Or add Grand Rapids’s kids’ events to your calendar: subscribe once and new weeks appear on their own. (Google Calendar: paste that link’s address into “Other calendars → From URL”.) We keep your email and the city, nothing else; every note has a one-click stop.
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100 ideas near “Grand Rapids, MI”
Subscribe once and new weeks appear on their own. Google Calendar: copy that button’s link address into “Other calendars → From URL”.
Join us for songs, rhymes, stories and playtime while developing listening and language skills. Caregivers will have time to connect with each other while their babies learn and socialize. Designed for babies ages birth to 18 months with their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome.
Enjoy stories, music and rhymes while building early literacy and social skills. Designed for children ages 0-5 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome .
Welcome to our hangout, where homeschoolers can connect with other kids and learn through engaging activities including STEAM, writing, crafts and games. The theme changes regularly, so there are always new opportunities to learn and explore together!
Get your wiggles out with rhymes, songs and musical activities. Move and groove together while strengthening motor, listening and early literacy skills. Designed for children ages 0-5 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome.
Enjoy stories, music and rhymes while building early literacy and social skills. Designed for children ages 1-3 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome.
These storytimes feature great books, songs, fingerplays, and hands-on fun. Classes end with an art activity and playtime designed to help your child's brain grow. For ages 0–5 years. Family Storytime | Main Library Mondays, September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 30, 2026, 10:30 – 11:30 am Main Library – 111 Library St NE Estas horas de cuentos incluyen libros excelentes, canciones, juegos de dedos y actividades prácticas. Las clases terminan con una actividad de arte y tiempo para jugar diseñados para ayudar a desarrollar el cerebro de su hijo. Para niños de 0 a 5 años. Hora de cuentos familiar | Biblioteca Principal Los lunes: 14, 21, 28 de septiembre; 5, 12, 19, 26 de octubre; 2, 9, 16, 30 de noviembre de 2026, 10:30 – 11:30 am Biblioteca Principal – 111 Library St NE
With a variety of magnetic building pieces, you will be sure to find something that attracts you. Explore magnetism with a variety of magnetic building pieces. There are engineering challenges for everyone. What is KDL Lab Experience?
Meet the tiny robots with big personalities! Kids will draw, code and create as they guide Ozobots through colorful mazes and challenges. It’s a hands-on intro to robotics and coding—no screens required. What is KDL Lab Experience?
Stop by the Bookmobile to register for a library card, pick up program information and check out the latest books, movies, music and more to enjoy at home. Please note: Bookmobile events may be canceled due to weather conditions. Check kdl.org/events or call 616.784.2007 for the latest updates before attending. Your safety is our priority!
Drop-in and play chess at the library! All skill levels welcome. An adult is usually on hand to help with your game or match you with a worthy opponent.
Put your brain to the test and see if you can solve a plethora of different logic puzzles. If you really want to put your brain and engineering skills to the test, you can create a Rube Goldberg Machine to ring the bell. What is KDL Lab Experience?
It's a special time for fun, interactive programs just for school kids! Join our KDL Kids Zone programs for crafts, storytime, games and other activities.
Get cozy in your pajamas, grab your favorite stuffed animals or blanket, and come to the library for a special bedtime event! Listen to stories, sing songs, and get those wiggles out before bed. Great for working parents! For ages 0–5 years. Pajama Time | West Leonard Branch Mondays, September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 30, 2026, 6:30 – 7:30 pm West Leonard Branch – 1017 Leonard St NW ¡Póngase cómodo en su pijama, tome su peluche o manta favorita y venga a la biblioteca para un evento especial a la hora de dormir! Escuche historias, cante canciones y sáquese las ganas de moverse antes de ir a la cama. ¡Perfecto para padres que trabajan! Para niños de 0 a 5 años. Hora de pijamas | Sucursal West Leonard Los lunes: 14, 21, 28 de septiembre; 5, 12, 19, 26 de octubre; 2, 9, 16, 30 de noviembre de 2026, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Sucursal West Leonard – 1017 Leonard St NW
Dinovember is a fun-filled month dedicated to dinosaurs. Enjoy dinosaur-themed stories, songs, and crafts. For ages 0–11 years. Dinovember Dance Party & Storytim e | Seymour Branch Monday, November 9, 2026, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Seymour Branch – 2350 Eastern Ave SE Dinoviembre es un mes lleno de diversión dedicado a los dinosaurios. Disfrute de historias, canciones y manualidades temáticas de dinosaurios. Para niños de 0 a 11 años. ¡Fiesta de baile y hora de cuentos de Dinoviembre! | Sucursal Seymour El lunes, 9 de noviembre de 2026, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Sucursal Seymour – 2350 Eastern Ave SE
Enjoy stories, music and rhymes while building early literacy and social skills. Designed for children ages 0-5 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome .
