85+ Amazing West MI Playgrounds: Find the Best Kids Park Near You

kids parks and playgrounds

Local Playgrounds & Kids Play Parks

It’s likely you’re putting “Head to a Kids Park or Playground Near Me” on your bucket list of things to do with kids in Grand Rapids this summer!

There are hundreds of parks in the West Michigan area, though, so it can be difficult to find the best playgrounds or walking trails.

This list of some of the coolest playgrounds in greater Grand Rapids will help you find a great kids park near you!

Best grand rapids playgrounds

Grand Rapids – Bursting with Playgrounds & Kids Parks to Explore

Exploring new parks is a great way to get out and discover different parts of West Michigan without spending a lot of money.

Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air is more popular than ever these days, so that’s why we’ve revamped the West Michigan Playground Guide to help you find your family’s next favorite kids park with a playground.

Amazing parks are everywhere in West Michigan. We’ve tracked down the best Grand Rapids playgrounds.

Some of the best playgrounds in Grand Rapids are tucked away in the corners of neighborhoods, others are in urban settings near downtown, and there are lakeshore parks on this list, too.

Directory of Kids Parks & Playgrounds

If you’re looking for a “kids park or playground near me,” start here. Scroll through the list below or use the SEARCH fields to filter the list according to location or park features.

Ada Township Park and Playground

1180 Buttrick Ave SE, Ada MI 49301

☆ BEST PLAYGROUND


Playground has accessible play equipment.
Park is Stroller-Friendly.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Ada Township Park is a popular family park home to a fishing pond; basketball, pickleball and tennis courts; soccer and softball fields; and tons of opportunities for exploring.

This large park has a playground, pavilion, and gazebo with grills, picnic tables and paved and natural trails for walking or biking.

The trails are short and connect to the fishing lagoon. You can walk the paved trails around the lagoon, crossing three small wooden bridges as you go. This is a favorite spot for kids to look for fish in the lagoon.

The trails through the woods are short and flat, with a natural surface. It's an easy hike to add on to an afternoon at the playground.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Playground has a wood chip surface, several play structures for every age, and is located near the pavilion and restrooms.

Whistlestop Park and Playground

2120 76th St SW, Byron Center MI 49315

☆ BEST PLAYGROUND

Playground is good for toddlers.
Park is Stroller-Friendly.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Whistlesop Park includes walking trails, play equipment, picnic area, athletic fields, and fishing amenities.

You’ll also find baseball & softball fields, play equipment, a 2.5-acre catch and release fishing pond, walking trail, soccer fields, football fields, pavilion and picnic area, and volleyball court.

There is even a dog park with fun climbing structures for your furry friend!

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
The playground is large and inviting, including a secondary smaller area for toddlers. Both playgrounds feature slides and climbing structures and are over mulch. There are also regular and baby swings.

Maplewood Park and Playground

8000 12th Avenue, Jenison MI 49428

☆ BEST PLAYGROUND


Playground has accessible play equipment.
Park is Stroller-Friendly.
Park with Swings.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
With both a splash pad and lake, water lovers will rejoice.

The park also includes a variety of athletic fields, a walking path, and a playground.

Enjoy the beauty of nature and the slight breeze off the lake as you walk the 1 mile paved pathway around the lake.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
The signage on the playground has one section as 2+ and another as 5+, but it is one big unit.

There is not a separate toddler playground.

The uppermost levels of the play structure have open spaces to climbers that may make parents of toddlers nervous.

The surface is recycled tires.

Fallasburg Park and Playground

1124 Fallasburg Park Dr. NE, Lowell MI 49331

☆ BEST PLAYGROUND

Park is Stroller-Friendly.
Park with Swings.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Fallasburg Park is a beautiful, picturesque park located just north of Lowell in the historic Fallasburg community.

Spanning over 250 acres (including parts of the North Country Trail), this is a popular place for kids and families to hike, explore an historic covered bridge, play on the playground, or take fall family photos.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
There are various play structures throughout the park. The main structure, at the main entrance area, has a mixture of paved turf and wood chips.

Toddlers would best enjoy the smaller play structure near the covered bridge, though the main playground is great for all ages.

Millennium Park and Playground

1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker MI 49534

☆ BEST PLAYGROUND

Playground is good for toddlers.
Park is Stroller-Friendly.
Park with Swings.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
This sprawling, 1,400 acre park offers endless activities.

Experience 18 miles of trails (both paved and unpaved) for both bikers and hikers, playgrounds, shelter rentals, and expansive water sports fun - including both a beach and a splash pad.

