29 Ways to Spend the Day in Jenison, Grandville and Hudsonville

Loads of Family Fun Awaits You in the West Grand Rapids Suburbs

Want to know the unique gift that the towns west of Grand Rapids have? They have the big city fun of Grand Rapids and the glorious Lake Michigan shoreline, both within arms’ reach!

However, being a part of the Grandville, Hudsonville, Jenison community for a while now, I can tell you there’s enough fun in these towns to keep kids busy without having to travel far.

When my kids were young, our favorite part of the week was a trip to the Grandville Library for story time. Afterward, we’d pop over to the Grandville Farmer’s Market to get our fresh fruits and veggies for the week.

Another spot we frequent on the regular? Rosewood Park. The splash pad, playground with two towering tube slides, and a huge soccer bowl (known to the locals as Charlie’s Dump) keep kids happy for hours.

Community festivals and celebrations have become time-honored family traditions. Our calendar is filled with fun events like Grandville’s Vintage Fest and Fall Fest, Jenison’s Memorial Day Parade, and the Hudsonville Fair.

The places, activities, and people in this area make the West of Grand Rapids area the perfect neighborhood community for our family. 

  Quick Facts

What it’s Like to Live on Grand Rapids’ West Side

See what the locals love about their west side living and find the town that matches your vibe.

Life in Jenison

Why people love to live here: People that live here often stay for a long time, which really says something about the community.

Families like this area because of the schools, established neighborhoods, churches, and parks.

You should know: The school and community are known for their dedication and excellence in the Fine Arts. The Spanish Immersion program is also a big draw for families across West Michigan.

Property taxes in Georgetown Township are low, but Jenison is landlocked with little wiggle room for new housing. Homes for sale in the area get snatched up quickly.

Jenison

Population:
16,538

School District:
Jenison Public Schools

Known for:
» Annual Slip n’ Slide event at Rosewood Park
» new Georgetown Twp Library building
» Grand Ravines

Saturday Slip n Slide and 5K Jenison-2
Jenison’s annual Slip n’ Slide event is a local favorite

Life in Grandville

Why people love to live here: Grandville offers the best of both worlds with a bustling shopping and restaurant corridor on Rivertown Parkway and a walkable downtown area with a small-town vibe.

You should know: The city has created fun family-friendly festivals (Vintage Fest, Fall Fest) and holiday celebrations (Fourth of July, Christmas) that are gaining popularity. 

Grandville

Population:
15,378

School District:
Grandville Public Schools

Known for:
» 4th of July Celebration
» Fall Fest and Vintage Fest
» Rivertown Crossings Shopping Mall

Kids at one of the 4th-of-July-events-in Grand Rapids
The 4th of July festival is a popular event in Grandville, MI

Life in Hudsonville

Why people love to live here: People are drawn to the area because of the family-friendly neighborhoods. Looking for a country setting, but with accessibility to urban amenities? Then Hudsonville is where you want to live.

You should know: The school district is rapidly expanding as it keeps up with new housing developments being built.

The downtown area has seen recent improvements, including the addition of Terra Square and a walking pedestrian street with restaurants and shops.

Hudsonville

Population:
7,116

School District:
Hudsonville Public Schools

Known for:
» Hudsonville Fair
» Terra Square
» Post Family Farm

Terra Square at Harvey Street in Hudsonville, MI, has had recent improvements

  Top 25 Things to Do in Hudsonville, Jenison and Grandville   

#1

Enjoy 80-Acres of Fall Fun at Post Family Farm

Post Family Farm
5081 Bauer Rd, Hudsonville, MI 49426

Tube tunnels, farm animals, and pig train rides at Post Family Farm are a hit with families every fall.

This is the place to go for a hayride and u-pick pumpkins, but the real star of the show? Their pumpkin donuts.

You can grab a warm dozen from the big white barn in the fall or score them at their popular Donut Days events throughout the year (watch their Facebook page for dates).

Post Family Farm in Hudsonville, MI, is the place to go to pick your own pumpkin
#2

Indulge in ‘Hole’ Foods at Sprinkles Donut Shop

Sprinkles Donut Shop
6450 28th Ave, Hudsonville, MI 49426
5135 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, MI 49401


Visit the original location of Sprinkles Donut Shop in Hudsonville for your sweet tooth fix.

The Cinnamon Roll Yeast Donuts topped with anything from Peanut Butter and Chocolate to Caramel with Butterscotch Crunch get the locals vote for the tastiest hole food.

