GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2020

GRAND RAPIDS

SPRING 2020

VOL 9

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

Summer Camp FINDER

n a g i h Mic RPARK

on page 22

Cover image: Camp Curious @GRPM

TE WA UNDUP RO 7

E1 PAG

SPRING BREAK

ideas galore

Kids Eat FREE THE LIST PAGE 14

page 8

GRAND RAPIDS

KIDS

P U BLI C AT I ON

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(616) 455-1301

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

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Rockford

(616) 884-5812

170 Marcell Dr N.E. - Rockford, MI

Welcome

...to the Spring and Summer Planning edition of the Grand Rapids Family Fun Guide! Use this issue to...

Book a Summer Camp Find the camp of your kid’s dreams with our huge Summer Camp Directory. Nurture their passions with a camp they’ll love.

Snag a Bargain Try your hand at thrifting with our list of favorite local shops and tips on how to maximize your hunting time.

Jazz up Date Night Connect with your significant other on one of our Adventurous Date Nights, or if you can’t book a babysitter, visit one of the locations on our Kids Eat Free restaurant list!

Plan for Spring Break Try one of our Spring Break Activities in GR or for some splashy fun, pick a pool from the Indoor Water Park Map. Bring on Spring!

Head outside and enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of the Michigan winter melt.

Team GRKIDS Melody VanderWeide Publisher

April Hunt Content Editor

Leanne Hendrikse Content Manager

Christie Tidd Graphic Designer

Stephanie Sneller 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. ©2020 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

Holland Aquatic Center

SO MUCH Good

Stuff PACKED IN HERE!

Adventurous Grand Rapids Date Nights | 6 Things to do in GR over Spring Break | 8 Spring Break in Indy | 10 Where to Find Easter Egg Hunts and More | 13 Kids Eat Free (or Cheap) | 14 What’s New at Grand Rapids City Parks | 16 Indoor Waterparks around Michigan | 17 Bridge Walk for Autism | 21 Summer Camp Finder | 22 Thrifting Hot Spots | 28 Goldfish Swim School Water Safety Tips | 30

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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2020

GRKIDS.COM

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10 RIDICULOUSLY ADVENTUROUS

GRAND RAPIDS DATE NIGHTS

You Have to Try

Don’t get stuck in a date night rut.

Whether you’re going on your first or your 841st date, there are plenty of places around town to get your heart rate elevated with physical tasks or mind-bending thrills.

When you’re ready to upgrade from Netflix, here are some surefire ways to make an outing with your sweetie an adventure.

AXE THROW @ FLANNELJAX’S Go medieval with a round of axe throwing. Challenge each other to rounds of Four Corners, 305/501, Cricket and more as you lob hatchets. Pricing starts at $25/person for one hour of wood-splitting fun.

ESCAPE @ THE RUSE

Race against time collecting clues and solving puzzles in either The Inventor’s Guild room or The Trophy Room.

Entry to either is $30/person. Or take your sleuthing skills 601 LAKE MICHIGAN DR, GRAND RAPIDS to the streets with an outdoor option called The Circle.

The complete journey will take about three hours to cover three miles of downtown GR for $30/person.

25 DIVISION AVE S, SUITE 125, GRAND RAPIDS

LUGE @ THE MUSKEGON WINTER SPORTS COMPLEX Melt your ice queen’s heart with a race down an 850 foot track with six curves and speeds up to 30mph. In addition to the luge, trek along the longest lit cross-country skiing trail in the Midwest or skate a quarter mile ice trail through the woods.

462 N SCENIC DR, MUSKEGON

GO KART @ GRAND RAPIDS GRAND PRIX This massive multi-level track puts you behind the wheel of a kart Mario would be jealous of (even without red shells). Helmets and closed toe shoes are required. Races start every 10 minutes and typically last 6-7 minutes.

Packages are 1-race/$18, 3-races/$45, or 8-races/$100.

8455 BYRON COMMERCE DR SW, BYRON CENTER 6

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2020

CLIMB @ INSIDE MOVES With a large bouldering area as well as top-rope and lead climbing options, the team at Inside Moves will have you challenging yourself to reach new limits. Try a beginner’s package consisting of a lesson, an all-day pass, and your shoe, harness and belay device rentals for $30. Or go a la carte with day passes starting at $13.

