By GRKIDS Team / June 17, 2024
List of 50+ Teen Activities in the Grand Rapids Area
There are so many things to do around Grand Rapids, but finding things for teens to do that they don’t consider lame is a tall order.
Teens are savvy and they know what’s fun and what’s not.
This is the age where you can really tap into your children’s likes and interests and run with it.
We’ve found all the non-cringey stuff that teens will want to do around Grand Rapids. Some activities they may want to do with their friends, but some of these items are perfect for family time when you’re looking for things to do with teens.
Summer Things for Teens to Do
1 – Visit Michigan’s Adventure
4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445
Michigan’s Adventure is a water park and amusem*nt park in one!
It’s an easy day trip from Grand Rapids.
This mid-size amusem*nt park is small enough that you can easily let the teens run off to find their best fun without you tagging along.
2 – Try a Ropes Course or Zip Line
Adventurous teens will love a West Michigan Zip Lines or ropes course.
Popular ones include:
– Muskegon Luge Adventure Park
– John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids
– TreeRunner Adventure Park in Grand Rapids
3 – Play Putt Putt at Captain Sundae/Pirate’s Landing
365 Douglas Ave, Holland, MI 49424
Mini golf, aka Putt Putt, is one of the classic teen activities.
It’s even sweeter if you can do it at Captain Sundae’s and pair it with ice cream.
Try one of these mini golf spots around Grand Rapids.
4 – Grab Some Retro Kicks and Go Bowling
Choose from traditional or glow bowling.
5 – Catch a movie at the Drive-In
Drive-ins are the perfect choice for teens who are digging vintage vibes right now.
6 – Hit theBeach at Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan beaches are always a winning destination.
Teens love the sun and selfie ops.
7 – Hit the Rides at a Festival
Visit one of the manyfairs and festivalsgoing on this summer in West Michigan.
Eat all the elephant ears and ride all the rides.
It’s pure teen bliss and something to enjoy before they get old and rides make them queasy.
8 – Play Disc Golf
Teen activities for active kids include disc golf. And we have a lot around GR!
Favorite local disc golf courses include Fallasburg, Earle W. Brewer, and Johnson.
9 – Rent a Boat at Millennium Park
1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534
Millennium Park is huge and has a ton of outdoor things for teens to do, including SUP rentals and kayaks. (And a sandy beach, of course!)
10 – Attend a FREE summer teen event at a library
See what’s happening at Kent District or Grand Rapids Public Library.
11 – Go Dancing
Swing dance the night away withthe Grand Rapids Original Swing Society every Tuesday night.
Or sign up for a Hip Hop culture class at Teknique Academy.
12 – Cheer on the West Michigan Whitecaps
Whitecaps home games are loaded with entertainment and of course, good old baseball.
Many nights even end with a fireworks show.
13 – Watch the Fast Cars at Berlin Raceway
2060 Berlin Fair Dr, Marne, MI 49435
The Berlin Raceway in Marne is West Michigan’s only NASCAR-sanctioned track.
Look for special events throughout the season.
14 – Learn How to Play GolfatMaple Hill
5555 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418
Maple Hill Golf is a leader in junior golf lessons.
15 – Sign up fora Fun Run or Adventure Race
The Color Run 5K Grand Rapidsis usually in July.
The GRR Runway 5K is cool because you get to race down the place where airplanes fly.
16 – StargazeatVeen Observatoryin Lowell
3308 Kissing Rock Ave SE, Lowell, MI 49331
The telescopes are open to the public at Veen Observatory on various Saturdays, April through October when skies are clear.
Make sure you check their website ahead of time to confirm the skies are clear enough for a viewing.
17 – Go Kayaking or River Tubing
Tube or kayakdown one of West Michigan’smany great riverswithAAA Canoe and RentalorIndian Valley Campground.
Year-Round Things to Do For Teens & Tweens
18 – Play Life-Size Whack-a-Mole in Holland
478 E 16th St, Holland, MI 49423
Play Atomic Rush at BAM! Entertainment.
This giant glow-in-the-dark electronic game is one of many things for teens to do here.
They’ve got an arcade, bowling and laser tag, too.
19 – Watch Live Theatre
We love the live shows at theGrand Rapids Civic Theatreand Broadway GR.
20 – Or Hit a Movie Theater – With Reclining Seats
Studio Park – 123 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Many theaters have the coveted reclining seats, but Studio Park downtown is ALL reclining seats.
Add in downtown vibes and a nice grassy community area out front where they can wait for you to pick them up after the show.
It’s the perfect cinema experience for teens.
21 – Spend the Day at Craig’s Cruisers
5730 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
There’s so much to do at Craig’s Cruisers in Wyoming!
Try a game of mini-golf or laser tag, tackle the ropes course, orgo-kart.
Don’t forget to fill up on the pizza buffet before heading home.
22 – Conquer the Obstacles at a Trampoline Park
Bounceoff the walls or get in a game of dodgeball atSky Zone, Rebounderz, or Craig’s Cruisers.