Stop by the Bookmobile to register for a library card, pick up program information and check out the latest books, movies, music and more to enjoy at home. Please note: Bookmobile events may be canceled due to weather conditions. Check kdl.org/events or call 616.784.2007 for the latest updates before attending. Your safety is our priority!
Join us for songs, rhymes, stories and playtime while developing listening and language skills. Caregivers will have time to connect with each other while their babies learn and socialize. Designed for babies ages birth to 18 months with their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome.
Get your wiggles out with rhymes, songs and musical activities. Move and groove together while strengthening motor, listening and early literacy skills. Designed for children ages 0-5 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome.
Bring your toddlers to share fun stories, songs, and rhymes, and learn together! Toddler Time is a 25-minute long storytime followed by a hands-on activity and playtime designed to help your child’s brain grow. For ages 18 months–3 years. Toddler Time | West Side Branch Tuesdays, September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 2026, 10:30 – 11:30 am West Side Branch – 713 Bridge St NW ¡Traiga a sus niños pequeños para compartir historias divertidas, canciones y rimas, y n tiempo de aprendizaje juntos! Tiempo de niños pequeños es una hora de cuentos de 25 minutos seguida de una actividad práctica y tiempo para jugar. Para niños de 18 meses a 3 años. Tiempo de niños pequeños | Sucursal West Side Los martes: 15, 22, 29 de septiembre; 6, 13, 20, 27 de octubre; 3, 10, 17 de noviembre de 2026, 10:30 – 11:30 am Sucursal West Side – 713 Bridge St NW
All moms and children welcome! Join this maternal support group for play time, bonding with other mothers, and free coffee and tea.
The Fresh Connect food truck brings free fresh and shelf-stable food, along with support services, directly to neighborhoods across northern Kent County. In partnership with KDL, it serves communities in Nelson, Spencer, and Tyrone Townships, meeting people where they are with dignity, warmth and care. Created with families, seniors and rural residents in mind, Fresh Connect offers more than convenient access to food. It opens the door to connection, linking individuals to mentoring, housing support, and helpful resources. Fresh Connect welcomes every neighbor, whether this is your first visit or one of many.
Welcome to our hangout, where homeschoolers can connect with other kids and learn through engaging activities including STEAM, writing, crafts and games. The theme changes regularly, so there are always new opportunities to learn and explore together!
Stop by the Bookmobile to register for a library card, pick up program information and check out the latest books, movies, music and more to enjoy at home. Please note: Bookmobile events may be canceled due to weather conditions. Check kdl.org/events or call 616.784.2007 for the latest updates before attending. Your safety is our priority!
Teen-only fun for you and your friends at the library! Stop by for activities that may include board games, food and more.
Is your child interested in tabletop roleplaying games but still a bit young for Dungeons & Dragons? Library staff will lead kids (and their grown-ups, too if they want!) in some fun, easy-to-learn games. No experience or supplies necessary! For ages 8–11. Adventurer Club: Role-Playing Games for Kids Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 4:30 – 6:00 pm Yankee Clipper Branch – 2025 Leonard St NE Club aventurero: juegos de rol para niños El martes, 10 de noviembre de 2026, 4:30 – 6:00 pm Sucursal Yankee Clipper – 2025 Leonard St NE ¿A su hijo le interesan los juegos de rol de mesa pero aún es un poco pequeño para Calabozos y Dragones (Dungeons & Dragons)? El personal de la biblioteca guiará a los niños (¡y a sus adultos también, si quieren!) en juegos divertidos y fáciles de aprender. ¡No se necesita experiencia ni materiales! Para niños de 8 a 11 años.
Embark on a captivating journey through the wonders of nature while enjoying stories, songs and activities.