639 76TH ST SW # 1, BYRON CENTER

FOWL @ FOWLING WAREHOUSE Combine all the best parts of bowling, cornhole, and football to get fowling. Fowling is a unique sport where you spiral your football at your opponent’s pins, trying to knock them down before they knock down yours. Open play starts at $10/person.

SWING DANCE WITH GRAND RAPIDS ORIGINAL SWINGING SOCIETY @ MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Join in on the beat with these weekly dance gatherings around the city. On Tuesdays, dance at the GR Public Museum or Ladies Literary Club, and on Wednesdays at Calvin University. Check their website for the latest list of gatherings.

GOLF @ X-GOLF No matter the weather, you can hit the virtual links at X-Golf. X-Golf has six simulators and food service. Rates range from $35-$55/hour depending on your tee time.

Expect two hours for two golfers to complete 18 holes.

5761 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS

6797 CASCADE RD SE, GRAND RAPIDS

EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL REALITY @ AMPED REALITY VR

SHOOT ARROWS @ WEST MICHIGAN ARCHERY CENTER

Immerse yourself into favorite games and otherworldly realms at Amped Reality VR. Whether you want to take a stroll through Paris, or get up close to Blue the raptor, there is a wide assortment of games and experiences to choose from. You can even enter into the same world together with multiplayer options. Station rentals start at $30/hr.

Try your hand at archery at their indoor range, or in warmer months take on their outdoor 3D course which will have you trekking through the forest and taking aim at over two dozen mapped out targets. Open shooting is $10/person, and equipment may be rented for an additional $10.

2923 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS

3500 10 MILE RD NE, ROCKFORD

6 THINGS TO DO in

GR over Spring Break

Stir up some fun in the city with a Spring Break staycation. Here are a few ideas to fill up the family calendar.

1

Butterflies are Blooming | Frederik Meijer Gardens 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids // Escape Michigan winter in the balmy 85° Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and be surrounded by more than 7,000 vibrant, tropical butterflies. March 1 - April 30. Entrance requires paid admission or annual membership.

2

Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens Calvin University // 1750 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids

Begin at the Bunker Interpretive Center to read a storybook, star in a puppet show and play a game of nature bingo. Finish the trip with a hike through the preserve. Open Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM.

3

45th Annual Gem & Mineral Show | Rogers Plaza Town Center // 972 28th St SW, Wyoming // This hidden gem of an

event includes fossils, rock identification, stone carvings, jewelry and demonstrations such as rock polishing. Stop by the Children’s Table for grab bags, mini rock collections and a Shark Tooth Hunt. Happening April 9 -11, 9:30 AM – 9 PM (until 7:00PM on Sat).

4

Spring Fling | Critter Barn // 9275 Adams St, Zeeland

5

Spring Break Skate | Tarry Hall Roller Rink 3330 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville // Groove to the lights and music at the

Meet the ducklings, chicks, bunnies, lambs, kids and calves of 2020! Critter Barn will be open Monday - Saturday from 10 AM - 7 PM. Visit the farm and enjoy the miracles of spring. You may hold, pet, cuddle and even run with the new babies.

roller rink. Open from 1:30 - 4:30 PM for spring break skating.

6

Grand Rapids Griffins Game | Van Andel Arena 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids // Cheer on the Griffins as they take on the Chicago Wolves on Friday, April 11.

For more Spring Break activities, visit

GRKIDS.COM/GRAND-RAPIDS-SPRING-BREAK-FUN-GUIDE 8

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2020

3707 Northridge Dr NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544

ith us!

Come jump w Group

Discounts Available!

616-784-5437

www.jesterscourt.com Play@JestersCourt.co

ROAD TRIP!

SPRING BREAK in

Indy

Just a four hour drive away, Indianapolis is a big city with terrific family attractions, but without the busy big city traffic. Plan a long weekend or spend Spring Break in Indy using this list:

STOP 1 Spend the Day at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

3000 N Meridian St

The World’s Largest Children’s Museum boasts five floors of fun with exhibits for various age groups and interests.

