Riverside 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!

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.

Park Managed by City of Grand Rapids

Riverside Park and Playground

2001 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI 49505
Open: Open year round during daylight hours
Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all or most areas
Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leash
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!

Riverside Park is an amazing place to spend the day.

There are miles of trails with plenty of opportunities to see all kinds of wildlife - maybe even an eagle or a friendly squirrel.

This huge park is divided into sections, each with its own main feature. Disc golf, playgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing are among the main attractions here.

There are bathrooms throughout the park, but they are widespread.

Since it's right on the Grand River, people often come here to kayak.

Leashed dogs are welcome here, but Riverside is not a dedicated dog park.

The Playground at Riverside Park
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.

The Walking Paths at Riverside Park
The paved walking trail in Riverside Park offers a quiet oasis from the busy city life.

Expect to see a wide variety of birds and other wildlife throughout your hike through the large park.

Riverside Park is prone to flooding so plan accordingly after a heavy rain.

The Disc Golf Course at Riverside Park
Check flooding conditions before venturing out - this course can be underwater at times.

Otherwise, you'll find an open, flat course without a ton of obstacles, other than pedestrians and the occasional water hazard (maybe use a floating disc?)

18 holes.

Facilities at Riverside Park
Restrooms, pavilion with picnic tables and grills.

What's Unique About Riverside Park?
You can often find food trucks in Riverside Park in the summer - especially on Food Truck Fridays.
List of Park Features & Amenities
  • Baseball
  • Disc Golf
  • Dog Friendly
  • Fishing Pond
  • Free Admission
  • Good for Rollerblading
  • Grills
  • Lake or River
  • Paved Walking Path
  • Paved Bike Path
  • Pavilion
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Restrooms
  • River Access for Boat Launch
  • Soccer Fields
  • Swings
  • Urban
  • WiFi

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 “Riverside 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. 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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