16 Funny Ways to Enjoy LaughFest as a Family
Julie Bitely
| 4 min read
LaughFest kicks off today and if you think the comedy is only for adults, you should take a closer look. Start by bringing the kiddos to the LaughFest Community Kickoff, which starts at 5:30 p.m. tonight at Fountain Street Church, then get ready to enjoy the next 10 days with plenty of family-friendly LaughFest events.
Smile Scavenger Hunt: March 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 at 11 a.m.: Kids and families will find a sillier side of the Holland Museum at these fun scavenger hunts. Free with paid admission.
Super Saturday Kids Zone: March 7 at 10 a.m.: This themed kids’ carnival features surprise guests, inflatable activities, mini golf, games, and more, all at the Grand Rapids Community College Ford Fieldhouse.
Saturday Night Teen Zone: Saturday, March 7 at 7 p.m.: Laser tag, inflatables, and a live DJ with dancing will all be part of the fun at this Saturday night hangout. The Grand Rapids Community College Ford Fieldhouse will be the place to be for teens and tweens on Saturday night!
Kids Joke Time and Kids Joke Nights: Kids in 5th grade and younger are invited to tell their favorite jokes at some very entertaining open mic events.
Three sessions are planned:
- Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m. at the Herrick District Library in Holland
- Tuesday, March 10 at 6 p.m. at Kent District Library’s Englehardt Branch in Lowell
- Thursday, March 12 at 6 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Library
Family Improv: Saturday, March 7 and 14 at 10 a.m.: An all-ages improv session led by Mary Jane Pories, President of improv group Fishladder, Inc., at Dog Story Theater.
Drop-In Family Saturdays: Saturday, March 7 and 14, 1-4 p.m.: Hands-on art-making activities for kids and families will take place at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
Teen ‘Zine Workshop: Saturday, March 7 and 14 at 1 p.m.: Introductory workshop for kids 12 and older to learn how to illustrate a funny story or joke with a ‘zine. The March 7 event will be held at the Herrick District Library in Holland and the March 14 event will be held at the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology in Grand Rapids.
Drum! Dance! Laugh!: African Drum Circle and Dance: Saturday, March 7 and 14 at 1:30 p.m.: The March 7 event will feature a giant drum interaction with enough drums for 50-60 people, while the March 14 event will be a dance and drum instructional workshop. Both will be held at the Wealthy Street Annex.
The Hundred Dresses: Saturday, March 7 and 14 at 2 p.m.: Watch the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Traveling Troupe perform The Hundred Dresses, based on the book by Eleanor Estes.
Holland Table Top Board Game Fun: Sunday, March 8, 3-7 p.m.: Staff from The Gaming Warehouse of Holland will be on hand to teach families some new games at Our Brewing Co.
Table Top Game Night: Sunday, March 8, 4-8 p.m.: Learn some new board games at the Pyramid Scheme, courtesy of the Vault of Midnight.
Teen Improv Workshop: Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m.: Teens ages 12-18 years of age are invited to learn the art of improv from Grand Rapids’ improv group No Outlets at the Grand Rapids Public Library.
Recess Monkey: Saturday, March 14 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.: Making high energy music that appeals to kids and adults is the aim of Recess Monkey. Two shows are planned at Keystone Church.
Seriously Funny Family Adventure Challenge: Sunday, March 15 at 1 p.m.: This family fun-filled challenge has teams of two to four people racing across downtown Grand Rapids to engage in fun and exciting timed challenges. Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the fun begins at the Grand Rapids Community College Ford Fieldhouse.
What Makes You Smile Exhibit: Throughout LaughFest at the Gerald R. Ford Airport Grand Rapids Public Schools students were asked to write down what makes them smile on a LaughFest smile. The smiles will be on display throughout the ten days of LaughFest.
Youth Art Showcase: Throughout LaughFest at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market: Check out artwork from K-12 students that is inspired by the idea of laughter or answers the question, “What Makes You Laugh?”
Let us know which LaughFest events you’re planning to enjoy as a family in the comments!
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Photo credit: BMiz
