Family events in Grand Rapids, MI

An enchanting concert at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids celebrates beloved music from animated favorites and hit musicals. Audiences can look forward to powerful vocals by West End performers, awe-inspiring aerial artistry, and energetic dancers in a family-friendly production presented during summer recess. The program features songs associated with Frozen, Wicked, Moana, KPOP Demon Hunters, Taylor Swift, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Anastasia, Pocahontas, and more, sharing uplifting themes that capture a princess-inspired spirit. Tickets are on sale. Program titles are mentioned only to identify the musical selections and do not imply any affiliation or endorsement. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Now celebrating its 10th season, this family friendly Grand Rapids tradition fills each week with around 20 food trucks, an artisan village, a lively beer tent, and live music throughout the summer. New this season, public parking is available on the grass directly beside the event space, adding more accessible and additional handicapped spots and placing more parking closer to the action. Biking is encouraged, with bicycle parking set up at the southern entrance. For full details, pick up the Food Truck Fridays Almanac at the Creston Neighborhood Association office, Community Cat Crew in Grandville, Underground Cookie Club in Kentwood, or on site. It includes weekly food truck and band lineups and more. Frequent Fridays Cards return as a free perk at the GR8 Food Trucks Tent. Get a stamp each week just for attending, then turn in your card at summer’s end for entry into prize drawings based on the number of stamps, and no purchase is required. The beer tent operates weekly in partnership with local nonprofits to help raise funds. Vendor opportunities are handled only by email, and any comments offering vendor space are not legitimate.

Pokémon fans gather at Galactic Toys & Games - Alpine for casual open play. Enjoy relaxed matches, friendly trading, and a space to share the Pokémon experience. Admission is free, and optional tournaments are available for those interested in competitive play.

Promoted as the biggest show in West Michigan, this event offers an in-person browsing experience and provides opportunities for vendors to sign up for a spot.

Pop In & DIY at Painting with a Twist brings together creativity and spontaneity. Explore a range of hands-on projects suited to every age and skill level. Stop in during Pop In hours or reserve a time, choose a favorite project, and craft something uniquely yours by following step by step instructions and inspiration guides.

A local Pokémon gathering welcomes players from all age divisions for friendly battles. Typical turnout is around 15 participants. Everyone receives a participation prize pack, and store credit is awarded to the top performers for that session. Friendly staff are on hand to assist newcomers and answer questions.

Interstellar screens outdoors at Studio Park as part of Sunset Cinema, a summer series of fan-picked films shown under the stars. Bring your own chairs or blankets, the event proceeds regardless of weather, and dogs are not permitted on the turf. Concessions will be available to purchase, and outside snacks are welcome. Parking options include the Studio Park ramp with validation available when you make a purchase at One Twenty Three, the paid Area 6A lot, and limited metered street parking that can be paid through the MOTU app. A free downtown shuttle runs every 15 minutes. Photos and video may be captured for promotional use; anyone who prefers not to be included can inform a photographer or videographer wearing a DGRI badge. This series is presented by Mercantile Bank in partnership with Celebration Cinema and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Details may be updated.

Pop In & DIY at Painting with a Twist blends creativity with spontaneity. Explore a variety of do it yourself projects designed for all ages and skill levels. Drop in during Pop In hours or reserve a time, choose a project you love, and bring it to life with step by step instructions and inspiration guides.

Parent Café offers a supportive, thoughtful discussion for parents and caregivers. The gathering takes place at the picnic shelter in Martin Luther King Park. Children are welcome, and refreshments will be available.

Considering home education or looking for guidance after getting started? These information sessions provide an overview of homeschooling in Michigan, including legal requirements, curriculum choices, available classes, social opportunities, and more. Experienced local leaders facilitate the discussion and set aside time for questions so participants can get clear, practical answers. Pre-registration is required, and the fee is $15 per family, due at the time of registration. To reserve a spot, call 616-532-9422 x4, as space is limited.

Thinking about moving out of your current home and unsure of the next step? This informative session explores independent senior living choices, from condos and apartments to dedicated senior communities. Learn why certain communities ask for an upfront entrance fee, what life care includes, and how services, amenities, and pricing compare. The conversation also outlines important questions to ask as you evaluate your options. Held at the Prince Conference Center at Calvin University.

