GRKids Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019 by Melody VW

SPRING 2019

GRAND RAPIDS

VOL 4

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

SPRING

FREEBIES page 30

Kids Eat Free

OR CHEAP AROUND GR Check them all out starting on page 17

SUMMER

UNDISCOVERED 8 Thrifting & Vintage Shopping Spots in GR See pages 6 -7

GRAND RAPIDS

KIDS

Cool

CAMP FINDER Starting on page 24

Want the next issue? Sign up your group at grkids.com/GRfunGuide

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

vvandmkidsden�stry.com

Welcome

...to the Summer Planning edition of the Grand Rapids Family Fun Guide! Your fun-filled summer begins here with our huge Summer Camp Directory. We’ve got options for every kind of kid: from the techie, to the performer, to the sports fanatic and beyond! Ready for some greenery in your life? We know where to get your flower fix this spring. Catch us chasing blooms at Tulip Time in Holland and embarking on a Blossom Tour at Robinette’s. Joanna Gaines admirers can shop for treasures on our Thrifting and Vintage Shopping Trail, filled with our favorite spots for unique finds. If you’re staying nearby over Spring Break, check out our list of Spring Break Freebies, or fill up the car for a one-tank-trip to an exciting Michigan destination!

Team GRKIDS Melody VanderWeide Publisher

April Hunt Content Editor

Leanne Hendrikse Content Manager

Christie Tidd Graphic Designer

Jen Cassel Contributor

Renee Compston Contributor

Michelle Smith Contributor

Jessica Wilson Contributor

Elizabeth Rudd 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. ©2019 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

POP OF COLOR

CHASING THE Blooms Soak up spring with these colorful blooms cultivated by master gardeners around West Michigan. Blossom Tours at Robinette’s Apple Haus Grand Rapids | Late April/Early May Enjoy the fragrant apple blossoms in all their glory on a Blossom Tour through the orchard.

Tulip Time Festival Holland | May 4-12, 2019 Millions of cheerful tulips carpet this Dutch town every spring. The festival itself is loaded with activities, but if you’re looking for tulip field photo ops, follow their tulip map found at www.tuliptime.com/the-tulips.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Grand Rapids | All Spring Although beautiful and open year round, FMG bursts back to life with new blooms every spring. Enjoy English perennial gardens, tulips, lilacs, daffodils, magnolias, cherry trees - you name it, all cultivated by master gardeners.

Traverse City Cherry Blossoms Traverse City | May Rolling hills and meadows turn pink and white with gorgeous cherry blossoms every Spring. Check Traverse City Tourism’s Facebook page for up-to-date posts on where and when to find the latest blooms, as they pop up in different places over a 2-week period.

Koetsier’s

Grand Rapids | April and May Known for its beautiful greenhouse where you can buy blooms for your own gardens, Koetsier’s also offers a hands-on kids program, “Saturdays in the Soil” in April and May. This spring’s projects include fairy gardens, succulent bowls, and a pizza garden.

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

UNDISCOVERED Cool 8 Thrifting & Vintage Shopping

Spots in GR

For people with a unique sense of fashion and decor, local vintage and thrift stores is their version of a Target run. Wondering where to find these distinctive shops? We have compiled a list of the coolest repurposed, vintage, antique and resale shops around West Michigan.

Allegan Antiques Market

150 Allegan County Fair Dr, Allegan Allegan County Fairgrounds transforms into an antiquer’s paradise the last Sunday of the month from April through September. Find architectural, industrial, primitive, country, shabby chic and refurbished décor.

Eastown Antiques

1515 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids Eastown Antiques is a thrifter’s delight! They have over 45 dealers filling two floors with antiques, jewelry, clothing and more.

Century Antiques

445 Century Ave SW, Grand Rapids With over 30,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles, including amazing period clothing, you can be sure to find the perfect unique gift at Century Antiques.

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

Reinspired Treasures

2417 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids Stop by Reinspired Treasures to add some farmhouse flair to your home. Be sure to check out the artisan creations.

Gild the Lily

450 E. Division St, Rockford Gild the Lily has two floors filled with new and like-new clothing, home decor and furniture. You can also shop online for women’s clothing and accessories.

Flat River Cottage

317 E. Main St, Lowell Flat River Cottage in downtown Lowell has a wide selection of antique and cottage-style goods. In addition to home décor and original art, they also have fabrics, garden accessories and many unique gifts.

