28 Terrific Things to do in Kentwood, Caledonia and Southeast Grand Rapids

There’s a lot to do in Kentwood & Caledonia

Southeast Grand Rapids is booming. What used to be a more rural, quiet community has seen unprecedented growth in recent years.

Trails and parks are intermingled with play centers and shopping, giving us both indoor and outdoor entertainment options. You can find splash pads, ice cream, ice skating, and river fun.

Kentwood has become a popular hub for families who want to raise their kids in diverse communities and schools. With the 28th and 44th street corridors in their zip code, there’s no end to shopping, food, and fun.

You’ll also see areas sprawling beyond Kentwood grow into popular hubs. Dutton/Cutlerville is a growing part of the M-6 area, where you can find more shopping and the Phoenix Movie Theater.

And if the urban sprawl is a little too busy for you, drive a little farther south to Caledonia, one of our area’s favorite small rural towns.

If you’re wondering how much fun your kids can have in Southeast Grand Rapids, here’s your list!

Life in Kentwood

Why people love living here:
Points go to Kentwood for diversity. Schools and neighborhoods celebrate many cultures and family types, and residents love that.

It’s also an affordable area, with housing options ranging from rentals to condos to homes. Families often start out in Kentwood for the affordability and end up staying for the great neighbors, proximity to GR, great shopping, and an active parks and rec program.

You should know: 
Most people in West Michigan know Kentwood has the Woodland Mall area, but don’t realize that Kentwood is huge. With its unusual shape, there’s a good chance that you’ve been in Kentwood and didn’t even realize it.

Kentwood Stats

Population:
51,868

School District:
Kentwood Public Schools

Niche School District Rating:
B+

Drive Time / Distance to Downtown GR:
15 minutes / 9 miles

Known for:
» Diverse schools & communities
» Shopping at Woodland & CenterPoint Malls, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods
» Horrocks
» Active Parks & Rec department
» Activity centers like Sky Zone & Amped Virtual Reality

Kentwood School District Map

Residents of the shaded areas can attend Kentwood Public Schools. *Always confirm school district boundaries directly with the school district before purchasing or moving to a new property.

Get your game on at Amped Virtual Reality in Kentwood, MI

Life in Caledonia

Why people love living here:
Locals love that they’ve found a modern-day small town.
This tight-knit community has the quiet vibes of yesteryear, coupled with great updates and community hotspots like a brand new trails system, and exciting new developments in front of the library that includes an amphitheater and dog park.

You should know:
This part of greater Grand Rapids is experiencing a housing boom right now. Once rural areas are quickly becoming subdivisions.

Plus, Caledonia is really into hosting hometown parades and festivals. Celebrate Western Week, Harvest Festival, Memorial Day, Christmas, and 4th of July with neighbors and friends in Caledonia.

Caledonia Stats

Village Population:
1,527

School District:
Caledonia Community Schools. The district covers a 100 square mile area, which includes parts of Kent, Allegan and Barry Counties.

Niche School District Rating:
A-

Drive Time / Distance to Downtown GR:
26 minutes / 21 miles

Known for:
» Rural & suburban atmosphere
» Caledonia Lakeside Park
» Paul Henry Thornapple Trail

Caledonia Community Schools District Map

Residents of the shaded areas can attend Caledonia Schools.
*Always confirm school district boundaries directly with the school district before purchasing or moving to a new property.

Things to Do in Kentwood, Caledonia & Areas SE of GR

1 – Picnic at Lakeside Park

Caledonia Lakeside Park
370 N Lake St. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316

Pack up a picnic lunch and head to Caledonia Lakeside Park!

After lunch, the kids can enjoy the playground, run the bases at the baseball diamond and explore the surrounding wooded areas on the trail.

And when they’re done, you can take the path from Lakeside to downtown Caledonia and get a treat at Ice Cream Express!

things to do in Caledonia
Spend an afternoon by the water at Caledonia Lakeside Park
#2

Treat Your Tastebuds at Taste of Kentwood

Taste of Kentwood – Kentwood Activities Center
355 48th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

So Kentwood has restaurants. Many, many restaurants.

From the quick-stop chains to local classics like Pietro’s and Underground Cookie Club, Kentwood residents will never go hungry.

And to celebrate that, the Parks & Rec department hosts an annual culinary experience to showcase their local chefs.

#3

Get an Adrenaline Rush at Amped Virtual Reality

Amped Virtual Reality
2923 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Be inside the game at Amped Virtual Reality in Kentwood, MI
#4

Ride the Ponies at Legacy Stables

Legacy Stables
8001 Patterson Ave. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316

While Legacy Stables (Karin’s Horse Connection) offers numerous horse riding opportunities and classes for all experience levels, the KinderPony Program is designed specifically for children ages 2-6.

