GRKids Family Fun Guide | Fall 2019

FALL 2019

GRAND RAPIDS

VOL 6

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

5 CITY VIEW DATE NIGHT DESTINATIONS

page 11

BEST MURALS

HIT THE DONUT TRAIL Find it on page 14

revealed

see page 12

GRAND RAPIDS

KIDS

P U BLI C AT I ON

Want the next issue?

Sign up your group at grkids.com/GRfunGuide

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3 REASONS PARENTS LOVE AND USE DIRECT YOUR LABELS For every 500 UPCs collected, Spartan Nash’s Our Family brand will send your non-profit organization a check for $25.

It’s as easy as buying, collecting, and sending.

Enrollment is simple; sign up online at ourfamilyfoods.com/ direct-your-labels.

Note: You'll need your non-profit's W-9 to register.

We are collecting UPCs as a PTO and are so grateful for the generosity of Our Family and the opportunity to earn money to help the kids at our school!

Carla Hardy GRKIDS Writer

DIRECT your labels ourfamilyfoods.com/direct-your-labels/ facebook.com/OFFoods Direct Your Labels is a great program. It's easy to use and can be a huge benefit in your community.

The money we earned late last year was used to help us purchase a bus that we are now using in a variety of community and church-related activities that we offer in the Jackson area.

Pastor Matt Youth Pastor at Village Hope Church in Jackson

With organizations struggling to find funding, the Direct Your Labels program is an easy way to support your non-profit group by doing something that you already do - enjoying Our Family brand products.

Rick Weekley Director of Distribution Marketing SpartanNash

Welcome

...to crisp, cool autumn days, West Michigan! Make the most of it with ideas in our Gigantic Fall Fun guide, find the perfect jack-o’-lantern at our top Pumpkin Patches or get lost in a nearby Corn Maze!

Ready for a tastier destination? The West Michigan Donut Trail is back! Use our map to hunt for the best donut on this side of the mitten and share your adventures on social media with #westmidonuts.

Fall means COLOR for West Michigan. Walk your pup in the bright fall foilage at one of the Friendly Places for Dogs. Explore brilliant splashes of color across Grand Rapids on our GR Street Murals list or take a drive to discover new creations at Regional Art Events.

At GRKIDS, we love our incredible fall season. Keep this guide handy to experience it all!

Team GRKIDS Melody VanderWeide Publisher

April Hunt Content Editor

Leanne Hendrikse Content Manager

Christie Tidd Graphic Designer

Caitlin Malski Contributor

Stephanie Sneller Contributor

Michelle Smith Contributor

Jen Cassel Contributor

FIND US ONLINE grkids.com Facebook.com/grkids Instagram.com/grkids grkids.com/daily

The Grand Rapids Family Fun Guide is published five times per year by Grand Rapids Kids in Grand Rapids, MI. Š2019 Grand Rapids Kids, All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher in accordance with our legal statement.

GRKIDS.COM

3

TAKE THE TEST

HOW GR

are YOU?

Think you really know Grand Rapids? Take this quiz to see how much you know about GR. 1. What toppings are on a classic Yesterdog?

2. What 6 food items were included in the original meal-themed play area at Woodland Mall?

3. Who designed the iconic Meyer May House?

4. Who is the founder of Grand Rapids?

5. What is the name of the oldest neighborhood in Grand Rapids?

6. Before Grand Rapids was known for its breweries, it was famous for what industry?

7. Who was Grand Rapids’ first African American city commissioner and mayor?

(Hint: his statue stands in front of Grand Rapids City Hall.)

8. Grand Rapids has 4 minor league sports teams (basketball, baseball, hockey and soccer). Name them.

9. What is the name of the red sculpture at Calder Plaza?

10. Grand Rapids was the first city to add what to its drinking water?

11. The Blue Bridge wasn’t always a pedestrian bridge. What was its original purpose?

12. What indigenous peoples first inhabited the Grand River valley where Grand Rapids now sits?

13. What's the name of the iconic finback whale skeleton at Grand Rapids Public Museum?

4

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2019

SO MUCH Good

Stuff PACKED IN HERE!