Painted Farmgirl

3704 Chicago Drive, Hudsonville Painted Farmgirl has a focus on country farmhouse with French décor influence. They have a wide variety of booths with unique gifts. Don’t miss out on the hidden corners and rooms tucked away everywhere!

Found Cottage

2460 Chicago Drive, Hudsonville The Found Cottage is a combination of cozy cottage and rustic farmhouse with a touch of modern. Along with antiques, vintage and handmade unique finds, they also have clothing, bath & body, candles and jewelry.

We have even more vintage finds online at GRKIDS.COM/VINTAGE

GRKIDS.COM

TAKE A BREAK

MOMS’ Night OUT Get your girlfriends together - it’s time for a moms’ night out!

1. Go wine tasting. Cascade Winery and Robinette’s both offer a large variety of

Michigan-made wines and ciders or join Reserve for their Monthly Wine Tastings.

2. Rock out to some of the best local and national performers, including the regular appearing 80’s cover band Mega 80’s, live at the Intersection. Or watch a concert at Van Andel Arena or 20 Monroe Live.

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

TAKE A BREAK

MOMS’ Night OUT CONT. 3. Canoe or kayak one of West Michigan’s

many lakes and rivers. GR Paddling offers Paddle & Dine trips at various locations around GR. AAA Canoe Rental in Rockford and Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus also offer rentals.

4. Join an open painting session at Brush

Studio, Bamboo Studios, or Painting with a Twist. You can also get creative while having a cocktail with Wine & Canvas, hosted at restaurants throughout the area.

5. Laugh together at Dr. Grin’s Comedy Club in The B.O.B. Performances run Thursday - Saturday.

6. Catch a touring Broadway show at

DeVos Performance Hall via Broadway Grand Rapids. Upcoming shows are The Book of Mormon, Waitress and Anastasia.

7. Make custom scented candles. Reserve a spot for your group at Wax Poetic Candle Bar and create your own hand poured candle.

8. Indulge in dessert. For ice cream, head

to Furniture City Creamery, Spoonlickers or Love’s. Try Cakabakery, Sugar Mommas or Sweetie-licious for baked goods.

9. Traverse through the trees on rope courses and zip lines at Treetops Adventure Park or John Ball Zoo.

10. Take a self-guided walking tour of

Heritage Hill and learn about 37 of the district’s architectural beauties!

GRKIDS.COM

ONE TANK TRIPS

WORTH the DRIVE Day

Trips

Fill up the tank and take a break from the day-to-day without even leaving the state!

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

ONE TANK TRIPS Midland Whiting Forest Approx. 2 1/2 Hour Drive Time A treetop adventure awaits with 40 foot high canopy walkways winding through Whiting Forest, complete with treehouse exploration and picturesque lookouts. After you climb down, explore 54 acres of woodlands, ponds, meadows and streams. Finish up your afternoon at the giant playground and enjoy a snack at the indoor cafe.

Greater Lansing Area Approx. 1 Hour Drive Time Start with Impression 5 Science Center or Potter Park Zoo, then make your way to MSU’s lush springtime campus all abloom. Stops include the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden, MSU Museum, and the incredible Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum. Finish your day with ice cream at the MSU Dairy Store.

Battle Creek Approx. 1 1/2 Hour Drive Time Meet lions, zebras, giraffes and more at safari-themed Binder Park Zoo or enjoy nature’s quiet beauty at Leila Arboretum Kaleidoscope Garden and Fantasy Forest. Binder Park Zoo opens April 17.

Kalamazoo Approx. 1 Hour Drive Time Two of our favorites are Kalamazoo Valley Museum (free admission) and the incredible Air Zoo. The Air Zoo houses many full-sized airplanes along with rides, simulations and a great gift store. Check out kzookids.com for more ideas!

