10 Things to Do in Grand Rapids

06.24.2025 | 3 min read

Grand Rapids lives up to its name with things to do. Sitting on the banks of the Grand River, the city is filled with vibrant art scenes, culture and green spaces.

Here are our top recommendations of things to do:

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park spans 158 acres and offers indoor and outdoor experiences. Stroll through the outdoor gardens displaying a variety of plants and peaceful green spaces. Highlights include a farm, waterfalls, ponds and sculptures, including a 24-foot bronze horse inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Inside, the five-story Lena Meijer Conservatory features exotic plants from around the world as well as internationally renowned artists’ sculpture galleries and art installations.

John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo is west of downtown, where you can learn about the zoo's more than 2,000 animals from around the world. From red pandas to snow leopards, it offers a firsthand experience at Red's Hobby Farm.

Grand Rapids museums

Learn about the history and traditions of Grand Rapids at local museums. Here are a few to check out:

Gerald R. Ford Museum showcases the life and legacy of the38th U.S. president, who was raised in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits and activities for kids. One exhibit, "Little Grand Rapids," lets kids try being a grown-up in their own city by grocery shopping at Meijer and learning how to count money at Huntington Bank.
Grand Rapids Public Museum focuses on science, history and culture. It has three floors of exploration, including the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, a 1928 Spillman Carousel and a Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
Grand Rapids Art Museum provides world-class art exhibitions, events and educational programs.
Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives holds more than 10,000 collections dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and contributions of African Americans in West Michigan and beyond.

Rosa Parks Circle

Rosa Parks Circle is in the heart of Grand Rapids. As a multipurpose venue, it hosts free live concerts, festivals, celebrations and turns into an ice-skating rink during winter.

ArtPrize

Grand Rapids does not only hang art in museums, it holds one of the largest ArtPrize competitions and festivals in the U.S., usually spanning up to 16 days. The city is also colored with vibrant public art, from Alexander Calder’s mammoth La Grande Vitesse sculpture to murals, painted ticket booths, RAD Women electrical boxes and more.

Markets in Grand Rapids

Fulton Street Market offers a range of local produce, handmade arts and food trucks May through October and in a second season in winter.
Grand Rapids Downtown Market houses 19 food merchants and year-round public events.
Horrocks Market offers local produce and artisan cheeses to a beer garden tucked inside the store's greenhouse. This market is where food, flavor and community meet.

Free fitness in Grand Rapids parks

The city offers a Summer Fitness Series from May through August, including yoga, Zumba and other cardio classes at local parks and public spaces.

Grand Rapids' vibrant cultural scene

The city buzzes with music and cultural celebrations throughout the year. Festivals include the Asian-Pacific Festival, Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam and other cultural and heritage events.

Grand Rapids music festivals

Grand Rapids is a city that ignites with music festivals. If you’re looking for a grand time for free or at a slight charge, check out local lineups and headliners at venues throughout the city.