhibits while Mom and Dad keep an eye on the little sister or brother.

West Michigan Whitecaps

Get lawn seats, sprawl out, and let the little kids play while the big kids enjoy on-field antics and ballpark food at a West Michigan Whitecaps game.

Take a 7th inning stretch at the playground and make sure to get some Dippin’ Dots while you’re there. Run the bases after select games or watch fireworks – just check out what’s on deck when buying tickets.

Catch a Movie or a Concert Outdoors

Whether you want to watch an outdoor movie in downtown Grand Rapids or take in a concert at Meijer Gardens, you’ll find a family-friendly venue at either destination.

Tuesday Evening Music Club concerts are free with Meijer Gardens admission. Featuring local musicians, families can dance their hearts out in front of the musicians or on the side of the giant grass hill. Bring a blanket and a picnic (no glass) and you’ve got whole-family fun.

John Ball Zoo

If you haven’t been to John Ball Zoo in a while, you’ll be surprised that – in addition to all of the animals – there’s a playground and loads of extras you can tack on, like face painting, budgie feeding and riding the funicular.

If you have adventurous older kids or adults in your group, try out the high ropes course or zip line.