Bored Kids of West Michigan

06/04/2026

This Weekend’s Fun Around West Michigan
June 5–7

This weekend is packed with summer kickoffs, chalk art, carnivals, fireworks, farm animals, reading celebrations, and family festivals all across West Michigan ☀️🎨📚🎡🐷

🎡 BIG WEEKEND EVENT: Rockford's 57th Annual Start of Summer Celebration
(Rockford | Kent County)
🗓 Thursday–Sunday
📍 Downtown Rockford
💲 Many activities FREE
Provided by: Rockford Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Kick off summer with carnival rides, a parade, fireworks, live entertainment, food vendors, artisan booths, and family fun throughout downtown Rockford all weekend long ☀️🎆

🎨 FEATURED EVENT: Chalk the Walk
(Grand Haven | Ottawa County)
🗓 Saturday | 10 AM–3 PM
📍 Downtown Grand Haven
💲 FREE
Provided by: Grand Haven Main Street
Watch nationally known chalk artist David Zinn create his famous sidewalk art, enjoy a scavenger hunt, live demonstrations, and browse incredible chalk creations throughout Centertown 🎨

📚 FREE FAMILY FUN: Grand Adventure Kick-Off Party
(Grand Haven | Ottawa County)
🗓 Saturday | 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Central Park
💲 FREE
Provided by: Loutit District Library
Celebrate the launch of the library's summer reading challenge with a bubble party, live music, face painting, crafts, games, a bike obstacle course, free frozen custard, and more 📚🫧

🎪 Summer Kickoff Carnival
(Muskegon | Muskegon County)
🗓 Friday | 11:30 AM–1 PM
📍 Muskegon Area District Library Laketon Branch
💲 FREE
Bounce houses, outdoor games, summer reading registration, and fun activities to celebrate the start of summer break ☀️📖

⚾ TO INFINITY AND BEYOND: Toy Story Jersey Night at the Whitecaps!
(Comstock Park | Kent County)
🗓 Friday | 6:35 PM
📍 LMCU Ballpark West Michigan Whitecaps
💲 Ticketed Event
Enjoy Toy Story-themed fun, specialty jerseys, baseball, and a post-game fireworks show the whole family will love 🚀⚾🎆

🚓 COMMUNITY FAVORITE: Newaygo County Kids’ Day 2026
(Newaygo | Newaygo County)
🗓 Saturday | 12 PM–3 PM
📍 Brooks Park
💲 FREE
Provided by: River Country Chamber of Commerce of Newaygo County
Kids can meet local first responders, explore emergency vehicles, enjoy games, crafts, raffle prizes, and even a free lunch during this family-friendly community event 🚒👮

🎉 Kickoff to Summer Celebration
(Kentwood | Kent County)
🗓 Saturday | 12 PM–8 PM
📍 Kentwood City Hall
💲 FREE Admission
Provided by: City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department
Enjoy 22 food trucks, market vendors, a foam party, games, live music, and family activities throughout the day 🌮🎶🫧

🐱 GRAND OPENING: Fremont Cat Lounge
(Fremont | Newaygo County)
🗓 Friday | 11 AM–6 PM
📍 Fremont Cat Lounge
💲 $5 Cat Visits
Celebrate the grand opening with cat cuddles, giveaways, raffle prizes, balloons, coffee, and special guests throughout the day 🐱☕

🏁 School's Out Celebration
(Marne | Ottawa County)
🗓 Saturday | 6:30 PM
📍 Berlin Raceway
💲 Admission Required
Racing, bounce houses, a foam party, games, giveaways, and family fun to celebrate the start of summer vacation 🏁🎉

🌿 NATURE PICK: Ferns of the HNC and Early Summer Wildflowers
(Hudsonville | Ottawa County)
🗓 Sunday | 2 PM
📍 Hudsonville Nature Center
💲 FREE
Provided by: City of Hudsonville Government
Join a guided nature walk to discover local ferns, wildflowers, and other natural treasures found throughout the preserve 🌿

Photo Credit: Rockford Start of Summer Celebration & Grand Haven Main Street

💬 Which event would your family pick first this weekend?

