The Grand Rapids Summer Bucket List for 2022
There are few things as magical as summer in West Michigan. We love that the days are long because we need all that extra light to enjoy being outside and exploring America’s high five.
This list of all the things to do in the summer in Grand Rapids and the Lakeshore is your ticket to West Michigan summer fun.
Summer is short and sweet in Michigan and we’re going to enjoy every minute.
There are Summer camps, outdoor adventure, arts and theatre, fairs and festivals, concerts, swimming, u-pick fruit farms and so much more.
Many organizations have weekly or daily activities for local families.
If you are hoping to make the most of each day this summer, you’ll want to use our events calendar to find even more Grand Rapids activities.
No matter how you choose to enjoy the summer, you can say there are lots of summer activities near me.
Get ready to tackle your Grand Rapids Summer Bucket list!
1 -
THE MUD ROOM @ KNAPP'S CORNER
THE MUD ROOM @ KNAPP'S CORNER
Need some creative staycation plans this summer? Add a visit to The Mud Room to your bucket list!
Visit during Open Studio hours for an impromptu creative day out. Pottery painting is fun for all ages and no experience is necessary! Just drop by; seating is FCFS. Also, don't worry if you're "not creative." Their helpful staff will help anyone feel like an artist!
For a truly unique hands-on experience, try a Potter’s Wheel class. Private appointments are available for family and friends ages 7-adult, or you can drop off ages 7-15 for one of their popular Camp Mud Potter's Wheel sessions. Pre-registration is required and classes fill up, so sign up early!
Open since 1996, The Mud Room is now conveniently located at Knapp’s Corner. Plan a visit and see for yourself why this Grandtastic studio has been a West Michigan favorite for the past 25+ years!
Visit during Open Studio hours for an impromptu creative day out. Pottery painting is fun for all ages and no experience is necessary! Just drop by; seating is FCFS. Also, don't worry if you're "not creative." Their helpful staff will help anyone feel like an artist!
For a truly unique hands-on experience, try a Potter’s Wheel class. Private appointments are available for family and friends ages 7-adult, or you can drop off ages 7-15 for one of their popular Camp Mud Potter's Wheel sessions. Pre-registration is required and classes fill up, so sign up early!
Open since 1996, The Mud Room is now conveniently located at Knapp’s Corner. Plan a visit and see for yourself why this Grandtastic studio has been a West Michigan favorite for the past 25+ years!
(616) 259-7269
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[email protected]
Summer Highlights
Partners regularly step up to help support the mission of Grand Rapids Kids. These business partners embody the West Michigan spirit and we’re proud to work with them.
Take a trip to one or more of these special West Michigan attractions and it’ll be a summer highlight for sure.
It’s time to scout out your favorite adventures on your list of things to do in the summer in the Mitten.
Summer Fun in Grandville
We are open for skating this summer!
Thursday afternoons: 12:30-2:30 ( June 16 - August 18)
Thursday evenings *Adult Night* 18+ only: 8:30-11pm
Friday evenings: 7-10pm
Saturday evenings: 6:30-9:30pm
Check our FB or website for updated info & events!
Birthday party availability during public sessions or rent the whole rink for a private party!
$8 Skater admission
$2 Roller skate rental
$3 Rollerblade rental
Parent admission only $5
Non-skaters don't pay
Fisher-price skates available
Thursday afternoons: 12:30-2:30 ( June 16 - August 18)
Thursday evenings *Adult Night* 18+ only: 8:30-11pm
Friday evenings: 7-10pm
Saturday evenings: 6:30-9:30pm
Check our FB or website for updated info & events!
Birthday party availability during public sessions or rent the whole rink for a private party!
$8 Skater admission
$2 Roller skate rental
$3 Rollerblade rental
Parent admission only $5
Non-skaters don't pay
Fisher-price skates available
(616) 534-8235
Facebook
Summer Fun in Rockford
Immerse your kids in the wonderful world of art this summer!
Summer Programming at pour-d invites young artists to explore quality art classes in a unique environment that nurtures a love for art and creativity.
Classes are happening throughout the summer culminating in a special exhibition, celebrating the work and talents of our young artists!
For more information see our website.
Summer Programming at pour-d invites young artists to explore quality art classes in a unique environment that nurtures a love for art and creativity.
Classes are happening throughout the summer culminating in a special exhibition, celebrating the work and talents of our young artists!
For more information see our website.
(616) 884-5014
Facebook
Instagram
Summer Fun in Wyoming
Sun’s out, fun’s out! Summer memories start at Craig’s Cruisers.
