Here’s where we put the fun, active stuff you’d go to do with friends and family—places where you get involved and hands-on.
Take bowling, for instance, where Clique Lanes has cleaned up for years thanks to good retro vibes, reliable tech and, perhaps most of all, affordable bowling. But the spacious Northfield and clean, vintage Wengers have been repeat finalists for good reason.
Then there’s the new category, Kids Activity, where John Ball Zoo took first place, which is no surprise considering their consistent additions and renovations bringing in new animals and experiences (and all the cute videos on Insta don’t hurt either). The finalists of course include the GR Children’s Museum, a family favorite for nearly 30 years, and the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, which just expanded with nine new areas to explore and an ice cream stand.
And don’t forget the Small-Scale Attractions, including Happy Cat Café, which has become a full-service café (including mocktails), hosts events like Crochet & Play, and has helped nearly 1,000 rescue cats find homes.
Break Room Therapy is a local favorite, because everyone could use some extremely cathartic, stress-relieving smashing in their life—especially nowadays. You won’t realize how badly you needed it until the hammer is in your hands.
Then there’s Grand Rapids Game Show, which lets you experience the excitement of classic TV game shows with your friends and family. If you’ve ever thought “I could do better” while watching Price Is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, etc. this is your chance to put that to the test.
STAFF PICKS
Group Activity: Grand Rapids Film Society
The local film society has rapidly blossomed into a highlight of my life in GR, consistently offering a chance to see the best cult and classic movies on the big screen, along with themed events, community partnerships and movie trivia in a theater. Am I perhaps a bit biased because my team won the last round? Maybe so. Is that a humblebrag? Don’t worry about it. Everyone reading this should go check out the upcoming slate, because I can guarantee you’ll find a movie you’ve always wanted to see. — Josh Veal
Annual Event: Winter Beer Festival
The Winter Beer Fest is such a unique and representative piece of our culture, I hope it never dies. Even if the craft beer craze is far from its peak, the fact remains our community is still anchored by breweries, and there’s nothing more West Michigan than getting together in the dead of winter, outside, no matter the weather, and tasting dozens of different brews while huddled around fire pits. It never gets old. — Josh Veal
