19 Amazing Things to Do in Walker, Sparta & Comstock Park

Where you  an Find all the Family Fun for Northwest Grand Rapids Area

There’s a lot of big fun to be had in northwest Grand Rapids – the Berlin Raceway in Marne, West Michigan Whitecaps in Comstock Park, Blandford Nature Center in Comstock Park, the Coopersville train, and Millennium Park in Walker.

But don’t worry, if you prefer a smaller venue for adventure, you still have options, too.

Northwest Grand Rapids is the perfect combination of exciting fun with a small town feel.

Quick Facts

What it’s Like to Live on Grand Rapids’ Northwest Side

There’s a lot that people love about living northwest of GR. Read on to see which town speaks to you the most.

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 minus to Lake Michigan!

But right here in our own area we’re home to some of the most visited fun in our area like 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 4 neighborhood areas: Alpine, Northwest, Standale and South Walker.

millennium park beach
Locals love to spend the day at Millennium Park in Walker, MI

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:
10,088

School District:
Comstock Park Public Schools

Known for:
» LMCU Ballpark
» Strawberries at Krupp Farms
» White Pine Trail

West-Michigan-Whitecaps
Cheer on the West Michigan Whitecaps at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park, MI

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:
4,362

School District:
Sparta Area Schools

Known for:
» Schwallier’s Country Basket
» Hometown festivals (Celtic and more) and concerts
» Delicious Farmers Markets
» Santa!

Schwallier's Country Basket
Families love to visit Schwallier’s Country Basket in Sparta, MI

19 Things Your Family Will Love in Comstock Park, Walker & Sparta

Northwest Grand Rapids has cars, beaches, parks, festivals and so much more!

#1

Listen to the Engines Roar at Berlin Raceway

Berlin Raceway
2060 Berlin Fair Drive, 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!

Berlin-Raceway
#2

Attend a Celebration or Hit up the Splash Pad at Rogers Park

Rogers Park
152 N. State Street, 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.

Rogers Park in Sparta, MI, is a popular hangout
#3

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.

Cheer on the West Michigan Whitecaps at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park, MI
#4

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.

Sugar Bush festival Blandford Nature Center maple buckets
Learn about tree tapping at Blandford Nature Center in Walker, MI
#5

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 story times, 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.

things to do in walker: kdl library
Kids love to read and play at Kent District Libraries
#6

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.

#7

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!

#8

Splash Around at Millennium Park

Millennium Park
1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534


Cool off at the 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!

Millennium-Park-splash-pad-Grand-Rapids
Splash all day at Millennium Park in Walker, MI
#9

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.

#10

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!

things to do in sparta: schwailler's country basket
Feed goats and more farm fun at Schwallier’s Country Basket in Sparta, MI
#11

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!

#12

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!

#13

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!

Coopersville-Marne-Railway-boy
Ride the rails on the Coopersville – Marne Railroad in Coopersville, MI
#14

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!

things to do in comstock park: krupp farms
Pick your own strawberries at Krupp Farms in Comstock Park, MI
#15

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!

#16

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, 4 flavors of soft serve, 25 different flurry combinations, shaved ice flavors, smoothies, slushes, glaciers, sundaes and 6 flavors of cone dip!)

#17

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.

white pines trail in fall
White Pine Trail is gorgeous in the fall
#18

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.

Wahlfield Park Alpine Feature Image
Stoll the trails at Wahlfield Park in Comstock Park, MI
#19

Celebrate the Holiday Season 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

More to Explore

About The Author

1 thought on “19 Amazing Things to Do in Walker, Sparta & Comstock Park”

  1. Thanks for highlighting kid’s activities in Sparta. Roger’s Park also has a splash pad now!

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