Detroit Approx. 2 Hour Drive Time Visit historic Belle Isle’s free aquarium and beautiful Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. Stop by iconic Eastern Market to rent bikes and pedal to the riverfront for playgrounds, a carousel, and a large splash pad. GRKIDS.COM

ON THE HUNT

HOW to HOST the BEST NEIGHBORHOOD Easter

Egg Hunt

Move over chili cook off! Bring your neighborhood together with the best Easter Egg hunt ever. Pulling off an egg hunt that gives everyone a fair shake at scoring eggs - and avoids tears - takes a little planning. Here are our tips: Pick a date. Mid-morning the weekend before or after Easter are good options. Send out invitations a month in advance. Have parents RSVP with the ages of their children followed by dropping off at least 12 pre-filled plastic eggs (containing individually wrapped candy or toys) per child before the day of the hunt. Buy some extras just in case. Divide the participants and donated eggs into three groups: ages 0-3, 4-6, and 7+. The morning of the hunt, hide eggs in different locations around your yard with varying degrees of difficulty. No peeking from your kids! Once guests arrive, give out the instructions. Stagger-start the hunt with little kids going first, followed by the next two groups, consecutively. Limit the kids to finding 10 eggs to start. Big kids should help little kids get to 10 and share any extras they have. Take pictures and enjoy yourself while the kids have a blast!

Bonus: Step up your egg hunt with The Golden Egg! Fill a golden or shiny egg with cash, hide it well, and enjoy watching the kids search!

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to host an Egg hunt? Consult our huge list of public egg hunts at GRKIDS.COM/EASTER to ďŹ nd one near you. 12

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Spring Events NOT TO MISS! Butterflies Are Blooming at Frederik Meijer Gardens

This annual event is a must! From March 1 - April 30, thousands of beautiful butterflies take over the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

Spring Fling at The Critter Barn

Experience the transition to spring at the barns from March 29 - April 6. Witness the miracle of new life and the gentle care of baby animals.

Photos with the Easter Bunny

Visit the Easter Bunny at Cabelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, RiverTown Crossings, Woodland Mall and more!

Community Egg Hunt

Hunt for eggs at a community-hosted event at a local park or church.

Easter Brunch

Gather the family for a delicious brunch at Wheelhouse, CityFlatsHotel or any venue on our list at the link below.

Visit our website for the most up-to-date information on an egg hunt near you, when and where to find the Easter Bunny and the perfect place for Easter brunch!

Check out

GRKIDS.COM/EASTER GRKIDS.COM

Family Fun RV Rental Where Your Fun RV Adventure Begins

Delivery is Available

Find us at:

Exploring Michigan's beautiful parks, lakes, and other attractions is easy and fun when you rent your "house on wheels" from us.

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

1146 144th Avenue Wayland, MI 49348

Phone: 616.606.0375 www.familyfunrv.com

Find our specials and current discounts on our Facebook page!

RAIN, RAIN, STAY!

RAINY DAY

Outdoor Activites Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the rain chase you away! Head outdoors with your kids to enjoy the streams and puddles with these fun ideas.

Make boats out of sticks and leaves (or just plain paper) and float them down a creek or gutter. Set up races! Paint with mud. Grab paintbrushes, bowls and different shades of mud. Use your driveway and sidewalk as your canvas. Search for animals that love wet weather such as frogs, ducks, worms and snails. Make rain rhythms! Bring out a variety of pots and pans from the kitchen and listen to different sounds as the rain falls. Bake mud pies. Collect rocks, leaves, and sticks as your decorations and fill up a pie plate with mud. Build a dam by a running rain stream with stones, rocks, and mud. See which material works the best. Observe how the rain enhances your artwork! Use markers on paper and set it outside in the rain. Take a nature hike. Put on your boots and raincoat and grab an umbrella. Go to your favorite nearby park to see how the rain changes the area. Build an imaginative world for your kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favorite characters. Grab that bucket of plastic dinosaurs and make a prehistoric realm for them! And, of course, jump in the puddles!

GRKIDS.COM

PLAN AHEAD

THINGS TO Book NOW FOR

Summer Fun

Summer fun is just around the corner. Have you started planning? Make these eight summer reservations now if you want to rock your summer.

Child Care

Summer Camp

Getting a head start on summer child care arrangements pays dividends once the weather warms up. Book summer camps, sitters, nannies, or other options as soon as you can. Popular options fill up fast.

Many camps sell out, so check out our Summer Camp Guide on page 24 and start making plans.

Outdoor Swim Lessons Swim lessons are a must in our lake-filled area and registration at many GRKIDS top-rated places fill up quickly.

Driver’s Training With more time to get those road hours in, summer is the perfect season to book driver’s training.

