Family Futures

📚Recycling Center Open Hours
2026-08-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-24 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Kent County Public Works, 1045 Wealthy Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
These free, open-house style events are great for any age and meant for smaller groups or individuals wishing to check out the Kent County Recycling and Education Center! So what is there to see and do during Recycling Center Open Hours?

Self-guided tours of the space and recycling sorting line

If you’d like a formal, guided tour please request your recycling center tour.

– Self-guided tours of the space and recycling sorting line
– Create upcycled crafts
– Play with our recycling toys and games!
– Explore our recycling and waste exhibits throughout the Recycling & Education Center
– Have your recycling and disposal questions answered in-person by our Waste Reduction Educators
– And more!
Spend as much time as you’d like learning, creating, or interacting with staff to learn more about recycling and waste.
Please drop in during the designated hours of the scheduled event according to the schedule.
This event is perfect for:

Individuals that are curious as to how Kent County’s recycling program works and want to know what can be recycled
Families and parents with young children looking for a casual experience
Childcare providers or babysitters looking for fun activities to engage in
Other small groups (around 12 or less) looking to explore the world of recycling such as homeschool groups

Let Them Play
2026-08-10 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-08-12 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-08-17 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-08-19 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-08-24 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-08-26 16:30 - 18:30 | Plainsong Farm, 6677 12 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI, 49341
Let Them Play

This weekly drop-in time is designed for children of all ages along with their caregivers to explore the farm and deepen their connection to nature. The education garden, pine grove and mud kitchen will be open for child-led, self-guided, unstructured play. Come engage all your senses – taste what’s ripe each week, search for bugs and birds, build a fort, or cook up a mudpie. Staff will be available to answer questions as needed. Stop in the Welcome Shed for a map and instructions, including our Visitor’s Guide.
‍
Dates/Times: Mondays 9:30-11:30am April 13-Nov 23
‍Wednesdays 4:30-6:30pm June 3-Oct 14
Cost: Free
At Plainsong Farm we are seeking to gather a community around good food, good work, and care for the earth and each other. Whether you’re looking to learn sustainable home economics, looking for community, or a place for your child to explore, there is something for you.

⭐Parent Cafe
2026-08-10 16:30 - 18:30 | Martin Luther King Park, 1200 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Join us for a safe, reflective conversation for parents and caregivers just like you.We’ll be at the Picnic Shelter at MLK Park- Children are welcome & refreshments are provided!
Registration is appreciated, but not required: https://linktr.ee/familyfutures
Cafés connect people to build: relationships, support, resilience, knowledge, communication
Cafés are structured, small-group conversations designed as safe spaces where people talk and listen to one another about topics that matter to them.
Reports show 97% of Parent Café participants leave feeling more confident and less alone.

Pajama Time/ Hora de Pijamas
2026-08-10 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-08-17 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-08-24 18:30 - 19:30 | grand rapids public library – Seymour Branch, 2350 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States

🎒🎧📚⭐Backpacks and Beats at ICCF
2026-08-11 16:00 - 18:00 | ICCF, 400 Martin Luther King Jr. St. SE Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
ICCF’s FREE back-to-school event featuring a school supplies giveaway,
family-friendly activities, community resources and more!
No RSVP needed! While supplies last!
August 11th from 4-6pm
400 Martin Luther King Jr. Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY*

Backpacks
Notebooks
Crayons, markers, and colored pencils
Dry erase markers and highlighters
Pencils and pens
Folders
Scissors
Calculators
Sticky notes
Glue sticks

*While supplies last!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES*

Bounce house
Hotdogs
Ice Cream

*Weather Permitting
COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Healthcare Information
Education Information
Food Security Information

👟👟📚⭐SHOES 2026- In the Image Shoe Distribution
2026-08-12 09:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-13 09:00 - 19:00 | DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, 49503
For 30 years, In The Image has been providing a new pair of back-to-school athletic shoes to elementary students in West Michigan. The SHOES (Shoes Help Our Elementary Students) Program supplies elementary students in Kent County with a free, brand-new pair of athletic shoes every year to start the school year on the right foot.
We believe every child should have the chance to be a kid with a new pair of shoes – allowing them to concentrate in school, run faster, jump higher, and play harder!
Register HERE.
Questions? Contact In the Image: info@intheimage.org

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Sparta Summer Concert Series
2026-08-12 18:30 - 20:00 | SPARTA TOWN SQUARE, 177 E Division St, Sparta, MI, 49345
Bring the whole family for music and fun in Downtown Sparta! Bring your own chairs and blankets and relax in the wonderful summer weather with your family and friends!
Concerts in the Park are scheduled for Wednesdays at 6:30pm, May 13 through August 12.
*Dates and times are subject to change, check the Facebook page for up-to-date event information.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE TWO POSSIBLE VENUES FOR THIS EVENT.

