29+ Walking Paths & Hiking Trails in Grand Rapids Area Perfect for Families

Thinking about Getting Outside and Hiking Grand Rapids? With Kids?

Hiking West Michigan kids is a snap – so many places to choose from, and so much beautiful scenery at each location that it makes it one of our top choices for recreational activities.

Most of these trails are free (some charge a small fee or a parking fee). We’ve checked a lot of these trails off of our list and can’t wait to add some more before the year is over.

Hiking Trails Near You Are Open!

Hallelujah, Michiganders! – We can still go outside during Governor Whitmer’s “stay home” order! That’s so important if you love the outdoors like we do.

My kids and I are literally hiking Grand Rapids. We’re exploring trails like crazy while we are all staying home. The weather is nice (not too hot or too cold), the bugs are at a minimum (though still check for ticks!) and there aren’t any sports or meetings to cut our trip short.

It’s easy to feel trapped when you don’t leave your home for days on end. A daily trip outdoors on the hiking trails Grand Rapids is so good for everyone’s mental health.

Don’t let their potential bickering fool you – being outside is so good for kids. Mine sometimes start a hike in grumpy spirits but by the end, they’ve gotten out energy and are a little more like themselves. I see them smile, run, jump, and joke with each other.

And when we return home, it feels good to be back. Like it was a normal day going out and about, and now we can settle in and relax.

Tell us if you have a favorite family hiking spot in the comments – or what you love about on of the locations we’ve already included. Happy hiking!

Social Distancing Etiquette & Tips for Hiking Grand Rapids Trails

Here are some things to keep in mind while hiking Grand Rapids.

1. Stay on the right side of the path when others are approaching.
2. Step off the path if there are a lot of people in your group or the approaching group, to help maintain healthy space.
3. Wait your turn on the stairs.
4. Pack in and pack out your trash.
5. Consider visiting a different park if the parking lot is at least half full.
6. Bring sunscreen and bug spray (we keep a set in the trunk of our car so we’re always prepared!)
7. Bring water for everyone.
8. Binoculars and/or a compass can making any hike an adventure for a child
9. Check for ticks when you’re done (Read this helpful info about ticks in West Michigan)

Hiking Trails in Grand Rapids Without Playground Equipment

One challenge I’ve had during my trail adventures was to find trails without playground equipment. At this time children should avoid playground equipment, as it’s nearly impossible to sanitize it all before the kids play.

To avoid meltdowns or straight up anarchy, here is a list of hiking trails in West Michigan that don’t have any tempting play structures nearby. More details on these trails can be found below. 

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