Boat Rentals Many vacation destinations in Michigan offer day or weeklong rentals. Book far in advance if you’re targeting a popular time like the 4th of July.

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

Pet Boarding Vacation isn't as much fun if you forget to sign Fluffy up for doggie (or kitty) lodging. Be sure to schedule boarding now so you can breathe easy once July rolls around.

Hot Tickets Meijer Gardens features some of the hottest musicians in town! Tickets go on sale sometime in spring so keep your eye out.

Campsites, RVs, Hotels, Flights, Cottage and Car Rentals Book those vacation rentals, flights, hotel rooms, RV rentals, and anything else you think you might need ASAP. Little things done now ward off disappointments come summer.

ROAD TRIP Hacks Hitting the highway this spring break? Here are our favorite ways to help your road trip go smoothly.

Pack in laundry baskets

Laundry baskets keep clothes neat and visible. Bonus: at the end of your trip, sort your dirty clothes into one and clean clothes into another!

Gather games, activities and lap desks

Stock up on coloring books, stickers and crayons for littles. Print out crosswords and Road Trip Bingo sheets for bigger kids. Lap desks are perfect for activities and homework.

Pack a cooler with easy to eat fresh food Beat the gas station sugar rush and go healthy with bananas, apples, premade sandwiches, yogurt and water. (Bonus - it's also easier on the wallet!)

Borrow an audio book from the library

Let someone else tell you a story while you drive. Borrow a book on CD from the library, or download an audio book to your phone using your library card. Some favorites are Stuart Little, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the Harry Potter series.

Make a grab-and-go bag

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re breaking up your drive with a stop at a hotel, bring a separate bag that is easy to grab. Include a change of clothes for everyone and essential toiletries. That way you won't need to unpack the whole car.

GRKIDS.COM

LET’S GO OUT

KIDS EAT Free (or Cheap) For more kids eat free or cheap offers, go to grkids.com/kids-eat-free-or-cheap. MONDAY Big E’s Bar & Grill | Minion Monday: Kids eat free with purchase of adult entrée; two kids per one adult. The Blue Moose Sports Pub | Kid’s Meals only $2.50 when you dine in. Fuji Buffet Grill | All day, kids eat buffet for $2.99 with purchase of adult buffet. Limit two children per adult. Main Street Pub (Allendale and Wyoming) | Kids eat free. Social Kitchen and Bar | Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree.

TUESDAY Applebee’s | Kids eat for $1.99 or $2.99 (based on menu choice). Crust 54 (S. Washington location only) | Dine in from 11 AM – 8 PM, purchase any 9” or larger pizza at menu price, and receive a free 5” thin crust 1 topping kids pizza for each child 8 and under. IHOP (Cascade, Comstock Park, Grandville) | Kids eat free from 4 – 10 PM. One kid per one adult. Peppino’s Sports Grille (Kentwood) | One free kids meal with the purchase of each adult entrée; 4 - 10 PM. Pizza Ranch | One child 10 & under eats free per paying adult from 4 - 8 PM.

WEDNESDAY Bagger Dave’s | Kids 12 and under eat for only $2.95 when you dine in. Buffalo Wild Wings (All 5 greater Grand Rapids locations) | Kids eat for only $2.49 when you dine in. Logan’s Roadhouse | For guests 12 and under; one kids meal per adult entrée purchase. Rise Pies | Free kids pizza with adult pizza or salad purchase. Uccello’s | Kids eat free with adult purchase. 18

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

LET’S GO OUT THURSDAY Crust 54 (S. Washington location only) | Dine in from 11 AM – 8 PM, purchase any 9” or larger pizza at menu price, and receive a free 5” thin crust 1 topping kids pizza for each child 8 and under. Fuji Buffet Grill | All day, kids eat buffet for $2.99 with purchase of adult buffet. Limit two children per adult. Maxine’s Family Restaurant | One free kids meal for every adult meal purchased 3 - 8 PM. Rainbow Grill (Hudsonville and Grandville) | $1.00 Kids meals on Thursdays for kids 10 and under from 4 - 9 PM. Russ’ | Kids eat for $2.49 every night. For children 10 and under with purchase of an Adult Meal.

FRIDAY Maxine’s Family Restaurant | One free kids meal for every adult meal purchased 3 - 8 PM. Russ’ | Kids eat for $2.49 every night. For children 10 and under with purchase of an Adult Meal. Social Kitchen and Bar | Kids eat free with purchase of an adult entree.

