Well, I wasn't expecting to feel a connection to my deceased Polish grandma at Grand Rapids Public…read moreMuseum. But there I was, making my way through all of the exhibits, when I came across an exhibit about the Polish immigrants who settled in Michigan. My maternal grandmother's parents (my great-great grandparents) emigrated from Warsaw, Poland, to the Detroit area of Michigan more than a century ago, so the exhibit I was looking at pertained directly to me, in a way. It made me wish that my grandma was still around, so I could ask her questions. The room that the exhibit was in was empty and quiet. (It seems like the historical exhibits aren't as popular as the hands-on kid-friendly exhibits). So, it was nice to take in all of this information by myself, quietly. I read about Michigan's Polish culture, and looked at all of the items on display, and thought about what my great-great grandparents were like, living in Michigan. My experience sounds much more sobering than it really was! Really, my family and I had a great time exploring all three floors of the museum. There are lots of things to do. There's a room with giant games, there are displays of taxidermied animals, there's a recreated old-timey Grand Rapids downtown, there's a planetarium for an additional fee, there's a shark exhibit that may or may not be there when you visit because it's temporary. Apparently, there was also a carousel, but I didn't see it! Maybe it was still being repaired. We spent a good hour at this museum, but could have easily spent more time if we weren't on a schedule. The great thing about the Grand Rapids Public Museum is that there's something for all ages. There are things for young kids to touch, and lots of things for older people to read. Truly, this is a museum that will entertain everyone.

I enjoyed the old replica of the streets exhibit. It was neat to see them. It would have been nice…read moreto go in some of the shops. The dinosaurs were neat to see.

I cannot say enough good things about Meijer Gardens. It is the one thing I would recommend for…read moreanyone to see who is new to Grand Rapids or just visiting. I love to bring out of town guests there. It is fun for adults and children. Every staff member is friendly and knowledgeable. These are some pics from the most recent event/exhibit featuring CHIHULY!

A visit to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the kind of outing that quietly turns into…read morehours of wandering without you noticing. One minute you're "just taking a stroll," and the next you're deep in a full-on appreciation tour of art, nature, and your step count. The blend of sculptures and natural landscapes is beautifully done. It invites you to slow down, look closer, and occasionally wonder if something is art or just a very confident tree. The butterfly exhibit was a highlight. Peaceful, delicate, and just the right amount of magical without trying too hard. Definitely worth lingering a bit longer there. That said, it was very crowded on a Saturday midday, even with the chilly weather. Apparently, everyone had the same "let's be cultured and outdoorsy today" idea. We're already planning a return visit next time we're in town, likely on a weekday in early fall, when the pace feels a little softer and the experience can breathe a bit more. Highly worth it... just maybe not at peak "everyone had the same plan" hours.

Very impressive presidential museum and well worth the price of admission. I only had an hour and…read morea half to explore but could easily have spent double that amount of time. I knew very little about Gerald R. Ford and left with a lot of cool information. Highly recommend. I think kids over 5 would find it entertaining.

내쇼날 파크 찾아 다니며 도장 모으다가 프레지덴츠 뮤지엄과 라이브러리도 찾아 다니다. 울동네 가까이 레간 대통령, 요바린다의 닉슨 댜통령, 텍사스의 죤슨 대통령, 보스톤의…read more케네디 대통령 뮤지엄과 생가 등을 식구들이 함께 관람했다. 제랄드 포드 대통령은 미시간 그랜 래핏스에서 소년시절을 보내며 Eagle Scout을 한 기록들로 전시를 보여준다. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is one of the most important landmarks in Grand Rapids. Gerald Ford grew up in Grand Rapids and always considered it his hometown, even though he was born in Nebraska. Ford was the only President of the United States who became an Eagle Scout. He joined the Boy Scouts in Grand Rapids as a boy and earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1927. Scouting remained very important to him throughout his life. There is even a famous bronze statue of young Gerald Ford as an Eagle Scout in Grand Rapids. Another version is displayed inside the museum. The museum itself sits on the Grand River downtown and includes exhibits about Ford's presidency, a replica Oval Office, and the burial site of Gerald and Betty Ford. Many visitors say the museum is surprisingly interesting and well done, even for people who are not deeply into politics.

I've been a member and patron of the Grand Rapids Art Museum for over 6 years now. It's one of my…read morefavorite places to go relax, put down my phone, and be immersed in something else. I've loved the range of collections that the GRAM has worked to showcase. Some of my favorite exhibits have included the Jim Henson and Lee Alexander McQueen collections. The permanent gallery is also something that I find myself coming back to. The museum also keeps things fresh with different events and workshops. I've been lucky to attend several panels and discussions which have all been excellent. You can find hands on makers classes, guest lecturers, movie nights, and even musical acts. I've always loved art museums and am grateful for such a prominent museum in the middle of downtown. I would highly recommend coming here. I actually got engaged here!

We popped in on a wintery weekend morning. It was by chance that we found ourselves here. Their…read morecurrent exhibit of Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous was fascinating. It was a walk through time of the friendship and collaboration between the late British designer Lee Alexander McQueen and French photographer Ann Ray. We spent time on each design displayed. So much detail and expression. We ended our exploration of the exhibit by watching the film by Ann Ray. It was a powerful chronical of Lee Alexander McQueen's life in design. We went up and spent time in the permanent collection as well. It was interesting to see the different pieces and displays. One of my favorites was a skyscraper book case. Just a beautiful piece of furniture! This is a worthy stop.

