25+ Indoor Playgrounds Near Grand Rapids for Toddlers, Big Kids and maybe even Grownups

Indoor Playgrounds are a Year-Round Haven for Families

Living in West Michigan, we experience everything from sub-zero wind chills to excessive heat warnings, which means as parents, we have to get creative when it comes to planning activities for our families. Enter the Indoor Playground.

While Michigan weather can make outdoor play a challenge at times (or also super fun), it doesn’t have to affect your family’s ability to spend time together.

Kids play places are a great option for:
the rainy days of spring
the hot humid days of summer where you  want air-conditioned kids play places
the bitter cold days of winter where you just want to burn off some energy

Favorite Indoor Play Places Near Grand Rapids

*This is a sponsored section of GRKIDS.

  INDOOR PLAY PLACES – WHOLE FAMILY FUN 

Having indoor play areas on your radar is a must! A room filled with inflatables and trampolines are what dreams are made of for most kids. (And even some moms and dads…)

Spend hours climbing, jumping, and sliding on inflatables at Catch Air, one of the largest indoor playgrounds in Grand Rapids.

Defy gravity at Altitude Trampoline Park, Sky Zone Trampoline Park or Rebounderz Indoor Trampoline.

Arcade games are a classic kids indoor play option.   Visit Chuck E. Cheese or AJ’s Fun Center for arcade games. Step it up a notch at Craig’s Cruisers to race each other on go-karts or head over to Great Lakes Glow Golf to putt the ball under black lights for a unique miniature golf experience.

Do it all, virtually, at Amped Virtual Reality.  At this indoor play area for kids, they can explore the ocean and ride a roller coaster, all in one spot.

High Action Kids Indoor Playgrounds

Nothing beats cabin fever better than some action-packed indoor play areas for kids.

If your kids like to tumble, jump or swing, try out R-Athletics, Gymco or For the Kidz for unending open gym fun.

Check out Tarry Hall, Jumpin Jupiter Skate Center, Kentwood Fun Spot or Roller Fox Skating Center for some roller-skating fun. Or if you feel like cooling down on a hot summer day, stop in at Walker Ice and Fitness, Southside Ice Arena or Griff’s Icehouse and practice your ice-skating skills.

When you need to include some adventure in your indoor playground, climb the rock wall at Grand Rapids Salvation Army Kroc Center or try an indoor ropes course at Allegan Event Center.

Be active and have a little friendly competition playing laser tag at Battle GR .

If winter weather has you dreaming of summer, you can relive some of those summer memories at an indoor swim facility. Holland Community Aquatic Center will keep kids entertained with their splash pad, zip line and water slide. Or splash around at Goldfish Swim School’s family swim time, Kentwood Public Schools Aquatic Center, Salvation Army Kroc Center or Forest Hills Public School Community and Aquatic Center.

PLAY & LEARN KIDS PLAY PLACES 

Yes, you can find an indoor play area for kids that combines fun and play with a little bit of learning! It’s a win-win for both kids and parents.

Sneak in some learning at the Grand Rapids Public Museum where kids can learn in a fresh and interactive way. Add some fun with a carousel ride and prepare to be amazed by our galaxy after a stop at the planetarium.

Admire the exhibits at the Grand Rapids Art Museum or create art yourself at one of the GRAM studio’s drop-in programs — it’s a kids indoor play option most people don’t know about.

Then, spend a whole day at another place known for kids indoor play — the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (temporarily closed). Build forts, learn about bees, or play at the bubble station.

Libraries offer so much more than just books. Storytimes, arts and crafts, and kids indoor play stations will keep everyone busy on a rainy day. Plan a trip to the Georgetown Township Library, or one of the many branches of the Kent District Library.

Curious about wildlife and plants? There is a kids indoor play area for that! View educational displays at the Bunker Interpretive Center at Calvin University’s Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens or enjoy kids indoor play and learning at the Critter Barn’s big red barn.

Hop in the car and head to Portage to visit the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum. Explore their hands-on learning experiences and engaging exhibits.

KIDS PLAY PLACES – Great for Toddlers 

Toddlers bring energy and excitement to playtime, but they also have different needs in an indoor play area than preschool and elementary-aged kids. Luckily, many kids play places have areas that cater specifically to toddlers.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum’s (temporarily closed) Wee Discover exhibit is made just for kids ages five and under. If you have a baby tagging along with your toddler, there is even a tummy time space for those who aren’t crawling yet.

Catch Air also offers Tiny Town, a special place for those 3 1/2 feet and under. This special indoor play area features a smaller-scale inflatable, slides with a ball pit and more.

Splash around in the pool or get the wiggles out during open gym at The Salvation Army Kroc Center during special toddler hours.

Take your tumbling toddler to one of For The Kidz Gymnastics open gyms specifically for kids five and under.

KIDS PLAY PLACES – Great for Big Kids 

If you are trying to find kids play places to get your big kid out of the house, there are plenty of options to keep them entertained.

Kids of all ages love bowling, making it a great choice for kids indoor play. But bowling is an especially big hit with the older kids. Bowl a few frames at one of these many bowling centers: AMF Eastbrook Lanes, AMF Lincoln Lanes, Clique Lanes, Hudsonville Lanes, Rockford Lanes, Spectrum Lanes or Wengers Bowling Center.

Dave and Busters boasts a variety of games that appeal to both little and big kids and yes, even adults. Follow it up with the love language of many big kids – delicious food.

Big kids have endless options for kids indoor play at Bam! Entertainment Center in Holland. Play arcade games, bowl, complete the high ropes course, and try your skills in an escape room.

Craig’s Cruisers is one of the few kids play places where they can ride electric go-karts inside, as well as a ROLLER COASTER! What big kid wouldn’t love that?

FREE KIDS PLAY PLACES

Looking for some kid indoor play options that won’t break the bank?

Several restaurant chains include a free indoor play area for kids, like Chick-Fil-A, Burger King and McDonald’s. (Not all locations have a kids play place, and many are closed right now, so call ahead first.)

Stay warm and dry playing at one of our local malls. Try the Magic Tree House at Rivertown Crossings Mall or the new forest-themed play area at Woodland Mall.

Have fun playing and learning at one or several of the amazing libraries on this list (temporarily closed).

And don’t forget, many favorite indoor playgrounds offer free admission on special days or with special promotions. For example, the Grand Rapids Art Museum offers free general admission one day and one evening a week and the Grand Rapids Public Museum offers free admission for kids who live in Kent County. Check their websites for more details.

FIND INDOOR PLAYGROUND NEAR ME

Use our handy Google Map to find indoor play areas near you.