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 August 18 – 24 in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Spring Lake, Muskegon and more!
Monday, August 18
MARANDA’S PICK: One Dollar Kids Day at the Mud Room (Ada Michigan)
$1 Kids Day at the Mud Room in Ada. Kids get studio fees for just $1/person on Mondays all summer long! Good for pottery painting or glass fusing during Open Studio hours. For ages 15 & under painting independently. Pottery and glass projects priced individually and must be purchased & finished in the same visit to receive any studio specials.
Hudsonville Community Fair (Hudsonville)
August 17 – 22 Harkup Big Band Christian Concert on Sunday 4-H fair, carnival, grandstand events. Events subject to change. Check website for more info: http://hudsonville-fair.com/entertainment.html (all day)
Recycling Crafts and Movies (Grand Rapids)
On Mondays during the summer, come to the Kent County Recycling and Education Center for a free family activity! Join us during our open hours from 1 to 3:30 p.m. each week to make crafts out of recycled goods or to watch a family-friendly movie. Drop in for the crafts at any time between 1 to 3:30 p.m. Movies will start around 1:15 p.m. Please wear closed-toe shoes to protect feet while on the observation deck. No registration required. (Today’s activity is a movie; The Lorax)
Meijer Gardens: Weaving Tales @ Meijer Gardens (Mondays at 10am until Aug. 30) (Grand Rapids Charter Township)
Join a professional weaver and our own story time volunteers for this unique opportunity to help create a children’s garden tapestry
Tuesday, August 19
MARANDA’S PICK: Meijer Free Tuesday at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (Grand Rapids)
Experience great art for free at the Grand Rapids Art Museum from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM!
Two for Tuesday – John Ball Zoo (Grand Rapids).
The zoo is open until 8pm and from 5:30pm-8pm there is two-for-one admission.
Tuesdays in the Park (Grand Haven)
Local musicians playing a variety of music in a beautiful outdoor setting of Downtown Grand Haven. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic basket. Music runs from 7-8:30pm. Performances held in Central Park on Washington Street. THIS IS A FREE EVENT, NO RAIN VENUE.
Tuesday Tales (Grandville)
Tuesdays, once a month for the months of June, July and August Moms/Dads, come to Ivanrest Church with your kids ages 6 and under and enjoy an hour of songs, stories, activities, and crafts followed by lunch. The fun begins promptly at 11:00 AM and lunch will be served at 12:00 PM. Different theme each month (August 19: Carnival theme) FREE
Garden Adventures: Plant Snacking – Kalamazoo Nature Center (Kalamazoo)
Plants are the perfect snack and the garden is full of them. Discover all of the different parts of plants we eat. Fee: $2/child (in addition to regular admission) No registration is required, just drop in! For children 2- 8 years, accompanied by an adult. 10:00am – 11:30am DeLano Farms Market Barn, 357 West E Avenue.
Wednesday, August 20
MARANDA’s PICK: Farmer’s Markets in West Michigan! (West Michigan)
Bring the kids to a farmers market! There’s markets open today in Coopersville, South Haven, Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, Holland, Sparta and more!
Wristband Wednesday at Craig’s Cruisers (Grand Rapids)
$22 per Wristband. 4pm-9pm. Plus 3 hour buffet with each wristband. Includes unlimited activities on: Indoor & Outdoor Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars, Mini-Golf, Ropes Course, Bumper Boats and Frog Hopper. Weather permitting on outdoor activities. Every wristband gets a free 3 hour access to the Pizza Buffet!
Farmyard Wednesdays: Hardworking Horses – Kalamazoo Nature Center
Enjoy farmyard programs on Wednesday mornings this summer! Hardworking Horses Horses used to be a farmer’s best friends. Get up close and discover the world of horses on the farm. Fee: $2/participating child (in addition to regular admission). No registration is required, just drop in! For children 2- 8 years, accompanied by an adult. Meet at DeLano Farms Market Barn, 357 West E Avenue 10:00am – 11:30am.
Thursday, August 21
MARANDA’S PICK: Go Wild on a Wildlife Safari Tour at Deer Tracks Junction
Deer Tracks Junction in Cedar Springs kids can fed a snack to a yak, get a kiss from a reindeer, fed a giant bull elk and more! Thursday August 21, 2014, 02:00 PM – 08:00 PM , Cost $10 per person, $2 and under free!
Concerts at the Felt Mansion (Holland)
ADMISSION TO ALL CONCERTS IS FREE. All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. (end around 9:00). All concerts will be held rain or shine. In case of rain: concert will be held in the ballroom of the mansion. Today’s concert: Aug. 21 – Zion Lion (reggae). Food and Drink Available During Concerts. Fabulous food by Salt of the Earth and beer, wine, and other beverages – all available for purchase. Please no pets or coolers. Self-guided Mansion tours during concerts: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, Children 12 & under free. Because we are promoting this as a family-friendly event, we are going to have a special pricing for families (regardless of age or number of children): $20.00.
Thursdays at The Point (Spring Lake)
Local musicians playing a variety of music. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic basket. Music runs from 7-8:30pm. Performances held at Mill Point Park in Downtown Spring Lake.
John Ball Zoo Budgie Aviary
($1 public, $0.75 member) Located by the waterfall of the children’s zoo, the aviary allows you to walk through an exhibit full of colorful budgies native to Australia. You can even purchase a feed stick and have birds feeding right out of your hand!
Friday, August 22
MARANDA’S PICK: Free for All Friday at Byron Fun Spot! (BRYON CENTER)
Free admission, $4 Rental Skates-Blades or Quads! 4-10 p.m.
Toddler Time at Sky Zone Grand Rapids (Grand Rapids)
For ages 1-5. Imagine a seemingly endless sea of trampolines, all connected to form one massive trampoline surface. 10am-12pm. $7/jumper or $16/family of 4 jumpers for 1 hour
Kids Night Out at Holland MVP (Holland)
$15 member/ $20 non-member. Ages 3 to 11: Kid’s Stuff will stay open late on selected Friday evenings for Kid’s Night Out. Take advantage of a real night out. You can leave the building to see a show, or just enjoy a meal without the kids! Children three years and older can participate In these special events which include swimming, structured games, and pizza. Kid’s Night Out is 5:30-9:00pm. Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance. Children should come wearing a bathing suit, and bring a change of clothes. Towels are provided. Additional Sibling discounts available. Discounts can only be applied at the MVP Athletic Club service desk. Please call us at (616)594-7000 for more details.
28th Street Metro Cruise (Grandville)
This year marks the 10th Annual Cruise which is held each year in August. The event, organized by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, spanned 15 miles along the busy commercial corridor from Cascade Township and Grandville. Runs Friday and Saturday
For more great ideas for the weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) check out the Five Star Family Fun Update!