How GR are you? | 4 Yoga for Kids | 7 Gigantic Fall Fun | 8 Regional Art Events | 10 Downtown Date Spots with a City View | 11 GR Street Murals | 12 West Michigan Donut Trail | 14 Trampoline Time! | 18 8 Family-Friendly Corn Mazes | 20 #momboss Spaces and Places | 23 Inclusive and Accessible Places to Play | 24 Where to Pick the Perfect Pumpkin | 26 Affordable Fall Fun | 27 Halloween is in the Bag | 28 Friendly Places for Dogs | 29 Car Detailers | 30 GRKIDS.COM

5

6

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2019

YOGAAAHHH....

Yoga for Kids Besides being a super fun way to be stretchy with friends, yoga has some amazing benefits for kids. Local instructors provide a fun way for kids to strengthen their bodies while learning calming techniques that they can use throughout their lives!

What makes kids yoga unique?

Kids yoga uses games to engage children and teaches them proper techique. It allows children to be curious about how different poses look and feel.

Who is kids yoga for?

Kids yoga is for any child who would reap the benefits of physical activity, calming techniques, focus development and spending time with other kids.

How can yoga benefit kids?

1. Yoga helps kids decrease anxiety and stress through breathing patterns and movement.

2. Yoga develops muscle strength and flexibility.

3. Yoga shows children how to channel their physical and mental energies in a positive way.

Where to Find Kids Yoga Classes Renew Mama Studio 5161 Northland Dr NE Grand Rapids Well-Bean Kids Yoga 1324 Lake Dr SE Suite #1 Grand Rapids AM Yoga 555 4th St NW #200 Grand Rapids The Hive 2611 Alpine Ave NW Grand Rapids Twisted-Hot Yoga Ah-Nab-Awen-Park 299 Pearl St NW Grand Rapids (all-ages free class) GRKIDS.COM

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GIGANTIC FALL FUN

HOW MANY of these Fall Festivals can you CHECK OFF? Fallasburg Arts Festival Fallasburg Park 1124 Fallasburg Rd, Lowell September 14 & 15, 2019 Explore 100 unique craft and fine art booths, children’s activities and outdoor music.

Fall Fest Holland Farmers Market 150 W. 8th Street, Holland October 11 & 12, 2019 Celebrate everything you love about fall with crafts, games, hayrides, pumpkin carving and the autumn farmers market.

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Michigan Apple Fest Rogers Park 152 North State St, Sparta September 21, 2019 Indulge in delicious Michigan apple eats prepared by local restaurants.

Learn the local history of apples and enjoy kids games featuring Johnny Appleseed.

Fall Harvest Festival & Tractor Show Historic Charlton Park Village and Museum 2545 South Charlton Park Rd, Hastings September 27-29, 2019 Travel through time and see firsthand how harvesting and other farm chores were done in the 1900’s.

10th Annual Wurst Festival Ever New Salem Corn Maze 4516 24th St, Dorr September 27-29, 2019 Entertain the whole family with a lawnmower race, daytime corn maze, fireworks at dusk, inflatables and live music.

Harvest Festival Blandford Nature Center 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids October 12, 2019 Dip candles, stuff scarecrows, take a wagon ride and more at Blandford.

Urban HayDay Terra Square 3380 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville October 12, 2019 Hop on a hayride, watch a pumpkin drop from a firetruck, pet animals from the Critter Barn, vote on your favorite tractor or compete in garden games.

GRKIDS.COM

9

GET YOUR ART ON

PLACES to get your Art Fix this Fall As ArtPrize is on hiatus this year (be sure to check out Project 1 in its place), we've curated a list of other regional art fests & exhibitions your family won't want to miss.

We have 5 regional ideas for you: Project 1, Grand Rapids | September 7 - October 27, 2019

Commissioned by ArtPrize, Project 1 artists will temporarily transform public spaces through sculpture, installations and performances to create a citywide conversation on how art can transform cities into places we all belong. Locations include MLK Park, Tanglefoot and Downtown.

Murals in the Market, Detroit | September 14 - 21, 2019

Head to Detroit’s historic Eastern Market for the 5th annual Murals in the Market. Enjoy live music, spectacular food and fresh art from over 50 local and international muralists, sculptors and artists.

Below the Stacks, Lansing | September 15 - 21, 2019

Below the Stacks is a brand new, massive mural event celebrating Lansing’s cultural heritage. Watch as bold, talented artists create 10 show-stopping murals in Lansing in 7 days. Experience street art, workshops, live music, food and more.

Artwalk, Grand Haven | September 17 - October 7, 2019

Visit Artwalk to enjoy Family Art Day, a bike parade and children's art competition.

