Kids Activities, Field Trips in Michigan & Other Fun Places: 2025 Guide

Detroit Institute of Arts gallery

Field Trips in Michigan & Kids Activities Ideas

One of the best ways for kids to experience Michigan? Take them on a unique field trip in Michigan.

We have so many fascinating museums, zoos and interesting learning experiences in every corner of the state.

Whether you are a teacher making plans for your class, a homeschool parent brainstorming ideas, or a chaperone for an upcoming trip wondering what exactly you have gotten yourself into, our Field Trip Guide will help you as you prepare.

Search for outing ideas based upon the age level of the kids participating, or by the type of outing.

*feature image is of Detroit Institute of Arts

8 Types of Field Trips in Michigan

Michigan offers a wide variety of activities for kids that are both fun and educational. Here are a few broad topics to explore:

1 – Play at an Amusement Park or Family Fun Center
Michigan’s biggest amusement park is Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon. It’s open during the warmer months.

Family Fun Centers, both indoors and out, pepper the state’s landscape as well. In West Michigan, Craig’s Cruisers, Rebounderz and Allegan Event are popular options.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Peppa Pig World of Play offer fun and learning in Auburn Hills.

For a sensory-friendly option for play, visit We Rock The Spectrum, with multiple locations throughout Michigan.

2 – Visit a Water Park
Michigan has several water parks, such as Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City and Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark in Boyne Falls.

3 – Explore Nature
Michigan has many parks and nature preserves that offer kids activities as well as hiking, biking, and park ranger programs.

Hike along Lake Michigan and climb up one of 4 Lighthouses.

Some popular Michigan parks include the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Ludington State Park and Muskegon State Park Adventure Center.

4 – Go to the Zoo or an Animal Sanctuary
Michigan has several zoos, such as the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, and Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

Get up close to wild and captive birds at Kellogg Bird Sanctuary in Augusta.

Popular field trips in Michigan include the Detroit Zoo
Detroit Zoo

5 – Visit a Science Center
Popular Michigan science centers are located throughout the state, including Michigan Science Center in Detroit, the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, and the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo.

6 – Visit a Children’s Museum or Museum
Michigan has several children’s museums, such as the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum in Grand Rapids and the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum.

In West Michigan, popular museums include the Grand Rapids Public Museum, Holland Museum, Muskegon Maritime Museum and the Ford Presidential Museum.

Michigan offers many art museums too, including the Detroit Institute of Art, Grand Rapids Art Museum and Muskegon Museum of Art.

7 – Tour a Factory or Farm
Some factories offer tours that are educational and entertaining for kids, such as the Ford Rouge Factory in Dearborn, where you can learn about the history of the factory and how cars are made.

In West Michigan, learn about farming at Plainsong Farm and Ministry in Rockford or Post Family Farms in Hudsonville. Or visit the MSU Tollgate Farm in Lansing.

8 – Attend a Sporting Event
Michigan has professional teams like Detroit Lions, Pistons, Tigers, Red Wings, regional teams like the West Michigan Whitecaps or Lansing Lug Nuts, and also college teams like the Wolverines and Spartans.

Attending a game is a great way to spend a day with family, friends, or classmates.

Directory of Kids Activities and Field Trips in Michigan

*Contains sponsored listings

Field Trip Guide

John Ball Zoo

Image for John Ball Zoo

Why John Ball Zoo Makes a Great Field Trip

John Ball Zoo offers a variety of educational programs to meet all of your needs including Zoo visits and travel zoos to your classroom.

STEM programs keep students engaged, whether they’re engineering a new animal habitat, testing penguin nests against environmental constraints, or trying their hand at a zookeeper duty.

Wild Encounters bring topics like adaptations or habitats to life allowing students to meet ambassador animals up close.

Kent County Schools enjoy FREE admission, and non-Kent County schools enjoy a discounted admission rate.

Educators can access free resources available on the Zoo website to enhance in-classroom learning as well as easy ways to make your Zoo visit more impactful for your students.


What People are Saying

"Extremely educational and our kids were very engaged with it!"
"Professional and knowledgeable staff. Cool animals. Great connection to classroom content."
"Great program!! Perfectly suited for our grade level."

(616) 336-4302 | Visit Website

1300 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Ford Presidential Museum

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Why Ford Presidential Museum Makes a Great Field Trip

K-12 students experience a different kind of civics education at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum’s DeVos Learning Center.