Open daily all summer long!
Craig’s Cruisers is West Michigan’s destination for family fun with four locations, including Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon and Silver Lake.
Heat up the competition with a round of mini-golf or go-karts. Laugh and play on the arcade floor and refuel with pizza.
Plan your visit at craigscruisers.com.
Open daily all summer long!
Craig’s Cruisers is West Michigan’s destination for family fun with four locations, including Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon and Silver Lake.
Heat up the competition with a round of mini-golf or go-karts. Laugh and play on the arcade floor and refuel with pizza.
Plan your visit at craigscruisers.com.
(616) 530-2900
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Summer Fun in Comstock Park
Our goal is to provide safe, fun, and entertaining experiences through strategic team-on-team games, bringing families, friends, and co-workers together to create unforgettable memories.
Activities at BattleGR
• Laser Tag
• Archery Tag
• Axe Throwing
• Basketball/Volleyball/Futsal
• Esports (PC Gaming)
• Gel Blasters
We can also bring the fun to your location.
Laser Tag, Archery Tag, Video Game Theater, and Foam Parties. We bring all you need and run all the entertainment.
Activities at BattleGR
• Laser Tag
• Archery Tag
• Axe Throwing
• Basketball/Volleyball/Futsal
• Esports (PC Gaming)
• Gel Blasters
We can also bring the fun to your location.
Laser Tag, Archery Tag, Video Game Theater, and Foam Parties. We bring all you need and run all the entertainment.
(616) 345-0698
Facebook
Summer Fun in Caledonia
Come enjoy our thirty kind, well trained horses and ponies.
Any level, age or ability welcome! Open year-round.
RIDING LESSONS feature holistic teaching in small group settings. Our KINDERPONY PROGRAM is for kids 2-6. EQUESTRIAN VAULTING is an awesome alternative to traditional horseback riding!
Come try it out every Saturday from 12-1pm or join our team!
Also available: THERAPEUTIC RIDING, BIRTHDAY PARTIES, ONE-TIME RIDES, TRAILS & OWN-A-HORSE CAMP!
"For the Love of Horses and People!"
Any level, age or ability welcome! Open year-round.
RIDING LESSONS feature holistic teaching in small group settings. Our KINDERPONY PROGRAM is for kids 2-6. EQUESTRIAN VAULTING is an awesome alternative to traditional horseback riding!
Come try it out every Saturday from 12-1pm or join our team!
Also available: THERAPEUTIC RIDING, BIRTHDAY PARTIES, ONE-TIME RIDES, TRAILS & OWN-A-HORSE CAMP!
"For the Love of Horses and People!"
(616) 570-1106
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Summer Fun in Grand Rapids
Join us this summer at John Ball Zoo and see two Koalas that are visiting for the summer.
Kids will also enjoy the 16 grand Washed Ashore art pieces that are made from trash found along the beaches of the Pacific Ocean.
Also, check out our website to get a list of all the exciting events happening this summer such as Princess Days, Kids Day and more.
Kids will also enjoy the 16 grand Washed Ashore art pieces that are made from trash found along the beaches of the Pacific Ocean.
Also, check out our website to get a list of all the exciting events happening this summer such as Princess Days, Kids Day and more.
(616) 336-4300
Facebook
Summer Fun in Allegan
Looking for a summer fun destination with a major "wow!" factor?!
Conveniently located 30-minutes from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland, Allegan Event is Michigan’s largest indoor ropes course and offers endless adventurous activities for guests of all ages to connect, get active, and make lasting memories.
Attractions include the heart-pumping bi-level Sky Trail® ropes course with Sky Rail® zip rails, Sky Tykes® course for small children, QUICKjump free-fall simulation, Vertical Drop Slide, Clip ‘n Climb®
Conveniently located 30-minutes from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland, Allegan Event is Michigan’s largest indoor ropes course and offers endless adventurous activities for guests of all ages to connect, get active, and make lasting memories.
Attractions include the heart-pumping bi-level Sky Trail® ropes course with Sky Rail® zip rails, Sky Tykes® course for small children, QUICKjump free-fall simulation, Vertical Drop Slide, Clip ‘n Climb®
(269) 430-3961
Facebook
Summer Fun in Grand Rapids
At Kids' Food Basket, we provide barrier-free access to healthy evening meals that nourish children to reach their full potential.
We can't do this critical work without the help of our West Michigan community!
Anyone age five and older can volunteer at Kids' Food Basket because we believe everyone can make a difference.
