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
Lewis Farms 2026: Mosey Over to this Fun-Filled Adventure Farm & Petting Zoo near the Lake
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo Is Your Ticket for Seasonal Fun Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo is a massive 700-acre farm in New Era, MI that welcomes visitors spring-fall. In addition to their delicious farm market and old-fashioned bakery treats, there are acres and acres of summer and fall activities for your kids and family…
Holland Fall Fest 2026: Pro Pumpkin Carvers & Free Family Fun Kick Off October
Holland Fall Fest Includes Pumpkin Carvings, Face Painting, Performers Nothing beats budget-friendly fun for the whole family. Downtown Holland embraces all things fall on October 2 & 3, 2026, with harvest decorations, an artisan market, family activities, and LIVE professional pumpkin carvers. Holland Fall Fest is just one of the many cool fall festivals happening…
Ear-resistible! 2026 Corn Mazes Guide for West Michigan Has Popped
The big list of West MI Corn Mazes is calling you to come to explore. Pick from one of these cool-looking mazes and then GET LOST!
Anderson & Girls Orchards: 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…
2026 ArtPrize Guide: The Best Art, Events & Art Prize Map!
ArtPrize 2026 Dates: September 18 – October 3, 2026 ArtPrize Map, Where to Park, Stay & Eat for ArtPrize 2026 Welcome to ArtPrize, the 16-day art competition in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, where any artist can win the $100,000 top prize or a share of the $375,000 in prize money. Established in 2009, Art Prize…
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, yes…