Custom programs based on age inspire students to learn about character through the lens of historical events and are aligned with Michigan’s social studies standards.

Hands-on activities and a fascinating history museum help students discover the qualities that defined President and Mrs. Ford: character, integrity, public service, and civic education, and learn how they, too, can be active citizens.


What People are Saying

“There’s no better place in West Michigan to bring history and civics to life than the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum’s DeVos Learning Center. There, we can bring together documents from the Ford Administration with artifacts on display in the Museum to enrich their appreciation for the complex decisions that American presidents are faced with. It’s an experience that all high school students in the area should have.”--Brian Milliron, Social Studies Teacher, Whitehall High School

(616) 254-0396 | Visit Website

303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Grand Rapids Public Museum

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Why Grand Rapids Public Museum Makes a Great Field Trip

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a 170-year-old publicly-owned institution home to more than 250,000 unique artifacts that tell the history of Kent County and beyond.

With three floors of exhibits and the region’s only planetarium, the GRPM is a highly sought-after destination for groups of all ages and sees thousands of school children each year for guided programs such as the week-long Immerse program or self-guided day trips.

The GRPM encourages hands-on learning with real artifacts to deepen curiosity and understanding of the world around us.

Group reservations are accepted and encouraged.


What People are Saying

"School isn't confined to the walls of a school building - this helps students understand they can learn to use the Museum as a place to learn throughout their life."

(616) 929-1700 | Visit Website

272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium & Peppa Pig World of Play

Image for LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium & Peppa Pig World of Play

Why LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium & Peppa Pig World of Play Makes a Great Field Trip

Experience Michigan's ultimate school Field Trip destination when you visit LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and Peppa Pig World of Play in Auburn Hills!

Learn about early engineering & physics concepts at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, underwater habitats, food webs and creatures at SEA LIFE Aquarium, and develop fine motor skills and encourage curiosity at Peppa Pig World of Play.

Educational workshops are also available at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium for PreK-5th grade students.

For more information visit:
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center - https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan/groups-schools/schools/
• SEA LIFE Aquarium - https://visitsealife.com/michigan/schools-groups/schools/
• Peppa Pig World of Play - https://www.peppapigworldofplay.com/michigan/schools-groups/schools/


What People are Saying

"Our students had a great time traveling through the aquarium and learned some new things in our workshop." -Laura H.

(248) 409-6001 | Visit Website

4240 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

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Why Kellogg Bird Sanctuary Makes a Great Field Trip

Experience the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, a remarkable wildlife center located in Southwest Michigan.

Our trails provide an intimate view of captive and wild birds, inviting you to connect with nature.

We offer field trips in the fall, winter, and spring, inspiring preschool through 12th-grade students and
enriching classroom experiences through hands-on activities.

We also welcome private youth groups such as Scouts and church organizations.

Our programs align with the Next Generation Science Standards, ensuring a fun and educational journey
for all ages.

Make your plans to embark on a memorable field trip to the Sanctuary today!


(269) 671-2510 | Visit Website

12685 East C Ave., Augusta, MI 49012 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Michigan Maritime Museum

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Why Michigan Maritime Museum Makes a Great Field Trip

The Michigan Maritime Museum prides itself on our ability to bring quality educational experiences to the public.

The Museum offers a variety of educational options for school and education groups while visiting our campus. Our educators bring history to life through hands-on activities, interactive exhibit tours, and maritime history and science lessons about our Great Lakes–past and present.

Students and visitors are immersed in multi-sensory experiences while visiting the authentic maritime landscape of the Museum campus and buildings as well as our on-water fleet.


(269) 637-8078 | Visit Website

260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Allegan Event

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Why Allegan Event Makes a Great Field Trip

Are you looking for a unique field trip destination?

Michigan's largest indoor ropes course is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland.

Allegan Event offers thrilling experiences for all ages and groups of all sizes, including zip rails, 16 climbing walls, a Tykes ropes course, arcade, pizza, and snacks.

During warmer months, head outside to conquer the outdoor maze and mini-golf.

Book your birthday parties, field trips, and team-building events now!


