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
SNEAK PEEK! Seas the Play at Wyoming’s NEW Indoor Play Place: Mermaid Bay Kids Indoor Play Coming Fall 2025
Adventure Awaits We have no shortage of indoor play options in the West Michigan area where kids can burn off energy and spark their imaginations. But, we don’t have one with an underwater theme and live jellies! Mermaid Bay Kids Indoor Play is making waves in Wyoming as the area’s first underwater-themed indoor playground. It…
30 Incredible Animal Farms & Petting Zoos for Kids in West Michigan
Animal Farms & Petting Zoos Kids Love If you’ve got an animal lover at home, their favorite things to do in Grand Rapids are going to involve places like farms, zoos, and nature centers. So where do you find them in West Michigan? The simple answer is: everywhere. We’ve found over two dozen spots where…
Anderson & Girls Orchards 2025: Exciting, Free Petting Zoo with Surprises Around Every Corner
Family Fun at Anderson & Girls Orchards The free petting zoo and collection of fun things to do at this local family farm is like nothing we’ve seen anywhere else.Animal lovers – and fall activities enthusiasts – love Anderson & Girls Orchards. What began as a small group of five goats and two Jersey calves…
Loads of Local Fall Activities: West Michigan’s Best PRINTABLE Bucket List
Awesome Fall Activities List Fall in West Michigan might just be my favorite season, and that is saying a lot after coming off of summer in the Mitten State. There is something magical about the cool air, changing colors, shorter days, and the oh-so-good food this time of year (fresh cider and homemade donuts, please)….
GR’s Return to the River 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Return to the River Festival is Back! Hey Grand Rapids! Get ready for a fun-filled weekend by the Grand River. The Return to the River Festival is returning for its fourth year on Saturday and Sunday, August 23-24, 2025, with interactive activities, live music, art installations, and food for all ages. The event is free…
It’s Time for the 28th Street Metro Cruise 2025!
What to Expect at the 28th Street Metro Cruise The 28th Street Metro Cruise is one of West Michigan’s biggest car events, where thousands of people of all ages gather every year to celebrate everything from classic cars to custom rides. Miles of shiny vehicles will cruise down 28th Street over the August 21 –…