23 – Stay Overnight on aSubmarine
1346 Bluff St, Muskegon, MI 49441
Or just visit for a few hours atUSS Silversidesin Muskegon.
This is one of our quirky things for teens to do.
24 – Invite Your Friends to a Video Game Truck Party
BattleGR will deliver the video game truck to your party spot for hours of fun.
You can also visit them in Comstock Park for laser tag, axe throwing and more.
25 – Head to the Symphony – for a Deal
DeVos Performance Hall – 300 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
TheGrand Rapids Symphony’s Rush Program will hook you up with unbeatable ticket prices for students.
26 – Visit A LocalMuseum
Get cultured while having fun.
Choose from:
– theGRAM
– the GRPM
– the Gerald R. Ford museum
– the African American Museum
27 – Explore Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Find incredible sculptures around every corner at Meijer Gardens. In summer, bring your chair for Tuesday night concert series.
And if you want to feel like a kid again, visit the Great Lakes pools in the children’s garden.
28 – Get a Latte. Like from a Real Coffee Shop
We understand the draw of Starbucks with its fruity concoctions and sweet lattes.
But newsflash: local coffee shops have their own amazing specialty drinks that are way more fresh than a pink drink.
29 – Paint Your Own Pottery at The Mud Room
Or, make something special withclayatThe Mud Room.
31 – Catch a Comedy Show
River City Improvis hilarious. Without being raunchy.
32 – Hike a State Park
Visit one of our many greatState Parkswith aMichigan Recreation Passport.
33 – Go Treasure Hunting
Findtreasurewhile tryinggeocaching.
34 – Bike, Blade or Snowshoe the Trails
Bike, hike, snowshoe or blade one of theseextensive trails:
ThePaul Henry – Thornapple,Kent Trails, andWhite Pinestrails are only a few that our area has to offer.
Check out our full list and maphere.
35 – Try Teen Hangout Spot 3 Mile Project
Check out the3 Mile Project, where you’ll find video games, athletic courts, an indoor skate park, a ninja course, game tables, theaters, and a cafe.
36 – Go Fishing
Go fishing!The Michigan DNR offersFree Fishing Weekendstwice each year.
37 – Play Paintball
Play a game ofpaintballatT.C. Paintball(for kids ages 10 and older).
38 – Learn to Sew
Take asewing or craft classatSmith Owen Sewing, The Stitch Studio,orJoann.
39 – Buy a Book. Made of Paper.
Visit one of our manygreat bookstores.
Schuler Booksoffers a variety of programs including game nights, author talks, and more.
Other local favorites includeArgos Book Shop,Baker Book HouseandBooks & Mortar.
40 – Make Your Own Candles
1423 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Make your own custom candle at Wax Poetic Candle Bar.
41 – Go Horseback Riding
8001 Patterson Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316
Gohorseback ridingatKarin’s Horse Connection.
42 – Go Ultimate!
Play teamfrisbeewithGrand Rapids UltimateorZig Zag Ultimate.
43 – Take a Cooking Class
Learn tocooksomething special at one of these cooking classes around Grand Rapids.
44 – Go Rock Climbing
851 Bond Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Reach for the sky atHigher Ground Rock Climbing Center. Youth climbing clubs meet every Monday.
Or climb at the new Grand Rapids Boulder Park at Highland Park.
45 – Volunteer
There are over a dozen places around Grand Rapids where teens can volunteer.
Even kids as young as five can help pack sack suppers at theKids’ Food Basket so the whole family can get involved.
46 – Go Roller Skating
3330 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418
Strap on the rollerblades or roller skates.
Tarry Hall Roller Rink is playing skating tunes several days a week.
47 – Capture the Perfect Tik Tok Background
Grab your phone and plot your own mural tour.
The perfect selfie or TikTok spot is just around the corner.
48 – Take Driver’s Training
Ah, the most dreaded milestone for parents and yet most exciting for teens.
Find the perfect driver’s training class for your teen.
Winter Things to Do For Teens & Tweens
49 – Visit Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
462 Scenic Dr N, Muskegon, MI 49445
Visit Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park in the winter to enjoy ice skating on the trail through the woods, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding.
50 – Ski or Tube at Cannonsburg
6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Belmont, MI 49306
Head toCannonsburgfor skiing and snow tubing.
51 – Lace Up Those Ice Skates
135 Monroe Center St NW,Grand Rapids, MI49503
Ice skateduring the winter months atRosa Parks Circle in the heart of Downtown Grand Rapids.
52 – Go Sledding
There are lots of sledding hills around Grand Rapids.
Did We Miss Any Favorite Teen Activities?
What are some of your best things for teens to do? Let us know in the comments below!
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About The Author
3 thoughts on “50+ Lit Things for Teens to Do Around Grand Rapids”
Jane
December 17, 2021 at 7:02 pm
I found a few things, so thank you. More winter ideas are needed.
How about Fowling off Cascade Road. Good place.Reply
William b hoke
September 26, 2017 at 5:28 pm
Very helpful planning a day with my grandson
Reply
Anne D
May 24, 2017 at 9:34 am
Is there a downloadable version of this list? Thank you!
Reply