05/28/2026

This Weekend’s Fun Around West Michigan May 29–31

There may not be a huge amount happening this weekend, but there are still some really fun family-friendly events around West Michigan including nature programs, museums, wildlife experiences, live music, reading kickoffs, and WWII reenactments 🇺🇸🦦📚☀️

🪖 BIG WEEKEND EVENT: D-Day: Muskegon 2026 WWII Living History Weekend
(Muskegon | Muskegon County)
🗓 Friday–Sunday
📍 USS LST 393 Veterans Museum
💲 FREE
This huge waterfront event features WWII reenactments, military vehicles, swing dancing, kids boot camp activities, food vendors, historical exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the weekend aboard and around the USS LST 393 🇺🇸

📚 FREE FAMILY FUN: Summer Reading KICK-OFF Event!
(Muskegon | Muskegon County)
🗓 Saturday | 10 AM–1 PM
📍 Hackley Park
💲 FREE
A super fun kickoff to summer featuring Michigan Chillers author Johnathan Rand, face painting, lawn games, bubble stations, cardio drumming, yoga, free books, food trucks, NERF challenges, and more for all ages 📖☀️put on by Hackley Public Library

🦦 NEW EXHIBIT: Nature Cat: Backyard & Beyond Exhibit Opening
(Muskegon | Muskegon County)
🗓 Saturday | 11 AM–2 PM
📍 Muskegon Museum of History & Science
💲 FREE for Muskegon County residents | $5 out-of-county
Meet Nature Cat, enjoy hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, recycled art projects, refreshments, and explore the museum’s newest nature-themed exhibit 🌿

🦁 WILDLIFE PICK: Wildlife Exploration Day
(Grand Rapids | Kent County)
🗓 Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM
📍 John Ball Zoo
💲 Admission required
A full day of wildlife-themed fun featuring princess meet-and-greets, animal feedings, story time, creature features, live music, and hands-on learning about Michigan wildlife 🐢🦦

🌿 FREE OUTDOOR FUN: Nature Ninjas at Hoffmaster
(Norton Shores | Muskegon County)
🗓 Saturday | 10:30 AM–11:30 AM
📍 Hoffmaster State Park
💲 Recreation Passport required
A fun nature program designed for elementary-aged kids featuring outdoor activities, crafts, and learning all about plants this week 🌱

🎶 MARKET FUN: Scottville Clown Band at the Muskegon Farmers Market
(Muskegon | Muskegon County)
🗓 Saturday | 10:30 AM
📍 Muskegon Farmers Market
💲 FREE
Enjoy live clown-band music, family-friendly entertainment, local shopping, and market treats while strolling through the farmers market atmosphere 🎺

🛍 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS: Kids Market!
(Kent County)
🗓 Saturday | 9 AM–3 PM
📍 Once Upon A Child - Walker & Wyoming
💲 FREE to attend
Support local kids selling crafts, baked goods, lemonade, jewelry, treats, and handmade items during this fun kid-run market event 🍋🧁

🐦 NATURE EVENT: Wings Over Newaygo County
(Fremont | Newaygo County)
🗓 Saturday | 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Kropscott Farm Environmental Center
💲 FREE
A family-friendly birding festival with guided hikes, games, learning activities, vendors, and beginner-friendly birding experiences for all ages 🐤

Photo Credit: USS LST 393 Veterans Museum & John Ball Zoo

💬 Which event would your family pick first this weekend?

05/20/2026

🇺🇸 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FAMILY GUIDE ☀️

I put together a huge list of beaches, splash pads, mini golf, ice cream, restaurants, events, landmarks, and family fun happening across Ottawa, Kent & Muskegon counties this Memorial Day weekend!