We can't do this critical work without the help of our West Michigan community!
Anyone age five and older can volunteer at Kids' Food Basket because we believe everyone can make a difference.
(616) 235-4532
Facebook
Summer Fun in Cedar Springs
Deer Tracks Junction Adventure Park is all about Family, Animals, and Fun!
Hang out with piglets, goats, camels, bunnies, and more. Tons of new fun for 2022.
Huge, award winning play areas and delicious homemade ice cream.
Don’t miss Michigan’s only drive thru safari: Site 57 Safari, where you get up close and personal with some amazing animals like bison, ostriches, and so much more.
Come on out and GET WILD! See website for details.
Hang out with piglets, goats, camels, bunnies, and more. Tons of new fun for 2022.
Huge, award winning play areas and delicious homemade ice cream.
Don’t miss Michigan’s only drive thru safari: Site 57 Safari, where you get up close and personal with some amazing animals like bison, ostriches, and so much more.
Come on out and GET WILD! See website for details.
(616) 863-3337
Facebook
Summer Fun in Grand Rapids
Become a world explorer this summer!
Join the Grand Rapids Public Library's Summer Reading Program to discover the people and places that make our world so special.
Track your reading journey on your map and get inspired with fun, free events and activities. Complete your reading map to earn a prize pack.
Sign up today to get started on your journey.
Join the Grand Rapids Public Library's Summer Reading Program to discover the people and places that make our world so special.
Track your reading journey on your map and get inspired with fun, free events and activities. Complete your reading map to earn a prize pack.
Sign up today to get started on your journey.
(616) 988-5400
Facebook
Summer Fun in Rockford
Pinball Land is West Michigan's ultimate retro arcade experience.
Here, you don't need any quarters or tokens - just pay admission and the games are free to play!
We have beautifully maintained pinball machines and all of your favorite classic video arcade games. Come in and play whenever you'd like, or host a birthday party or field trip.
Relive your favorite arcade memories and make new ones with your kids at Pinball Land!
Here, you don't need any quarters or tokens - just pay admission and the games are free to play!
We have beautifully maintained pinball machines and all of your favorite classic video arcade games. Come in and play whenever you'd like, or host a birthday party or field trip.
Relive your favorite arcade memories and make new ones with your kids at Pinball Land!
[email protected]
Facebook
Summer Fun in Grand Rapids
GRCM is two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits and daily drop-in programs that encourage discovery and learning through play.
New exhibit now open! Come play down(town) on the Rapid River Farm as children pick apples, feed animals, grow plants, gather eggs, slide down the corn field slide, and find out what it's like to live, work, and PLAY on a farm!
New exhibit now open! Come play down(town) on the Rapid River Farm as children pick apples, feed animals, grow plants, gather eggs, slide down the corn field slide, and find out what it's like to live, work, and PLAY on a farm!
(616) 235-4726
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Parks, Beach Days & Sunshine
Beaches beckon, parks provide all sorts of ways to play, and trails are wonderlands of discovery.
So grab a water bottle and slather on some sunscreen…
Here are some of our favorite things to do in the summer in the great outdoors around Grand Rapids.
13 – fallasburg park
1124 Fallasburg Park Dr NE, Lowell, MI 49331
March through the covered bridge and splash in the stream at Fallasburg Park. details
14 – Tunnel Park
66 N, Lakeshore Ave, Holland, MI 49424
Head through the tunnel, leap down the dune climb, and play on the playground at Tunnel Park. details
15 – roselle Park
1010 Grand River Dr NE, Ada, MI 49301
Climb the rock silo at Roselle Park. details
16 – millennium Park
1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534
Paddle around in a tandem kayak or paddle boats at Millennium Park. details
17 – rosewood Park
1899 Rosewood St, Jenison, MI 49428
Whisk down a two-story slide and play in the splash pad at Rosewood Park. details
18 – pinewood Park
2000 Wolfboro Dr SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
Cool down at the splash pad at Pinewood Park. details
19 – splash pad
multiple locations
Too far from Pinewood? Find another splash pad closer to you. details
21 – manhattan Park
331 Cascade RD SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Bring a volleyball to play on the sand court at Manhattan Park. details
22 – hager Park
8212 – 28th Ave, Jenison, MI 49428
Use the nooks and crannies of the Age of Imagination playground at Hagar Park to play some rounds of Capture the Flag or Hot/Cold. details
24 – Pickerel lake
6001 Ramsdell Dr NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Stroll the boardwalk at Pickerel Lake. details
26 – versluis park
3650 Versluis Park NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
You don’t have to drive far to hit the beach at Versluis Park. details
27 – north park beach
18775 North Shore Dr, Ferrysburg, MI 49409
Swing by the shores of the big lake at North Park Beach. details
28 – platte river
Go tubing (or boating, kayaking or stand-up pabbleboarding!) on the Platte River or any other nearby waterway. details
29 – GRR Observation park
4820 Kraft Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Picnic while you watch airplanes land and take off at the airport observation park. details
30 – Take a bike Ride
Multiple locations
There are paved paths and off road adventures galore for bike riders in West Michigan. details
Outdoor Amusement Centers & Attractions
It’s hard to beat the excitement of a day out at a local amusement or adventure park.