(269) 430-3961 | Visit Website

439 River Street, Allegan, MI 49010 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Air Zoo

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Why Air Zoo Makes a Great Field Trip

Educators who experience the Air Zoo’s hands-on approach find that our programs complement their lessons and offer a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

We provide programs at the Air Zoo, where students can explore hands-on science, or we can bring these engaging programs to you.

Our dynamic STEAM education programs meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Michigan Science Standards.

These exciting opportunities motivate students of all ages while sparking curiosity and discovery.

Financial assistance is available.


(269) 350-2848 | Visit Website

6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association

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Why Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association Makes a Great Field Trip

Come visit our 4 lighthouses located on the coast of Lake Michigan!

Big Sable Point, Little Sable Point, Ludington North Breakwater, & White River Light Station and Museum await.

Each lighthouse offers a unique history and experience.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach, taking a dune ride, or walking the state park trails!

Must be 40" to climb the lighthouses.


(231) 845-7417 | Visit Website

PO Box 673, Ludington, MI 49431 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Centers

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Why Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Centers Makes a Great Field Trip

They are offering different packages and prices that are adaptable to any group. They can accommodate schools, youth groups, families, camps and more.

People from elementary ages through adults will enjoy the experiences offered here.


(616) 530-2900 | Visit Website

5730 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Rebounderz - Jenison, MI

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Why Rebounderz - Jenison, MI Makes a Great Field Trip

Locally owned/operated for 9 years, Rebounderz is West Michigan's favorite family entertainment center!

An ideal destination for birthday parties, school/church groups, team parties, and FIELD TRIPS! Rebounderz features something for everyone!

Popular attractions include:
• The area's largest Ninja Course
• Trampoline Activities
• 3-Level Playground
• Laser Tag
• Blacklight Mini Golf
• Mini Escape Rooms
• An awesome Arcade.
• Last but definitely not least, our Brand New and very popular ROPELAND playground is NOW OPEN.

Come check it out!


(616) 455-5600 | Visit Website

7500 Cottonwood Dr, Jenison, MI 49428 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Grand Rapids Children's Museum

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Why Grand Rapids Children's Museum Makes a Great Field Trip

Take learning beyond the classroom with a field trip to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum!

Students engage with hands-on exhibits that inspire creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.

At GRCM, PLAY fuels education, helping kids develop essential skills for the future—while having a blast!


(616) 235-4726 | Visit Website

11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

We Rock The Spectrum Kid's Gym Grand Rapids

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Why We Rock The Spectrum Kid's Gym Grand Rapids Makes a Great Field Trip

Empower neurodiversity and create a safe place for kids of ALL abilities to be themselves and have fun in a play environment! We are the only one of our kind in West Michigan!

We have so much to offer at our gym including; Open play, Birthday Packages, and Field Trips.


(616) 481-4001 | Visit Website

4550 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Plainsong Farm & Ministry

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Why Plainsong Farm & Ministry Makes a Great Field Trip

Discover where your food comes from through hands-on activities in our educational gardens.

Students learn the way their food connects them to nature, the way food choices impact the earth, and how to be good stewards of our land and water resources.

Schedule now for 2025 slots! Inquire for pricing.


(616) 747-0737 | Visit Website

6677 12 Mile Rd. NE, Rockford, MI 49341 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

The Holland Museum

Image for The Holland Museum

Why The Holland Museum Makes a Great Field Trip

The Holland Museum offers a range of engaging history and STEAM-focused field trip opportunities for all ages.

Our tours include hands-on experiences where children use critical thinking skills to gain a richer understanding of a range of history and STEAM-related topics.

For more information, please visit our website at hollandmuseum.org/tours/educational-tours/.


(616) 796-3329 | Visit Website

31 W. 10th Street, Holland, MI 49423 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Muskegon Museum of Art

Image for Muskegon Museum of Art

Why Muskegon Museum of Art Makes a Great Field Trip

At the Muskegon Museum of Art, we strive to inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us through visual art.

From docent tours and field trips to workshops and artist talks, the MMA has educational programs for everyone.


