Where you can Find all the Family Fun for Northwest Grand Rapids Area
Looking for something cool to do in Northwest Grand Rapids?
Walker, Sparta, and Comstock Park are the perfect combination of excitement with a small town feel.
Add the Berlin Raceway, West Michigan Whitecaps, Blandford Nature Center, the Coopersville train, and Millennium Park to your must see adventure spots!
Check out this list for more endless possibilities of fun in Walker, Sparta, and Comstock Park.
Life in Walker
Why people love to live here: Walker residents have the best of both worlds: 10 minutes or less from downtown GR, and less than 30 minutes to Lake Michigan!
Walker is home to some of the most visited fun in West Michigan like the epic Millennium Park and the animals at Blandford Nature Center.
You should know: Walker doesn’t have a downtown area. This sprawling city is comprised of four neighborhood areas: Alpine, Northwest, Standale and South Walker.
Walker
Population:
25, 132 (2020 U.S. Census)
School District:
Comstock Park Public Schools
Grandville Public Schools
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
Known for:
» Millennium Park
» Blandford Nature Center
» Berlin Raceway
Life in Comstock Park
Why people love to live here: Comstock Park is a quiet community north of Grand Rapids with friendly neighbors.
Residents love the rural area with lots of wildlife.
You should know: Springtime flooding is common for residents living near the east side of Comstock Park (where Grand River runs).
Comstock Park
Population:
10,659 (2020 U.S. Census)
School District:
Comstock Park Public Schools
Known for:
» LMCU Ballpark
» Strawberries at Krupp Farms
» White Pine Trail
Life in Sparta
Why people love to live here: This small town loves to party by way of car shows, fireworks on the 4th, Christmas, concerts, festivals including its most popular, the Celtic festival, just to name a few.
You should know: It is home to a the vineyard and brewpub, Stoney Ridge Vineyards.
Sparta
Population:
4,244 (2020 U.S. Census)
School District:
Sparta Area Public Schools
Known for:
» Schwallier’s Country Basket
» Hometown festivals (Celtic and more) and concerts
» Delicious Farmers Markets
» Santa!
22 Things Your Family Will Love in Comstock Park, Walker, & Sparta
Ready to spend some time in this area? Here’s our top picks for things to do in Comstock Park, Walker and Sparta:
Listen to the Engines Roar at Berlin Raceway
Berlin Raceway
2060 Berlin Fair Dr, Marne, MI 49435
Race cars, monster trucks, fireworks, special events–let your kids experience all the fun, noise, speed and excitement at the Berlin Raceway!
Attend a Celebration or Hit up the Splash Pad at Rogers Park
Rogers Park
152 N State St, Sparta, MI 49345
Located in the heart of Sparta, Rogers Park is a big community gathering spot.
Kids love the splash pad, playground and Nash Creek exploring, and everyone enjoys the happenings at the bandshell, volleyball courts and paved trails.
Be sure to check out Concerts in the Park and various other events and festivals throughout the summer.
Cheer on the West Michigan Whitecaps
LMCU Ballpark
4500 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Adults and kids of all ages will have a blast cheering on our home baseball team– so bring the whole family!
Grab a front-row seat to get in on the action or pick up lawn tickets to enjoy a ballpark hot dog while you lounge on your picnic blanket.
Explore the Outdoors and More at Blandford Nature Center
Blandford Nature Center
1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
With 143 acres of natural beauty for you and your little nature-lover to explore at Blandford Nature Center, you’re guaranteed to come back again and again.
Highlights include hiking trails, a Wildlife Education Center, farm animals, snowshoe rental, cross country ski trails, Nature Nook playscape, art exhibits, wildlife observation areas- as well as special events, classes and camps.
Play and Learn at the Library
Walker Branch, 4293 Remembrance Rd NW, Walker, MI 49534
Alpine Township Branch, 5255 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Comstock Park Branch, 3943 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
KDL Libraries have so much to offer!
Since each branch has its own unique children’s area, including hands-on activities, puzzles, dress up stations, interactive toys, iPads and more- you can stop in any time for loads of educational fun.
KDL libraries also host storytimes, classes and special events for ALL ages, so be sure to check their website for upcoming classes and events.
Three great libraries in this community are the Walker, Alpine and Comstock Park locations.
Check out the Indoor Zoology for a Rainy Day Adventure
Zoology
447 Standale Plaza NW, Walker, MI 49534
It’s easy to see that this is not what you expect when you think “zoo.”
There aren’t any elephants or monkeys at Zoology. Instead, this all-indoor destination specializes in reptiles, amphibians, and insects!
Meet the Critters at Coopersville Farm Museum
Coopersville Farm Museum
375 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
Head to the Coopersville Farm Museum for their special events.
Let your kiddos pet the animals, make a craft and enjoy other activities at Kids, Crafts and Critters on the last Saturday of every month from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Come back later in the week to enjoy some acoustic folk music at Jam Night- held the first and third Tuesday of every month from 6 PM – 9 PM.
Play Mini-Golf at AJ’s Family Fun Center
AJ’s Family Fun Center
4400 Ball Park Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Go-karts, kiddie-karts, mini-golf, arcade games, batting cages and bumper boats… families will have a blast at AJ’s Family Fun Center!
