The month of March may still feel like winter, but it officially marks the beginning of spring. Welcome the new season with these family events in Grand Rapids this weekend and all throughout the month. Just browse our list and make sure to mark your calendars with these events. In Grand Rapids, there are never-ending opportunities for a good time!
Egypt: Be Curious Exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum
Ongoing through April 1, 2017
- Address: Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-929-1700
- Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Free with general admission: $8/adults, $3/students with school ID, $3/kids 3-17, free/kids 2 and under
Come see the museum’s collection of Egyptian artifacts, which it has been collecting for nearly 160 years. While you’re visiting, check out Whales: Giants of the Deep through April.
Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School
Ongoing
- Address: Goldfish Swim School Grand Rapids, 2845 Thornhills Ave., Suite S, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-259-0725
- Time: 2-3 p.m. Mondays, noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Saturdays and 4-6 p.m. Sundays (no swim on Fridays).
- Cost: $5/person, $15/family
Enjoy some family swim time at Goldfish Swim School! Parents are required to be in the water with their children, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, too.
SPACE: A Journey to Our Future at Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Ongoing through May 29, 2017
- Address: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-254-0400
- Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $8/adults, $4/kids ages 6-18, free/kids 5 and under
Experience the sights and sounds of outer space at this immersive event. There is even a lunar module simulator to try! Kids ages 9-17 will especially enjoy this temporary exhibit.
Ice Skating on Rosa Parks Circle
Daily until March 5, 2017
- Address: Rosa Parks Circle, at Monroe Center and Monroe Avenue, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-456-3699
- Time: Hours are weather dependent. Check daily for hours.
- Cost: $2/adults, $1/kids 17 and under
Enjoy the cold weather by bundling up for some open skating at the outdoor rink. Bring your ice skates or rent skates for free with admission. Note: This rink is cash only.
Butterflies Are Blooming at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
March 1-April 30, 2017
- Address: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-957-1580
- Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday
- Cost: $14.50/ages 14-64, $11/students (with ID), $7/kids ages 5-13, $4/kids ages 3-4, free/kids ages 2 and younger
Discover more than 40 different species of live butterflies and moths in this special exhibit.
Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream at the Van Andel Arena
March 2-5, 2017
- Address: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-742-6600
- Time: 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $15-$163
Catch all your favorite adventurous Disney princesses on ice. Get discounted pricing for the kids at the 7 p.m. shows Friday and Saturday (for kids ages 2-12).
LaughFest 2017 Comedy Festival
March 9-19, 2017
- Address: Various locations throughout Grand Rapids
- Phone: 800-745-3000
- Time: Varies based on show/performance
- Cost: Some are free and some cost; check online for tickets
Enjoy stand-up comedy, live performances, improv shows and so much more at this fest. All of the proceeds benefit programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. There are even family-friendly and kid-friendly events, including the Seriously Funny Family Adventure Challenge at 1 p.m. on March 19.
Monster Jam at the Van Andel Arena
March 10-12, 2017
- Address: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
- Phone: 800-745-3000
- Time: 7 p.m. Friday, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $15-$80; discounted tickets available for kids ages 2-12
See giant monster trucks compete against one another, run obstacle courses and speed around the pit.
Creatures of Light at the Grand Rapids Public Museum
March 11-July 9, 2017
- Address: Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-929-1700
- Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Free with general admission: $8/adults, $3/students with school ID, $3/kids 3-17, free/kids 2 and under
Learn about the bioluminescent creatures that lurk in the sea with interactive animations, photos and more.
RENT 20th Anniversary Show at the DeVos Performance Hall
March 14-16, 2017
- Address: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-235-6285
- Time: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday
- Cost: $37-$88
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this Broadway hit when it comes through Grand Rapids. Note: Recommended for teens and adults.
The Little Engine That Could by the Grand Rapids Symphony
March 18, 2017
- Address: Rez Center at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-454-9451, ext. 4
- Time: 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Saturday
- Cost: $5
Ragtime at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
Feb. 24-March 19, 2017
- Address: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-222-6650
- Time: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays
- Cost: $18-$37/person
See this show about life during America’s ragtime era during the 20th century. Note: Recommended for teens and adults.
Cottage & Lakefront Living Show Grand Rapids
March 24-26, 2017
- Address: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 800-328-6550
- Time: noon-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $10/adults, $4/kids ages 6-14, free/kids 5 and under (find a $2 off coupon online)
Do you love spending time up north in a cottage – or soaking up the sun by the lake? Come to this event to check out some of the latest and greatest.