Discover Playscape for kids 5 and under, Treasures of the Earth, Dinosphere, All Aboard! and the outdoor Sports Legends with 12 sport experiences (closed in the winter).

And, don’t miss the two-story Chocolate Slide!

STOP 2 Explore 100 Acres Park at Indianapolis Museum of Art

4000 Michigan Rd

This gorgeous outdoor art sanctuary is 100 acres of natural beauty married to art that kids can climb. The park is open from dawn to dusk and features walking trails, a visitor’s pavilion with restrooms, and unique sculptures and artwork your kids will want to interact with.

STOP 3 Make Noise at Rhythm Discovery Center

110 W Washington St

At Rhythm Discovery Center kids can put their hands on a huge variety of professional instruments from around the world and through the ages. Little do they know they are learning as they pound out a beat or play in a drum circle.

STOP 4 Hunt for iconic Indy signs & other downtown adventures For a perfect way to capture your Indy memories, search for various spots with signs begging you to become the “I” in Indy. Complete your downtown tour with Monument Circle or the beautiful canal walk.

STOP 5 Watch Learning Take Off at Indiana State Museum

650 W Washington St

This museum draws visitors in an imaginative way, making understanding our universe interesting and accessible.

Check out exhibits on The Birth of the Earth, Ancient Seas, Natural Regions, Crossroads of America and more.

STOP 6 Meet sharks and Orangutans at Indianapolis Zoo

1200 W Washington St

Encounter dozens of fascinating animals at the zoo: tigers, polar bears, sea lions, walruses, zebras, rhinoceros, and SO many more. Feel smooth dogfish sharks in the world’s largest shark touch tank. Watch a dolphin show and then head below to glimpse the dolphins in the underwater viewing area. Another favorite is the International Orangutan Center, a huge exhibit with towers and canopies for the orangutans’ enjoyment.

STOP 7 Travel back to 1836 at Conner Prairie

13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers

Learn about pioneer life alongside your kids. Prairietown village is set up as if it were 1836. Every character in the town has a role to play and a house to live in or a place to work. Aside from village life, check out their petting farm, a Civil War area, a hot-air balloon and an indoor hands-on experimental center.

GRKIDS.COM

11

Book Brunch W IT H YOUR B UNNIES

this Easter

S U N D AY, A P R I L 1 2 , 2 0 2 0 VI S I T G RK I D S. C O M / EAST ERBR U N C H -G RAN D -RAPID S for t he f ull lis t o f G r an d R ap id s a nd Lak e s h o r e r e s t aur an t s ho s t in g E as t e r br un ch .

Gymnastics + Trampoline

For the Kidz has something for everyone!

We offer Girls recreational gymnastics, Trampoline and Tumbling, Ninja Kidz, Tae Kwon Do, Tumble Bug Preschool gymnastics, Kidz in Motion Educational Preschool, Competitive Teams, Birthday Parties, Field Trips, and Open Gyms. We have no registration fees, a flexible make-up schedule, and you can start anytime in our program.

1391 Gezon Parkway SW Wyoming, MI 49509

forthekidz.com

THE HUNT IS ON

WHERE TO FIND

Easter Egg Hunts

and More

Let the search begin! Collect Easter eggs at one of these nearby hunts.

Underwater Egg Hunt @ Holland Aquatic Center 550 Maple Ave, Holland | Saturday, April 11, 2020

Swim, search and dive for hundreds of Easter eggs in the pool, and redeem eggs for a goodie bag.

Easter Egg Hunt and Kids, Crafts & Critters @ Coopersville Farm Museum 375 Main St, Coopersville | Saturday, April 11, 2020 Make crafts, visit with farm animals and hunt for Easter eggs at the farm.

Easter with the Equest Bunny @ Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding 3777 Rector St NE, Rockford | Saturday, April 11, 2020

Participate in the egg hunt and then enjoy the day with face-painting, horse-drawn wagon rides, photos with the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, live music and meeting all kinds of therapy horses.