SATURDAY Cheshire Kitchen | From 4 – 8 PM kids eat free; one child per one adult. Russ’ | Kids eat for $2.49 every night. For children 10 and under with purchase of an Adult Meal. Steak ‘n Shake | For every $9.00 spent receive one free kids plate, dine in only, for kids 12 and under. Excludes drinks and shakes.

SUNDAY Boardwalk Subs | One free kids meal with one paid 15” sub meal; dine in only. Brann’s | Kids 10 and under eat for $1.50 from 5 - 8 PM. Derby Station | Kids eat free 3 – 8 PM. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit | One kids meal with $10 purchase per adult; dine in only. Firehouse Subs (Alpine) | Two free kids meals with purchase of adult entree. Village Inn Pizza (Grand Rapids) | Kids eat free with purchase of an adult entree. Kids must be 10 or younger and order from the kids menu.

These offers change often so please verify with the restaurant before you go!

See more kids eat free offers online

at GRKIDS.COM/KIDS-EAT-FREE-OR-CHEAP

GRKIDS.COM

Grandville Pediatrics

Good Health Starts Early

2019 GRAND RAPIDS

KIDS

TOP CARE PROVIDER

Jenna Sargent, CPNP Emily Rusticus, CFNP Jeffrey Mantia, MD Abigail Lamar, CPNP

2845 44th St. SW Suite 200, Grandville, MI 49418

(616) 538-2410 | grandvillepediatrics.com 20

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

CHOO! CHOO!

Taking the Train TO CHICAGO Chicago is just a hop, skip and a jump away! Taking the train to the Windy City is a popular option, but how does it work?

AMT R A K

S OUTH SHORE LINE

amtrak.com

mysouthshoreline.com

Pere Marquette Line

Commuter Train

Leave s Fro m: Board at any of these stations: Grand Rapids, Holland, Bangor, St Joe, New Buffalo, Kalamazoo, Dowagiac, Niles or Michigan City, Indiana

Le ave s From: 19 stations from South Bend to Chicago. Most Michiganders choose Michigan City

C ost: Around $10

Cost: Starting at

one way from Michigan City

$35/person from Grand Rapids

Wh ere do yo u g et oﬀ? Chicago’s Union

Station on Canal Street What’s Nea rby? Just

3 blocks from the “L” you are also within walking distance of many restaurants and hotels. Millennium Park is less than 2 miles to the east.

FOOD HOTELS

W h e re d o you g et oﬀ ? With

several great stops to explore from, a popular option is Millennium Station, with Millennium Park nearby, or the Museum Campus, where you can walk to the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.

FOOD HOTELS

W h at’s Nearby ?

Either stop leaves you just south of the Magnificent Mile. GRKIDS.COM

SAY CHEESE!

Family Photographers

to b o o k fo r yo u r next m i ni - se ssi o n

Photo 3.25”w x 1.5”h

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

Carrie Anne Photography

Jules K Photography

Katie Cook Photography Evermore Studios GRKIDS.COM

BRING ON THE FUN

SUMMER CAMP

Finder

Make this the best summer yet for your kids! Our Summer Camp Finder is full of options for an active, exciting summer! Adventure seekers, performers, athletes, animal lovers and more will find a place just for them. Begin your search here to find a great camp for your child and continue your search online at grkids.com/grand-rapidssummer-camp-guide!

Join the fun at

Kids Rock Summer Camp

SPORTS, THEMES, FINE ARTS AND MORE! kidsrocksummercamp.com

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

SUMMER CAMP FINDER

Cornerstone

Downtown Market

GRKIDS.COM

SUMMER CAMP FINDER

Summer Day Camp

blandfordnaturecenter.org

616-735-6240

THE BEST WEEK OF SUMMER STARTS AT SPRINGHILL

Five days of adventure await! Sign up for Day Camp, Overnight Camp, or Family Camp!

Learn more at springhillcamps.com

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

SUMMER CAMP FINDER

Laser Tag

Battle Royale!

UPCOMING eVENT dAYS & tIMES ONLINE! vISIT: WWW.BATTLEGR.COM WRISTBAND DAYS & OPEN pLAY tOO! Great for ages 8+!

