Ideal Park in Grand Rapids, MI

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!

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.

Park Managed by City of Wyoming

Ideal Park and Playground

5843 Crippen, Grand Rapids MI 49548
Open: The park is open May 1 though September 30. Park closes at 9 PM.
Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas
Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leash
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.

This park features newer basketball courts, pavilions and plenty of open space for running.

Ideal Park is great for professional photos!

The park is open May 1 though September 30. Park closes at 9:00 PM.

The Playground at Ideal Park
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, monkey bars and merry-go-round.

Restrooms are located nearby the playground.

The Walking Paths at Ideal Park
Located next to Buck Creek, the hiking trail at Ideal Park includes viewing stations and an unpaved walking/bike trail where you can walk next to the creek or splash in it.

Facilities at Ideal Park
Modern restrooms are on-site.

The historic log cabin is available to rent and can hold up to 50 people.

There's also two covered picnic shelters and four uncovered picnic areas.

What's Unique About Ideal Park?
Ideal Park was initially developed in the 1930s, prior to the incorporation of the City, and is one of the oldest parks within the City.

In July 2014 the park was hit by a tornado, resulting in the loss of over 90% of the park's trees, many of which were 100 to 300 years old.

List of Park Features & Amenities
  • Accessible
  • Adaptive Equipment
  • Basketball Court
  • Creek Stomping
  • Fishing Pond
  • Free Admission
  • Grills
  • Hiking Trails
  • Paved Walking Path
  • Paved Bike Path
  • Pavilion
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Restrooms
  • Soccer Fields

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

36 thoughts on “Ideal Park in Grand Rapids, MI”

  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. Carlafrance6018@gmail.com France

    What Grand Rapids park for children is closest to John Ball Zoo that has grills to cook on? ThankING you in advance

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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

  11. 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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