Grand Rapids: Art, Adventure, and Ice Cream Delight!

Discover the family adventure that awaits in Grand Rapids.

19 July 2023

Grand Rapids in the United States offers an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip. With its vibrant art scene, the city boasts world-class museums like the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, providing an enriching cultural experience for all ages. Additionally, families can enjoy outdoor activities at the John Ball Zoo, explore beautiful parks like Millennium Park, and indulge in delicious local cuisines, making it a memorable trip for everyone.

Save and get deals

Day trip plan

Getting latest place information
Day

Art, Adventure, and Ice Cream Delight!

  • Start your day with a visit to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 4.8
    10 photos

    Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

    4.8 (10679)

    1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USA

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    Sprawling botanical gardens with diverse sculptures hosting indoor art exhibits & summer concerts.

    meijergardens.org

    Learn more
    , an enchanting wonderland of art and nature.
  • Channel your inner Picasso at the Grand Rapids Art Museum 4.5
    10 photos

    Grand Rapids Art Museum

    4.5 (1562)

    101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    Modern space filled with U.S. & European art offering family-friendly activities & other events.

    artmuseumgr.org

    Learn more
    , where creativity pulsates through every brushstroke and sculpture.
  • Have a blast at the John Ball Zoo 4.6
    10 photos

    John Ball Zoo

    4.6 (9312)

    1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA

    Zoo,Point of interest

    Home to 2,000+ animals, this seasonal park boasts a funicular ride, plus penguin & parakeet feeding.

    jbzoo.org

    Learn more
    , where you can monkey around with the primate pals and roar with the mighty lions.
  • Get your adrenaline pumping at TreeRunner Grand Rapids Adventure Park 4.6
    10 photos

    TreeRunner Grand Rapids Adventure Park

    4.6 (516)

    2121 Celebration Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USA

    Amusement park,Point of interest

    Outdoor adventure park featuring obstacle courses with zip-lines, swinging logs & rope bridges.

    treerunnerparks.com

    Learn more
    , an epic treetop playground for daredevils and thrill-seekers.
  • Indulge in a scoop (or three!) of Double Dapple Dip Ice Cream at Jersey Junction 4.7
    10 photos

    Jersey Junction

    4.7 (683) • $

    652 Croswell Ave SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA

    Food,Point of interest

    Enduring parlor with 28 flavors of made-in-Michigan frozen treats plus candy & light lunches.

    jerseyjunction.com

    Learn more
    , a charming ice cream parlor that turns every cone into a sweet, creamy masterpiece.
  • End your day with a picturesque stroll along the Grand River
    10 photos

    Grand Rapids

    Grand Rapids, MI, USA

    Locality,Political

    grcity.us

    Learn more
    , as the sun dips below the horizon and paints the city in hues of fiery gold.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Grand Rapids by plane is to fly into Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located just 13 miles southeast of the city center. Several major airlines including Delta, American, and United offer nonstop flights to Grand Rapids from several major cities across the United States.

Car

Driving is also a popular way to get to Grand Rapids, as the city is located at the junction of several major highways including I-96, I-196, and US-131. If driving from the east or west, take I-96 to I-196 and follow the signs to downtown Grand Rapids. If driving from the north or south, take US-131 and exit at Pearl St. or Market Ave.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Grand Rapids. However, Amtrak offers service to nearby cities such as Chicago and Detroit. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Grand Rapids.

Boat

While there is no direct boat service to Grand Rapids, the city is located on the Grand River and is accessible by boat for those traveling through the Great Lakes. Boaters can dock at the Grand Rapids Public Museum or the Grand Rapids Yacht Club.

Bus

Taking a bus is a convenient way to get to Grand Rapids, with Greyhound and Megabus offering daily service to the city. Both companies have stops at the Greyhound Station located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.

Destination

Grand Rapids

Welcome to the city where beer flows like water and residents know how to pronounce Michigan correctly. Grand Rapids, where art, culture, and breweries all coexist in perfect harmony.

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

3 Day Family Fun in Grand Rapids: Budget Bliss

Grand Rapids, located in the state of Michigan, is an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip. With its rich history and vibrant culture, families can explore numerous attractions including the interactive Grand Rapids Public Museum, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park showcasing beautiful gardens and art installations, and the exciting John Ball Zoo offering a variety of animals to discover. Additionally, the city offers plenty of outdoor activities, delicious dining options, and family-oriented events throughout the year, making it a memorable destination for all ages.

Discover Grand Rapids: A Fun-Filled Weekend Guide

Grand Rapids, located in Michigan, is a wonderful destination for exploring art, history, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the Grand Rapids Art Museum, discover the history of the city at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, and enjoy hiking and kayaking at the nearby parks and lakes. The city is also known for its craft beer scene, with many local breweries offering tastings and tours.

A Romantic Weekend in Grand Rapids

Explore the charm of Michigan with a romantic trip to Grand Rapids. Stroll through the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, indulge in the local craft beer scene, and catch a sunset on the shores of Lake Michigan. With plenty of cozy hotels and restaurants, Grand Rapids is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.

Grand Rapids: Art, Adventure, and Ice Cream Delight!

Grand Rapids in the United States offers an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip. With its vibrant art scene, the city boasts world-class museums like the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, providing an enriching cultural experience for all ages. Additionally, families can enjoy outdoor activities at the John Ball Zoo, explore beautiful parks like Millennium Park, and indulge in delicious local cuisines, making it a memorable trip for everyone.