People come here to swim, boat, bike, bird watch, picnic, play volleyball, cross country ski and more.

If your toddler loves the water, but the waves and deep waters of nearby Lake Michigan make you uneasy, this is a great option for little ones to get outside and enjoy the water.

This park is home to a 100-acre lake with some shallow areas and no waves, making for a great toddler activity.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
There are three different playground sections at this park, one for the younger kids, one for the older kids, and one ninja warrior course. The playgrounds are outside of the fenced-off beach area and have a nice grassy area nearby.

Kids and families that like to watch American Ninja Warrior on television will love testing their mettle on the new play equipment at Millennium Park.

Multiple obstacles and structures comprise the playground, which is geared toward older kids.

This design is the first in the USA and Millennium Park is excited to debut it here right in Grand Rapids.

Lamar Park and Playground

2561 Porter Street SW, Wyoming MI 49519

☆ BEST PLAYGROUND


Playground has accessible play equipment.
Park is Stroller-Friendly.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
If your family has a variety of interests, Lamar Park is your one-stop-shop for everyone's entertainment.

Sports fields & courts, a climbing wall, huge splash pad, playground, walking path and amazing picnic areas to enjoy a meal al fresco make Lamar Park the perfect way to spend a family day together.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Very large playground area with a variety of options for kids, including slides & climbing structures.

There is also a big climbing wall to challenge all ages.

All play areas are over mulch.

Huizenga Park and Playground

350 Royal Park Drive, Zeeland MI 49464

☆ BEST PLAYGROUND

Playground has accessible play equipment.
Playground is good for toddlers.
Park is Stroller-Friendly.
Park with Swings.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
This park has it ALL!

The playground is perfect for kids of any age - even toddlers with its padded surface and low equipment.

Kids will adore the zipline, and the older kids will be thrilled that this park also has a skate park.

Add to these things a beautiful fishing pond and lots of sporting options - this park is a solid destination.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
There is so much to do on this huge playground!

The huge variety of spinning, climbing, swinging and sliding fun includes an updated merry-go-round, rope climbing course, monkey bars, slides, swings and even a zipline.

A smaller play structure is perfect for toddlers.

Play structures are on a padded surface while the rest of the equipment is over woodchips.

Caledonia Lakeside Park and Playground

370 N Lake St SE, Caledonia MI 49316

Park is Stroller-Friendly.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Pack your picnic lunches and head to Caledonia Lakeside Park for a day of fun!

Play on the two playgrounds, walk or bike the trail into town for ice cream, try your luck at fishing, or run and play in the open spaces.

The park serves as a staging area for the Thornapple Trail, which is a paved trail that leads to downtown Caledonia. Walkers, bikers and joggers can take advantage of this trail.

Enjoy your lunch at this fun kids park in either an open or closed shelter or dozens of picnic tables.

The park doesn't slow down during winter, with a large sledding hill and opportunities for ice fishing.

There is also short 1/3 mile walking trail around the park through the woods.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
The park offers both a large and a small playground, with play structures for the big and the little kids.

Ideal Park and Playground

5843 Crippen, Grand Rapids MI 49548


Playground has accessible play equipment.
Park is Stroller-Friendly.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Newly renovated in 2020 after the old playground was destroyed by a tornado, Ideal Park includes hiking, a playground and more.

Enjoy the historic log cabin lodge, art deco style bridge and stone structures.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
The newly renovated playground is over a rubber surface and features Wyoming's first rope enhanced play structure.

Kids will love playing on the colorful equipment that includes tube slides, tire swings, monkey bars and merry-go-round.

Restrooms are located nearby the playground.

Kroc Center and Playground

2500 S Division Ave, Grand Rapids MI 49507

Park is Stroller-Friendly.
Park with Swings.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
The Kroc Center's outdoor campus has an awesome park that will keep kids entertained for hours.

The "dinosaur fossil" sand play area will be a huge hit, along with the fun structures on the playground.

Take a short stroll on the paved walking path, have lunch on the picnic tables, and be sure to visit the pond to scope out some fish.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Playground has a large structure with a big slide.

Lots of swings and spinning and climbing structures as well, plus a sandbox!

Surface is woodchipped.

Riverside Park and Playground

2001 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI 49505

Park is Stroller-Friendly.
Park with Swings.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Not only is Riverside Park perfect for soaking in some scenic views of the Grand River, but there is also something for everyone at this fun park.