(231) 720-2570 | Visit Website

296 W Webster Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

THE MUD ROOM @ KNAPP'S CORNER

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(616) 259-7269 | Visit Website

1971 E Beltline Ave NE STE 103, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Critter Barn Educational Farm

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(616) 748-1110 | Visit Website

2950 80th Avenue, Zeeland, MI 49464-9079 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Hudsonville Lanes

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(616) 669-9380 | Visit Website

5775 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, MI 49426 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Grace Adventures

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(231) 873-3662 | Visit Website

2100 N Ridge Rd, Silver Lake, MI 49436 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Saugatuck Center for the Arts

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(269) 857-2399 | Visit Website

400 Culver St, Saugatuck, MI 49453 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

BattleGR

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(616) 345-0698 | Visit Website

284 Dodge NE Suite 100, Comstock Park, MI 49321 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Celebration Cinema

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2121 Celebration Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Map It

123 Ionia SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Bricks 4 Kidz

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(616) 438-9993 | Visit Website

, , MI | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Detroit Institute of Arts

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(313) 833-7900 | Visit Website

5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Michigan's Adventure

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(231) 766-9959 | Visit Website

4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

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(734) 995-5439 | Visit Website

220 E. Ann St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Flint Children’s Museum

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(810) 767-5437 | Visit Website

1602 W. University Ave., Flint, MI 48504 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

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(616) 957-1580 | Visit Website

1000 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Cranbrook Institute of Science

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(248) 645-3200 | Visit Website

39221 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Impression 5 Science Center

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(517) 485-8116 | Visit Website

200 Museum Drive, Lansing, MI 48933 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Belle Isle Park

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(313) 331-7760 | Visit Website

3 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Michigan Science Center

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5020 John R St, Detroit, MI 48202 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

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(269) 373-7990 | Visit Website

230 North Rose Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Michigan State Capitol

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(517) 373-2353 | Visit Website

100 N. Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Potter Park Zoo

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(517) 483-4222 | Visit Website

1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

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(734) 764-0478 | Visit Website

Biological Sciences Building, 1105 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Greenfield Village

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(313) 982-6001 | Visit Website

20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Binder Park Zoo

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(269) 979-1351 | Visit Website

7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek, MI 49014 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Crossroads Village

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810-736-7100, ext. 6 | Visit Website

6140 N. Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

The Henry Ford Museum

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(313) 982-6001 | Visit Website

20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Detroit Zoo

Image for Detroit Zoo
(248) 541-5717 | Visit Website

8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

West Michigan Whitecaps

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(616) 784-4131 | Visit Website

4500 West River Drive, Comstock Park, MI 49321 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Grand Rapids Public Library

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(616) 988-5400 | Visit Website

111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

3 Mile Project

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(616) 784-8433 | Visit Website

3050 Walkent Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo

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(231) 861-5730 | Visit Website

4180 West M-20, New Era, MI 49446 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery

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(800) 400-8100 | Visit Website

3142 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Legacy Stables and Karin's Horse Connection

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(616) 570-1106 | Visit Website

8001 Patterson Ave. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

GR Gymnastics

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(616) 975-2992 | Visit Website

1601 Galbraith Ave, STE 301, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Post Family Farms

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(616) 669-1964 | Visit Website

5081 Bauer Rd, Hudsonville, MI 49426 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Sky Zone

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(616) 214-4221 | Visit Website

3636 29th Street SE, Kentwood, MI 49512 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Sus Manos Gleaners

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(616) 260-4282 | Visit Website

2464 Wilshere Drive, Jenison, MI 49428 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Tarry Hall Roller Rink

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(616) 534-8235 | Visit Website

3330 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Tree Runner Adventure Park

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(616) 226-3993 | Visit Website

2121 Celebration Dr Ne, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Fruit Ridge Hayrides

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(616) 887-5052 | Visit Website

11966 Fruit Ridge NW, Kent City, MI 49330 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Inland Seas Education Association

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(231) 271-3077 | Visit Website

100 Dame St #218, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Camp Blodgett

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(616) 949-0780 x103 | Visit Website

10451 Lakeshore Drive, West Olive, MI 49460 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Camp Henry

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(616) 459-2267 | Visit Website

5575 Gordon Ave, Newago, MI 49337 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Grand Rapids Art Museum

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(616) 831-1000 | Visit Website

101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Kent County Recycling Center

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(616) 632-7920 | Visit Website

977 Wealthy St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Map It

Field Trip Guide

Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center at PJ Hoffmaster State Park

Image for Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center at PJ Hoffmaster State Park
(231) 798-3573 | Visit Website

6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon, MI 49441 | Map It

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