KZOO Art Hop, Kalamazoo

Experience visual art, dance, poetry and more at Art Hop in Downtown Kalamazoo on the first Friday evening of each month, year round.

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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2019

ENJOY THE VIEW

New Hotel Mertens

Date Night

spots with a City

View

Amp up your next downtown Grand Rapids date night with beautiful city views at one of these local restaurants.

1

The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck // 187 Monroe Ave NW (located in the Amway Grand Hotel) Relax at their outdoor dining area along the banks of the Grand River.

2

New Hotel Mertens // 35 Oakes St SW Unwind at their rooftop lounge, Haute. Be sure to get your name on their waitlist to save your spot.

3

THE SKY DECK AT THE B.O.B. // 20 Monroe Ave NW

4

Downtown Market // 435 Ionia Ave SW Choose your dinner from a variety of local businesses in the main floor’s open market and then head upstairs to the greenhouse dining area for sights of the city while you dine.

5

six.one.six // 235 Louis St NW (located in the JW Marriott) Enjoy beautiful views of the Grand River from the patio of this French style bistro.

At the second floor restaurant Bobarino’s, enjoy lush living garden walls and views of the city from their patio.

GRKIDS.COM

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GR street

murals

With Grand Rapids' buildings and streets as their canvas, these brilliant murals invite you into a world of whimsy and wonder.

SHELDON AVENUE MURALS 11-33 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids

LIONS AND RABBITS 1264 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET 341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids

BELKNAP OVERLOOK RETAINING WALL 600 Division Ave N, Grand Rapids

ROOSEVELT PARK NEIGHBORHOOD

Intersection of Grandville Ave SW and B Ave SW, Grand Rapids

UICA UICA 106 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids

BRIDGE STREET MARKET 405 Seward Ave NW, Grand Rapids

GRKIDS.COM

13

Moelker Orchards

WEST MICHIGAN

Donuttrail This sweet trail will lead you to our favorite donut shops in the area. Some are known for their unique flavors and others have perfected the classics. Hit the road and try them all! (And let us follow along by tagging #westmidonuts in your social media posts!)

1

Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo 4180 West M-20 New Era

2 3 14

Morat’s Bakery

820 Terrace St Muskegon

Ryke’s Bakery 623 A Way Grand Haven

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2019

Bowerman Blueberries 4 15793 James St Holland

Donutville

5 676 Michigan Ave # 1 Holland

6

Zeeland Bakery 130 E Main Ave Zeeland

Heritage Farms Market

7

Moelker Orchards 9265 Kenowa Ave SW Grand Rapids

Made in our Old Bell Bakery fresh every day! Delicious apple, cherry, buttermilk and pumpkin donuts with different toppings for each one. We are sure that you will find one that you love!

8

Sandy’s Donut House 2040 Leonard St NW Grand Rapids

9

Van’s Pastry Shoppe

10

Phoenix Rising Bakery

11

955 Fulton St E Grand Rapids

6725 Division Ave S Grand Rapids

Heidi’s Farmstand & Bakery 11999 Cascade Rd SE Lowell

Apple Haus 12 Robinette’s 3142 4 Mile Rd NE Grand Rapids

13

Sprinkles Donut Shop 8467 Algoma Ave NE Rockford

Ed Dunneback & Girls 14 3025 6 Mile Rd NW Grand Rapids

15 16

Nelson’s Farm Market 469 W 112th St Grant

Heritage Farms Market 1858 S Maple Island Rd Fremont

Visit our 5th generation family farm for our old fashioned spiced, plain or cinnamon sugar donuts.

Take a hayride and enjoy a hot donut with our freshly pressed apple cider.

GRKIDS.COM

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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2019

Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo

1

Muskegon

Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo

1 G R KI D

G R KI D

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S .C

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16

16

DRIVIN’ ME GLAZY #WESTMIDONUTS

DRIVIN’ ME GLAZY #WESTMIDONUTS

15

15

Grant

1858 S Maple Island Rd Fremont Nelson’s Farm Market

Heritage Farms Market

1858 S Maple Island Rd Fremont

Heritage Farms Market

131

grkids.com/michigan-donut-trail to get yours!

Eat your way to this sweet Donut Trail Bumper Sticker! Share photos of your trek at

grkids.com/michigan-donut-trail to get yours!