Explore wildlife from Blandford Nature Center during an engaging program at the Main Library. Meet animals that live at the center and get a close look at birds, mammals, and more. This event is intended for ages 6 to 18. Capacity is limited, and entry will follow the order of arrival. Support is provided by the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation, the Edsko and Claire Hekman Family Fund, and the Meijer Fund.

At Rosa Parks Circle, a free outdoor community dance night brings together hundreds of people to move and mingle. Learn swing and line dance steps with a complimentary introductory lesson, with additional instruction offered throughout the evening. The plan includes a mix of swing and line dancing, games, and creative chalk art. The gathering welcomes all ages, and no partner is needed. The environment is alcohol free. Connect with people from WMSC and enjoy a friendly night of activity. Questions can be sent by text to 6166174842.

At Rosa Parks Circle, a community swing dance brings people together through a donation-based format supported by attendees. A lesson starts things off, with additional instruction available as the event continues. All ages are welcome, and no partner is needed. Expect a blend of swing and line dancing, along with games and more. For questions, text 6166174842.

No Shelf Control Little Free Library, Charter 217525, has been selected to take part in the National Book Foundation Summer Reading Adventure. The program features books, reading challenges, prizes, and community fun. Participation forms are available at the library while supplies last. For information on how to participate, please refer to the event listing.

First Flight Drones teams up with Adventure Point for a hands-on day focused on building and flying drones. Youth ages 8 to 17, open to the public, will assemble a drone, learn how its parts work, then navigate an obstacle course to practice piloting skills. Participation is $20 per person, or choose $89.99 to take part and keep the drone built and flown during the program. The event takes place at Adventure Point in Grand Rapids.

Father and daughter writing team Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and Joy Eggerichs Reed present an imaginative storytime at Schuler Books in Grand Rapids, featuring their picture book Beega Gets a Do-Over. First told as a bedtime tale from Emerson to Joy, the story now welcomes a new generation of listeners and is especially suited for children ages 4 to 8 who are practicing kind, confident communication. In the whimsical Land of Nuf, where stairs become slides and pools brim with marshmallows, Gigglies Beega, Dooga, and Tiny learn how words can help or hurt. Big brother Beega sometimes speaks without thinking and Tiny feels the sting, while friend Dooga finds the courage to speak up and helps Beega restart the day in a thoughtful way. This playful reading turns everyday conflicts into lessons kids can use, highlighting social emotional learning, empathy, compassion, resilience, teamwork, problem solving, and purposeful speech, while reinforcing strong family bonds and positive friendships. Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is a New York Times bestselling relationship and communication expert known for Love and Respect and Mother & Son, with years of pastoral leadership and advanced studies from Michigan State University, Wheaton College, and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Joy Eggerichs Reed is the founder of Punchline Agency, a former blogger, speaker, and event host with improv training in active listening, and the author of Get to the Publishing Punchline and Writing with Bernard The Baguette.

Open to all mothers and their children, this maternal support group offers play time for little ones, opportunities to bond with fellow moms, and complimentary coffee and tea.

Settle into a relaxed summer reading session alongside friendly, adoptable cats. This ongoing series offers open, drop-in time to read quietly while the kitties curl up nearby. Choose a book from the on-site cat library or bring your own favorite. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No registration is required. Light refreshments will be provided, with coffee available for adults. The cats will also have kibble and toys for snack or play breaks. A $10 donation is suggested. Groups with more than three children per adult will be asked to make a donation, and daycare groups will be asked for an additional donation.

At Grand Rapids Public Library's Van Belkum Branch, children can learn the basics of drawing by creating dragons with guidance from illustrator and artist Corinne Roberts. Starting from basic shapes, participants are guided through each stage so newcomers feel at ease. The workshop is intended for ages 6 to 11. Capacity is limited and spots are allocated in order of arrival. With support from the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation, the Edsko & Claire Hekman Family Fund, and the Meijer Fund.

Thursday evenings bring free admission at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, made possible by the Meijer Foundation. Guests can explore current exhibitions, take part in a variety of free Thursday events offered throughout the year, and pick up a snack or beverage from the museum café.

Friends and families are invited to Friendship Park for a screening of Hoppers.