Kentwood Easter Egg Hunt @ Kentwood City Hall 4900 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood | Saturday, April 11, 2020 Join Kentwood’s annual Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn behind City Hall.

The Bunny Train - Coopersville & Marne Railway 311 Danforth St, Coopersville | Multiple Rides available on March 28-29, April 4-5, April 11

Ride through the springtime countryside with the Easter Bunny and her cast of wacky, musical pals. Toward the end of the journey, The Bunny and her friends will pass through the train cars with baskets of toys.

For more egg hunts and Easter events, visit GRKIDS.COM/EASTER

GRKIDS.COM

13

LET’S GO OUT

KIDS EAT Free (or Cheap) Take a night off of cooking without breaking the budget by visiting one of these restaurants with a kid's meal deal.

MONDAY B.C. Pizza | Kids 4 and under eat free off the daily lunch buffet from 11 AM – 2 PM. Kids aged 5–11 eat for $4.25. Both include a drink.

Big E’s Bar & Grill | Minion Monday: Kids eat free with purchase of adult entrée; two kids per one adult.

Fuji Buffet Grill | All day, kids eat from the buffet for $2.99 with purchase of adult buffet. Limit two children per adult.

Main Street Pub (Allendale and Wyoming) | Kids eat free.

TUESDAY Applebee’s | Kids eat for $1.99 or $2.99 (based on menu choice).

Bob Evans (Cascade and Gaines locations only) | Kids 12 and under can eat free with each paid adult meal from 4 PM till close.

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.

Logan’s Roadhouse | For guests 10 and under. One kids meal per adult entrée purchase.

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. Waverly Stone Gastropub | Kids eat for $1 (drink included). Gluten-free options available.

River North Public House | Kids eat free with purchase of an adult entrée.

14

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2020

LET’S GO OUT 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.

Rise Pies | Free kids pizza with adult pizza or salad purchase.

Uccello’s | Kids eat free with adult purchase.

THURSDAY Maxine’s Family Restaurant | One free kids meal for every adult meal purchased 3 - 8 PM. Rainbow Grill (Hudsonville and Grandville) | Kids 10 and under eat for $1.00 from 4 - 9 PM.

FRIDAY 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 entrée.

SATURDAY Cheshire Kitchen | From 4 – 7:30 PM kids eat free. One child per adult.

Steak ‘n Shake | For every $9 spent receive one free kid’s 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. 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.

Fuji Yama Japanese Steakhouse | Free kid’s meal with the purchase of two adult entrées.

Village Inn Pizza (Grand Rapids) | Kids eat free with purchase of an adult entrée. Kids must be 10 or younger and order from the kids menu.

*These offers change frequently; please verify with the restaurant before you go!

See more kids eat free offers online at GRKIDS.COM/KIDS-EAT-FREE-OR-CHEAPIN-GRAND-RAPIDS

GRKIDS.COM

15

SEE WHAT’S NEW AT

Grand Rapids City Parks THIS SPRING

Grab your crew and set off for one of these updated city parks. Recent park millage dollars have been hard at work and these places are ready for kids to PLAY.

Plaster Creek Family Park 2401 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids Explore the first nature-based playscape in the Grand Rapids park system with log tangles, log jams and hillside slides. All of the logs used are from trees cleared from local storms. Additionally, find an outdoor classroom for Burton Elementary and Middle School students, picnic areas, pathways and a rain garden.

Mackay Jaycee Park

Daytona Niles/Photographer

2531 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids This park’s improvements include upgrades to the playground, paths with outdoor exercise equipment and a revamped walking trail to the wooded area.

John Ball Zoo Accessible Playground Corner of Park Street SW and Valley Ave SW, Grand Rapids The zoo recently completed construction on a new, fully accessible playground including sensory features for the visually impaired.

Lookout Park 801 Fairview Ave NE, Grand Rapids Overlook downtown and the Grand River with new picnic areas, pathways and swinging benches.

Other GR parks improvement projects: Ottawa Hills universally accessible playground 2060 Oakfield Ave SE, Grand Rapids Huff Park Playground updated boardwalks 2399 Ball Ave NE, Grand Rapids Alger Park Splash Pad (opening May 2020) 921 Alger St SE, Grand Rapids

Daytona Niles/Photographer

INDOOR

Waterparks Ready for a taste of summer?