Eat your way to this sweet Donut Trail Bumper Sticker! Share photos of your trek at

GRKIDS.COM

17

2

Grand

Ryke’s Bakery

3

Grand

Ryke’s Bakery

3

Morat’s Bakery

2

Morat’s Bakery

Muskegon

Holland

4

Holland

37

5

Donutville

5

6

196

196

Hudsonville

Zeeland Bakery

6

Zeeland Bakery

45

9265 Kenowa Ave SW Grand RapidsHudsonville

45

9265 Kenowa Ave SW Grand Rapids

Donutville

Bowerman Blueberries

4

31

Bowerman Blueberries

31

Haven

96

Haven

96

37

7

7

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

8

131

131

Sandy’s Donut House

148 12

12

10

Phoenix Rising Bakery

Pastry Shoppe

Lowell

Heidi’s Farmstand & Bakery

Lowell

Heidi’s Farmstand & Bakery

Robinette’s Apple Haus

Robinette’s Apple Haus

Rockford

Rockford

9 Phoenix Van’s 10 Rising Bakery

Van’s Pastry Shoppe

9

13

Sprinkles Donut Shop

Sandy’s Ed Dunneback Donut House & Girls

14

13

Sprinkles Donut Shop

46

Ed Dunneback 46 & Girls

Grant

11

11

TRAMPOLINE TIME!

When the rainy days come, indoor trampoline parks will keep the kids busy from sunup till sundown.

Here's the rundown of amenities at four of our favorite trampoline destinations.

rebounderz

Skyzone

altitude

$16.95 (M-Th)

$15.99

$12.95

Attractions

craig’s cruisers

Open Arena Toddler Area Ninja Course Laser Tag Foam Pit Dodgeball Basketball Hoops Climbing Free Fall Jousting Parkour Boxes Trapeze Wall Walking (Performance Trampolines)

Zip Line Arcade Cafe/Snack Bar Pricing (1 hour)

$19.95 (Fri-Sun)

$13.99 (M-Th) $18.99 (Fri-Sun)

For all things jumping, check out GRKIDS.COM/TRAMPOLINE-PARKS 18

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2019

2978 28th St. SE GR, 49512 616-200-6956 grandrapids@catchairparty.com FB Catch Air Grand Rapids

We are so excited to have opened a state of the art indoor play center for children 10 years of age and under and we would love to host your next field trip!

- Fun, safe and clean environment - Tiny Town – for our 3.5 feet & under guests - A 3 story structure with 5 slides, a nerf ball shooting area, obstacle courses, 2-mini zip lines and more!

-

2 bounce house style toys Interactive dance floor!

Party rooms!

2 Party Package Options!

Fall & Winter 2020

Book your Field Trip Today (616) 345-0698 battlegr.com

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STAY ON THE PATH

GET LOST in these 8 Family-Friendly Corn Mazes If you venture out in the dark, we have one piece of advice...bring a (charged) cell phone and a flashlight.

Bestmaze Corn Maze

// 3803 Noble Rd, Williamston

THEME: Smokey the Bear Turns 75 | GOOD FOR: Ages 3+ | OPENS: Mid September TIME COMMITMENT: 1 hour | DETAILS: Several towers are situated in the maze so you can get assistance. There is a separate “haunted” area with scary actors. Games, cider, donuts and other concessions.

vvandmkidsden�stry.com

Your Dental Team

At Valleau, VanDeven, and Massie Dentistry for Children, what sets our office apart is the kind, gentle, and compassionate care we provide all of our pa�ents. We understand that a child’s mind is constantly growing and developing and that all children cope with new situa�ons differently. Our wonderful staff takes pride in making all children feel comfortable, relaxed, and even making a dental visit fun!

Grand Rapids

(616) 455-1301

2000 43rd St S.E. - Grand Rapids, MI

Rockford

(616) 884-5812

170 Marcell Dr N.E. - Rockford, MI

Crane Orchards U-Pick and Corn Maze

6054 124th Ave, Fennville

THEME: Experience the Season | GOOD FOR: All ages | OPENS: August 31 TIME COMMITMENT: 30-60 minutes | DETAILS: This maze is open during daytime hours only. No scary elements.

Ed Dunneback and Girls Farm Market

3025 6 Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids

THEME: Donut Worry, Be Happy | GOOD FOR: All ages | OPENS: September 6 TIME COMMITMENT: About 30 minutes | DETAILS: Maze is “triva-based” and not scary.