📚World Explorers Club
2026-08-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Treetops Collective, 906 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
🌎Travel the world with Treetops!
Join us for a joyful, hands-on cultural adventure designed for children ages 4+ and their caregivers!
At World Explorers, families are invited to experience the beauty of cultures from around the world through interactive activities, music, movement, storytelling, food, crafts, and play. Each event is led by a Treetops community facilitator sharing pieces of their culture in a fun, welcoming, and engaging environment.
Summer Schedule:

June 25- Exploring the World of Venezuela with your host, Eliana!
July 16- Exploring the World of Nepal with your host, Kala!
August 13- Exploring the World of Cuba with your host, Yudelis!
Each event will run from 10-11:30 AM

🍃Children will:

Learn about different cultures and traditions
Build curiosity, empathy, and confidence in connecting across differences
Experience the joy of belonging in a diverse community
Leave with a stamp in their World Explorers Passport

🍃Each event includes:

Interactive whole-group activities
Cultural crafts and games
Snacks and drinks from the featured culture
Music, storytelling, and language learning
10% off in the cafe and shop- kids products and t’s

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Relax at Rosa
2026-08-13 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-08-20 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-08-27 12:00 - 13:30 | Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Street Northwest, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Event Description

Free lunchtime concerts return to Rosa Parks Circle every Thursday throughout the summer starting May 7th through September 24th, 2026!

Each week features a rotating lineup of live music and food trucks.

Here’s your 2026 Relax at Rosa Lineup
May 7 – Clarke, Reed, and Meadows
May 14 – MexiCuba
May 21 – The Temperances
May 28 – Hot Like Mars
Jun 4 – Na Bonsai
Jun 11 – Remnose
Jun 18 – Bleau Otis
Jun 25 – Tuvergen Band
Jul 2 – Mar In Color
Jul 9 – Morgan Haner
Jul 16 – SoSoHiFi
Jul 23 – Ark Laci
Jul 30 – Chris Bota Band
Aug 6 – Jennifer Westwood & the Handsome Devils
Aug 13 – Sabbatical Bob
Aug 20 – Tent
Aug 27 – Loren J. Clarke
Sept 3 – Hip Hop Showcase
Sept 10 – Pajamas
Sept 17 – Cabildo
Sept 24 – Aurora & Antheia

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Kent County Community Fest
2026-08-13 16:00 - 19:00 | MI
Two festive, family-friendly summer celebrations on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, August 13!
Kent County South Community Fest
When: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Brewer Park, 399 84th St SE Byron Center, MI 49315
Kent County North Community Fest
When: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Kent County North Campus 4191 17 Mile Rd NE Cedar Springs, MI 49319
This is a great opportunity to connect with neighbors, explore County services, and enjoy a fun afternoon in the community. Make your plans to attend and be sure to RSVP to the County’s Facebook event.
Featuring:

Local food trucks serving hometown favorites
Free ice cream (while supplies last)
Kids’ activities including face painting, balloon animals, and more
Big trucks on display, including fire engines from Byron Township (South), City of Cedar Springs (North), and road equipment from the Kent County Road Commission
Meet the Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit and their horses, and enjoy live demonstrations from the K-9 Unit

Families with school-aged children can also pick up free backpacks and school supplies for kids in grades K–12, while supplies last.
Meet & Greet Tables will be available to share helpful information, resources, and support.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑GRAAHI's Rhythm Run & Health Fair
2026-08-15 08:00 - 12:30 | Ottowa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
Dive Into Wellness with This FREE Health Fair!

Following the morning’s energizing 5k, immerse yourself in GRAAHI’s vibrant and FREE Health Fair! Discover a wealth of health resources, enjoy fun activities for all ages, and have lunch on us!

