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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) Now that summer is in full swing, here is a list of fun things to do that are free or low-cost! Check out these activities for the week of June 23 – 29 in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Spring Lake, Muskegon and more!
Monday, June 23
MARANDA’S PICK: Lunch Time Open Skate – Griff’s Ice House (Grand Rapids)
Enjoy open skate at the official Griffins Practice Facility from 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m! Admission is $3 for all ages plus $2 for skate rental. Punch cards are also available (10 punches) for $24.
Recycling Crafts and Movies (Grand Rapids)
Come to Kent County Recycling and Education Center for a free family activity! Attend during open hours from 1 – 3:30 p.m. to make crafts out of recycled goods or enjoy a family friendly movie. No registration required.
Tuesday, June 24
MARANDA’S PICK: Grand Rapids Art Museum (Grand Rapids)
It’s Meijer Free Tuesday at Grand Rapids Art Museum in downtown Grand Rapids. Explore that amazing space totally for FREE!
Family Froggin’ (Holland)
Catch a froglet nearly ready to emerge from the pond or an adult male frog as he sings from the edge of the pond at the Macatawa Greenspace from 10 – 11 a.m. There may even be tree frog, green frog, and leopard frog tadpoles scooped from the water. Admission is $4 for non-members.
Planetarium Show: Violent Universe (Grand Rapids)
Witness the forces that hold the universe together and occasionally try to rip it apart. The show will be from 7 – 8 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Kids at the Market: Bingo at the Farmers Market (Grand Rapids)
Come on down to the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids from 10 a.m. – noon. where kids of all ages can play this fun and interactive Bingo game by finding various fruits and vegetables in the Outdoor Market! Prizes will be awarded!
Wednesday, June 25
MARANDA’S PICK: Summer Hands-on Happenings (Kalamazoo)
Summer Hands-on Happenings are going on at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Today kids can build sculptures out of noodles and duct tape. Even build a robot from 1 – 4 p.m. Best of all: everything is FREE!
How Does a Seed Grow? – Holland Farmers Market (Holland)
With the help of Ready for School, children will learn all about seeds by exploring their different shapes and sizes, where they can be found in fruits and vegetables, and what they need from the environment to grow into plants. Each child will have the opportunity to plant their very own seeds to take home and grow. This event will be held at the Holland Farmers Market from 9:30 a.m. – noon and admission is free.
Challenger Experience – Kalamazoo Valley Museum (Kalamazoo)
Enjoy this opportunity for children and their parents to experience the simulation program offered at the Challenger Learning Center. Guests will be seated inside the spacecraft and help with a spectrum analysis during a simulated space flight. There is no age restrictions but children under 12 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event is at 12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Admission is $3 per person.
Craig’s Cruisers – Wristband Wednesday (Grand Rapids, Holland, and Muskegon)
Experience a variety of attractions at Craig’s Cruisers where you can enjoy several activities for one price! Please visit the attached link to see the attractions included and the rates for each location.
Thursday, June 26
MARANDA’S PICK: Maranda’s Park Party – Lamar Park (Wyoming)
Come join us for the biggest free birthday party in West Michigan as we celebrate 20 years of Park Parties! The event is from noon – 2 p.m. and lunch will be provided for anyone 18 and under starting at 11:30 a.m., while supplies last. Every Park Party also includes free activities, games, entertainment, and of course prizes!
12-Hour Girls Overnight Lock-In (Grand Rapids)
Gymco’s overnight lock-in parties rock with all-night fun in the gym (and midnight pizza)! Event begins at 8:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. Girls ages 9+ are welcome. Bring a sleeping bag! Registration is $40 for members and $45 for non-members. Multiple child discounts are also available.
Muskegon Museum of Art (Muskegon)
Drop in for a free tour of the Muskegon Museum of Art every Thursday. If you prefer a guided tour, docents will lead you through the Museum’s new Centennial Collection every Thursday between 1 and 3 p.m. No reservations needed!
Friday, June 27
MARANDA’S PICK: Hot Kroc Movie Night – Kroc Center (Grand Rapids)
This FREE community event will feature our giant slip & slide, outdoor games, playground fun and Disney’s “Frozen” on the big screen! Concessions will be available for purchase at the snack house. Outdoor activities begin at 5 p.m. Movie starts inside at 7 p.m.
Mommy and Me: Growing Tall in the Greenhouse (Grand Rapids)
Moms with kids 5 and under, come spend the morning enjoying our greenhouse as Alexandra takes us through a story time journey with a variety of sensory activities that will bring the stories to life before your children’s eyes! Event will be held at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market from 10 – 11 a.m.
USS LST 393: Movies on Deck (Muskegon)
Bring the family to watch on the deck of a historic warship! Films are shown on LST 393’s huge screen on the top deck starting right after sunset, around 10 p.m. In August, films start about 9:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend “Movies on Deck” screenings, although donations to help support the restoration and veterans museum are always welcome. Moviegoers can bring their own chairs and refreshments; popcorn, soda and snacks are available for sale.
For more great ideas for the weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) check out the Five Star Family Fun Update!
>>>See the list in photos!