#3

Walk the Suspension Bridge at Grand Ravines

Grand Ravines
3991 Fillmore St, Jenison, MI 49428

Easily spotted by the Big Red Barn on the property, Grand Ravines is a must for outdoors lovers and our four legged friends.

Wide, paved trails traverse much of the picturesque property, with unpaved off-shoots for the more avid explorer.

Kids love the wide suspension bridge and dogs love the large dog park at the Fillmore Road entrance.


And if your pooch gets a little muddy, there’s even a dog washing station!

Hiking Trails in Grand Rapids
Walk the suspension bridge in Grand Ravines in Jenison, MI
#4

Experience the Hudsonville Fair

Hudsonville Fairgrounds 
5235 Park Ave, Hudsonville, MI 49426

Don’t miss this annual summer event in Hudsonville!

With over 12,000 entries, the Hudsonville Fair is the place to see livestock, 4-H, and personal skills exhibits on display.

But that’s not all… be sure to stick around for the carnival rides, dog and horse shows, tractor pulls, live entertainment, magic shows, motocross, turtle races, Kids’ Day events, vendors, and so much more!

Everyone looks forward to the annual Hudsonville Fair
#5

Get Ace Lessons (and Affordable Gear) at Maple Hill Golf

Maple Hill Golf 
5555 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418

Maple Hill Golf is a popular golfing facility for all ages.

Priding themselves on exceptional golf lessons for kids, families love watching their kids learn the game with thoughtful instructors and heading over to their massive, well-priced gear shop.

Kids (and adults) of all ages can golf at Maple Hill Golf in Grandville, MI
#6

Try the One Pound Banana Split at Chapel Charlie’s Cup & Cone

Chapel Charlie’s Cup & Cone
2361 Riley St., Hudsonville, MI 49426

Tackle the One Pound Banana Split at this cute small town ice cream shop.

In the mood for something other than ice cream? They have a food menu and homemade fudge, too!

#7

Get a History Lesson at the Jenison Museum

Jenison Museum
28 Port Sheldon St., Grandville, MI 49418

Learn all about the Jenison family and how the area started as a lumber town.

The Husband-Hanchett-Tiffany House has been restored and furnished with period furniture and has fun displays of Jenison History.

Jenison School students get to visit the museum in third grade, but families can explore the museum during a scheduled open house. 

#8

Spend the Morning at  Terra Square Farmer’s Market

Terra Square
3380 Chicago Dr., Hudsonville, MI 49426

Not only is this farmer’s market a great source for fresh, locally grown produce, but it also provides a space to interact with the local community through kids’ activities, learning opportunities, and entertainment.  

Terra-Square-Farmers-market-Hudsonville
Get local produce at the Hudsonville Farmer’s Market at Terra Square
#9

Sled at Charlie’s Dump

Rosewood Park
7069 20th Ave., Jenison, MI 49428

This sledding hill in Rosewood Park, affectionately known as Charlie’s Dump, is a favorite winter sledding spot. 

Jenison’s Soccer Bowl has four different slopes feeding down onto a soccer field, so the older kids can head for the steeper hills while the little ones can stick to the shorter slopes.

And once the snow is gone, come on back to Rosewood Park and enjoy the super fun playground equipment and splash pad!

Rosewood Park two story slide
Rosewood Park in Jenison, MI, is a fun place to play all year long
#10

Enjoy the Outdoors at Hudsonville Nature Center

Hudsonville Nature Center
2700 New Holland St., Hudsonville, MI 49426

Take your little one to Hudsonville Nature Center to explore the trails and boardwalks, climb the scenic overlook and enjoy the wildflowers and wildlife.

With 76 acres of woodlands, prairies and wetlands, there is always something new to discover.

And if you have an older nature lover in your family, be sure to check out the free guided nature hikes offered throughout the year.

The trails at Hudsonville Nature Center are an easy hike for all ages
#11

Play, Shop, and Dine at Rivertown Crossings Mall

Rivertown Crossings
3700 Rivertown Pkwy, Grandville, MI 49418

Not only does Rivertown Mall have over 130 stores for all your shopping needs, but it also has plenty of entertainment and dining options, including a movie theater, carousel, restaurants and Magic Treehouse Play Area.

Additional amenities for families include family restrooms, free WiFi, a nursing lounge, safety escorts, soft seating areas, and stroller rental.

#12

Learn How to Wakeboard at Action Wake Park

Action Wake Park
3320 Hudson Trails Dr., Hudsonville, MI 49426

Action Wake Park is Michigan’s only full size cable park.

