Spring is the perfect time for families with young children to get outside and explore Kent County! The area has fun, affordable destinations that provide meaningful developmental experiences. In this blog, we’ll highlight not only the best museums, parks, and attractions for family outings but also discuss the developmental benefits each one offers. If you’re looking for new adventures with your kids this season, here are eight fantastic options.
1. Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a great place for kids to learn while having fun. They can explore exhibits about space, history, and nature, as well as enjoy the museum’s carousel and other interactive activities. With exhibits featuring a variety of textures, sounds, and visuals, children can engage their senses while discovering the world around them. Sensory play at a young age promotes brain development, especially for infants and toddlers. Many exhibits, including those with touchable elements and the carousel, help improve coordination and motor skills such as gripping and walking.
2. Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is a fun way to introduce kids to art. Throughout the year, the museum hosts special family events, craft activities, and interactive exhibits in its Creative Learning Center. This space is designed for all ages, encouraging hands-on play that fosters creativity and imagination. The activities help develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. As children explore the exhibits and art-making stations, they engage with colors, shapes, patterns, and textures, strengthening their visual-spatial skills and cognitive growth.
3. Grand Rapids Ballet
For a unique experience, consider taking your kids to a performance by the Grand Rapids Ballet. They often present family-friendly shows, allowing children to experience storytelling through music and dance. Spring performances may feature fairy tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, or other engaging themes that captivate young audiences. Watching dancers communicate through movement helps children understand emotions while enhancing their language skills by connecting stories to visuals. Ballet also encourages physical development, as children naturally respond to rhythm and movement, inspiring them to dance, explore their creativity, and express themselves through motion.
4. John Ball Zoo
Spring is a great time to visit the zoo! John Ball Zoo is home to a variety of animals, from lions to penguins. Kids can also enjoy interactive exhibits like Dino Adventures or get up close with animals at the Zoolittles petting zoo. Walking through the zoo, engaging with animals, and exploring hands-on exhibits provide plenty of physical activity, helping children develop coordination and motor skills. At the same time, seeing animals up close sparks curiosity, encouraging kids to ask questions and make connections between what they see and what they learn in books or at home. This combination of hands-on exploration and active play makes the zoo an exciting and valuable experience for young learners. Admission is free for children 2 and under, while tickets for kids ages 3 to 12 cost $15. For more admission details, visit John Ball Zoo’s website.
5. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens is a beautiful place for families to explore nature and art. The Children’s Garden is full of hands-on activities, including Treehouse Village, where kids can climb, explore, and play. In the spring, the Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit is a must-see, featuring hundreds of tropical butterflies that children can observe up close. The garden’s interactive areas encourage creativity and problem-solving through water play, sand activities, and outdoor art. Engaging with plants, insects, and sculptures stimulates curiosity and introduces kids to early science concepts like plant growth and ecosystems. Admission to the park ranges from $13 to $18.
6. Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens
If you’re looking for a peaceful nature walk and a free activity, the Calvin Ecosystem Preserve is a great choice! It features paved trails, gardens, and plenty of wildlife for you and your little ones to discover. Nature preserves spark curiosity and encourages early science learning as kids observe animals, explore plants, and ask questions about the world around them. Hands-on experiences like watching insects, feeling different leaves, and listening to birds introduce them to nature’s patterns and cycles. Time outdoors also nurtures emotional and social growth, fostering patience and a sense of wonder. Exploring these spaces together strengthens family connections, all while enjoying a calm and engaging environment.
7. Blandford Nature Center
Blandford Nature Center is an excellent place for kids to connect with nature. Here, children can observe wildlife, explore trails, and interact with farm animals, helping them develop real-world connections to the environment. Sensory-rich experiences like feeling tree bark, listening to birds, and smelling flowers can enhance cognitive development and curiosity. The open space also encourages movement, improving coordination and motor skills as children run, climb, and navigate different terrains.
8. EverPlay Café
If you’re looking to enjoy a cup of coffee while keeping your little one entertained, EverPlay Café offers the perfect space! Young children can engage in active, imaginative play while parents relax and socialize. These play cafés are designed for early childhood development, featuring safe, interactive play areas that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and social skills. Climbing structures and sensory toys help develop fine and gross motor skills, while pretend play areas promote language growth and emotional expression. These spaces also provide opportunities for children to learn important social-emotional skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and interacting with peers. For parents, it’s a great way to connect with other families while providing their children with a fun and stimulating experience.
Spring is a fantastic time to explore all that Grand Rapids and Kent County have to offer. Whether you love nature, history, art, or simply spending time outdoors, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Best of all, these destinations are affordable and accessible for families of all sizes.
Want a chance to visit some of these amazing places for FREE? This coming week, we will be giving away passes on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Be sure to follow us for more details about how you can win!