Spend a day (or a whole weekend) poolside at these exciting indoor water parks.

Indoor Water Parks within 1 HOUR of Grand Rapids 1. Gold Rush Waterpark at Double JJ Resort 5900 S Water Rd, Rothbury

This 60,000 square foot water park features West Michigan’s tallest indoor water slide, thrill slides, a lazy river, wave pool, water fort, toddler pool and water basketball.

Indoor Water Parks within 1 HOUR of Grand Rapids 2. Kroc Center

2500 S Division Ave, Grand Rapids Play water basketball, float the lazy river, splash in the toddler zone and fly down a 28foot water slide during Open Swim.

3. Holland Community Aquatic Center 550 Maple Ave, Holland

During Family Splash Time, find a zipline, splash zone, 150-foot water slide and floating obstacle course.

4. Spring Lake Community Fitness & Aquatic Center 16140 148th Ave, Spring Lake

Enjoy a 100-foot spiral water slide, rope bridge, lazy river, splash zone and zero entry pool in the 86° family pool.

Indoor Water Parks within 1-3 HOURS of Grand Rapids 5. Avalanche Bay

1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls Spend a weekend in their four pools, rip zone surf simulator, lazy river and iceberg obstacle course. Wanna really move? Race down the eight water slides.

6. Splash Universe

100 Whitetail Dr, Dundee Find excitement at the Water Adventure Tree House, water slides, lazy river, zero entry pool, family spa and adult hot springs.

7. Great Wolf Lodge

3575 N US 31 S, Traverse City Frolic in this 39,000 square foot indoor water park with eight water slides, a four story water tree house, zero entry pool, activity pool, kiddie slides, adult whirlpools and a lazy river.

8. Zehnder’s Splash Village 1365 S Main St, Frankenmuth

Zehnder’s two water parks have attractions everyone will enjoy. Try the lazy river, six story family raft water slide, super loop body slide, zero entry pool with water geysers and water basketball.

9. Soaring Eagle Waterpark 5665 E Pickard Rd, Mt Pleasant

Make waves in their indoor surfing attraction, 317 gallon mega dumping bucket, climbing wall, lazy river, hotsprings and three story water slide.

For our full list of Michigan Water Park Getaways,

VISIT GRKIDS.COM/INDOOR-WATER-PARK-MICHIGAN-MIDWEST

indoor waterparks

in Michigan

5

7

9

1

8 4 2 3 6

DR. STEPHANIE KLOOSTRA AND DR. KATIE SWANSON WERE VOTED TOP 10 DENTISTS BY GRKIDS READERS! As pediatric dental specialists, we know all children are unique, so our treatment approaches are tailored to each child. Both Dr. Katie and Dr. dentists with specialized training in child development and behavior enhancement.

Whether you’re scheduling your child’s new dental home, our dedicated team is excited to meet you and your child!

Contact us to schedule an appointment: 1.616.608.8898 | pdsofwestmi.com Follow us on:

20

/ pdsofwestmi

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2020

NURTURING HEALTHY SMILES TO LOVE FOR LIFE! “I stumbled upon this wonderful practice while looking for a second opinion for my children and I couldn’t be are comfortable and reassures every step of the visit. I no longer have to worry that my children grow up being anxious and fearful of the dentist thanks to these patient and caring dentists. I recommend their practice every chance I get. Especially with young children.” - Maria L

JOIN HOPE NETWORK ON APRIL 23 FOR THEIR 6TH ANNUAL

BLUE BRIDGE WALK

“

“

FOR AUTISM

We’re walking for inclusiveness. For the differently abled.

For the belief that everyone, everywhere, deserves a chance to be included.

APRIL 23, 2020 4-5PM (HANDING OUT T-SHIRTS) 5PM (WALK BEGINS)

BLUE BRIDGE

IN DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS After the walk, join Hope Network and the Grand Rapids Public Museum for a free sensory-friendly night for children with autism and their families.