While they can provide an action-packed experience for the expert wake boarder, they are also happy to provide training and advice to first time riders.

In fact, if it’s your first time riding cable, join them during one of their daily slow cable times. It makes learning the cable easier for beginner riders!

GRKIDS day Action Wake Park
Learn how to wakeboard at Action Wake Park in Hudsonville, MI
#13

Discover the Historic Engine House No. 5 Museum

Engine House No. 5 Museum
6610 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, MI 49401

Engine House No. 5 was originally constructed in downtown Grand Rapids in 1880 and has since been restored and moved to its current home in Allendale.

Exhibits include historic leather buckets, firemen’s uniforms, helmets, engines, horse carts and fire extinguishers.

And for the future firefighters in your family, don’t miss out on the unique Summer Camp experiences offered at the Engine House!

Engine-House-5-Allendale
Learn all about firefighters at Fire House No. 5 in Allendale, MI
#14

Discover the Playground at Hager Park

Hager Park
8134 28th Ave., Jenison, MI 49428

The Age of Discovery playground will delight your children, but the addition of picnic tables, grills, horseshoe pits, modern restrooms and miles of nature trails at Hager Park is guaranteed to keep the whole family coming back again and again.

things to do in jenison: hager park
Kids will have a blast on the Age of Discovery playground at Hagar Park in Jenison, MI
#15

Roll a Strike at Hudsonville Lanes

Hudsonville Lanes
5775 Balsam Dr., Hudsonville, MI 49426

Lace up those bowling shoes and join the fun at Hudsonville Lanes!

If you’re bringing little ones, ask for the bumper bowling lanes for a frustration-free game of bowling without gutter balls.

And if you’re looking for fun for the older kids, be sure to check out COOL Cosmic Bowling with special effects lighting, the lights turned down, and the music turned up!

things to do in hudsonville: hudsonville lanes
Lace up those shoes for a great time at Hudsonville Lanes
#16

Play Disc Golf at Hughes Park

Hughes Park
40th Ave. & Van Buren St., Hudsonville, MI 49426

Round up your big kids for a day of fun at Hughes Park!

Hughes Park has an 18-hole, 9-basket disc golf course which is open to the public, as well as ball diamonds, a beach volleyball court, basketball courts, picnic pavilions and a playground.

frisbee golf disc golf grand rapids
Play a round of disc golf at Hughes Park in Hudsonville, MI
#17

Ice Skate at Griff’s Georgetown

Griff’s Georgetown
8500 48th Ave., Hudsonville, MI 49426

There are lots of opportunities here for the family who loves to ice skate!

Public open skate, freestyle figure skating times, drop-in adult and youth hockey games, Stick & Puck to practice your hockey skills, adult leagues, Learn to Skate and Intro to Hockey classes – and even pizza parties!

#18

Dip your Toes in at Spring Grove Park

Spring Grove Park
1800 Greenly St., Grandville, MI 49418

Seeking a shady place for the kids to explore?

Spring Grove Park fits the bill with a playground, trails, and a flowing spring the kids can dip their toes in.

Bring a picnic and enjoy a cool escape on a hot day.

#19

Enjoy the Music and Fun at Concerts on the Green

Veteran’s Park
3275 Central Blvd., Hudsonville, MI 49426

Enjoy a fun and relaxing summer evening in Hudsonville with Concerts on the Green.

Each week features a different musical group, as well as kids’ crafts, games, inflatables and other family-friendly activities.

Bring along your own seating and enjoy dinner options and ice cream available for purchase.

things to do in hudsonville: concerts on the green
Enjoy a concert at Veteran’s Park during Hudsonville’s Concert on the Green series
#20

Take a Family Bike Ride Along Buck Creek Trail

Buck Creek Trail
34th St & Wayburn Ave. to Grand River, Grandville, MI 49418

The Buck Creek Trail follows Buck Creek through the cities of Grandville and Wyoming and also connects with a network of trails that lead up to Grand Rapids via the Grand River Pathway and Kent Trails system.

Highlights along the trail include Wedgwood Park in Grandville, as well as the Buck Creek Nature Preserve in Wyoming.

Buck-Creek-Nature-Trail-Wyoming
The Buck Creek Nature Preserve in Wyoming is one of the highlights on the Buck Creek Trail
#21

Roll Around the Rink at Tarry Hall

Tarry Hall Roller Skating Rink
3330 Fairlanes Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418

Tarry Hall Roller Skating Rink is the perfect roller skating destination for families with children.

They offer skatemate rental for little ones who are just learning or still a little unsteady on their skates.

