I-96 - Pitstops for Kids

Where to stay in Grand Rapids: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel review

August 24, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

The following post is written by Pit Stops for Kids’ Midwest contributor, Kate Basi.

Situated on the banks of the Grand River in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel is one of the landmarks of the city’s skyline. It consists of two distinct sections—the historic Pantlind Hotel, built in 1913, along with a modern glass high rise tower that offers stunning views of the city.

Room amenities:

Our family of six was given a Tower luxury suite, with views of the river and the city on three sides. A spacious living room included a 42-inch TV and sleek, modern mirrored decor. We had ample shelving and a spacious mini-fridge as well as a jetted tub with luxurious shower options. The only thing we lacked was a microwave.

The bedroom included a king-sized bed as well as a second TV, a lounge couch and a spacious desk (complimentary wifi) that gave this working mom room a place to be productive while the kids watched TV. The view of the river from that desk was icing on the cake.

We were also given a connecting bedroom with similar decor and two queen beds. Smaller and more functional (for instance, it had only a walk-in shower, not a tub), that room nonetheless had a desk and great views of its own. The layout, as well as the luxury bedding in both rooms, allowed everyone in our family of six to follow their normal sleep schedule despite being away from home.

It’s the details that make the Amway Grand Plaza such a great place to stay. Our suite came with plush his-and-hers bathrobes, and the kids were particularly entranced by the mural artwork on the underside of the coffee table, which was reflected in a mirror below.

That attention to detail can be seen in other parts of the hotel as well. Without fail, the staff was helpful and courteous, and generally responded quickly to questions or requests.

The fourth-floor fitness center includes an outdoor tennis court and an indoor pool, as well as a workout room set up with multiple ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bicycles, and weights. The pool area is relaxing and designed with beauty as well as function in mind. Parents can lounge on cushioned wicker chairs and couches separated by potted plants. Our kids enjoyed seeing the water change color under the fiber optic lights. As an added convenience, the fitness center boasts a snack bar. The hours are extensive, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

What To Do:

The Amway Grand Plaza is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, connected by skywalk to DeVos Convention Center and within easy walking distance of numerous attractions. There are at least four museums–the Public Museum of Grand Rapids, which includes a planetarium and high-visibility traveling exhibits (King Tut, when we were there); the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum; the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum; and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The Amway’s riverside location offers not only beautiful views but also access to the river walk on either side of the water. Downtown Grand Rapids boasts numerous pedestrian/bicycle bridges and cultural opportunities, from carillon concerts at the university across the river to a ballet school, a concert hall, live music at the band shell on Rosa Parks Circle, and an ice hockey arena that hosts big-name tours.

Dining:

The Amway Grand Plaza includes two upscale dining options: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on the ground floor of the Pantlind wing and Cygnus 27 on the 27th floor of the Tower. For more family-friendly pricing, visit GP Sports, which offers bar & grill fare (burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and appetizers). Gluten-free and vegetarian options are notated on the menu. Coffee lovers will be happy to know that there is also a Starbucks in the building.

Rates:

Room rates start at approximately $200/night on weeknights. Our Tower Luxury Suite was in the $400/night range. Valet parking is available for $29/day, self-park for $19.

For downtown lodging close to almost everything and a comfortable, luxurious night’s sleep, you can’t do better than the Amway Grand Plaza.

Location:

187 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, adjacent to DeVos Convention Center.

Our family stayed at the Amway Plaza Grand as guests of Experience Grand Rapids in return for an honest review.

Grand Rapids with kids: John Ball Zoo review

August 21, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

The following post is written by Pit Stops for Kids’ Midwest contributor, Kate Basi.

Going to the zoo is a classic family outing in every part of the world. Grand Rapids, Michigan’s John Ball Zoo is not large, but the unique opportunities it offers guarantees it a place in kids’ memory.

The first thing to watch for upon arrival is “Nessie,” the water sculpture in the lake beside the parking lot. This is just the first of many details that make this zoo such a great destination. Much of the zoo is shaded by a canopy of mature trees, with plenty of places for tired legs to rest and beautiful touches like a lovely waterfall near the petting zoo. Michigan’s cool climate also means that the animals are more active than they often are at the height of summer.

Since this is a relatively small zoo, a few large animals are missing, like elephants and giraffes. However, there are lions, tigers, Grizzly bears, and a host of other kids’ favorites. The exhibits are of high quality, with educational materials that even our six-year-old, a new reader, found accessible. The “tunnel” under the aquarium is sure to be a hit, as is the interactive display that invites visitors to try to jump as far as a kangaroo.

Plan three to four hours to see the whole collection of animals—but the animal exhibits are only the beginning of the adventure.

John Ball Zoo has places for kids to play (and parents to rest). The Tree Top Outpost is a jungle-themed play structure near the top of the zoo, with stationary binoculars to look down the hill. The Nature Play Zone has long logs to use as balance beams and a tent where kids can pretend to camp out. There’s also a petting zoo, and of course, there are animal demonstrations. You can watch the zoo staff train bears and feed spider monkeys, just to name a couple.

