With Kids in Grand Rapids, MI

Family-friendly places and activities for all ages.

Places for with kids

John Ball Zoo
4.6(13,692)· Google4.6 out of 5 from 13692 reviews (Google rating)
Zoo
John Ball Zoo is a seasonal attraction at 1300 Fulton St W in Grand Rapids, MI, home to more than 2,000 animals. Its offerings include a funicular ride, penguin and parakeet feeding, tours, and a petting zoo. Children are welcome, with kid-friendly activities, a play area, and discounts for kids. The zoo is also listed as a place for children’s birthday outings. A café and gift shop are available on site. Getting tickets ahead is recommended. The zoo has wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating, along with a unisex restroom. Parking options include on-site parking and both free and paid lot and street parking. Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are accepted. The zoo welcomes LGBTQ visitors and holds a Google rating of 4.6 from 13,692 reviews.
Riverside Park
4.6(3,394)· Google4.6 out of 5 from 3394 reviews (Google rating)
Park
Riverside Park, at 2001 Monroe Ave NE in Grand Rapids, MI, brings together trails, water activities and outdoor recreation. Although listed in the golf course category, its description specifically identifies disc golf alongside hiking, biking and bird-watching. Fishing, kayaking and winter sports are also listed. Nature trails and cycling lanes provide options for exploring the park, while picnic tables and barbecue grills support a meal outdoors. The park welcomes children and dogs, with kid-friendly hikes and a play area that includes slides and swings. A baseball field adds another recreation option, and the park is listed as suitable for children’s birthday gatherings. Practical amenities include public restrooms, a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking. Parking options include free lot parking, free street parking and paid lot parking. Riverside Park has a Google rating of 4.6 from 3,394 reviews.
The Pyramid Scheme
4.6(2,175)· Google4.6 out of 5 from 2175 reviews (Google rating)
Video arcade
The Pyramid Scheme at 68 Commerce Ave SW in Grand Rapids, MI combines a laid-back bar with pinball machines and a live rock venue in the back. Its kitschy setting has a casual, lively feel, with arcade games, bar games, live music and other live performances among its main features. Dancing is also part of the offerings. The venue is listed as suitable for groups and popular with tourists, and it holds a 4.6 Google rating from 2,175 reviews. The bar serves beer, cocktails, wine and liquor, along with food and happy-hour drinks. Dine-in service is available, but table service, reservations and delivery are not. For visitors planning a trip, paid garage, lot and street parking are listed. Accessibility features include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking and restroom. Credit cards, debit cards and NFC mobile payments are accepted.
Fish Ladder Park
4.4(1,521)· Google4.4 out of 5 from 1521 reviews (Google rating)
Park
Fish Ladder Park, at 606 Front Ave NW in Grand Rapids, MI, is an attraction centered on watching fish migrate through a special ladder. The fish ladder gives the park its name and its primary focus, while separate areas provide space for fishing in the river. These are distinct uses of the park: visitors can come to watch migrating fish or use the designated river-fishing areas. The park has a Google rating of 4.4 from 1,521 reviews. The park welcomes children and dogs and is suitable for picnics. Public restrooms are available, along with free parking in a lot and on the street. A wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking are also listed among its features. For visitors planning a stop, the available facilities support more than fish watching alone, with picnic space and separate fishing areas rounding out the park’s uses.
Frosty Boy Grand Rapids
4.7(1,175)· Google4.7 out of 5 from 1175 reviews (Google rating)
Ice Cream
Frosty Boy Grand Rapids is a women-owned small business and ice cream shop at 1757 Plainfield Ave NE in Grand Rapids, MI. It offers takeout rather than dine-in or table service, with a casual atmosphere suited to solo visits and groups. Children are welcome, and dogs are allowed outside. The shop has a 4.7-star Google rating from 1,175 reviews, though the supplied information does not identify specific menu items. Timing matters when planning a visit: the shop says its last call for orders can fall 15–30 minutes before closing so staff can work through long lines and finish on time. The entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible, and on-site parking is available. Listed parking options include both free and paid lot and street parking. Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are accepted. There is no restroom or delivery service, details worth keeping in mind before heading over.
Kid to Kid Kentwood
4.7(1,106)· Google4.7 out of 5 from 1106 reviews (Google rating)
Children's clothing store
Kid to Kid Kentwood is a children’s consignment shop at 3110 28th St SE in Grand Rapids, MI. Part of a consignment chain, it carries used apparel, shoes, gear and toys for babies and children. The selection spans clothing and other children’s items rather than focusing on apparel alone. Its Google listing has a 4.7-star rating from 1,106 reviews. The women-owned business offers in-store shopping and onsite services, with no delivery option listed. It is identified as suitable for a quick visit and accepts credit cards, debit cards and NFC mobile payments. Accessibility features include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking and restroom. A restroom is available for shoppers, and the business identifies itself as LGBTQ-welcoming and a transgender safe space. These listed facilities and payment options provide practical details for planning an in-person stop.
