Family Futures

Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit
2024-05-18 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | MI
The Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit is a transformational day-long learning experience centered around Summit’s core values of resident voice and racial equity. Summit brings Grand Rapids residents and stakeholders together to learn, strategize and connect to strengthen neighborhoods and belonging in community, with the overall goal to make Grand Rapids a more equitable place for all to live, work and play.

The theme for this year’s Summit is “Embracing The Power of Tension, Tenacity, & Intentionality.” Through a series of workshops aligned with local efforts and strategies, we will explore ways to foster belonging and inclusivity by embracing the many teachings learned over the past 10 years.

Summit features an opening keynote presentation; several workshop options; lunch and lunchtime activities such as a fun photo booth, Zumba, yoga and several thoughtfully curated community resource tables. The day will also include the recognition of Grand Rapids residents for their leadership with Neighborhood Match Fund projects, an Anishinaabe opening and closing drum presentation, and a Community Celebration to end the day with everyone who makes Summit special – attendees, volunteers, and sponsors featuring free food, prizes, music, and more!

One of the key strengths of Summit is its diversity and inclusivity. Participants come from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, genders, age groups, and identities. The appreciation for the inclusive space that Summit provides consistently ranks as one of the top themes in past event evaluations. As part of our commitment to diversity, we prioritize partnerships with local businesses, particularly those owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). In 2023, 82% of our expenses were spent with BIPOC-owned businesses, and 97% of expenses went to businesses located within the City of Grand Rapids.

This year we will host approximately 500 attendees. Whether you come from a grassroots movement, a corporate organization, a non-profit, or the public sector, Summit offers opportunities for meaningful connections and collaborations. In 2023, we witnessed inspiring highlights, and we aim to build on that success in the upcoming anniversary event.

Registration is now open to attend the 2024 Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit! Click here to register today.
Visit www.publicinput.com/2024GRSummit to learn more and register.

Grand Rapids African American Arts and Music Festival
2024-05-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Garfield Park, 250 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
An annual festival celebrating African-American art, music, culture, and people!
The first Summer Park party of the season!
Bring the whole family, & join us at Garfield Park on Friday, May 17 from 6-8 pm for FREE food, games, resources, and FUN!
Theme: Mental Health Matters

Kent ISD Early Childhood Laugh & Learn
2024-05-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, United States
Laugh and Learn is a free event for all families with children enrolled in a Kent ISD Early Childhood Program (including: Early On, Bright Beginnings, Great Start Readiness Program, and Great Start to Quality). Families are invited to come and explore the gardens, participate in activity stations, and learn about resources in our community.

Sibley Elementary School Resource Fair
2024-05-14 15:30 - 18:00 | Sibley Elementary School, 943 Sibley St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Connect with Community Partners, register your GRPS students for the 2024-2025 school year, and learn about summer programs. Food is provided. The Critter Barn will be there with animals.

Friday @ The SAL
2023-09-15 17:00 - 20:00 | The Salvation Army – Fulton Street, 1235 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Family Futures is excited to attend Friday @ the SAL! Dinner is provided and there is games and crafts for all ages. There is a $3 attendance fee for this event.
We will be doing car seat checks at the event! Our certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be present to make sure your child is riding safely. For more information about our child safety initiatives, check out familyfutures.org/programs/children-safety-programs.
For additional information about the event, check out the Salvation Army Facebook page.

Empowering Parents Conference
2023-09-09 08:00 - 12:00 | Kent ISD, 2930 Knapp St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, United States
Children don’t come with a guidebook, so Kent ISD created the next, best thing – a conference to empower parents of children, birth to five years old, with tips, resources and knowledge to make raising your little one just a little easier.
This first-ever Empowering Parents conference is for families enrolled in Kent ISD early childhood programs. They’ll cover hot topics like literacy, behavior, picky eating and communication with breakout events and panel discussions.
Registration will be available August 1. Childcare will not be available for this event. Breakfast will be provided.
To learn more about all of the Kent ISD Early Childhood programs, click here. For more information on events in our community, check out our events page here. Family Futures is excited to attend the event and we hope to see you there!

Safety Celebration
2023-08-18 09:00 - 18:00 | MI
At the Zoo, safety is of the utmost importance, and John Ball Zoo wants to celebrate all the community partners that help keep us safe! The zoo is partnering with local first responders as well other organizations to promote and educate guests on all different aspects of keeping the community safe!
Zoo members are free. Non-members general admission. Tickets TBA.
Event Partners

Agile Safety
Cintas
Family Futures
Grand Rapids Fire Department
Grand Rapids Police Department
Grainger
Kentwood Fire Department
Kentwood Police Department
Silent Observer
Vanguard Fire and Security Systems
Wyoming Police Department

We will be doing car seat checks at event. To register for a car seat check, click here. For more information and tickets on Safety Celebration, click here. We look forward to seeing you there!