Save this for later & TAG a friend you want to make summer memories with 👇

05/18/2026

Tried out Bat n Club mini golf last week with my family and honestly… this is such an easy summer outing idea ⛳️☀️

They have:
⛳️ 2 mini golf courses
⚾️ 4 levels of batting cages
✨Glow-in-the-dark mini golf
🍭 Snacks and drinks available for sale

The mini golf courses were really fun for both kids and adults, and it ended up being one of those simple outings that gets everyone outside and having fun for an hour or two.

I grabbed some photos while we were there because I know a lot of families are already looking for summer activity ideas 👀

ALSO — I have some free mini golf passes, and since our group is getting close to 2,000 members‼️, I’m thinking about doing a giveaway once we hit that milestone 🎉

Who has been here before?

05/14/2026

This Weekend’s Fun around West MI
May 15–17

This weekend is packed with kite festivals, carnivals, Star Wars, nature events, and even Halloween in May 🎃🪁☀️ There are so many fun family-friendly events happening across West Michigan this weekend!

🪁 DON’T MISS: The Kite Festival at Grand Haven
(Grand Haven | Ottawa County)
🗓 Saturday & Sunday
📍 Grand Haven State Park
💲 FREE
Watch giant colorful kites fill the Lake Michigan shoreline during this annual family favorite. Professional kite flyers, huge show kites, and space to fly your own make this such a fun beach weekend outing

🎃 UNIQUE PICK: Track or Treat! Halloween in May
(Marne | Ottawa County)
🗓 Saturday | Gates open 2 PM
📍 Berlin Raceway
💲 Kids 15 & under FREE | Adult tickets starting around $16 online
Costumes, candy, trunk-or-treating, face painters, balloon artists, racing, and meet-the-driver fun all in one event 🍬🏁
The first 100 kids in costume receive a candy bag

🌿 FREE FUN: Discover! Millennium Park - FREE Nature Event
(Grand Rapids | Kent County)
🗓 Saturday | 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Millennium Park
💲 FREE
Interactive nature stations, live animals, scavenger hunts, birds of prey, pollinator activities, and free native plants for families

🎡 FAMILY FAVORITE: WestFest GR
(Grand Rapids | Kent County)
🗓 Friday–Sunday
📍 John Ball Park
💲 Free entry | Ride wristbands $30 online or $35 onsite
Carnival rides, games, food, and festival fun return for one of West Grand Rapids’ biggest spring festivals

⭐ MOVIE FUN: Free Family Movie Day - Star Wars: A New Hope
(Muskegon | Muskegon County)
🗓 Sunday | 2:30 PM
📍 FFrauenthal Center
💲 FREE
Watch Star Wars on the big screen inside the historic Frauenthal Theater complete with themed activities and snacks

🐐 OPENING WEEKEND: Lewis Farms Opening Day of Summer 2026!
(New Era | Oceana County)
🗓 Begins Friday
📍 Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
💲 Summer admission online $25.95 | Gate price $29.95
Summer season officially kicks off this weekend with farm attractions, animals, treats, Splash Acres, and tons of family fun

🧚 OUTDOOR PICK: Fairy Walk StoryWalk at Rosy Mound
(Grand Haven | Ottawa County)
🗓 Through Sunday
📍 Rosy Mound Natural Area
💲 FREE
Brought to you by Ottawa County Parks and Recreation
Take a stroller-friendly walk through the woods while reading Fairy Walk page-by-page along the trail ✨

🎠 SMALL TOWN FUN: Sparta Town & Country Days
(Sparta | Kent County)
🗓 Through Sunday
📍 Multiple locations in Sparta
💲 Many free activities + carnival tickets
Carnival rides, parade, bounce houses, farm animals, live music, touch-a-truck, and family activities all weekend long

Photo Credit: Grand Haven Kite Festival + Berlin Raceway

💬 What event would your family pick first this weekend?