AMF Eastbrook Lanes
4.1(1,102)· Google4.1 out of 5 from 1102 reviews (Google rating)
Bowling alley
AMF Eastbrook Lanes is a bowling alley at 3500 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE in Grand Rapids, MI. Part of a long-standing bowling chain, it offers league bowling and party events alongside casual food and pitchers. Walk-ins are accepted, and services are provided on site. Its Google listing has a 4.1 rating from 1,102 reviews, giving readers a sense of the volume of feedback available about the business. The alley lists kid-friendly activities and is identified as suitable for children’s birthday parties. It also lists an LGBTQ-welcoming environment and identifies itself as a transgender safe space. Practical features include a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking, with both free lot parking and free street parking available. Payment options include credit cards, debit cards and NFC mobile payments. These listed amenities cover several useful planning details for a bowling visit or group event.
Huff Park
4.7(1,020)· Google4.7 out of 5 from 1020 reviews (Google rating)
Park
Huff Park is a city park at 2399 Ball Ave NE in Grand Rapids, MI, with a wetlands boardwalk trail, a playground, and a baseball field. Interpretive signs line the boardwalk, adding an educational element to a walk through the wetlands. Hiking is among the park’s listed activities, including kid-friendly hikes, and dogs are welcome. The playground includes swings and slides, giving children another option alongside the trails and ball field. For picnics and group outings, Huff Park has picnic tables, a barbecue grill, and public restrooms. It is also listed as suitable for children’s birthday gatherings. Accessibility features include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, and seating. Both free and paid parking are listed among its amenities. Together, the trail, play equipment, sports field, and picnic facilities support several different uses within one park.
Clique Lanes
4.6(718)· Google4.6 out of 5 from 718 reviews (Google rating)
Bowling alley
Clique Lanes is a bowling alley at 533 Stocking Ave NW in Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Bowling is the main activity, and food is available on site. The business is listed as suitable for children’s birthday parties, making that a specific use to keep in mind when considering the venue. Its Google listing has a 4.6-star rating from 718 reviews, though the supplied information does not include individual reviewers’ comments. Practical details include both free parking in a lot and free street parking. A wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking are also listed. For payment, Clique Lanes accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. The available information does not specify prices, hours, food selections, or birthday-party arrangements, so those details remain outside this overview.
Too Tall's - Sweet Treats & Savory Eats
4.7(669)· Google4.7 out of 5 from 669 reviews (Google rating)
Ice Cream
Too Tall's - Sweet Treats & Savory Eats is an independently owned and locally operated ice cream shop at 2963 Coit Ave NE in Grand Rapids, MI, minutes from Riverpark. The women-owned small business serves soft-serve ice cream and other ice cream treats alongside freshly ground steak burgers. Its craft smokehouse barbecue menu is available Friday through Sunday, giving the savory side of the menu a specific weekend schedule. The shop has a Google rating of 4.7 from 669 reviews. The setting is casual, with seating and options for takeout and delivery, but no table service. It welcomes children and accommodates groups as well as solo diners and quick visits. Dogs are allowed outside. Free parking is available in a lot and on the street, and both the entrance and designated parking are wheelchair accessible. There is no restroom or wheelchair-accessible seating listed. Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are accepted.
Furniture City Creamery
4.5(667)· Google4.5 out of 5 from 667 reviews (Google rating)
Ice Cream
Furniture City Creamery is an ice cream shop at 958 Cherry St SE in Grand Rapids, MI, making housemade ice cream with locally sourced ingredients and creative flavors. The shop is described as snug and quaint, with a casual, cozy atmosphere and a patio. Dogs are allowed outside. Its price level is listed as 1, and its Google rating is 4.5 stars from 667 reviews. The shop accommodates quick visits, solo customers, groups, and children. Customers can shop in person or use takeout, in-store pickup, and delivery; table service is not offered. A wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking are listed among its accessibility features. Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile NFC payments are accepted. The small-shop setting and outdoor patio are defining features, alongside the focus on ice cream made in-house.
Woody's Cone Stop
4.3(649)· Google4.3 out of 5 from 649 reviews (Google rating)
Ice Cream
Woody's Cone Stop is an ice cream shop at 700 28th St SE in Grand Rapids, MI. It has a casual atmosphere and a price level of 1, placing it in the lowest listed price tier. Its Google rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 649 reviews. The shop is listed as recently popular and suitable for solo visits, groups, and children. Drive-through and takeout service are available, while dine-in service, table service, and delivery are not offered. Dogs are allowed outside. Accessibility features include a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking. The shop accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. There is no restroom, a practical detail to keep in mind when planning a stop with children or a group.
Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate
4.7(527)· Google4.7 out of 5 from 527 reviews (Google rating)
Ice Cream
Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate is an artisan ice cream shop at 435 Ionia Ave SW, Suite 106, in Grand Rapids, MI. The shop crafts ice cream, vegan gelato and other sweets, and also serves coffee. Its surroundings are described as modern-looking, with a casual, hip atmosphere. Dine-in and takeout are available, so visitors can stay at the shop or take their order with them. The shop welcomes families, children, groups and LGBTQ customers, and is also listed as suitable for solo visits and quick stops. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a restroom and a private dining room. Wheelchair-accessible features include the entrance, parking, restroom and seating; a hearing loop and table service are not available. For off-site orders, Love's offers in-store pickup, curbside pickup, delivery and no-contact delivery. Credit cards, debit cards and mobile NFC payments are accepted. Its Google rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 527 reviews.
Dairy Queen (Treat)
4.3(518)· Google4.3 out of 5 from 518 reviews (Google rating)
Ice Cream
Dairy Queen (Treat) is an ice cream shop at 1138 Walker Ave NW in Grand Rapids, MI. Soft-serve ice cream and signature shakes are the menu focus identified in its description. The business has a 4.3-star Google rating from 518 reviews and is listed at price level 1. Its atmosphere is described as casual, with attributes noting that it welcomes families, children, groups, and solo visitors. Delivery, takeout, and in-store pickup are available. Seating is listed, but dine-in and table service are not, so visitors should distinguish between having seats and offering sit-down service. There is no restroom listed. Access features include a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking, along with free lot and street parking and on-site parking. Credit and debit cards are accepted. The business identifies as women-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and a small business; it also lists itself as LGBTQ-welcoming and a transgender safe space.
Northfield Lanes
4.4(491)· Google4.4 out of 5 from 491 reviews (Google rating)
Bowling alley
Northfield Lanes is a bowling alley at 2222 Plainfield Ave NE in Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Along with bowling, the business serves food and is listed as suitable for children’s birthday parties. Its Google rating is 4.4 out of 5, based on 491 reviews. These details identify bowling, food, and children’s celebrations as the main features of the available listing, though specific food options and birthday arrangements are not provided. The listed accessibility features include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, restroom, and seating. For payment, Northfield Lanes accepts credit cards, debit cards, and mobile NFC payments. No price level is provided, so the listing does not establish the cost of bowling or food. The available information also does not specify hours or reservation requirements.
Insomnia Cookies
3.5(350)· Google3.5 out of 5 from 350 reviews (Google rating)
Ice Cream
Insomnia Cookies is a dessert spot at 44 Ionia Ave SW in Grand Rapids, MI, part of a bakery chain known for warm cookies, ice cream, and late-night deliveries. Those offerings define its focus: cookies and ice cream, with delivery available alongside takeout and onsite services. The listing identifies it as suitable for a quick visit, and debit cards are accepted. Practical details are worth checking before choosing how to order. The listed price level is 2, though no individual item prices are provided. A restroom is not available, and the listed accessibility information indicates no wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, or seating, and no hearing loop. On Google, the business has a 3.5-star rating from 350 reviews. For readers comparing dessert options in Grand Rapids, MI, the clearest distinctions are its warm-cookie focus, ice cream, and late-night delivery service.
The Pump House Frozen Yogurt Bar - Knapps Corner
4.7(335)· Google4.7 out of 5 from 335 reviews (Google rating)
Ice Cream
The Pump House Frozen Yogurt Bar - Knapps Corner is an ice cream shop at 2090 Celebration Dr NE #120 in Grand Rapids, MI. Its modern-day soda shop concept includes frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbet and custard, with 100 toppings. Benches made from 100-year-old Michigan barn wood give the setting a connection to the past. The business describes its space as a gathering spot for neighbors and families, including birthday celebrations. The women-owned shop offers dine-in and takeout service, but not delivery, and is listed as suitable for a quick visit. Amenities include Wi-Fi and a restroom, with wheelchair-accessible parking, an entrance, seating and a restroom. Credit cards, debit cards and NFC mobile payments are accepted. Its listed price level is 1, and its Google rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 335 reviews.
Wengers Bowling Center
4.6(325)· Google4.6 out of 5 from 325 reviews (Google rating)
Bowling alley
Wengers Bowling Center is a bowling alley at 629 Leonard St NW in Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Bowling is its primary activity, and food is available on site. The supplied listing does not identify menu items or prices, so it provides only a general picture of the food offering. Wengers has a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 325 reviews; that score reflects the listed customer ratings rather than an independent editorial assessment. For practical planning, Wengers accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. Wheelchair-accessible parking is listed, but a wheelchair-accessible entrance is not available according to the supplied accessibility information. That distinction is important for visitors who need step-free entry: the parking provision should not be taken to mean the entrance is accessible.