Family Game Night at BattleGR Tuesdays, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., starting November 10 Make Tuesday the best night of the week. Bring the whole family for a night of games, challenges and friendly competition, with no planning, no cooking and no dishes. Your group moves through our scheduled activity rotations, so there’s always something new to try and everyone gets a turn at the fun. What’s included Scheduled activity rotations for the whole family (laser tag, axe throwing, velcro axe throwing, cornhole, throw bowling, video games, board games) One slice of cheese pizza per player Pricing $25 per player $89 for a family of four $22 per additional player Pop and extra food are available separately, so you can add a drink or a second slice whenever you want one. Good to know Come any time between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. Family Game Night runs every Tuesday through March. Holiday and private-event exceptions will be posted separately. Free Roam Virtual Reality can be added on for an additional fee. Register online https://pos.battlegr.com/battlegr/checkout/default/addtocart/add/1486
Join us for a hands-on beadwork workshop led by Bead & Powwow Supply, a small Indigenous-owned business dedicated to uplifting Indigenous arts, crafts, and fashion. Founded in 2011 by artist A. Ellie Mitchell (Saginaw Ojibwe, Eagle Clan), Bead & Powwow Supply brings cultural knowledge and creative inspiration to every event. For ages 13–19. Special thanks to the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation and the Wege Foundation for their support of this program. Beadwork Workshop for Teens Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Únase a nosotros para un taller práctico de bisutería dirigido por Bead & Powwow Supply, una pequeña empresa de propiedad indígena dedicada a promover las artes, artesanías y la moda indígenas. Fundada en 2011 por la artista A. Ellie Mitchell (Saginaw Ojibwe, Clan del Águila), Bead & Powwow Supply aporta conocimiento cultural e inspiración creativa a cada evento. Para jóvenes de 13 a 19 años. Agradecimiento especial a Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation y Wege Foundation por su apoyo a este programa. Taller de abalorios para Adolescentes El martes, 10 de noviembre de 2026, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Biblioteca Principal – 111 Library
Practice simple yoga poses and movements while enjoying stories and songs to build early literacy skills. Please dress in comfortable clothing. A limited number of mats will be available. Designed for children ages 0-5 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome.
Enjoy stories, music and rhymes while building early literacy and social skills. Designed for children ages 0-5 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome .
Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes with your child in Spanish and English. Disfrute cuentos, canciones, y rimas con su hijo/a en español e inglés.
Enjoy stories, music and rhymes while building early literacy and social skills. Designed for children ages 1-3 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome.
Enjoy stories, music and rhymes while building early literacy and social skills. Designed for children ages 3-5 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome.
These storytimes feature great books, songs, fingerplays, and hands-on fun. Classes end with an art activity and playtime designed to help your child's brain grow. For ages 0–5 years. Family Storytime | Seymour Branch Wednesdays, September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 2026, 10:30 – 11:30 am Seymour Branch – 2350 Eastern Ave SE Estas horas de cuentos incluyen libros excelentes, canciones, juegos de dedos y actividades prácticas. Las clases terminan con una actividad de arte y tiempo de juego diseñados para ayudar a desarrollar el cerebro de su hijo. Para niños de 0 a 5 años. Hora de cuentos familiar | Sucursal Seymour Los miércoles: 16, 23, 30 de septiembre; 7, 14, 21, 28 de octubre; 4, 11 de noviembre de 2026, 10:30 – 11:30 am Sucursal Seymour – 2350 Eastern Ave SE
Join us for a bilingual storytime filled with fun stories, movement, and music activities. The 30-minute English and Spanish storytime is followed by a hands-on activity and playtime. For families with children ages 0–5 years. Bilingual Family Time | West Side Branch Wednesdays, September 16, October 14, November 11, 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 pm West Side Branch – 713 Bridge St NW ¡Únase a nosotros para una hora de cuentos bilingüe llena de historias divertidas, movimiento y música! La hora de cuentos de 30 minutos en inglés y español es acompañada de una actividad práctica y tiempo para juegos. Para familias con niños de 0 a 5 años. Tiempo en familia bilingüe | Sucursal West Side Los miércoles: 16 de septiembre, 14 de octubre, 11 de noviembre de 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Sucursal West Side – 713 Bridge St NW
Join us for songs, rhymes, stories and playtime while developing listening and language skills. Caregivers will have time to connect with each other while their babies learn and socialize. Designed for babies ages birth to 18 months with their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome.