A KinderPony ride includes 30 minutes of whatever your child would like to do, including riding your pony indoors or outdoors, learning to feed and care for your pony and meeting other animals on the farm.

Kids of all ages can ride ponies at Legacy Stables in Caledonia, MI
#5

Out of This World Ice Cream at Underground Cookie Club

Underground Cookie Club
5422 Division Ave. S, Kentwood, MI 49548

This image speaks for itself.

And for those wondering, yes, they have GF, vegan and dairy free options!

Mouths water on the regular at Underground Cookie Club in Kentwood, MI
#5

Tube Down the Thornapple River



Hop in at the 84th Street Dam in Caledonia and float your way down the river!

This part of the Thornapple River offers calm, shallow waters and beautiful scenery along the 3.1 mile stretch to where you can exit at 68th Street.

things to do in caledonia: tubing down rogue river
Float down the Thronapple River in Caledonia, MI

#7

Play with the Monsters at Woodland Mall

Woodland Mall
3195 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Woodland Mall’s play area got a facelift recently and kids dig it.

Located near the food court, kids can explore a bi-level structure with slides, as well as climb on multiple colorful monster friends.

There’s so much to do it’s hard to believe it’s free.

Kids love to climb all over the monsters at Woodland Mall play area in Kentwood, MI
#8

Go for an Adventure on the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail

Paul Henry Thornapple Trail
E Main St SE & Mill St SE Caledonia, MI 49316

Following along a former railroad corridor and in close proximity to the Thornapple River, the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail is a multi-use recreational trail.

Put the little ones in a stroller and take a walk, go rollerblading with your middle schooler or bring the whole family for a bike ride.

#9

Shop the Most Unique Grocery Store in GR

Horrocks Market
4455 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, MI 49508

Remember how Kentwood likes food?

Horrocks has a hand in that. This is a grocer like no other. In addition to their huge array of fresh goods, they make gourmet popcorn, offer items like loose leaf tea, and are a popular spot to catch lunch with a friend.

Horrocks is constantly introducing new items and exciting areas of the store. They have a huge greenhouse and garden center. You can buy clothes and home goods here. Their candy department is off the hook. You can find all the local beer and wine.

This is the place to take an out of town friend and wow them with how GR does food.

There is so much to find at Horrocks in Kentwood, MI
#10

Play Disc Golf or Just Run the Playgrounds at Jaycee Park

Jaycee Park
1088 Gentian Dr. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508

Jaycee Park is known for its 18-hole disc golf course, but families with smaller kids also dig the 3 playgrounds on the property.

It’s also home to the R.E.A.C.H. program, where kids can drop in for exciting activities, games and a snack most weekdays in the summer.

Kids will play all day Jaycee Park in Kentwood, MI
#11

Have a Blast at Catch Air

Catch Air
2878 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512

If it’s raining outside and your kids need to get out of the house, head to Catch Air! There is plenty there to keep them jumping, sliding, bouncing and playing.

Their equipment and floors are padded and they even have a separate Tiny Town for the little ones. Plus, if you need to leave for lunch or nap time, you can head back afterward- your stamp is good for the entire day!

Little kids and big kids alike love to play Catch Air in Kentwood, MI
#12

Ride Bikes on the M-6 Bike Trail

Fred Meijer M-6 Bike Trail
1035 68th St SE Dutton, MI 49316

The Fred Meijer M-6 Trail was built along the course of the M-6 highway and connects Grandville, Wyoming, Cutlerville, Dutton and Kentwood to the Kent Trails and Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail.

So whether you’re looking for a short ride with the little ones or a full-day excursion with the older ones, you can do it here!

#13

Cool off at a Splash Pad

Pinewood Park, 2000 Wolfboro Dr. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
Veteran’s Memorial Park, 355 48th St., Kentwood, MI 49548

Splash Pads are always a fun summer option for kids of all ages. If you’re in the Kentwood area, check out the splash pads at Veteran’s Park or Pinewood Park. And once the kids have cooled down there, they can head to the playground!

things to do in kentwood: pinewood park splash pad
Kids can cool off at the splash pad at Pinewood Park in Kentwood, MI
#14

Hike Prairie Wolf Park

Prairie Wolf Park
8555 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316

This small (1.4 mile) simple trail is a hit with families.

Paths are a mixture of paved and natural, and if you’re quiet, there are plenty of wildlife sightings.

#15

Jump at Sky Zone

SkyZone
3636 28th St. SE, Kentwood, MI 49512

Sky Zone trampoline park recently went through a huge transformation.

Bring the whole family for Open Jump or show up on Tuesday or Friday morning for Toddler Time with your little one.

And on the weekend, don’t forget to send your big kids to GLOW on Friday night or SkyJam on Saturday night!