From disc golf, fishing, a kayak launch, and a playground to pavilions with grills, athletic fields and a paved, multi-use walking and biking trail, Riverside Park checks all the boxes.

The paved path follows the Grand River for a mile and includes an awesome iron bridge over the flowing water.

And for those parents who just want to relax and take a breath, there is free WiFi!

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
There are multiple play areas in Riverside Park.

The modern equipment has ample opportunities for climbing, sliding and swinging.

The playground equipment has mulch ground covering.

Heritage Park and Playground

4264 Canal Ave, Grandville MI 49418

Playground is good for toddlers.
Park is Stroller-Friendly.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Heritage Park is a fun kids park with a little of everything.

Kids will love time on the playground, followed by some fishing and checking out the ducks and geese around the pond.

Paved walkways line the fishing pond. A dock with a wooden deck also juts out into the pond.

Adults and older kids will have a ball playing disc golf, sand volleyball or basketball on the lighted court.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Woodchip-surfaced with plenty of options for older and younger kids.

Wabasis Lake Park and Playground

11220 Springhill Drive, Greenville MI 48838

ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Wabasis Lake Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream.

Explore the beautiful hiking trails or catch a fish. Splash around on the sandy beach, set the kids loose on the playground, or play a sport.

There is a four-lane boat launch, and the park connects to a campground with hook-ups and cabin rentals if you're looking for an extended stay.

This park offers short jaunts through the woods, connecting different areas of the park on natural surfaced trails.

The longest walking trail is about 1/2 mile long, running between the beach parking lot and the spring house near the boat ramp.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Four separate playgrounds within the park, though one is for campground users only. All play structures have climbing areas and slides over mulch.

Paw Paw Park and Playground

1230 Paw Paw Drive, Holland MI 49423

ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
With the addition of formerly known Macatawa Park, the now 172 acre Paw Paw Park is a naturalist's dream come true.

The bridges, boardwalks and observation decks follow the river, offering beautiful, scenic views of nature.

Paw Paw Park encourages visitors to enjoy the park on paved or natural surface trails, a playground, or during a game of disc golf.

During the colder months, enjoy the silence of winter on snow shoes or cross country skis.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Smaller yet engaging playground with a tall slide over mulch on the west end of the park.

Grand River Park and Playground

9473 28th Ave, Jenison MI 49428

Park is Stroller-Friendly.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Grand River Park is perfect if you are looking for a full day of play and exercise.

Kids will love fishing off the dock on the small lake and playing on the playground.

Parents will love hiking (or skiing in the winter) the scenic trails.

Pack a picnic lunch and snag a picnic table by the playground to round out your day.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Woodchip-topped with large play structure.

Stoney Lakeside Park and Playground

1200 Bowes Road, Lowell MI 49331

ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Bring Fido to this kid and dog friendly park in Lowell!

Stoney Lakeside Park offers a sandy beach for kids to cool off after playing on the modern play structure.

Visitors will also find an easy spot to launch a kayak or paddleboard, and great fishing spots along the shore.

The dog park is a fenced-in space with benches for owners, and access to the lake (not people friendly). There is also a separate area for small dogs.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Modern play structure with climbing features over a mulch surface.

Myers Lake Park and Playground

7350 Hessler Dr NE, Rockford MI 49341

Playground is good for toddlers.
Park is Stroller-Friendly.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
A day at Myers Lake Park is like a mini vacation.

Kids can spend all day here playing on the beach, fishing in the lake, playing on the huge play structures and having a picnic lunch in the shade.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Both playgrounds are woodchip-surfaced with large play structures for older kids to toddlers.

Townsend Park & Cannon Trail and Playground

8280 6 Mile Road, Rockford MI 49317


Park is Stroller-Friendly.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Townsend Park is a perfect mix of nature and family-friendly activities. Follow the path over the stone bridge to the shaded playground, then take a hike on a well-maintained wooded trail.

Townsend Park also has baseball diamonds, fishing, and creek stomping for a day of fun.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Townsend Park has three separate playgrounds.

The shaded playgrounds feature slides and climbing features, including a rock wall.

The surface is mulched.

Long Lake Park and Playground

13747 Krauskopf NE, Sparta MI 49345

Park is Stroller-Friendly.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Long Lake Park checks lot of boxes.

Kids will enjoy not one, but two playgrounds, followed by a nice swim at the beach.

Lots of shaded areas for picnicking to round out the day.

Pack up the kayaks and canoes for a fun time on the lake.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Two playgrounds - one near the beach and one is near the wooded picnic area.