The museum will adapt the sounds, lighting and activities of their current exhibits to create a low-sensory experience.

Hope Network’s comprehensive and individualized treatment empowers those with autism to reach their highest level of independence with significant improvements in learning, reasoning, communication and socialization.

Spots are limited and tickets are required for the museum event.

VISIT hopenetwork.org/events to RSVP

SUMMER CAMP FINDER

GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE SCHOOL OF THEATRE ARTS

Summer camp available for 4 years old through 12th grade!

G R C T . O R G

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GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2020

Summer Camps A-Z

Plan ahead with our Summer Camp Directory to find the summer camp of your kid’s dreams.

Academy of Art and Design 6159 28th St SE, Suite #9, Grand Rapids www.artndesign.net Adventure Point Day Camp 3213 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids www.adventurepoint.org Battle GR Tactical Games 4735 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Ste E, Grand Rapids www.battlegr.com Camp Henry 5575 S Gordon Ave, Newaygo www.camphenry.org Camp Newaygo 5333 S Centerline Rd, Newaygo www.campnewaygo.org Camp Roger and Camp Scottie 8356 Belding Rd NE, Rockford www.camproger.org Cranhill Ranch 14444 17 Mile Rd, Rodney www.cranhillranch.com Grand Rapids Civic Theatre 30 Division Ave N, Grand Rapids www.grct.org/summer-programs

Continued on page 26

GRKIDS.COM

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SUMMER CAMP FINDER

24

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2020

SUMMER CAMP FINDER

CAMPHENRY.ORG DAY CAMPS | MINI CAMPS WEEK-LONG CAMPS

Ages 5-17

GRKIDS.COM

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Summer Camps A-Z cont.

Grand Rapids Public Museum 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids www.grpm.org/campcurious Higher Ground at Lake Louise 10750 Stafford Rd, Boyne Falls www.highergroundatlakelouise.com John Ball Zoo 1300 W Fulton St, Grand Rapids www.jbzoo.org/kidsandfamily/camp/summer Kent Career Tech Center 1655 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids www.thetechcenter.org/programs/summer-camps Legacy Stables & Karin’s Horse Connection 8001 Patterson Ave SE, Caledonia www.karinshorses.com/legacy-stables/own-a-horse-camp Maple Hill Golf 5555 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville www.maplehillgolf.com Michigan Sports Academies 5449 28th St Ct SE, Grand Rapids www.michigansportsacademies.com/camps-and-clinics Northpointe Christian Schools Camp 3101 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids www.npchristian.org/athletics/camps.cfm Orchard Hill Christian Preschool and Child Care Center 1465 3 Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids www.orchardhillpreschool.com/programs/summer Therapy and Fun 2505 Ardmore St SE, Grand Rapids www.therapycenter.org/therapy-and-fun 26

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2020

SUMMER CAMP FINDER

Serving the North West Greater Grand Rapids area for over 37 years! Stop in and see how we can make your child’s experience “On the Hill” both impac�ul and worthwhile. The center is Na�onally Accredited by the NAEYC and has achieved four stars on the Quality Ra�ng System through the State of Michigan.

Return this coupon for

$50 off

your third month of tui�on at the center

1465 3 Mile Rd NW • Grand Rapids, MI 49544 • 616.784.4061

GRKIDS.COM

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ON THE HUNT

THRIFTING Hot

Spots

Bethany’s Thrift Store

Thrifting is a game for the bargain hunter. One day you’ll score big time and the next day you’ll leave empty handed, but the thrill of the hunt keeps us coming back for more. Local thrift store sales often support humanitarian efforts locally and worldwide. Use this list to see where your dollars go when you thrift at these spots in the city.

Bethany’s Thrift Store | 2820 29th St SE, Grand Rapids

A clean store with friendly staff and wonderful finds, including new and used furniture and a large selection of dinnerware sets.

Supports: Bethany Christian Services

Rustic Market | 389 68th St SE, Grand Rapids

Many treasures to discover with amusing sales like the “9 AM Temperature Sale," where they discount items based on the temperature at 9 AM that day. (50 degrees at 9 AM? It's 50% off day!)

