Are you looking for a fun wintertime activity or family-friendly event in Grand Rapids this winter? Well, look no further. Metro Parent has scoured the Kent County area for all of the fantastic things to do with kids in Grand Rapids and beyond this January – and we’ve conveniently listed our top 10 picks in this one spot.
Our list includes everything from fantastic festivals to happenin’ stage shows, activities at local fun centers, water park fun and more, so take a peek and find the right one to cure your family’s wintertime blues.
Adventures in Balance at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Now-Feb. 25, 2018
- Address: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-235-4726
- Times: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday
- Cost: $8.50/general admission, $7.50/seniors, free/under age 1
This temporary exhibit tests kids’ balancing skills by taking them on an adventure through the jungle, over a lava pit, across a river, up a mountain and into the trees on balance beams, boards, stilts and more.
Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids at the Grand Rapids Public Museum
Now-May 20, 2018
- Address: Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-929-1700
- Times: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (starting Jan. 6, 2018)
- Cost: residents: $9/adults, $4/children, non-residents: $12/adults, $7/children
Swing by this temporary exhibit to explore lifelike models and replicas of mythological creatures; plus actual cast fossils of real prehistoric beasts like the narwhal and the Gigantopithecus (an extinct species of ape). You can also build your own virtual dragon and check out cultural paintings and models from around the world.
Neon Night Skate at Tarry Hall Roller Skating Rink
Jan. 2, 2018
- Address: Tarry Hall Roller Skating Rink, 3330 Fairlane Ave. SW, Grandville
- Phone: 616-534-8235
- Times: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- Cost: $7/general, free/skate rental, $1/roller blades
Lace up your skates and enjoy a family skate night under the blacklight. It’ll feature glow sticks, fog, music and more.
Family Open Swim at the Holland Aquatic Center
Jan. 3-8, 10, 15, 17, 19-22, 24, 26, 29 and 31, 2018
- Address: 550 Maple Ave., Holland
- Phone: 616-393-7595
- Times: 6 p.m.
- Cost: $6.50/single visit
Missing the taste of summer? Head to the splash zone water playground at this spot for fun that includes tumble buckets, a tire swing; plus a 150-foot water slide, diving boards and more.
Nature School at the Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway
Jan. 4 and 18, 2018
- Address: Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway, 4214 56th St., Holland
- Phone: 616-393-9453
- Times: 10 a.m.-noon
- Cost: $5/member, $10/nonmember
This program will introduce kids to nature and the environment through crafts, hands-on activities, games, books, songs, live animals, nature hikes and more. Registration required.
Junior Jam at AirTime Trampoline Park in Grand Rapids
Jan. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28, 2018
- Address: 3681 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-773-1562
- Times: 9-10 a.m.
- Cost: $10/adult and little jumper
Bring your tyke, ages 6 and under, for an hour of fun and games on the wall-to-wall trampolines at AirTime.
Winter Wheat Festival at The Intersection
Jan. 13, 2018
- Address: The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 989-967-8879
- Times: 1 p.m.-midnight
- Cost: $22
This ninth annual finds inspiration in the Wheatland Music Festival and offers 12 hours of traditional folk music on two different stages.
Stomp at Broadway Grand Rapids
Jan. 18-20, 2018
- Address: Broadway Grand Rapids, 122 Lyon St. NW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-235-6285
- Times: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- Cost: $38-plus
This explosive show will have kids on the edge of their seats as they get a taste of music made by some untraditional instruments including matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, hubcaps and more.
Harlem Globetrotters at Van Andel Arena
Jan. 21, 2018
- Address: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-742-6600
- Times: 2 p.m.
- Cost: $25-$99
This world-renowned basketball troupe is bringing its artistry to Grand Rapids for a one-of-a-kind family-friendly show.
Frosty Fun Day at the Degraaf Nature Center
Jan. 27, 2018
- Address: Degraaf Nature Center, 270 S. River Ave., Holland
- Phone: 616-355-1300
- Times: 3-7:30 p.m.
- Cost: $3/person; additional fees apply for food
Start your day with a snowball throwing contest, snowshoeing and live Irish music. You’ll also find winter-themed crafts, food and drink and an evening self-guided tour on the trails.