Welcome to our hangout, where homeschoolers can connect with other kids and learn through engaging activities including STEAM, writing, crafts and games. The theme changes regularly, so there are always new opportunities to learn and explore together!
Teen-only fun for you and your friends at the library! Stop by for activities that may include board games, food and more.
Stop by the Bookmobile to register for a library card, pick up program information and check out the latest books, movies, music and more to enjoy at home. Please note: Bookmobile events may be canceled due to weather conditions. Check kdl.org/events or call 616.784.2007 for the latest updates before attending. Your safety is our priority!
It's a special time for fun, interactive programs just for school kids! Join our KDL Kids Zone programs for crafts, storytime, games and other activities.
Literacy is a fundamental skill that takes practice. In this program, kids are invited to practice reading to a licensed therapy dog from West Michigan Therapy Dogs Ruff Readers! Attendees will be able to read to a therapy dog for 10–15 minutes. While kids wait for their chance to read, the library will provide a small craft or activity. Reading spots with dogs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For ages 6 –13. Tails & Tales | Read to Therapy Dogs Wednesdays, September 9, October 14, November 11, 2026, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Van Belkum Branch – 1563 Plainfield Ave NE La lectoescritura es una habilidad fundamental que requiere práctica. En este programa, se invita a los niños a practicar la lectura con un perro de terapia certificado de West Michigan Therapy Dogs Ruff Readers. Los participantes podrán leer a un perro de terapia durante 10 a 15 minutos. Mientras los niños esperan su turno, la biblioteca proporcionará una pequeña manualidad. Los turnos están disponibles por orden de llegada. Para niños de 6 a 13 años. Colas y Cuentos | Lectura a perros de terapia Los miércoles: 9 de septiembre, 14 de octubre, 11 de noviembre de 2026, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Sucursal Van Belkum – 1563 P
All moms and children welcome! Join this maternal support group for play time, bonding with other mothers, and free coffee and tea.
Join us for songs, rhymes, stories and playtime while developing listening and language skills. Caregivers will have time to connect with each other while their babies learn and socialize. Designed for babies ages birth to 18 months with their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome.
Enjoy stories, music and rhymes while building early literacy and social skills. Designed for children ages 0-5 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome .
Enjoy stories, music and rhymes while building early literacy and social skills. Designed for children ages 3-5 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome.
Enjoy stories, music and rhymes while building early literacy and social skills. Designed for children ages 1-3 with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome.
Stop by the Bookmobile during or after the Bright Beginnings Playgroup. Register for a library card, pick up program information and borrow library materials to enjoy at home. Please note: Bookmobile events may be canceled due to weather conditions. Check kdl.org/events or call 616.784.2007 for the latest updates before attending. Your safety is our priority!
These storytimes feature great books, songs, fingerplays, and hands-on fun. Classes end with an art activity and playtime designed to help your child's brain grow. For ages 0–5 years. Family Storytime | Yankee Clipper Branch Thursdays, September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 2026, 10:30 – 11:30 am Yankee Clipper Branch – 2025 Leonard St NE Hora de cuentos familiar | Sucursal Yankee Clipper Los jueves: 17, 24 de septiembre; 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 de octubre; 5, 12, 19 de noviembre de 2026, 10:30 – 11:30 am Sucursal Yankee Clipper – 2025 Leonard St NE Estas horas de cuentos incluyen libros excelentes, canciones, juegos de dedos y actividades prácticas. Las clases terminan con una actividad de arte y tiempo de juego diseñados para ayudar a desarrollar el cerebro de su hijo. Para niños de 0 a 5 años.
All moms and children welcome! Join this maternal support group for play time, bonding with other mothers, and free coffee and tea.
Go on a hands-on adventure to uncover the secret life of plants. Young botanists will investigate how things grow from the roots up. Come dig into science! What is KDL Lab Experience?
Teen-only fun for you and your friends at the library! Stop by for activities that may include board games, food and more.
Draw it. Shrink it. Wear it. Repeat. Turn your drawings or tracings into one-of-a-kind keychains, magnets, jewelry and more!