Supports: Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Patient Assistance Fund

Salvation Army Family Store - Multiple Locations

With multiple locations including a massive two story store on Division, find a huge variety to choose from.

Supports: The Salvation Army

New to You | 2929 29th St SE, Grand Rapids

Super clean aisles + friendly staff = a well organized, easy to shop store. A fantastic dishware section and curated boutique section with name brand items are highlights.

Supports: Grand Rapids Christian Schools

Bibles for Missions Thrift Center | Multiple Locations

Well organized stores with quality furniture, a broad assortment of books and much more.

Supports: International Christian ministries that supply Bibles in native languages

Nice Twice | 2852 28th St SW, Grandville

Well organized, gently used items with weekly sales and a lovely boutique section.

Supports: Calvin Christian Schools 28

GRKIDS Family Fun Guide | Spring 2020

St. Vincent De Paul Resale Store | 1314 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids

Three stories of second hand finds with a vast furniture section on the top floor.

Supports: St. Vincent De Paul

Goodwill - Multiple Locations

With locations all over the city and items added throughout the day, Goodwill is always a place to find a bargain. Check out www.shopgoodwill.com to thrift from home.

Supports: Goodwill Industries

The One Stop Thrift Market | 3482 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids Gently used items at great prices in a clean and orderly store.

Supports: Christian ministries in Africa

New Life Thrift Store | 4339 Division Ave S, Wyoming

Find a boutique section of name brand clothing, a wide selection of furniture and a basement with all sorts of treasures.

Supports: South Suburban Christian Schools Bethany’s Thrift Store

Tips for Successful

Thrifting

- Shop out of season. Check out the winter coats in the summer and browse sleeveless dresses in the winter.

- Never look for one specific thing. The fun is in browsing! Looking for a specific thing will often leave you empty-handed.

- Buy ahead for children. Kids grow fast. When you find a quality piece, buy a few sizes up and store them.

- Shop all sizes. Shopping many different brands and styles at once means that in one brand you might be a small, and in another a large.

- Know your style. Knowing what shapes, styles and colors work for you will save you tons of time. Same goes for household goods.

- Give back. Remember to donate unused items and gently used clothing to your local thrift store.

GRKIDS.COM

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H2O SAFETY

Goldfish Swim School Water

Safety TIPS

With summer approaching, Goldfish Swim School is sharing their Water Safety Tips for a fun and safe time at the pool or lake.

Enroll Kids in Swim Lessons

Water safety is a yearlong job that requires practice to stay sharp.

Maintain Barriers

Make sure all areas of water have a barrier as a first line of defense from a water accident.

Designate a “Water Guardian”

Don’t take your eyes off a child near water. Even if there is a lifeguard on duty, the best person to watch over your kids is the parent and/or caregiver.

Use Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets Learn CPR

Be trained in CPR or have someone on hand who is.

Install Door and Pool Alarms

Install door and pool alarms that are in working order year-round.

Store Pool Toys out of Sight

Put pool toys away after swimming to deter unattended children from coming to the pool.

Take Lifeguard Courses

Encourage adolescents to become certified lifeguards. Look to your local Red Cross for courses.

Establish Water Rules

Some examples are: (1) do not get in the water without a parent present, (2) no running, (3) no diving head first, (4) no pushing or pulling on a fellow swimmer, (5) respect the water and remember to take breaks.

These layers of protection work together to protect young children from drowning. Yearround swim lessons are a great way to help your child gain and maintain water safety skills!

These tips are brought to you by Goldfish Swim School.

2845 Thornhills Ave, Ste S, Grand Rapids / (616) 275-3086

Goldfish Swim School is the premier learn-to-swim facility for kids ages 4 months to 12 years. We use our holistic philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay®, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment.

• NO SESSIONS! YEAR-ROUND LESSONS • 30-MINUTE WEEKLY LESSONS • FLEXIBLE CLASS TIMES • SMALL CLASS SIZES

GRAND RAPIDS | 616.259.0725 2845 Thornhills Avenue, Suite S goldfishswimschool.com |

Call TODAY to register!