North Beach Park – A West Michigan Gem

North Beach Park, among the many west Michigan beaches, is a low-key alternative to the buzzing beach at Grand Haven State Park.

Families have great reason to love this lesser-known Lake Michigan destination in Ferrysburg, MI: the large playground, updated facilities, and wheelchair-accessible beach walk make this a thoughtful escape.

Plus, North Beach Park is also one of over 50 hiking trails.

Continue reading North Beach Park 2026: The Secret Lake Michigan Beach that Families Adore at grkids.com.

Discover the Magic of Lena Meijer Children’s Garden

Planning a trip to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park may be at the top of my list of things to do with my kids in Grand Rapids.

Our first stop every time we visit is always the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, and not just because it’s the closest garden to the outside entrance.

My kids love that there is always so much to explore whenever we go, and I love that it gets their legs and minds moving — whether in the winter or summer.

Continue reading Lena Meijer Children’s Garden is a Child’s Dream Come to Life at grkids.com.

Playing at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is one of the best museums in Grand Rapids if you’ve got kids.

With its mosaic-mural façade and rainbow-colored street, the building is a beacon of fun, drawing kids and adults inside to play.

There are two floors of awesome just waiting to be discovered at Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Continue reading Grand Rapids Children’s Museum 2026: The Ultimate Family Fun Destination with Special Exhibits, Parties & Endless Play! at grkids.com.

What a Great Place John Ball Zoo is for Everyone!

Nestled in the heart of the city, John Ball Zoo is one of Grand Rapids, MI most beloved attractions.

Over 2,000 animals call this 100-acre park home, including tigers, monkeys, lions, penguins and more.

Head to John Ball Zoo for the perfect combination of exotic animal exhibits, special events and experiences that have visitors coming back to this place again and again.

Continue reading Go Wild, John Ball Zoo: Visit in 2026 for Wildlife Exploration, Adults-Only Escape Room, Animals Galore & More at grkids.com.

Grand Rapids Soccer for Kids can be Found in Nearly Every Town

Soccer is considered the most popular sport in the world and if you walked around most towns in West Michigan on a fall or spring weekend, it would be hard to argue.

You’ll find kids everywhere dressed in their soccer uniforms, on their way to or from a soccer game. If this sport is a fave in your house (and not just because of Ted Lasso!), find several options below to get your kids out on the soccer field.

Continue reading Grand Rapids Soccer: 20+ Places to Find Clubs, Teams & Camps for Kids at grkids.com.

Ultimate Outdoor Experience at Silver Lake Michigan

One of the best parts of a Michigan summer is getting out and exploring our beautiful state.

Wrap adventure, natural beauty and family fun into a one-of-a-kind destination and you get the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

Located on the west coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, this outdoor recreation oasis is a magnet for ATV riders, sand dune enthusiasts, and beach lovers alike.

Continue reading Silver Lake Sand Dunes 2026: Explore Michigan’s Hidden Gems at Silver Lake State Park at grkids.com.

Ice Cream Places Serving up the Best Scoops

One of the best things to do in the summer is to walk, bike, or drive to your favorite ice cream places and cool off with frozen sweet treats or desserts.

Superman is an obvious choice in any Michigan ice cream shop, as is Mackinac Island Fudge.

The Ice Cream Garage – an Ice Cream Place in Grand Rapids

But if you want something different, lots of our fave places are serving up mitten pops, chubby unicorns, grasshopper sundaes, and more.

Continue reading Ice Cream Places: 29 Yummy Ice Cream Shops with the Best Scoops at grkids.com.

Grand Rapids Free Summer Activities to Do With Kids

Finding summer things to do with kids that will stimulate, educate, entertain, and keep them moving isn’t easy!

With the cost of everything from milk to movie theater tickets going up, it’s always good to have some free summer things to do in your back pocket.

Thankfully, there are so many fun and nearly free summer activities around West Michigan, there’s no need to spend a lot of money.

Continue reading 24 Free Summer Things To Do in Grand Rapids at grkids.com.

Building Confident, Water-Safe Kids at Goldfish Swim School Grandville & Knapp’s Crossing

We are so fortunate to be surrounded by so many gorgeous beaches in west Michigan. That means it’s vital that kids (and adults!) know how to be safe in and around the water – whether it’s a lake or a swimming pool. 

Goldfish Swim School has been a leader in swimming lessons for over 20 years – and it all began right here in Michigan (Birmingham).

Continue reading Goldfish Swim School Grandville & Knapp’s Crossing Help Kids Build Lifesaving Skills Year-Round at grkids.com.

Refresh Your Summer with Easy Dairy Snacks

Warm sunshine is here to stay and the lake is calling your name. Summers in Michigan are the best.

The only cold blast you’re feeling now is from your fridge constantly opening with kids reaching for a snack.

Ever wonder how you can possibly keep up with their appetites? While also making sure they’re getting the nutrition they need to fuel all that summer fun?

Continue reading Yummy & Healthy: Michigan Farm Snacks Kids Can’t Resist! at grkids.com.

Manners for Kids: Having Good Manners is an Incredibly Important Life Skill

Parenting is a wild ride—especially when you’re trying to raise kind, respectful humans who actually remember to say more than just please and thank you.

And like so many other things, getting kids into the habit of using manners at an early age makes things much easier in the long haul.

As my kids age and begin to play away from home and interact with teachers and parents, I’m noticing that they don’t always use eye contact when speaking with others and they often forget to say “excuse me.”

I’ve also noticed that simply telling them to practice these good manners isn’t enough.

Continue reading 13 Good Manners for Kids to Teach Your Children, Please (Plus 10 Convos to Have RIGHT NOW!) at grkids.com.

Getting Senior Pictures in West Michigan

Senior pictures are a much-anticipated rite of passage for high school students, but with so many talented photographers and photo-worthy backdrops in the greater Grand Rapids area, it can be overwhelming to decide who to hire and where to shoot.

Luckily, we’ve developed the ultimate list of the best local photo spots and photographers to showcase your senior’s personality, interests, and hometown pride.

After reading this list, you’ll be confidently calling the shots in no time!

Continue reading Unique Senior Pictures Photo Shoot Locations, Plus 30+ West Michigan Photographers Ready to Go at grkids.com.