Both playgrounds have structures with lots of options - bridges, sliding and climbing.

Johnson Park and Playground

2600 Wilson Ave, Walker MI 49534

Park is Stroller-Friendly.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Johnson Park is a huge park with lots of shade trees - perfect for a hot summer day with the whole family!

Kids can explore TWO playgrounds and will love all the space to run.

Parents will love that this is a clean park with beautiful views and lots of picnic areas to make a fun day of it.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Two playgrounds are available - the yellow and the red. They are woodchipped and offer large structures with lots of slides, swings and climbing areas.

Palmer Park and Playground

1275 52nd St SW, Wyoming MI 49509

ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Palmer Park is the perfect place to host your next shaded picnic.

The wooded picnic area and open shelterhouse are situated right next to the playground, making it easy to grab a bite and stay cool on hot summer days.

Palmer Park also features baseball diamonds, paved bike path, natural surface hiking trails, fishing spots and an 18-hole golf course.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Two separate smaller, shaded play areas over mulch.

Lemery Park and Playground

4050 Byron Center SW, Wyoming MI 49519

Park is Stroller-Friendly.
ABOUT THIS KIDS PARK
Lemery Park is a Wyoming gem.

Kids will have hours of fun playing on the playground, fishing in Buck Creek and walking the paved trail.

Pack a picnic lunch and snag one of the picnic tables and enjoy the beautiful views of the creek.

The wide paved trail winds along Buck Creek.

PLAYGROUND DETAILS
Woodchip-surfaced playground with large play structure offering lots of sliding, climbing and crawling opportunities for kids.

Map of Grand Rapids Parks and Trails

Find your next outdoor adventure near you with this map of the best hiking trails, playgrounds, and parks in West Michigan.

Legacy Park is the latest kids park and playground to hit Ada.
Legacy Park in downtown Ada

About The Author

36 thoughts on “85+ Amazing West MI Playgrounds: Find the Best Kids Park Near You”

  1. Hi, Can you tell me why the many beautiful city parks, playgrounds, and Nature Center in Hudsonville were left out of this article?

    1. Avatar photo

      We’re currently rebuilding this article and they will be added as soon as we can get them. We’re implementing a new searchable database and info population takes time. Please check back and hopefully you will see lovely the Hudsonville Parks included.

  2. Sebastiaan Johnson

    hello, i was wondering which of these playgrounds have a calisthenics park or set with them. If so would that be a possible project for the future. I have a cousin coming for a few weeks and I’m trying to find one of these calisthenics sets or parks for him.

    1. Avatar photo

      Sebastian, if I am understanding your question, MLK Park in Grand Rapids has a calisthenics set, with sit up bars, a climbing rope, etc.

  3. Just went to Danish kingdom park in Greenville and was not impressed at all. Has not been kept up very well. The description on this site makes it sound like a great park but honestly it’s a little ran down.

  4. Cherry Park is amazing! Small splash pad, restroom, and a stone’s throw from The Parlor ice cream shop, which is open late afternoon and does a generous kiddie-sized scoop. Highland Park and Fuller Park also have great splash pads and restrooms.

  5. Richardson.Sowerby park should be on the list for Rockford. It’s right off the White Pine Trail near the Rogue River. There’s also some covered picnic areas, bathroom facilities, and it’s so close to all the fun in downtown Rockford. Also missing from the list is Morley Park in Cedar Springs!

  6. There is a small park in Rockford called Glen Park. We really like it because on those hot summer days this park is mostly in the shade and the equipment doesn’t get hot enough to burn.

  7. Rosewood Park has now added a splash pad and a toddler playground as well as new bathrooms, repaved parking lot and lights to their park. Quite nice and getting popular.

  8. Kristen Beadenkopf

    We live in Jenison and our favorite is 8th Ave Community Park. It has a nice playground, 1mile paved trail around lake and a clean beach for swimming. Basketball courts and bathrooms with a covered pavilion with a ton of picnic tables.
    Also, Rosewood Park in Jenison is under construction now and they are adding a larger playground, splash pad and bathrooms. It’s already a soccer field/sledding hills with a small play area. It’s at 18th and Rosewood Ave.

  9. I like Myers lake park in Rockford has 2 size play structures swings a bathroom and changing area and beach, charcoal grills lots of shady areas lots of parking spots lots of picnic tables a covered pavilion grassy areas big waters nice

  10. We love Maplewood Park in Jenison. It has a cool waterpark on one side and a playground on the other side.

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