Best. Bowling. Ever! The lanes were smooth, my skills exceeded. Overall a must do! Take your…read morefriends now! Bring your own balls though, they are pretty heavy! 10/10

Fun entertainment for my 5 year old! This place was tucked way off the main road but had plenty of…read moreparking. We got a package where we could do both mini golf and bowling. Mini golf was fun and just enough challenge. At first, there was no one in front of us or behind us. However, the crowd soon caught up to us. So we had to wait for people in front of us and then people were waiting behind us. It could hardly be helped though since the golf course is small and compact. The bowling was fun and they even had option of using bumpers. My kid had a good time and it was nice that there was no one else bowling around us. The arcade was nice. It had plenty of free games. The pay games were mostly the claw games where you can win a stuffed animal or plastic duck. They offer food, ice cream, and drinks. Ice cream was delicious and my kid approved! Overall, it was a fun time and worth the amount of money that we spent. It was clean and comfortable inside. The golf course was kind of tight quarters with everyone waiting but otherwise, it was a good time!

You begin the tour with seeing a film that explains all of the renovations that took place. It was…read moresuper interesting to learn about such things as how the carpet was selected and the paint colors. The house was breathtaking to walk through. Especially once you turn the corner and are in the living room with all of the stained glass and the bright suns space. There are limited hours so make sure to book in advance so that you don't miss coming here. The dose sense were extremely knowledgeable in the crowds were small since there are limited numbers of people that can come at a time. The neighborhood is super beautiful as well.

This is a beautiful house, fully restored. Staff and guides are very kind and knowledgeable. I…read morewill need to return.

We found a place that offers kids a fun interactive hands on experience that includes some learning…read morealong the way. If your kiddos like to have fun and explore you need to visit the Grand Rapids Children's Museum. They have exhibits that change often that include local or even trending kids shows! The museum has two floors and has an elevator. They have an array of learning and interactive opportunities. You can find a list of days and times on their website! When we were there we got a chance to learn about music and the kids got to play some instruments. The museum is very inclusive and friendly! They offer sensory kits at the front desk if needed too! According to their website the "kits include noise reduction headphones, a weighted vest and suspenders, emotion recognition flashcards..." All the team members we have encountered have been kind and helpful! My only comment of suggestion would be for a little more adult seating in some of the "middle sections" of the museum. There are a few spots all along the walls but not much towards the middle. I understand it creates more opportunities for grownups to get involved with the kids too but for those of us with disabilities that need a minute to catch our breath it was difficult to find a spot close to where my kids were. Lots of interactive play and many memories made here! I highly suggest visiting. The rate to visit is $12 per person but they offer many types of discounted rates for different reasons. All rate information is available on their website. Parking can be a challenge as they do not have their own parking structure and the closest parking is side street meter parking that you can pay using the parking app. They do not validate parking.

What a cutie patootie children's museum! Grand Rapids Children's Museum is small, but it's…read moreeverything you need in a children's museum, and a great place for young children to play. I visited with a tween and teenager, so we were definitely a little older than the target age. That said, my children had a great time! I had to practically pull them away when it was time to leave. When we arrived, we were told to explore and "follow our hearts" around the museum. I loved that! This children's museum really encourages self-directed play, which is obvious by all of the fun, open-ended objects everywhere. You've got the giant blocks, magna-tiles, LEGO tables, pretend kitchen and house, and lots of other things. Both of my children gravitated to The Spin Zone, a three-tiered table that uses centrifugal force to power different objects. Upstairs, there's a bubble area, where you can create giant bubbles; a play house to pretend in; a train table to drive trains around; a makerspace to make stuff in; and an exhibit called Weathering Emotions, a walk-through spot where you can learn about and experience emotions. Some of these exhibits are permanent, and some are just visiting, so your visit might vary. I would say that the Grand Rapids Children's Museum is the perfect place for ages 2 to 10. Beyond that age, it's definitely fun, but it might not hold the attention of older kids. But that's OK! This children's museum is a space for the little kids, and that's perfect.

We chose L&R Rosebud again for our daughter's baptism and were just as impressed this second time…read morearound. Hannah and Joey were excellent coordinators and the rental price hadn't changed at all since we rented from them 3 years ago. We also were still allowed to choose our own caterers and decorate as we pleased. The space was still as bright and beautifully decorated with local artists' masterpieces. Overall, my initial review remains the same! Thanks so much!

Lions & Rabbits. ⁣ ⁣…read moreWhen I think of the Creston neighborhood, I immediately think of them. ⁣ ⁣Lions and Rabbits functions as a gallery, education center, and event space in the Creston neighborhood. They write curriculum for Kent District libraries, host classes, organize artist markets, and do community outreach through public space design and street parties through After Dark GR. (They are a main reason why Creston businesses are covered in incredible murals done by artists).⁣ ⁣ We couldn't be more proud to belong to the same city as the people and minds who work with Lions & Rabbits. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all the work you do in the community.

They're located right on Monroe Center. . The GRAAMA has…read morehosted ArtPrize pieces over the years and even won the Outstanding Venue Award for ArtPrize 10! . . Check out their exhibits and displays of African American traditions and history. They host special events as well - check out their website for details. Their gift shop also features pieces from local artists! .

Small but mighty- a wonderful collection of art and artifacts, as well as archives, of the Black…read moreand African American experience and history in our city and region. Excellent location on Monroe Center, right down the street from the other major GR cultural institutions. Also serves as the We Are Lit book store.