Family Fun Days
2023-08-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-07-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-06-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Martin Luther King Park, 1200 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
The Grand Rapids African American Arts and Music Festival, Grand Rapids Public Library, and The City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events are hosting the 3rd Annual Family Fun Days at MLK Park. These events feature free food, music, games, books, and community resources and vendors.
Check out more details on Family Fun Days!
This is a reoccurring event with additional days on July 20 and August 17. The themes of each event are:
June 15: Game Night
July 20: Art Immersion
August 17: Back to School
To learn more about events in our community, check out our events page.

WGVU's Kid's Day at the Zoo
2023-08-03 09:00 - 16:00 | John Ball Zoo, 1300 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
We are so excited to attend Kids Day at the Zoo again this year! WGVU’s Kids Day at the John Ball Zoo, presented by PNC Bank is back on Thursday, August 3! Kids Day is guaranteed to provide a packed day of fun, adventure, and entertainment for kids, families, and friends. Family Futures is one of the sponsors for this years event and we will be hosting a scavenger hunt.
Meet characters from your favorite PBS Kids shows, like Molly of Denali and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, sponsored by Milk Means More and Pioneer Construction.
Enjoy live musical performances throughout the day, plus get inspired at the Creative Cube, a Mobile Art Experience, which will be onsite from 9am-12pm. Kids Day at the Zoo is a perfect way to enjoy a day of educational and entertaining activities while exploring John Ball Zoo & Park! See you August 3
Zoo admission is only $5 per person on Kids Day. Kids 2 and under are free and activities in the park are free! To purchase your tickets for Kids Day at the Zoo, click here! For more information on events in our community, check out our events page.

Day of Play Celebration
2023-07-30 12:00 - 16:00 | Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for the 6th Annual “Day of Play” Celebration on July 30, 2023. This community outreach initiative began with a proclamation by Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, and is designed to encourage children and families to celebrate PLAY! This year, they are closing the street to bring play outside on the Rainbow Road! A dedicated group of community partners will offer creative, interactive experiences for visitors, including live animals, yard games, crafts, and bubbles! This event is a chance for all families to get outside and celebrate play in our beautiful city. Plus, the museum will be open for play with FREE admission.
This event is free and open to the public! Join us!
There are several parking lots available within walking distance to the museum. View the Downtown Visitor Mobility and Parking Guide HERE.
Food trucks will be parked next to the museum with food and drink for purchase. Numerous restaurants and vendors are also available within walking distance.
If you are interested in volunteering please contact Lianna Tagle at ltagle@grcm.org
To learn more about events in our community, check out our events page.

Baxter United Summer Series Cook Off Challenge
2023-07-22 12:00 - 16:00 | Joe Taylor Park, 1001 Baxter St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Baxter United will close off the Summer Series events with a fun and competitive cook-off competition! That’s right a cook-off competition! If you or someone you know has the skills on the grill please, say less and register to compete in this family-friendly event. Once again for this event, we will have local food venders, live DJs, games resource information, and more.
Entertainment by: DJ ILL ONE
If you would like to enter for a chance to compete in the event please reach out to Jesenia at 616-202-7307. (5 competitor limit)
Check out more details on the events Facebook page!
Family Futures is excited to attend this event and we hope to see you there!
To learn more about events in our community, check out our events page.

Grand Rapids Pride Festival
2023-06-17 12:00 - 18:00 | Calder Plaza, 300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Grand Rapids Pride Festival is an event that brings LGBTQ+ community members, businesses, allies, and organizations together to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and celebrating the beautiful vast LGBTQ+ community!
Going into its 35th year in 2023, Grand Rapids Pride Festival is working to create a safe, open, and inclusive environment for Grand Rapids community members to celebrate who they are!
Check out more details on GR Pride Festival!
To learn more about events in our community, check out our events page.

Rock the Block
2023-06-10 11:00 - 16:00 | Along Madison Ave between Hall and Oakdale, Madison Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Join us at Rock the Block for family friendly fun, food, entertainment, community resources and more!

Teddy Bear Picnic
2023-06-03 11:00 - 14:00 | MI
The annual event was created to help children combat fears of the doctor in a fun, safe environment while also encouraging wellness and healthy habits.
Children are encouraged to bring a favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal through a series of stations and medical experiences in the mock clinic staffed by physicians and students from MSU’s health colleges.
Other activities include helmet fittings, music, arts and crafts, balloon animals, face painting and appearances by Sparty, princesses and superheroes.

5th Annual Calder Plaza Roll N' Out Food Truck Fest
2023-05-21 11:00 - 20:00 | MI
Grand Rapids Largest Food Truck Festival is Roll’N Out Sunday May 21st, 2023.
The Grand Rapids Food Truck Association (GRFTA), will host the 5th annual Roll’N Out Food Truck Fest on Sunday, May 21st on Ottawa Avenue and Calder Plaza.
Up to 45 food trucks and trailers will participate, making the event one of Grand Rapids’ largest food truck rallys!