Kids and adults love to play at SkyZone in Kentwood, MI
#16

Roller Skate at Kentwood Fun Spot

Kentwood Fun Spot
14 52nd St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

With $3 admission and only $1 skate rental, there’s no excuse not to bring the whole family to skate at Kentwood Fun Spot on Wednesday evenings!

Or check out their other great deals for open skate throughout the week. And don’t forget Tiny Tot Skate on Saturdays from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM!

#17

Walk the Trails at Lepard Nature Preserve

Lepard Nature Preserve
6030 76th St. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316


With its convenient location and trails that are shorter in length and easy to walk, Lepard Nature Preserve is the perfect place to bring the kids to enjoy the outdoors! 

There are even signs along the way to help point out and explain what nature you will observe.

#18

Ice Skate Kentwood Ice Arena

Kentwood Ice Arena
East Kentwood High School, 6230 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49508


Take a spin around the ice! Weekend Open Skate times on at Kentwood Ice Arena.

$5 to skate and only $2 skate rental!

#19

Spend the Day at Creekside Park

Creekside Park
1035 68th St SE, Dutton, MI 49316


Head over to Creekside Park and enjoy the two playgrounds, take a hike on the walking trails or play horseshoes.

Plus hop over to the picnic area for lunch or grab some friends for a game of softball.

things to do in kentwood: creekside park
Play on two different playgrounds at Creekside Park in Dutton, MI
#20

Splash Around at Kentwood Aquatics Center

Kentwood Public Schools Aquatics Center
6230 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508


Take advantage of Open Swim at Kentwood Public Schools Aquatics Center.

In addition to the large main pool, they have a Kids Pool (only one foot deep) and a warm water pool as well.

#21

Stop in for Story Time with a Twist

Caledonia Dance & Music
131 E Main Street SE, Suite E Caledonia, MI 49316

If you’re looking for FUN and FREE with your toddler during the week, head to Caledonia Dance & Music on Tuesday morning for Story Time With A Twist!

Stories, dance, music, rhymes and more.

#22

Treat Yourself to Sweet Rewards Ice Cream

Sweet Rewards Ice Cream
6969 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

Whether you’re craving ice cream or a hot dog and fries, be sure to check out Sweet Rewards Ice Cream.

Family-owned and operated, this little ice cream shop is happy to serve its loyal customers and community.

Walk up or drive thru, but make sure you don’t miss out!

Things to do in Cutlerville
Get a sweet treat at Sweet Rewards in Cutlerville, MI
#23

Watch the Parade at Dutton Days

Dutton, MI 49316

Once a year in June, you can find food, fun, friends and more at Dutton Days.

Enjoy a pancake breakfast, parade, vendors, food, music- and a free Kids Zone!

#24

Feed the Animals at Orchard Hill Farm Market

Orchard Hill Farm Market
2934 68th St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316

There’s so much to do at Orchard Hill Farm Market in Caledonia.

Feed the animals in the petting zoo, hike the nature trail, visit the pumpkin patch, make your way through the corn maze, check out the bee hive and enjoy a hay ride.

And don’t forget to visit the fresh produce and bakery while you’re there!

things to do in caledonia: orchard-hill-farm-market
You won’t be bored for a minute at Orchard Hill Farm Market in Caledonia, MI
#25

Experience All the Fun at Cutlerville Days

Cutlerville, MI

Each summer, Cutlerville hosts a fantastic weekend of family-friendly fun.

You can always find plenty to do including parades, races, carnival rides, food, train rides, ice cream, animals and fireworks.

#26

Settle in for a Story at the Library

KDL Caledonia Twp, 6260 92nd St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316
KDL Gaines Twp, 421 68th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
KDL Kentwood, 4950 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, MI 49508


There are story times galore at the Caledonia Township, Gaines Township and Kentwood Branches of Kent District Library. 

Babytime, Toddler Time, Preschool Storytime, Family Storytime… even Rhyme Time Music and Movement!

things to do in kentwood: library
Kids can play a tune at KDL
#27

Bike, Scooter or Skate Caledonia’s Paved Trail System & Community Green

Caledonia recently added to their trails system, connecting many popular community spots, including the Caledonia’s KDL branch library, Lakeside Park, Paul Henry Trail and downtown Caledonia (which includes Ice Cream Express).

Locals are super excited about the new Community Green in front of the library. This renovated space includes pickle ball courts, an amphitheater, dog park and picnic areas, and is looking forward to splash pad expansion too.

#28

Snag Mega Deals at the Scholastic Book Fair

Scholastic Warehouse
8280 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316


Normally held twice a year, the Scholastic Warehouse Sale is a haven for teachers and parents alike.

Shoppers especially love their December sales, just in time for Christmas.

 

scholastic warehouse sale grand rapids
Get quality books and more at steep discounts at the Scholastic Warehouse Sale in Caledonia, MI

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