West Michigan is home to a variety of outdoor family fun centers for you to explore.
31 – boulder ridge
8313 Pratt Lake SE, Alto, MI 49302
See the new rhinos and take a walking safari tour at Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park. details
32 – Meijer gardens
1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Search for all the “animals” at the Michigan Farm Garden, take a tram ride, or play in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens. details
33 – Michigan’s adventure
4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445
Take a wild ride on Shivering Timbers at Michigan’s Adventure. details
34 – treeRunner adventure park
2121 Celebration Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Conquer one of the seven courses offered at TreeRunner Adventure Park, an aerial park full of climbing and zipline thrills. details
35 – blandford nature center
1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Check out a backpack for a themed hiking experience at Blandford Nature Center. details
36 – windmill island gardens
1 Lincoln Ave, Holland, MI 49423
Dance to the music of an Amsterdam Street Organ at Windmill Island Gardens. details
36 – outdoor discovery center
4214 56th Street Holland, MI 49423
Observe the quiet beauty along the Rabbit River Preserve at the Outdoor Discovery Center in Holland. details
38 – farmer’s market
various locations
Grab a bag and mosey through a Farmer’s Market to find the freshest ingredients for dinner. details
39 – camping trip
various locations
Unplug from screens and reconnect with family on a camping trip. details
40 – U-Pick Berries
various locations
Fill a basket with a favorite berry from a U-Pick Farm. details
41 – Urban hike
various locations
Take an urban hike along the waterfront of the Grand River in the heart of the city. details
42 – tag tour
various locations
Take a walking tour of the city using your smartphone and the GR Tag Tour QR codes posted around the downtown area. details
43 – musical fountain
1 N Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Hum along with the Musical Fountain in Grand Haven, one of the largest of its kind in the world. details
44 – drive-in movie
various locations
Park your car under the stars and catch a flick at a drive-in theater. details
45 – river boat cruise
825 Taylor St, Jenison, MI 49428
Cruise down the Grand River on the Grand Lady River Boat on a themed river cruise. details
46 – whitecaps game
4500 W River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Root, root, root for the home team at a West Michigan Whitecaps game. details
47 – nelis’ dutch village
12350 James St, Holland, MI 49424
Be Dutch for the day at Nelis’ Dutch Village. details
48 – john ball zoo
1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Visit the koalas visiting for the 2022 season at John Ball Zoo. details
49 – movies in the park
Multiple locations
Spread a blanket and catch a family-friendly flick under the stars at parks around West Michigan. details
Fairs and Festivals
Fairs and Festivals are a big part of West Michigan’s things to do in the summer. We love celebrations. Walking around in the warm sunshine, the sounds of kids laughing and playing nearby, elephant ears, shopping from local artisans.
All while capturing iconic views of endless tulip fields, incredible ships on the shore, or that colorful Ferris wheel reaching to the clouds.
50 – tulip time
Various locations, Holland, MI
May 7 – 15, 2022
The vibrant colors and long traditions of Tulip Time return to Holland this May. details
50 – County Fair
225 S. Hudson Lowell, MI 49331
August 8 – 13, 2022
Stop by one of the many area county fairs going on this summer such as Kent County Fair. details
52 – festival of the arts
Downtown Grand Rapids, MI 49503
June 3 – 5, 2022
Get sticky during the Glue-In, a family favorite, as well other artistic endeavors, at the Festival of the Arts. details
53 – Asian-Pacific Festival
300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
June 10 – 11, 2022
The annual Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival showcases the rich cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The numerous cultural demonstrations, performances, and vendors provides a fun and engaging time for the entire family. details
54 – Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival
15551 S Airport Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49015
June 30 – July 4, 2022
Watch as hot air balloons travel by the evening city skyline during the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival. details
55 – Coast Guard festival
113 N 2nd St, Grand Haven, MI 49417
July 29 – August 7, 2022
Tour some of the ships of the USCG as they visit Coast Guard City, USA (Grand Haven) for Coast Guard Fest 2022. details
56 – national blueberry festival
South Haven, MI 49090
August 11 – 14, 2002
Enjoy all things blueberry at South Haven’s National Blueberry Festival. details
Museums, Activity Centers & Pools
One of my kids’ favorite things to do in the summer is finding places to “beat the heat.” Playing outside is 100% amazing, but sometimes walking into the cool bowling alley or exploring an air-conditioned museum is the perfect way to spend a hot afternoon.