05/11/2026

If you’ve never been to the Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo, you need to see it! It’s going on until June 14th. We went a few weeks ago and it was so mesmerizingly beautiful!

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

This is an exciting new addition for Muskegon this summer ⛳️
Bat n Club is awesome go check them out!

Exciting things coming this summer to the Bat n Club.......Keep an eye on Facebook and our website to sign up. Open registration coming soon!

05/07/2026

This Weekend’s Fun around West MI
May 8–10

Mother’s Day is Sunday 💐 and there are lots of brunches, markets, and family events happening all weekend long across West Michigan. Plus—it’s one of the biggest Tulip Time weekends of the festival 🌷☀️

🌷 DON’T MISS: Tulip Time Festival
(Holland | Ottawa County)
🗓 Through May 10
📍 Multiple locations in Holland
💲 Many free events + some ticketed
This weekend is packed with some of Tulip Time’s biggest events including the Volksparade, fireworks, Dutch dancing, carnival rides, markets, and the new Drone Show Spectacular ✨
Downtown Holland is absolutely full of tulips right now and makes such a fun day trip weekend

⚾ FAMILY FAVORITE: Bluey and Bingo Meet & Greet at the Whitecaps!
(Comstock Park | Kent County)
🗓 Friday & Saturday | 6:35 PM
📍 LMCU Ballpark
💲 Ticketed
Bluey and Bingo will be at the ballpark for photos and family fun during the Whitecaps games this weekend

🔭 UNIQUE PICK: National Astronomy Day
(West Olive | Ottawa County)
🗓 Saturday | Noon–Late Evening
📍 Hemlock Crossing County Park
💲 FREE
Solar telescope viewing, planet walks, constellation stories, and nighttime observing
Kids also get a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a telescope

🚂 MOTHER’S DAY FUN: Mother's Day Weekend Express Train Ride
(Coopersville | Ottawa County)
🗓 Saturday | 1 PM
📍 Coopersville and Marne Railway
💲 Ticketed
Vintage train ride with cookies, lemonade, crafts, and special gifts for moms and grandmas 💐
Such a cute Mother’s Day weekend outing idea

🚎 FREE FUN: Lakeshore Trolley Takeover
(Grand Haven | Ottawa County)
🗓 Saturday | 4–8 PM
📍 multiple locations checkout Harbor Transit
💲 FREE
Ride the Grand Haven trolley loop for FREE all evening long 🚎
Hop on and off near the beach, downtown, parks, and ice cream spots

🦎 ANIMAL LOVERS: The Original Grand Rapids Reptile Expo
(Grand Rapids | Kent County)
🗓 Sunday | 10 AM–3 PM
📍 Michigan Grand Ballroom
💲 $5 adults | Kids 5–13 $1 | Under 5 FREE
Reptiles, amphibians, mammals, vendors, feeders, and more 🐍
Budget-friendly and always a fun experience for kids who love animals

🛍 GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT: Made for Mama Market
(Zeeland | Ottawa County)
🗓 Friday | 5–8 PM
📍 11124 Chicago Drive
💲 FREE entry
Local vendors, treats, gifts, and all the Mother’s Day shopping vibes 💕
Fun option for a moms night out or casual evening with friends

💐 SWEET OUTING: Mother's Day Build Your Own Bouquet Bar + Mommy & Me Tea Party
(Hudsonville | Ottawa County)
🗓 Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM
📍 Patmos Library
💲 Tea Party FREE | Bouquet Bar $25
Build a custom flower bouquet with Love Knots Floral while also enjoying the free Mommy & Me Tea Party ☕
Such a sweet event for moms, grandmas, and kids

✨ BONUS REMINDER: CHIHULY at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is now open and included with admission through November 🌼

Photo Credit: Tulip Time Festival + West Michigan Whitecaps

💬 Did we miss anything happening this weekend? Drop it in the comments below!