Wrangling little ones into sweaters and boots might not sound like fun, but getting out and enjoying some Grand Rapids family fun in November promises to be worth the struggle.
Have a superhero fan? You’re in luck. What about a burgeoning artist? There’s an activity for your mini Warhol, too. The second-largest city in Michigan has something for everyone – even dinosaur lovers and wannabe pioneers. Just a word of advice: Some events may require pre-registration.
Drop In Studio: Pop Art Screenprints
Every Saturday in November
- Address: Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 1 p.m.
- Admission: Free with admission
Kids with a creative streak can make their own screen prints of Michigan celebrities at this drop-in event and take home a print in their favorite color.
Native American Culture
Nov. 3, 2018
- Address: Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 10:30 a.m.-noon
- Admission: $5/members, $8/nonmembers
Spend a morning viewing a performance by the champion Powwow dancer Reg Pettibone and his wife, Marca. Learn about his upbringing through dance, song, stories and more! Stick around after for a Q & A session. A hike through the Blandford’s forest with an interpretive presentation at their Wigwam is also in store. Pre-registration is required.
Imagine Craft Days
Nov. 5, 19 and 26, 2018
- Address: Kent County Recycling and Education Center, 977 Wealthy St. SW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 1 p.m.
- Admission: Free
Stir up your kid’s imagination with a trip to the Kent County Recycling and Education Center where you can tour the facility, play games and complete crafts. Also, enjoy the brand-new interactive recycling museum exhibits!
Tellabration: A Night of Storytelling
Nov. 9, 2018
- Address: Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
- Admission: $5/members, $8/nonmembers
Tellabration is a nationally recognized night of storytelling. Ages 12-plus are welcome to watch storytellers spin funny tales, dive into folklore and share personal anecdotes. Pre-registration is required.
Try Hockey for Free Day
Nov. 10, 2018
- Address: Eagles Ice Center, 2600 Village Drive SE, Grand Rapids
- Time: 10-11 a.m.
- Admission: Free
Boys and girls ages 4-9 can try out hockey for a day with the Grand Rapids Blades. The organization will also provide equipment. Call 616-389-7210 to register.
KDL Lab Experience: Dinosaurs!
Nov. 14, 2018
- Address: Walker Branch, 4293 Remembrance Road NW., Walker
- Time: 4-5 p.m.
- Admission: Free
Take your young one (ages 6-plus) to this dinosaur-themed activity session. Have fun creating fossils, dinosaur masks, mini-dinos and more!
Kids Costume Ball
Nov. 17, 2018
- Address: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 4-8 p.m.
- Admission: Free/kids, $20/adults
Dust off your Halloween costume and attend the Kids Costume Ball hosted by Zion’s Dream, a nonprofit organization providing community enrichment and child wellness programs for bereaving youth. Candy, juice, snacks and a red carpet photo opportunity will be provided.
This post was originally published in 2017 and is updated regularly.