57 – Grand rapids children’s museum
11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Kids (and kids at heart) love to play and learn at the Grand Rapids Children Museum. details
59 – summer reading program
various locations
Log some books and earn loot with a summer reading program. details
60 – grand rapids public museum
272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Go for a scenic carousel ride at Grand Rapids Public Museum. details
61 – the mud room
1971 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Get creative at The Mud Room, by painting pottery pieces, wooden signs, fusing glass and more. details
62 – accidental art
355 Northland Drive NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Brush up some fun by painting pottery at Accidental Art in Rockford. details
63 – grand rapids art museum
101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Feed your imagination as you explore the Grand Rapids Art Museum. details
64 – holland aquatic center
150 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
Zipline into the deep end or tackle the obstacle course at Holland Aquatic Center during select open swim times. details
65 – salvation army kroc center
2500 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Find the hidden word on the bouldering wall at the Salvation Army Kroc Center. (Currently only open to members.) details
66 – holland playland
446 W 40th St, Holland, MI 49423
Kids won’t tire of all the fun to be had at the two-story-tall Holland Playland indoor playground. details
67 – gerald r. ford museum
303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Call the shots and take the seat of the President in a replica Cabinet Room at the Gerald R. Ford Museum. details
68 – goldfish swim school
2845 Thornhills Ave, Suite S, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Take a dip in a tropical setting during Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School. details
69 – altitude trampoline park
3495 Alpine Ave NW, Walker, MI 49544
Swinging from a chandelier is often frowned upon, but swinging from a trapeze at Altitude is sure to delight your daredevil. details
70 – amped virtual reality
2923 28th Ste SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Explore alternate realities at Amped Virtual Reality. details
71 – craig’s cruisers
5730 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
Ride the indoor roller coaster or play on the bumper cars at Craig’s Cruisers. details
72 – sky Zone
3636 29th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
Bounce off the walls at Sky Zone and jump into fun at this large trampoline park. details
73 – rebounderz
272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Play life-sized Foosball in a specially designed arena at Rebounderz. details
74 – The Lost City
12330 James St., Holland, MI 49424
Try for a new skee-ball high score or play other arcade games at The Lost City. details
75 – battleGR
284 Dodge NE Suite 100, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to have a blast playing tactical laser-tag at BattleGR. details
76 – kids skate free
272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Lace-up and skate into fun with KidsSkateFree and sign up for The Fun Spot – Kentwood. details
77 – griff’s iceHouse
30 Coldbrook St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Chill out with ice skating at Griff’s IceHouse or Griff’s Georgetown. details
78 – Allegan event
439 River Street, Allegan MI 49010
Master the rope courses at Allegan Event. details
79 – kids bowl free
Get bowled over and save when you sign your kids up at KidBowlFree.com that allow kids to bowl for free all summer long at area locations like Hudsonville Lanes or BAM! in Holland. details
80 – catch air
2978 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Hit the dance floor in a cloud of bubbles when the hourly dance party drops at Catch Air. details
81 – downtown market
435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Grab lunch and check out a Kid’s Wednesday at the Downtown Market. details
82 – Dine at a unique restaurant
various locations
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner out in a Unique Setting. details
83 – get ice cream
various locations
Is it even summer until you get a scoop of Superman ice cream? Grand Rapids is full of ice cream shops to indulge your sweet tooth. details
84 – visit a food truck
various locations
Find a food truck and order something you’ve never tasted before. details
85 – farmer’s market
various locations
Fill your basket with fresh produce at a farmer’s market. details
Summer Camps & Classes
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean learning has to stop. Your kids can expand their knowledge and skills all summer long, even on break from school.
It’s all about finding the right rhythm and balance for your tribe. Whether you’re a list-making taskmaster or a carpe diem drifter, we’ve brainstormed some of our favorite ways to learn from the classroom of life.
