14 Free Things to do in Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, Michigan is a bustling city with plenty of free activities and attractions to enjoy. There’s so much to do here, but if you’re visiting on a budget you might not know where to start. Here are just a few of the many things you can do in the city without spending a dime:
1. Take a walk or bike ride along the Grand River: The Grand River runs through the heart of Grand Rapids, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Take a stroll or bike ride along the river and take in the natural beauty of the area.
2. Walk across the blue bridge: the blue bridge is a pedestrian bridge over the Grand River that residents and tourists can’t seem to get enough of. While you’re walking along the Grand River you can stop here! People watching at the bridge can be fun, on weekends you’ll find plenty of bridal parties, and in the summer I’m sure you’ll find some senior photo sessions.
3. Explore the Grand Rapids Public Library: The Grand Rapids Public Library is a great place to take in some culture and learn something new. They have a wide variety of books, movies, and other media available for free borrowing, as well as free events and lectures.
4. Watch fishers at the fish ladder: Depending on the time of year you can watch a whole host of fishers wading at the fish ladder. You can park at fish ladder park, or find some street parking nearby and see if you can see some fish jumping.
5. Attend a free concert or event: Grand Rapids is home to a thriving music and arts scene. There are often free concerts, festivals, and other events happening in the city, so be sure to check the calendar and see what's happening while you're in town. A few notable festivals are Art Prize, Festival of the Arts, and GRand Jazz Fest.
6. Watch Planes fly in at Gerald R Ford International Airport: There’s a viewing area just south of the airport where you can watch planes fly in and out of the airport. With plenty of parking and picnic tables, this is a great way to enjoy sunsets over the airport, a snack with a friend, or an afternoon with your kids.
7. Walk around the Calder Plaza: View Alexander Calder’s grand sculpture, “La Grande Vitesse”. This is located just outside of City hall and is a great photo op. This is one of the top Grand Rapids landmarks and is a fun stop.
8. Take in a sunset at Lookout Park. Lookout park offers a wonderful view over the city and is a fun stop if you’re looking to watch a sunset. From here you get a view of the river, and Downtown GR while being a little outside of the city. Make sure you opt to park at the park, and do not take the largest staircase in the world up from Division unless you’re looking for an olympic proportioned workout.
9. Play Disc Golf at Riverside Park. Riverside park is a long park along the Grand River with playgrounds, ponds, a trail along the river, and a disc golf course! This is free as long as you bring a disc or two. If you didn’t, this is still a fun park to explore.
Depending on when you visit you might be able to take in some extra free attractions! Here are 5 more free activities for kids and adults if you time it right:
10. Visit the Grand Rapids Children's Museum: The Children's Museum is a great place to take kids to have fun and learn. It offers many interactive exhibits and activities, although adults need to pay, admission is free for children under one, or $1.75 with WIC.
11. Explore the Grand Rapids Public Museum: This museum offers a wide range of exhibits on natural history, history, and science. It also features an IMAX theater, which shows movies for a small fee. Although adults and out of county residents need to pay, Kent County residents under 17 are free.
12. Visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of the 38th President of the United States, who was born and raised in Grand Rapids. The museum is open to the public and offers free admission to children under 5.
13. Take a stroll through the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: This world-renowned park features over 158 acres of gardens, including a Japanese garden and a children's garden, as well as a large collection of sculptures. Admission is free for all visitors on the first Tuesday of each month.
14. Visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum: The Grand Rapids Art Museum is the first LEED-certified art museum in the world. It features a variety of contemporary and classical art from around the world. The museum is free to visit on Tuesdays and admission is always free for children.
These are just a few of the many free things to do in Grand Rapids. The city is full of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for a budget-friendly vacation.