GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (ABC 4)-There is so much fun happening this weekend and Maranda has you covered. If you are looking for some free and affordable fun to enjoy with the family, check out this weekend’s fun guide!
1.Heroes for Hope 5k and Kids Fun Run 5/7/23
The Hope Network Foundation is putting on the first Heroes for Hope 5k at Studio Park on May 7. Celebration Cinema is sponsoring the run as the race supports and brings awareness to mental health services in our community. Kids can participate in youth events, with a quarter-mile, half-mile, and one-mile run for free. They will also receive a free cape! There will also be a free one-mile community walk. The 5k requires a fee, but all participants will get a medal and a shirt! You can learn more and register for the runs or walk here.
2.Binder Park Zoo Opening Weekend!
Binder Park Zoo is officially open for the season! Check out the all the fun animals from African Lions to black tailed prairie dogs. There is something for everyone! Take a trip to Africa and feed the Giraffes! Did you know that a Giraffe’s tongue is purple? Learn about all the fun the Zoo has to offer, hours, and admission prices here.
3.Tulip Time Holland
April showers have led to May flowers. Once again, it is tulip time from May 6 through May 14. Enjoy beautiful walking tours as you explore the Tulip immersion garden. There will also be shows, authentic Dutch dancers and so much more! You can learn all about the fun at this year’s Tulip Time here.
4.STEAM along the Lakeshore Downtown Muskegon 5/6/23
Along the Lakeshore is a fun program taking kids on a STEAM-based adventure in downtown Muskegon. Occurring from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. on May 6, this free family event will promote STEAM learning. Those participating will receive a map to visit different activity booths. There also will be free STEAM swag bags with a t-shirt, a passport for each station and a STEAM activity. You can find more information about the event here.
The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival John Ball Zoo
If you are looking for an amazing experience, then check out the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival taking place at John Ball Zoo! Experience incredible works of art while viewing these spectacular handcrafted lanterns. Watch as they illuminate the zoo and learn the story that they tell. You can learn more about the Lantern Festival and how to purchase tickets here.
Craig’s Cruisers
It’s always a fun time to take a trip to Craig’s Cruisers! With their indoor go karts, delicious buffet, laser tag, extensive arcade and more, it is easy to spend hours there. Right now, Craig’s Cruisers is featuring the works wristband special. You can purchase a 3-hour food and fun wrist band that includes 3-hour access to the buffet for $36 per person. The wristband includes access to attractions and jump time. You can learn more about the wristband here.
Tarry Hall Skate Rink Grandville
The Tarry Hall Skate Rink in Grandville offers public skating on Saturdays and Sundays. On Saturdays, public skating is available from 1:30 p.m. to 4:40 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sundays skating times are from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can learn more information about skating prices and times here.
TreeRunner Adventure Park
Do you like zip lining and obstacle courses? Head to the TreeRunner Adventure Park in Grand Rapids. There are over 75 obstacles and zip lines with different difficulty levels. You can learn more information about pricing as well as what TreeRunner Adventure Park offers here.
Foster the Family 5k and Family Fun Day 5/6/23
Foster the Family GR is hosting a Family 5k and day on May 6. There will be a kid and adult 5k as well as a fun run for those 13 and under. There will also be a family fun day in which the activities will be determined. You can learn more information here about the event as well as pricing.
Nature Makers Market Blandford Nature Center 5/6/23
The Blandford Nature Center is having a Nature Makers Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 6. The market will feature handcrafted gifts and goods inspired by nature. The market is free and features over 30 vendors. It is open to all ages. You can find more information about the event here.
The Princess and the Goblin East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center 5/6-5/7
The East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center is putting on an original ballet “The Princess and the Goblin.” The story follows the young Princess Irene as she discovers a magical world of goblins hidden beneath her kingdom. With showings on both May 6 and 7, there are plenty of opportunities to see the magic. You can learn more about the play as well as ticket prices here.
Spring Story Time Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is hosting a Spring Storytime! Learn about rainy days, outdoor games, as well as a window box flower garden. Also, enjoy a colorful craft activity. Children of all ages are welcome, and the Storytime is free with admission. You can find more information here.
Allegan Event
If you like rock climbing, going through mazes and going to the arcade, then check out Allegan Event. Get active and have fun this weekend at Allegan Event. You can learn more about everything they have to offer here.
Airway Fun Center Kalamazoo
If you are headed towards Kalamazoo this weekend and are looking for some fun, then head to Airway Fun Center! They have go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, bowling, an arcade and so much more. Check out all the fun they have to offer here.
Kalamazoo Valley Musuem
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum offers three floors of fun featuring history about Kalamazoo as well as other amazing exhibits. Right now, they are featuring a “Mental health: Mind Matters” exhibit. They also have a planetarium featuring various programs. Best of all, the museum is free. You can learn more about everything the Kalamazoo Valley Museum has to offer here.
The 62nd Kalamazoo Rock, Gem, Fossil and Mineral Show 5/5-5/7
The 62nd Kalamazoo Rock, Gem, Fossil and Mineral Show is taking place this weekend from May 5 to May 7. This is one of the largest rock and gem shows in Michigan! Kids under 12 receive free entry into the show. Located at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center, just past Downtown Kalamazoo. You can learn more about the show, times as well as all the fun they have for the kids here.
Fairy House Fun Kalamazoo Nature Center 5/6/23
Have you ever wanted to create a fairy house? The Kalamazoo Nature Center is teaching you how at their Fairy House Fun program. You will get to hike for supplies to build these fun houses and learn the importance of being mindful in nature and responsible foraging. Pre-registration is required, and you can learn more about the event and ticket prices here.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame Kalamazoo Civic Theatre 5/5-5/7
The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre is putting on a fun rendition of the Disney classic “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” this weekend, with showings at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. You can purchase tickets and learn more information here.
Rollerworld Kalamazoo
If you are looking for some roller-skating fun, then check our Rollerworld in Kalamazoo. They feature Saturday afternoon skate times from 1 p.m. through 5 p.m. and Sunday afternoon skate times from 1 p.m. through 5pm. These skates are geared towards families. You can learn more information about Rollerworld, skate times and pricing here.