Stop by the Bookmobile to register for a library card, pick up program information and check out the latest books, movies, music and more to enjoy at home. Please note: Bookmobile events may be canceled due to weather conditions. Check kdl.org/events or call 616.784.2007 for the latest updates before attending. Your safety is our priority!
Want to try Dungeons & Dragons but don't know where to start? Already love D&D but don't have a party? Come to the library for monthly drop-in sessions, open to players of all skill levels. You don't need to commit to multiple sessions. And like any good D&D session, we will have snacks. Bring your own character or get a premade one from us. Space is limited and first come, first served. For ages 12–18. Dungeons & Dragons for Teens Thursdays, September 10, October 8, November 12, 2026, 4:00 – 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE ¿Quiere probar Calabozos y Dragones (Dungeons & Dragons) pero no sabe por dónde empezar? ¿Le encanta D&D pero no tiene grupo? ¡Venga a la biblioteca para sesiones mensuales sin cita previa, abiertas a jugadores de todos los niveles! No tiene que comprometerse a varias sesiones. Y como en cualquier buena sesión de D&D, habrá refrigerios. Traiga su propio personaje o use uno prefabricado por nosotros. El espacio es limitado y se atiende por orden de llegada. Para jóvenes de 12 a 18 años. Dungeons & Dragons para Adolescentes Los jueves: 10 de septiembre, 8 de octubre, 12 de noviembre de 2026, 4:00 – 7:00 pm Biblioteca Principal – 111 Library St NE
Exercise your creativity! Create a variety of art projects to take home with you.
From quick card battles to intense board game marathons, this program has everything you need for a legendary library hangout.
KDL invites parents, grandparents and children to team up and build with bricks in a fun, collaborative environment. Our program encourages families to build with purpose and create something amazing together!
Play ukulele at the library! Beginners and newcomers welcome. Learn with ukulele enthusiasts followed by a group strum along. Limited ukuleles available; f irst come, first served.
Bring your stuffed animal for a night of fun at the library! Join us for an evening bedtime story and craft activity before dropping off your animal friends for a sleepover. Pick up your animals the next morning, along with some goodies from the library. For ages 6–11. Stuffed Animal Sleepover | Madison Square Branch Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Madison Square Branch – 1201 Madison Ave SE Traiga su peluche para una noche de diversión en la biblioteca. Únase a nosotros para una historia de buenas noches y una manualidad antes de dejar a sus amigos peludos a pasar la noche. Recoja sus animales a la mañana siguiente junto con algunos regalitos de la biblioteca. Para niños de 6 a 11 años. Pijamada de peluches | Sucursal Madison Square El jueves, 12 de noviembre de 2026, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Sucursal Madison Square – 1201 Madison Ave SE
Grand Rapids is Michigan's second city and the historic furniture capital, with the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and John Ball Zoo as its family fixtures. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is on the river, and ArtPrize takes over downtown each autumn. Grand Rapids Public Library's main branch dates from 1904.
Holiday events for kids in Grand Rapids, 2026: tree lightings, light displays, Santa visits and gingerbread workshops, day by day.
121 children’s events are on in Grand Rapids in the next seven days, read every night from the calendars of Grand Rapids Public Library and Kent District Library (29 branches, 1,388 upcoming programmes), plus BattleGR Tactical Games. Library programmes are free. Museum and zoo events say “admission may apply”; check the venue for prices.
The same calendars serve Ada, Byron Center, Caledonia, Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Lowell, Walker and Wyoming, so searching any of those names finds the same events.
39 places to collect. Tap “I'm here” when you're at one and the stamp goes in your book; collect 5 and print the certificate.
Stamps live on your phone. Open your passport to see them all, print the certificate, or save them to your email.
Yes and no. Every event, time, address and link is open to anyone. An account only lets you save outings you plan to go to.
Each library and venue calendar is re-read every night, so a cancelled storytime disappears within a day. Times are shown in Grand Rapids’s own time zone.
Babies and toddlers, preschoolers, early grades, tweens and teens. Pick an age range above to narrow the list; leave them all off to see everything.
More in Michigan: Battle Creek, Bay City, Holland, Lansing, Midland, Saginaw, Traverse City.