86 – camp kroc
2500 S. Division, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Check out some of the many themed full or half-day programs offered through Camp Kroc. details
87 – vacation bible school
284 Dodge NE Suite 100, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Find a nearby VBS program with our West Michigan VBS Round-Up. details
88 – his dance academy
2715 29th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Find your inner dancer at HIS Dance Academy. details
89 – aquinas college
700 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Get hands on Music (Jazz), Science (Engineering), Art (Ceramics), and Adventures (D&D) at AQ Summer Camps. details
90 – humane society of west michigan
3077 Wilson Drive NW, Grand Rapids MI, 49534
Get a feel for what it’s like to be a doctor to animals during Vet Camp at the Humane Society of West Michigan. details
91 – camp scholarships
various locations
We’ve got a list of Camp Scholarships & Other Affordable Camps around West Michigan. details
Road Trips
If travel plans are on your summer bucket list, then you are in the right spot.
There are so many fun road trip ideas from Grand Rapids to beautiful places around pure Michigan, the surrounding Midwest region, and even Canada. There’s no better time to pack the car and hit the road than during the summer season.
Heading up north to find more things to do in the summer is ritual for many!
92 – sleeping bear dunes
various locations
Climb the dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – plus 4th grade families can visit for free. details
93 – traverse city
Traverse City, MI 49684
Celebrate all things cherry in Traverse City, home of the National Cherry Festival every July. details
94 – upper penninsula
284 Dodge NE Suite 100, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Venture over the bridge to the land of the Yooper when you go to Marquette, Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls and beyond. details
95 – detroit
Detroit, MI
Discover the zoo, Belle Isle, local gems and more when you visit Detroit. details
96 – campground
Get the inside tips from other Michigan families about where they go to unplug and go camping. details
97 – water park
Splish-splash and with just a quick dash, you could be frolicking at a nearby water park destination. details
99 – Glamping
various locations
If camping isn’t your thing, try one of these places for glamping instead. details
100 – Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Immerse yourself in rustic German culture as you stay at “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth. details
101 – Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, MI 49737
Put your pedal to the metal as you bike your way around Mackinac Island. Stay at the Grand Hotel for the most iconic island experience. details
Midwest Destinations
102 – indianapolis, in
3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Fedoras are optional as you take on the role of archaeologist at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum – an absolute must when you visit Indianapolis. details
103 – Milwaukee, WI
779 N Front St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Voyage across Lake Michigan on the Lake Express High-Speed Ferry to Milwaukee and “sneak” into dinner at The Safehouse. details
104 -St. louis, mo
750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Walk, crawl, slide, and jump as you wander through City Museum (which some describe as a playground on steroids) when you visit the gateway to the west: St. Louis. details
106 – kentucky
Visit the horses or explore a cave in Kentucky. details
Back to School
As they say, all good things must come to an end. Summer will come to a close and back to school season will be upon us.
Here’s how you can make planning for the upcoming school year easier, so you can enjoy the last few weeks of summer activities without worry.
107 – Find a daycare
Looking for childcare can be a daunting task, but these local day care providers can make the job easier. details
108 – get haircuts
Take time to get new backpacks and that back-to-school haircut. details
109 – select a preschool
Have a preschooler ready to start their classroom journey? Our comprehensive Preschool Guide will help you figure out the best fit for your little learner. details
110 – opt for young 5s
If your child has mastered preschool, but maybe isn’t ready to dive into full-time, five-days-a-week Kindergarten, check out some Young 5 Kindergarten options. details
111 – choose a school
Looking for more specialized education for your student? With options ranging from religious institutions, museum schools, language immersion and even aviation school, there are a whole of host of possibilities to consider. details
112 – choose a school
If you are a home-based education family, you can find some helpful resources here to enrich your curriculum. details
113 – Find a field trip
Need to plan some ideas for field trips? Then this is the guide for you! details
What summer activities will your family be doing this year?
Did we miss your favorite thing to do in the summer? We always love to hear from you, so please leave us a comment below!
More to Explore
I am a mentor at a Mops groups and we are wanting to give the young moms a list of things to do this summer with their kids in the Grand Rapids area. I love this exhaustive list but wondered if you had a booklet that or list that was printable? We have about 50 moms. Thank you.
When will you be putting up the list of Churches who is participating in the Ultimate Vacation Bible School 2017
When will the “JULY IDEAS: 31 Days of July Fun” calendar be available?
Stephanie,
You can see the July Ideas: 31 Days of July Fun here: http://grkids.com/july-fun-grand-rapids/ Thanks!
Betsy