A Family Adventure Awaits at Building Buddies!
Step into the vibrant world of Building Buddies, the latest exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Opening on Saturday, January 20, 2024, this exhibit is an invitation to hands-on fun. It’s designed for visitors of all ages, but especially for kids ages 2 – 8.
The Building Buddies experience is included with general admission. Kent County kids ages 17 and under get in free to the museum.
Help the Waltons Construct Their Home
The Building Buddies attraction centers around the made-up Walton family.
Visitors are tasked with helping this fictitious family set up their home within the museum.
Can you get the Walton’s settled into their new home by helping with various construction projects and related building activities?
Learning Through Play Along the Way
The exhibit offers a range of open-ended hands-on activities, from painting walls and tending gardens to fixing leaky pipes and crafting doghouses.
Beyond that, Building Buddies aligns seamlessly with STEAM curriculum objectives, making it an ideal field trip destination.
Museum Hours & Admission
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is open on weekends from 10 AM – 5 PM and weekdays from 9 AM – 5 PM.
| General | Kent County | |
| Adult | $12 | $10 |
| Senior | $10 | $8 |
| Student | $5 | $5 |
| Ages 3-17 | $5 | free |
| Ages 2 and under | free | free |
About the Grand Rapids Public Museum
Founded over 160 years ago, GRPM, is a treasure trove of local history, nature, and culture. Nestled on the banks of the Grand River, this three-story museum houses extensive exhibits that span from ancient artifacts to modern wonders.
It’s also home to the iconic, fully operational 1928 Spillman Carousel and Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium.
Plan to spend at least two hours when you visit.
More Fun Things to Do
50+ Fun Things to Do in Spring: GR’s Best Spring Activity Guide
Hello West Michigan Sunshine & Things to do in Spring! Signs of spring are making themselves known – flowers peeking out with hints of green, the butterflies are back, moving our clocks forward, and the opening day of baseball is so close I can smell it. Baby animal visits and Easter events are popping up,…
Monster Jam 2026: Your Favorite Big Trucks are Rumbling Back Into Grand Rapids This March
Monster Jam is Taking Over Van Andel Arena Monster Jam has easily become one of the fave family things to do in Grand Rapids every March. The most family-friendly, action-packed motorsport in the world races back into Van Andel Arena on March 20 – 22, 2026. Witness the best drivers in the world and the…
20 Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Grand Rapids
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…
Grand Rapids Events Calendar
The best calendar for West Michigan family fun! Hey Grand Rapids families! Ready to have a blast with your kids? This calendar’s packed with all the coolest West Michigan fun. No more boring weekends – just awesome adventures waiting to happen! You just found the best kids calendar for West Michigan! Find things to do…
20 West MI Family Memberships for 2026: Zoo Memberships, Museum Memberships & More
Which Grand Rapids Museum, Zoo and Nature memberships are best for your family? We break down costs and the perks to help you decide.
14 Jaw-Dropping Dinosaur Museums, Parks & Exhibits in Michigan (& Beyond) for Dino Lovers of All Ages!
The Best Michigan Dinosaur Museums, Events & Attractions Do you have a budding paleontologist or dinosaur enthusiast in your family?Get ready to roar like a T-Rex because this list is for anyone in Michigan or the Midwest that loves dinosaurs!There are a ton of cool places – dinosaur museums, dinosaur parks – dinosaur events –…