Grace's Table Spring Wellness Event
2023-05-20 09:30 - 23:30 | WMCAT, 614 First St. NW STE 300, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
aking care of our mental and physical health is vital to our well-being. But for teen mamas, it can be extremely difficult to find support in these areas.
At Grounded in Grace, you will meet guests from local organizations who are passionate about creating healthy communities. You’ll also learn about the importance of supporting teen mamas on their journey toward good mental and physical health.
During this event, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with your community, enjoy refreshments, and win amazing raffle prizes!
Featuring Guest Speaker Artesia Ridgel and yoga instructor the Feral Yogi.
*Please bring your own yoga mat*

Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit
2023-05-20 08:00 - 16:00 | GRCC Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC, 622 Godfrey Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
The Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit is a transformational day-long learning experience centered around Summit’s core values of resident voice and racial equity. Summit brings Grand Rapids residents and stakeholders together to learn, strategize and connect to strengthen neighborhoods and belonging in community, with the overall goal to make Grand Rapids a more equitable place for all to live, work and play.

This year’s theme is Your City, Your Voice: Co-Creating Belonging with Workshops aligning to topics on belonging and inclusion, design work, and community collaboration to address issues affecting our City. This theme was inspired in part by our community’s desire to have our voices heard and work together with political actors to create everlasting change.

Amway Junior Race
2023-05-10 16:30 - 19:00 | Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville, 49418, United States
Registration is FREE for all children – Register today!

Non-competitive 1/2 and 1 mile fun runs around the track
Kids ages 3-11
Parents are welcome to run/walk with their child
All participants receive a t-shirt, participant bib, finisher medal and post-event refreshments
Meet Tortoise and Hare, and Maranda
Family Fun Area from 4:30-7p featuring inflatables, face painting, tattoos and more!
Late Registration and Packet Pickup opens @ 4:30p
Heats begin @ 5:30p
Parent Information (pdf)

Montcalm Community Baby Shower
2023-05-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Montcalm Area Career Center, 1550 West Sidney Road, Sidney, MI, 48885, United States
Great Start Montcalm will be having their annual Montcalm County Community Baby Shower! This is for moms who are pregnant or have a newborn under 6 months old and of course live in Montcalm County. Please register and you will receive a bunch of goodies! This is on a Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 10am – 2pm at the Montcalm Area Career Center, 1550 W Sidney Road, Sidney, 48885.

Amway River Bank Training Run
2023-05-06 07:30 - 10:30, 2023-04-01 07:30 - 10:30, 2023-03-04 07:30 - 10:30 | Downtown GR YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Join us for a FREE training run on a portion of the 25K course or a walk inside on the track at the downtown YMCA. Distances vary based on choice and refreshments will be available. Parking is available for non-members in GR Lot #7 (behind Big Boy) for $2.
Please plan to meet outside (do not block the entrance way for the Y members) and after your run/walk return to the Community Room for refreshments.

Día del Niño
2023-04-28 15:00 - 18:00 | Hispanic Center, 1204 Casar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Come celebrate Children’s Day at the Hispanic Center. There will be fun activities, toys, and music.

Party for the Planet
2023-04-22 | John Ball Zoo, 1300 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Join Family Futures at John Ball Zoo on April 22nd for Party for the Planet!

Practicing Resilience Through Relationship Building
2023-04-13 08:00 - 16:00 | Loosemore Auditorium, Grand Valley State University Pew Campus, 401 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Family Futures and Grand Valley State University are pleased to announce our second annual Practicing Resilience Conference, titled Practicing Resilience through Relationship Building. We aim to help participants gain a deeper understanding of how to build resilience in individuals and our community by applying evidence-based strategies to create meaningful relationships.
Our Keynote Speaker, Elizabeth Meins, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at the University of York, will join us virtually from the United Kingdom. Dr. Meins has studied how parents interact with their children for over 30 years and in 1997, she developed the concept of caregiver mind-mindedness: the ability to “tune in” to the baby’s thoughts and feelings.

MLK Family Literacy Night
2023-03-23 17:00 - 19:00 | MLK Jr Leadership Academy, 645 Logan St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Join us at MLK Family Literacy Night on March 23 from 5-7pm!

Campus Elementary Family Fun Night
2023-02-28 17:30 - 19:00 | Campus Elementary School, 710 Benjamin Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Join Family Futures at Campus Elementary for Family Fun Night! This will include a whole evening of games, crafts, and prizes! Dinner will be included.

Paint the Park Street Party
2023-02-18 11:00 - 17:00 | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Street Northwest, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join Family Futures at the World of Winter Grand Rapids’ Paint the Park Street Party! This event is free for all ages. Painting will stop at 4:00 or when space on the ice runs out.
