Grand Rapids Kids

3 weeks ago | grkids.com | Elizabeth Rudd

Your votes told us where you love to shop, play, and eat -and all of your favorite things to do in Grand Rapids. Thank you!This year’s results are reflected here, in the 2025 Best of Grand Rapids. You told us where you like to eat, play, visit – and even where to plan our next road trip. Take a look at 2025’s top places, food stops, and experiences that make Grand Rapids a fabulous place for families.

3 weeks ago | grkids.com | Melody Vander Weide

Maybe you can relate: I used to keep my house in tip-top shape. Then, kids entered the chat, and now my home sweet home is big on love – and the chaos that comes from having a growing family. Clean countertops and swept floors are right up there with lattes for me, though. Too bad I can only order the latter in the Biggby drive thru! Today, my idea of organizing is shoving everything into a closet when company is coming. And honestly, I can’t remember the last time my house was fully clean.

3 weeks ago | grkids.com | Melody Vander Weide

Hey, Michiganders!We’ve got the inside scoop on some awesome beer gardens and great hangout spots that make us so excited for warm weather and summer vibes. Heading on a road trip up north? We’ve got some must-stop spots to put on your list. 121 N Bridge St, Bellaire, MI 49615Man, this place is a vibe. Shorts Beer Garden is right across from their brewery and, on weekends, it’s buzzing. Live music, beer truck, taco truck – the works. And let me tell you, their pizza? Out of this world.

3 weeks ago | grkids.com | Melody Vander Weide

So you’ve been to John Ball Zoo and cooed over all the adorable animals – and probably dreamed about being able to get up and close personal with some of them. Now is your chance! We’re giving away a Penguin Encounter at John Ball Zoo that puts you behind the scenes with a couple of the zoo’s coolest residents. You’ll meet the penguins, talk with their keeper, and learn what it takes to care for this playful flock.

3 weeks ago | grkids.com | April Hunt

Caledonia Lakeside Park is one of Grand Rapids 85 (and more) parks. It is a beautiful community park on the bank of Emmons Lake. Offering sweeping views of the lake, lots of spots to picnic, two playgrounds, and access to the paved Paul Henry Thornapple Trail, Caledonia Lakeside Park needs to be on your Must Visit list. So bring your fishing rod and tackle box, your ball and glove, or just your crew and get ready for a fun adventurous trip to Caledonia Lakeside Park.