Heidi’s Farmstand and Bakery

// 11999 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell

THEME: Out of this World: Celebrating 50 Years Since Landing on the Moon GOOD FOR: Jr Maze - Ages 3 to 10, Lg Maze - Ages 8+ | OPENS: September 16 TIME COMMITMENT: Jr Maze 15 - 20 minutes, Lg Maze 45 - 90 minutes DETAILS: Earn a Cider Slushie in the Large Maze! Jr Maze participants earn a sticker for completion. Family friendly. No scary elements.

Lewis Farms and Petting Zoo

// 4180 M-20, New Era

THEME: Sunflowers | GOOD FOR: Ages 3+ | OPENS: August 31 TIME COMMITMENT: 30 - 45 minutes | DETAILS: Guests are invited to solve the Farm Mystery by stopping for clues hidden throughout the maze. Prizes for those who solve the mystery.

Olin Farm

// 10991 Vergennes St SE, Lowell

THEME: Horses | GOOD FOR: All ages | OPENS: September 26 TIME COMMITMENT: 25 - 30 minutes | DETAILS: Find the mailbox with a ticket inside to exchange for a treat.

Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery

3142 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids

THEME: 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing | GOOD FOR: Ages 3+ OPENS: September 3 | TIME COMMITMENT: 20 - 45 minutes | DETAILS: A map is available that customers may take photos of and also passports to help with directions.

Schwallier’s Country Basket

1185 9 Mile Rd NW, Sparta

THEME: Bigfoot | GOOD FOR: All ages | OPENS: September 7 TIME COMMITMENT: 30 - 45 minutes | DETAILS: Participants solve puzzles and clues related to Bigfoot at stations throughout the maze.

Find a complete list of all the mazes (and hayrides) at GRKIDS.COM/HAYRIDES

GRKIDS.COM

21

Learning Is An Educational Adventure On The Farm Classic fall fun – apple picking, pumpkin patch, wagon rides, doughnuts and cider Over 75 animals in our petting zoo!

Hands-on Learning 30+ Activities

4180 W M-20 New Era, MI 49446 | 231.861.5730 | VisitLewisFarms.com

*Bring in this ad and receive

$50 off

Outstanding childcare for over 37 years!

your first month tuition

*Must be enrolled three full months before credit is applied.

 � � � � ­ � € ‚ ƒ � ƒ � ƒ ƒ 22

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2019

GET IT DONE

Renew Mama Lounge

#momboss SPACES AND PLACES Moms can get work done -

with the kids!

Working moms, work-at-home moms, stay-at-home moms, part-time "all the things" moms. Every kind of mom is a #momboss. And every mom needs a place to get some work done that isn’t the kitchen table. These are the best places to work in Grand Rapids with your kids in tow.

1

MVP Work space // 4085 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids

2

Renew Mama // 5161 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids Visit the Mama Lounge for a comfortable work space with Wi-Fi, coffee and tea and child care. Take a Mommy and Me yoga class for a midday break!

3

momhive // 1422 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids This co-working space in Eastown offers the community and connection of a traditional work space but the flexibility of being your own boss with kids in tow. Day passes and different membership levels available, as well as on-site child care.

4

local libraries // Multiple Locations A great free option for working parents, many libraries have fun play spaces for kids of all ages, along with free Wi-Fi and work space.

5

chick-fil-a // Multiple Locations

Free to MVP All-Star Members, this work space provides child care for ages 0-11. With a mix of tables and chairs, lounge areas, and meeting rooms, this space provides it all. Plus, take advantage of Wi-Fi, a coffee and tea bar and daily guest pass options.

Let those toddlers be rambunctious in their enclosed play area and enjoy free Wi-Fi, kid-and mom-friendly food and the best customer service in the game (yes, please, I will have another refill).

GRKIDS.COM

23

SENSORY-FRIENDLY

INCLUSIVE and ACCESSIBLE Places

to Play

Every child deserves the space to learn through play and exploration. Try one of these handicap accessible and sensory-friendly places here in West Michigan.

Artists Creating Together 1140 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 4101, Grand Rapids On the second Wednesday of the month, drop in at Open Studio from 6-7:30 PM to create paintings, collages, recycled art, weavings, jewelry, sculptures and more. Open Studios welcome all ages and all abilities.

Cost is $10 per person (aides & caregivers accompanying are free).

Grand Rapids Public Museum 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids Visit the public museum for its exhibits, carousel, and open space to play.

The public museum offers sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and weighted lap pads. Each floor of the museum is accessible by elevator and a Quiet Room is also available.