(616) 345-0698

Kent Career Summer Camps

GRKIDS.COM

GET OUTTA DODGE

ASK A Travel

Agent

Want to get out of town and don’t know where to start? Maybe working with a travel agent is the way to go. We asked four local agencies to give us the scoop on working with a travel agent. 1. What is it like working with a travel agent? Working with a travel agent is a great way to have an expert do all of the work for you. Clients can call, email or stop in our office. We’ll get their ideas and budget, then we can give them our input on the best places to go for their family. For Disney, working with a travel agent is much like having an assistant. There are many hours involved in planning dining, fast-passes, theme park tickets, setting up Magical Express, ordering MagicBands, etc. It’s EASY to work with a travel agent! You tell us what your dream vacation looks like, and then we will take it from there. We will ask you questions about your travel preferences and make sure we are matching the vacation to your family's needs. We want to make sure the details are covered and the whole experience exceeds your expectations!

2. What’s your specialty? We specialize in cruise vacations, but we can help clients with any type of leisure travel, including vacations by rail, large or small group tours, resorts, and hotels. We specialize in Mexico, Caribbean, Hawaii & Disney. We do handle all travel destinations. I specialize in Disney travel: Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, or Walt Disney World. We specialize in the world!

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

ASK A Travel

Agent cont.

3. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your fee? It typically does not cost you any more to work with a travel agent. However, there are occasions where we do charge a fee, and the amount can vary depending on what you are looking for. Our services are free to our clients! Our fees are $30 per person for Domestic Travel including US, Mexico, Caribbean and $50 per person for International Travel and Cruises. There is no fee to use me as your travel agent, as long as you stay on Disney property. I will most likely save you money by applying discounts.

4. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing you want people to know about working with you? I will never push you into spending more for a higher value resort or additional amenities. I will be your biggest advocate, and have a vested interest that you have a fantastic trip. We are here to work for you, and to make sure that your dream vacation is memorable for all the right reasons! We truly want you to get the best value possible. Everyone on our team loves what they do! People work hard so they can have great vacation experiences with their families and friends, and we get to help them make these dreams come true! We are there for the clients from the planning of their trip till they get back home including any issues that might arise during travel.

Larry Nelson, Owner Aspen Travel 616-785-961

Jamie Bird, Disney Travel Specialist Dream a Little Dream Travel 909-528-8724

Shelley Kohtz, Manager Witte Travel and Tours 616-942-5112

Eric Sattler, Franchise Owner Expedia Cruise Ship Centers 616-214-8995

GRKIDS.COM

SPRINGTIME FUN

SPRING FREEBIES

for Families There’s nothing like warmer weather to inspire us to get out and explore! Check out our favorite free activities for spring. Explore art at the Grand Rapids Art Museum on Tuesdays all day, and on Thursdays from 5-9 PM. Pre-crawlers and pre-walkers can enjoy tummy time at Grand Rapids Gymnastics every Tuesday. Go roller skating! The Kentwood Fun Spot and Byron Fun Spot participate in “Kids Skate Free” all year long. Bring your own skates or pay a small fee to rent them. Build something at the Home Depot’s Kids Workshops. The events are free, but pre-registration is required (and they fill up fast). Observe the stars at the Carr-Fles Planetarium, open Tuesdays and Thursdays through June. Walk the catwalk at the Kent County Recycling and Education Center and see what happens to your bottles, cans, jars and paper after they leave your house! Open every Monday from 1-5 PM to all ages. Pack a picnic and watch planes land and take off at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Viewing Area. *Conﬁrm with the venue before heading out schedules change without notice.

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2019

Experience the Meyer May House, a meticulously restored Frank Lloyd Wright prairie house, complete with original furnishings. Little ones can join in STEAM activities at the Lakeshore Museum Center for their Play and Learn Program. First and third Wednesday of every month. Enjoy Teen Gaming at the Herrick District Main Library Branch in Holland every Thursday.

#AD

3 REASONS PARENTS LOVE AND USE DIRECT YOUR LABELS For every 500 UPCs collected, Spartan Nashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Our Family brand will send your non-profit organization a check for $25. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 GRKIDS.COM

Childhood memories that will last a lifetime! Swing into Spring Specials going on now!

5668 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321 616-785-7383 | backyardfunzone.com backyardfunzone@gmail.com Follow Us on