Tarry Hall Roller Rink
Skate all day at Tarry Hall Roller Skating Rink in Grandville, MI
#22

Visit the Veteran’s Garden of Honor

Allendale Community Park
6676 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, MI 49401

Located in Allendale, this memorial is dedicated to U.S. Veterans and features nine life-size statues of soldiers placed in a circle surrounding an 18-foot-tall obelisk topped with an American eagle.

#23

Cool Off at the Splash Pad

Maplewood Park, 8000 12th Ave., Jenison, MI 49428
Rosewood Park, 1899 Rosewood St, Jenison, MI 49428
Allendale Community Park, 6678 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, MI 49401
Harvey Street, Downtown Hudsonville, 49426


The splash pad is a great place to cool down on a hot day!

Some options for splash pads in this area can be found at Maplewood Park and Rosewood Park in Jenison, as well as Allendale Community Park.

things to do in jenison: rosewood park splash pad
Kids love to cool off in the splash pad at Rosewood Park in Jenison, MI
#24

Try the Ninja Warrior Course at Rebounderz

Rebounderz
7500 Cottonwood Dr., Jenison, MI 49428

If you’re up for a challenge, check out the Ninja Warrior Course at Rebounderz Extreme Fun Center- over 200 feet of obstacles, Michigan’s first Spider Wall, a multi-section elevated course, and the finish line on top of a 10 foot warp wall.

And while you’re there, don’t miss the JumpXTREME Tower, foam pit, inflatable fun slide and jump arena.

Or grab some friends to play air dodgeball, slam basketball or human foosball — or laser tag.

Rebounderz-girl-foam-pit-jump
See how high you can bounce on the trampolines at Rebounderz in Jenison, MI
#25

Settle in for a Story at the Library

Grandville Branch KDL, 4055 Maple St SW, Grandville, MI 49418
Allendale Township Library, 6175 Library Ln, Allendale, MI 49401
Gary Byker Memorial Library, 3338 Van Buren St., Hudsonville, MI 49426
Georgetown Township Public Library, 1525 Baldwin St, Jenison, MI 49428
Patmos Library, 2445 Riley St, Jamestown, MI 49427


The library is a wonderful place for kids to play and learn.

Not only can you find books, but most libraries also have activities, puzzles and other interactive toys- you can stop in any time for loads of educational fun.

Many libraries also offer story times, classes and even special events, so be sure to check the website of your local library to see what they have to offer.

things to do in grandville: library
The children’s area at KDL Grandville invites children to learn and play
#26

Play a Round of Mini Golf at Loeschner Village Green

Loeschner Village Green
4521 Chicago Dr., Grandville, MI 49418

If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned game of putt putt golf, take the family to Loeschner Village Green! 

Thirty-nine holes of mini golf, some skeeball and snacks and a ride on the musical carousel horse makes for a fun family night out.

#27

Catch a Flick at Allendale Movies in the Park

Allendale Community Park 
11069 68th Ave., Allendale, MI 49401

There’s always something special about watching a movie outside!

Bring the whole family to Allendale Movies in the Park for free, family-friendly movies throughout the summer.

Just don’t forget your blanket or lawn chairs!

#28

Visit the Ducks at Wedgwood Park

Wedgwood Park 
3391 Wilson Ave., Grandville, MI 49418

The kids will love seeing the ducks at Wedgwood Park before heading off to the playground to play.

The park is also adjacent to Buck Creek Trail, so hiking and biking is an option.

If you want to stick around for lunch or dinner, there are picnic shelters with tables, a campfire area and charcoal grills.

duck at wedgwood park grandville
Watch the ducks at Wedgwood Park in Grandville, MI
#29

Take a Picnic Cruise on the Grand Lady Riverboat

Grand Lady Riverboat
775 Taylor St., Jenison, MI 49428

Pack up a lunch and take your kids on a picnic they will never forget!

The Grand Lady Riverboat offers Sunday afternoon Picnic Cruises where you can learn about Steamboat History and the Grand River while the kids can enjoy a root beer float and have a chance to steer the big wheel in the pilothouse!

More to Explore

About The Author

2 thoughts on “29 Ways to Spend the Day in Jenison, Grandville and Hudsonville”

  1. Margareth Isenhoff

    I love the small city feeling and when people pass by you and they smile for good day I know I will have a good one!

  2. Hello. Will you include the wonderful shops in hudsonville? My shop is Eye Candy for your body and home. A modern downtown shopping experience with local artists and crafters. 6450 28th ave., suite F, Hudsonville, MI

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