Dance & Fitness Activities
Health & Wellness Vendors
Free Lunch
Relaxation Station
Free Mammogram Screenings
Free Blood Pressure Screenings
YMCA Veggie Van
Prizes & Giveaways
Tug of War and Other Games for All Ages
Live DJ

Join the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute for their 18th Annual Rhythm Run 5k & Health Fair on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, now conveniently located at Ottawa Hills High School! From 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, we’re uniting to celebrate community health and working together to eliminate health disparities in Kent County.
Gear up for a run or a walk or sign up as a team! Representing your organization at the Rhythm Run is a fantastic way to promote health and wellness while fostering team spirit. Together, with each stride we take, we can raise awareness about health disparities and create a healthier Kent County for everyone.
Lace up your shoes and be part of a beloved annual tradition! The 5K Rhythm Run welcomes participants of all fitness levels, offering an accessible and fun way to get active and support community health.
Info: https://graahi.org/rhythmrun/

📚Grand Rapids Public Museum Summer Saturdays
2026-08-15 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-22 11:00 - 15:00 | Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
Summer Saturdays
at the GRPM

Join us on Saturdays at the Museum this Summer for special themed days full of hands-on activities, dynamic demonstrations, guided tours, and more!

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is continuing Summer Saturdays for a second year, expanding engagement opportunities to beat the heat inside the Museum or to embrace the heat by exploring the downtown corridor with us. In addition to the Unseen Oceans exhibit, visitors can explore special themed activities almost every Saturday from June 13 to August 15.
Summer Saturdays will focus on specific areas of science, history, and culture. Each Saturday will bring a different theme and perspective to Museum guests, including celebrations of the new Riverfront space, Unseen Oceans, and the Grand River. Mark your calendars to join us for summer fun!

Summer Saturday Themes

Full descriptions of each day are listed on the GRPM’s Digital Calendar. Click any day to see the full description.

June 13 – Riverfront Grand Opening
June 20 – Unseen Oceans
June 27- Celebrating the Grand River Watershed and USA at 250!
July 11 – Birds of the Great Lakes
July 18 – Exploring the Deep
July 25 – A Celebration of Music and Dance
August 1 – Riverside Art
August 8 – STEAM Day
August 15 – Grand River Adventure

🧑‍🤝‍🧑🎁Taylor Made Re- Entry's Annual Kickball & Back to School Bash
2026-08-15 13:00 - 15:30 | Garfield Park- Neighborhood Association Lodge, 334 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
SAVE THE DATE!
Taylor Made Re-Entry invites you to our Annual Community Healing Experience: kickball & Back-to-School Bash. Where community comes together to celebrate, connect, and give back!
Free admission:
🎒 FREE Back-to-School Supplies
👟 FREE Shoes*
🧥 FREE Coats
🎁 Toys & Giveaways
🏰 Bounce Houses
🐴 Horse Petting
🎨 Face Painting
🌭 Free Food
🎶 Music, Games & Family Fun
🤝 Community Resources
📅 August 15
📍 Garfield Park
🕐 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Volunteer, vendors, and donations welcomed!

🎒📚- Back to School Bash by RTS Trash Service LLC, United Futures Community Organization and Meaning in Colors
2026-08-16 15:00 - 19:30 | Klloggsville Middle School, 4650 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
IT’S OFFICIAL!
The 5th Annual RTS Back to School Bash is almost here, and we’re excited to serve our community once again!
Sunday, August 16, 2026 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM Kelloggsville Middle School
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT! Free backpacks & school supplies Free haircuts (boys) Free hair styling (girls) Nails Face painting Bounce houses Bike giveaways Free ice cream & snacks Music, games & family fun
This event is hosted by United Futures Community Organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with one mission:
Building confidence. Creating opportunities. Strengthening community.

Tots & Coffee Club
2026-08-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Caregivers, treat yourself!
Join us for a special monthly morning of play & connection with other toddlers & their grownups while you sip complimentary drinks from our GRCM Coffee Bar.
Monthly on select dates from 9 am to 11 am.

🎁Food Distribution
2026-08-25 16:00 - 18:00 | Hispanic Center of West Michigan, 1204 Cesar Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Food Distribution event happening on set dates each month.
*Please have your trunks open and do not block any driveways!

📚⭐Trauma and Resilisnce Training: Lunch and Learn Series
2026-08-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Linc Up, 341 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
Join Family Futures for our Trauma & Resilience Training: Lunch & Learn Series, designed to support caregivers with practical tools and knowledge to help children thrive.

Led by Stacey Goodson from Amoyan Training and Consulting, this series includes 10 unique sessions, each focused on building skills related to behavior, connection, and resilience.

Drop in anytime – you can join even if you’ve never attended before! Children are welcome with caregivers and lunch is provided!

July 22: When Parents Get Triggered
Aug. 26: Discipline that Builds Trust
Sept. 23: Building Resilient Kids on Purpose
Oct. 28: Communication That Transforms
Nov. 18: Repair and Restoration
Dec. 16: The Long Game- From Surviving to Thriving
