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 State of Michigan
Ludington State Park and Playground
Open: Open all year, from 8 AM to 10 PM Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leashKids and parents will have a ball playing at the beaches, hiking the sand dunes, exploring the many trails and having lunch staring at the gorgeous views of the lakes!
Trail Difficulty: ModerateHiking trails are extensive and varied - from 30 minute to three hour hikes.
Each of the eight trails (covered 18 miles total) has natural terrain, but varies in skill level and length. Plus each trail has different, unique features.
You can hike alongside marshes or the beach, through the woods or over sand dunes.
Stop to explore Big Sable Point Lighthouse, launch a kayak or rent a boat at Hamlin Lake, learn historical and natural facts about Ludington State Park or fish along the river or dam.
Change it up and explore watery coves and small islands connected with foot bridges or along the boardwalk. Hike through the air on the completely elevated Skyline Trail where you might be able to see 20 miles to Silver Lake State Park.
Get a Trails Map in advance to get specific trail details, including length and hike time.
- Beach
- Boat Rental
- Concessions
- Dog Friendly
- Hiking Trails
- Interpretive Center
- Lake or River
- Parking Fee
- Pavilion
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Restrooms
- River Access for Boat Launch
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.
More in Grand Rapids
See Also:
West MI Trail Directory »
Best Michigan Beaches for Kids »
Splash Pads & Pools Directory »
Top Michigan Campgrounds
Hi, Can you tell me why the many beautiful city parks, playgrounds, and Nature Center in Hudsonville were left out of this article?
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.
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.
Sebastian, if I am understanding your question, MLK Park in Grand Rapids has a calisthenics set, with sit up bars, a climbing rope, etc.
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.
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.
What park is pictured in the main picture of this article?
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!
The Allendale park also has a seasonal splash pad and a huge sand box… bring sand toys!
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.
What Grand Rapids park for children is closest to John Ball Zoo that has grills to cook on? ThankING you in advance
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.
Thanks for the great list! Just a note, Roselle Park is along the Grand River, not Thornapple!
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.
Two great additions to our list. Thank you Kristen!
I love the splash pad on 48th st at veterans memorial park real bathrooms picnic tables covered pavilion
Thank you! Veteran’s Memorial Park has been added.
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
Thanks for the tip, Lacie! Myers Lake Park has been added.
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Heather Jennings this was the list I was telling you about
Shannan Elaine Mulvey
We love Maplewood Park in Jenison. It has a cool waterpark on one side and a playground on the other side.
Thanks Pam! Maplewood Park has been added to the list.
In Grand Rapids, Aberdeen and Mary Waters parks have splash pads and playgrounds as well.
Thanks for the information Michelle. Both have been added to the list.
I second Pinewood Park in Kentwood, very nice park with multiple play structures.
Diana Marie Dean
Sarah ‘Nilson’ Martin did you see this??
Tim Dommenick – check out the list.
Amber Nichols for the park hop!
Samantha Jo
Mike Arnswald!
Willow Cramer check it out…although you probably already have!
Adding to the list. Pinewood park in kentwood… Great play structure and a splash pad area as well!
Thanks Amy! It has been added to the list.