As a grandparent, is there anything more enjoyable—and rewarding—than spending time with your grandkids?
To watch them grow, mature, and learn alongside you is truly a remarkable opportunity. Thankfully, you live in a large city, one of the Midwest’s fastest growing cities, in fact.
Due to Grand Rapids’ size, you’ll have several options for one-on-one time with your grandkids outside of your Beacon Hill residence.
Here are just a few ideas for you, whether you choose to relish your time with them indoors or outdoors.
Broadway…in West Michigan. As proven by Grand Rapids’ wide array of professional entertainment options, you don’t have to live in Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York City to experience “Broadway” in person. From Broadway Grand Rapids and CARE Ballet, to the DeVos Performance Hall and Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, your grandkids will love the area’s concerts, dances, and plays!
Enjoy a Walk at a Park. Did you know that Grand Rapids has more than 75 parks?! Go out and explore these beautiful, fun, and, at times, naturally wooded areas with your grandkids. Sometimes they—and you—just need to “get back to the basics.” Is there any better way to do that than a hike, a picnic, or a slide?
Food Aplenty. Grand Rapids is also renowned for its variety of restaurants. Aside from taking your grandkids out to eat, consider participating in a cooking class with them at The Local Epicurean. Or satisfy their sweet tooth at Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate, Pinkie’s Ice Cream & Desserts, or Sticky Fingers.
Gardens, Sculptures, and So Much More! Is there any wonder why people travel from all over the world to visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park? After all, it has concerts, indoor and outdoor galleries, horticultural landscapes, and over 200 sculptures. Why not take your grandkids to this world-renowned treasure that’s in your own backyard?
Museums Galore. Whether it’s snowing and blowing, or temperatures are approaching 100 degrees, consider visiting Grand Rapids’ museums. While doing so, you’ll find a suitable option for your grandkids, regardless of their ages. For instance, you can tour the Art Museum, the Children’s Museum, or the Public Museum, leading to hours of enriching learning experiences.
Ride a Train! About 20 minutes from Grand Rapids, the Coopersville & Marne Railway provides a unique opportunity: to ride on West Michigan’s last tourist railroad! Each train ride is 90 minutes and 12 miles long, while also offering beverages, food, and live entertainment. Welcome aboard!
Take Me Out to the Ballgame. There’s nothing quite like a baseball game. The seventh inning stretch. The snacks. The fresh air. A minor league team and affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, the West Michigan Whitecaps are based in nearby Comstock Park. For more than 30 years, they have entertained thousands of grandkids. Ensure yours can enjoy this decades-long tradition, too!
Visit Your Local Nature Center and Zoo. Despite living in such a large city, you have plenty of chances to witness wildlife firsthand. For example, Blandford Nature Center has various events, which will allow you to learn about rehabilitated animals that can’t survive in the wild anymore. Furthermore, the John Ball Zoo has over 2,000 animals, providing endless entertainment for your grandkids!
In addition, here are some events you can enjoy with your grandkids soon, enabling you to create new memories!
Upcoming Events to Consider:
- 46th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 15
- Grand Rapids Pickleball Club Earth Day Open Powered by Revolin Sports, April 25-27
- Relax at Rosa Series, May 1-September 11 (every Thursday)
- Hero’s Expo and Appreciation Day, May 17
- The Westside Wiffle Ball Classic, May 30
- FAM on SoDIV, June 7
- Grand Rapids Art Museum Free Summer Thursdays, June 12-August 28
- Grand Rapids Foodie Fest, July 4-6
- Eastown Streetfair, September 6
- ArtPrize, September 18-October 4