Frog Hollow Park 2050 Metro Court, Wyoming A Boundless ™ Playground, Frog Hollow has a rubber playground surface and barrier-free play stations, making it inclusive and wheelchair accessible. It features adaptive swing seats, grassy areas for play, a picnic table area and accessible bathrooms.

24

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2019

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids Numerous hands-on activities let kids to tap into their senses, use their imagination, and learn through play. Ample floor space between exhibits, along with an elevator, makes the space easily wheelchair accessible. They also have sensory tool kits available for check out.

John Ball Zoo 1300 W. Fulton St, Grand Rapids John Ball Zoo provides sensory bags, welcomes service animals, and has quiet spaces available. The zoo is fully wheelchair accessible - AND those with limited mobility can get a free ride on the funicular to the top of the zoo (making the walk down an easier way to visit).

SkyZone 3636 29th St SE, Kentwood Skyzone is an indoor trampoline park with attractions like wall-to-wall trampolines, zip line, trapeze, ninja course, and Foam Zone. Every month on sensory night, lights and music are lowered, creating a comforting atmosphere for jumpers who benefit from fewer distractions.

Celebration! Cinema Multiple Locations Sensory Showtimes are available at many Celebration! Cinema locations across West Michigan. With dimmed lights and lowered volume, movies are shown in 2D with Opened Captioning. Viewers are welcome to forego the usual movie theater etiquette and move around and talk throughout the show.

Imagination Station 1 Y Dr, Grand Haven This Grand Haven-themed playground features a lighthouse, anchors, street signs and a Coast Guard boat. In addition to cool landmarks, ramps and a soft rubber playground surface make it universally accessible.

Get all the details at

GRKIDS.com/sensory GRKIDS.COM

25

A HUNTING WE WILL GO!

PICK the PERFECT PUMPKIN at these nearby Pumpkin Patches Search for the perfect jack-o’-lantern at one of these nearby farms.

Happy hunting!

Bethke Farms

12124 136th Ave, Grand Haven Hunt for a pumpkin, take a hayride or race though the corn maze.

Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market

3025 6 Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids Enjoy u-pick pumpkins and apples, homemade baked goods and a farm-themed playground.

Fruit Ridge Hayrides

11966 Fruit Ridge Ave, Kent City Choose your perfect pumpkin and then enjoy a horse drawn hayride, corn maze, petting zoo or pony ride.

Moelker Orchards and Farm Market

9265 Kenowa Ave SW, Grand Rapids Visit Moelker’s for u-Pick apples and pumpkins, a farm market & bakery and horse drawn wagon rides.

Post Family Farm

5081 Bauer Rd, Hudsonville Take a hay ride to the pumpkin patch and afterwards enjoy donuts, a pumpkin train, farm animals and more.

Schwallier’s Country Basket

1185 9 Mile Rd NW, Sparta Visit Schwallier’s for u-pick pumpkins and apples, a petting farm, a cow train, wagon rides and a straw mountain.

To find more places to pick,

check out GRKIDS.COM/UPICK-APPLES-AND-PUMPKINS 26

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2019

FREE FALLIN’

AFFORDABLE Fall Fun starts here!

For $10 or less, you can have loads of fall fun around Grand Rapids.

Stargaze at the Veen Observatory

Dress up for the Alger Heights Halloween Run

Run the Grand Rapids Kids Marathon

Explore the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

3308 Kissing Rock Ave SE, Lowell Explore the fall sky on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of September and October from 8 - 10:30 PM (provided the sky is clear). $3 for adults, $2 for kids 5-17 and free for kids under 5.

Downtown Grand Rapids | October 19, 2019 Kids log 25 miles at home (in one-mile increments) prior to the race and then run or walk the last 1.2 miles of the marathon together. FREE

Hike at Wittenbach Wege Center

11715 Vergennes St SE, Lowell From an educational Visitor Center to darling farm animals, and from awesome trails to a tranquil pond, kids love hanging out at WWC. FREE

Visit the Coopersville Farm Museum for Kids, Crafts and Critters Day

375 Main St, Coopersville The last Saturday of each month the farm museum hosts Kids, Crafts and Critters Day from 10 AM - 1 PM. Admission is free, but a suggested $3 donation includes an assortment of activities such as rope making, corn shelling and baby animal fun.