Splash Around at Millennium Park
Millennium Park
1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534
Cool off at the completely enclosed splash pad, grab some snacks at the concession stand, and then head to the beach – right in Walker.
The little ones can play in the kid-friendly, shallow water. If your older kids are feeling adventurous, they can rent a kayak, paddle boat, canoe or stand-up paddle board.
Millennium Park is a full day of fun for everyone!
Enjoy the Music of the Standale Summer Concert Series
Walker Community Park
700 Cummings Ave NW, Walker, MI 49534
Enjoy free family fun with outdoor concerts throughout the summer. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for an evening of music, food vendors, and kid’s face painting.
Pet the Goats at Schwallier’s
Schwallier’s Country Basket
1185 9 Mile Rd NW, Sparta, MI 49345
Schwallier’s Country Basket in Sparta has everything you need for a perfect fall outing– farm animals, a corn maze, kids play area, tractor rides through the orchard, donuts and pick your own pumpkins!
Experience the Berlin Fair
Berlin Fairgrounds
2008 Berlin Fair Dr, Marne, MI 49435
Did you know the Berlin Fair is Michigan’s longest running fair?
Taking place annually since 1855, families can enjoy carnival rides, grandstand events, food booths, a mobile zoo, livestock competitions, agricultural exhibits, contests and lots more!
Ice Skate at Walker Ice and Fitness Center
Walker Ice and Fitness Center
4151 Remembrance Rd. NW, Walker, MI 49534
Lace up your skates and take advantage of Open Skate at Walker Ice and Fitness Center!
Hop on the Train at Coopersville & Marne Railway
Coopersville & Marne Railway
311 E Danforth Street, Coopersville, MI 49404
Let your little train-lover take a ride on a real train!
The Coopersville & Marne Railway provides passenger service for the seven mile stretch of railway between Coopersville and Marne from April through December.
And for an extra special trip, be sure to check out the seasonally themed train events and excursions offered throughout the year!
Pick Your Own Strawberries at Krupp Farms
Krupp Farms
8025 Krupp Ave, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Bring the kids to Krupp Farms in Comstock Park and let them help pick strawberries and raspberries.
Then reward yourselves with a hot dog and Krupp Farms Strawberry Sundae at the Krupp Farms Milk House!
Don’t Miss Town and Country Days
Balyeat Field
190 Olmstead St, Sparta, MI 49345
You won’t want to miss this annual event in Sparta.
Four straight days of entertainment, food, shows, carnival rides, farm animals, horse-drawn carriage tours, pony rides, parades, a fun run and more!
Make it a Family Night Out at Double Dip Depot
Double Dip Depot
3284 Remembrance NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Play 19 holes on the mini-golf course, grab some corn dogs, cheese fries and frozen cokes for dinner, then finish up with some yummy ice cream at Double Dip Depot!
Good luck choosing between their 18 flavors of hard ice cream, four flavors of soft serve, 25 different flurry combinations, shaved ice flavors, smoothies, slushes, glaciers, sundaes and six flavors of cone dip!
Take a Bike Ride Along the White Pine Trail
White Pine Trail
3894 Millcreek Ave NE, Comstock Park, MI, 49321
The White Pine Trail is Michigan’s second-longest rail-trail, stretching for 93.5 miles through five counties and includes miles of beautiful trails for walking, biking and enjoying nature.
Comstock Park area is at the southern end of the trail and includes a lovely staging area with parking spots, picnic tables and benches, as well as access to many local businesses and restaurants.
Take to the Trails at Wahlfield Park
Wahlfield Park
6811 Alpine Ave, Alpine Township, MI 49321
Wahlfield Park offers an extensive network of trails that explore a hilly mix of woods, creek valley and open fields and the trails are open to walking, mountain biking or cross country skiing.
The park also includes a picnic shelter, a large playground and restrooms.
Frolic to Farmhaus Farm
Farmhaus Farms
9265 Kenowa Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
If the fall family farm experience you’re looking for includes apples, pumpkins, cider, homemade donuts and a more laid-back experience, Farmhaus Farms could be just the place for you.
The farm market is open year round with the latest seasonal produce including apples, pears, plums and asparagus.
Celebrate the Holidays in Sparta
Downtown Sparta, MI 49345
Each year, Sparta ushers in the holiday season with an abundance of holiday events!
Bring the whole family downtown to enjoy visits with Santa, Elf workshops, horse-drawn wagon rides, craft shows, holiday concerts and programs, living nativity, Santa Express rides and the annual Shop Sparta event.
Check their Chamber of Commerce page for the latest updates.
Celebrate the Changing Seasons in Walker
Downtown Walker, MI 49534
The City of Walker hosts all sorts of holiday festivities year-round between Walker Ice and Fitness and the Walker Library.
From a Pumpkin Bash, Easter Egg Drop, Haunted Ice Skate, Memorial Parade and Lighting of the Christmas Tree, there’s fun for every season!
What Did We Miss?
Are there other hot spots in Walker, Comstock Park and Sparta that we missed? Let us know!
Thanks for highlighting kid’s activities in Sparta. Roger’s Park also has a splash pad now!