Alger Heights | October 26, 2019 Wear your Halloween costume for this popular annual run, which takes you around the Alger Heights neighborhood. The race includes a 5K, a 10K and a Kids Fun ¼ Mile Run, all with the same finish line. FREE

11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids Get in for just $1.75 per person on Family Night.

(Thursday evenings from 5 – 8 PM.)

Go Country at Schwallier’s Country Basket

1185 9 Mile Rd NW, Sparta, MI Visit the kid’s play area and animal barn for free! While you’re there you can check out other fun fall activities at an additional cost. (And don’t forget donuts!) FREE

Walk the Trick or Treat Trail 2561 Porter St SW, Wyoming | October 12, 2019 Dress up, if you like, for The Trick or Treat Trail in Lamar Park. Walk the path and receive treats, coupons and other goodies from community businesses. FREE

For a complete list of all the fun, check out GRKIDS.COM/FREE-FALL-FUN GRKIDS.COM

27

HALLOWEEN IS IN THE BAG GRKIDS.COM/BOO

It’s a one-stop West MI Halloween Fun Guide, including trick-or-treat times, trunk-or-treat locations, indoor Halloween events + more!

GRKIDS.COM/BOO

UNPLUG & PLAY Did you know that playing outside...

• Improves vision • Reduces stress • Promotes social skills • Stronger immune system • Increases attention span • Increased vitamin D

Swing Sets

Trampolines

Basketball Hoops

BackyardFunZone.com 616.785.7383

5668 Alpine Ave NW (M-37) • Comstock Park, MI 49321 Unmatched Quality | Durability | Safety | Long-Term Value | Service 28

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2019

PUPS AND PLAY

Friendly PLACES for Dogs Greater Grand Rapids is full of fun places to take your dog. Choose one of these parks or beaches for your next four-legged adventure.

Covell Dog Park

501 Covell Ave NW, Grand Rapids This 1-acre park includes swimming pools in the summer for your pup.

Downtown Dog Park

210 Market Ave SW, Grand Rapids This conveniently-located dog park separates small and large dogs and hosts community "Yappy Hour" events.

Rosewood Park

Grand Ravines Dog Park

3991 Fillmore St, Jenison Enjoy on- and off-leash trails at this large 21-acre park.

Helder Park Dog Park

3751 104th Ave, Zeeland This 4-acre fenced park, with separate areas for large and small dogs, has drinking fountains with dog bowls.

Shaggy pines dog park

3895 Cherry Lane, Ada Join this 20-acre private park for a dog swimming pond, a diggable "Doggy Mountain," and acres of fenced in trails.

Kirk Park Beach

9791 Lakeshore Drive N, West Olive Enjoy a day at the beach with an off-leash section for dogs.

Kruse Park

3205 W Sherman Blvd, Muskegon Find the leashed, dog-friendly area, at the northernmost section of this beach.

Wyoming Dog Park

1414 Nagel Ave SW, Wyoming This park requires a key fob to enter, available at the City of Wyoming for a small yearly fee. Records are kept of park attendance and vet vaccinations.

GRKIDS.COM

29

CLEAN IT UP!

CAR Detailers (You know you want this.)

Summer is over and there is likely three tubs of sand, several pairs of swim goggles and one solitary flip flop hiding in your car.

Before your vehicle fills up with missing library books and that very important school form you were supposed to sign, bring your car to one of these places for a once-over!

Breton Auto Wash

1970 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids Take the kids along and watch the cleaning magic from outside your car.

Pro Shine Mobile Detailing

proshinegr.com, 616-443-5977 Doesn’t get easier than this - Proshine comes right to your driveway!

Crystal Clean Auto Detailing

3413 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids Try their Fly n’ Shine service next time you fly out of Gerald R. Ford airport.

Drop your car off at their Valet stand and return to a sparkling clean car!

MilleNnium Auto Wash & Detail

2658 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids Book online for a complete detail or drive up for a mini interior clean.

Fox Shine Detail and Appearance Center

2890 Acquest Ave SE, Kentwood Bring your car in for a full detail and add-on services like dent or scratch removal.

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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Fall 2019

GRKIDS.COM

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Now Accepting New Pediatric Patients Spectrum Health Medical Group Pediatrics - Grand Rapids 1545 68th Street SE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

We can help with • Same day care • Well-child appointments • Sick-child appointments • Preventive health care • Newborn care

To make an appointment, call 616.267.7881.

For more information, visit spectrumhealth.org/pediatricsgr.

• Sports physicals • Vaccinations • Suturing • Certified car seat specialist