As if all that wasn’t enough, John Ball Zoo has created extra “experiences” for every levels of adventuring spirit. Ride a camel or pet sting rays (and even the occasional shark). Explore the “Sky Trails” rope course, which has two climbing levels, or get a thrill from the 600-foot-long zip line.

Not all these activities are available to young kids. Some, like the zip line and ropes course, have weight and height restrictions. Others, like petting pygmy goats, are aimed specifically at little ones. Be aware that many (though not all) of the “experiences” that make this zoo such an interesting place to visit will require extra fees.

Accessibility:

The zoo is built on a steep hill, and parents pushing strollers or wheelchairs will want to be aware that some of the paths are unpaved. Strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and mobility carts can be rented on-site. A tram connects the top and bottom of the zoo; rides cost $3 per person.

Shopping/Food:

In addition to the usual gift shop fare, the gift shop stocks fair trade items, from scarves to carvings to chocolate. The zoo does allow outside food and drinks (no glass) in the park, but also offers cafes and concession stands. Be sure to try the cinnamon sugar elephant ear, available at the Whistle Stop!

Hours/Admission:

John Ball Zoo is open from March through October. During the peak season, admission is $10 for adults and $8 for kids 2-12, with extra fees required for many of the “experiences.” For details see their website.

Location:

The zoo is at 1300 Fulton St., in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Our family visited John Ball Zoo as guests of Experience Grand Rapids in exchange for an impartial review.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

August 19, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

The following post is written by Pit Stops for Kids’ Midwest contributor, Kate Basi.

There are two kinds of children’s museums—those that focus on science and hands-on learning, and those that focus on play. The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum falls in the latter category.

In a northern climate, where winters last a long time, this museum is a place that will keep kids occupied for several hours. It occupies two stories, with the first floor generally aimed more toward children six and under and the second floor toward older kids.

The museum prides itself on rotating its exhibits periodically. At the time of our visit, the main floor was divided into two major areas for pretend play. A kid-sized town, including a gas station, post office, library, auto shop, and grocery store, occupied one side of the building. The other side was a construction site where kids could build walls and play with shredded-tire mulch, running it over a conveyor belt or hauling it in buckets.

My kids were entranced by the stage between these two areas, which had backdrop, proscenium, limited costumes, and wing doors (not to mention a kid-sized guitar).

The second floor, as our ten-year old said, was filled with “things to do and not just things to pretend with.” A music area included piano, steel drum and other percussion instruments. In the bubble area, the boys spent quite a while trying to encase themselves in a giant bubble. A large spinning disc on a table challenged us to try to get a tire rolling on it without being flung off. There was also a play farm and a real, functioning bee hive connected to the outdoors by a tube so the bees can come and go (the outside entrance is on the second floor far away from human interference).

The second floor also includes the “Wee Discover” area, aimed ages 0-4. The museum offers occasional staff-led activities, from guided sidewalk chalk design to craft projects. The staff will occasionally zero in on a child who is showing particular interest in an area and spend some time playing with them one on one.

As you might expect, a place with this much to offer can be crowded. A sign states that parents are expected to remain with their children; however, the museum is well laid-out, with distinct areas and fairly controlled entry and exit to each. Parents can sit on the benches scattered around the building and still be able to keep track of their kids. However, if you have a wanderer, it might be a good idea to bring along an extra pair of eyes. There was an employee stationed in the entryway to help keep kids from getting out without an adult, but it’s not as tightly controlled as some child-oriented businesses.

There is no food on site, but re-entry is permitted by hand stamp, and there are plenty of restaurants within a block or two, as well as a war memorial park across the street where families can picnic in good weather. Allow a minimum of 2-3 hours, but with so many interesting things to play with, your kids might want to spend the whole day. Our family spent 2 1/2 hours there before breaking for lunch and nap time, after which we came back for another two hours, and the kids would have stayed longer still. It was their favorite place we visited in Grand Rapids.

Hours/Admission:

Admission is $8.25 for ages 1-64, with discounts for seniors and military personnel. It is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 to 5 and Sundays from noon to 5. Thursday “family night,” admission is $1.75 from 5-8 p.m.

Directions:

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is in the heart of downtown at 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, a short walk from DeVos Convention Center and a number of hotels. It does not have a parking lot, so if you try to drive be prepared to feed the meters. If you’re close enough, I recommend walking.

Our family visited Grand Rapids Children’s Museum as guests of Experience Grand Rapids in exchange for an impartial review.

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

January 2, 2012 By Sharlene Earnshaw

The following pit stop is submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a world-class treasure. It boasts outdoor sculptures from over 30 renowned sculptors, including the DaVinci Horse, by Nina Akamu, glass works by Chihuly, and works by Goldsworthy, Degas, Rodin, Lichtenstein, Segal, di Suvero, and my favorite, Deborah Butterfield’s Cabin Creek.

Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park has something for everyone: indoor gardens (topical conservatory, Victorian garden, carnivorous and arid gardens), and a huge outdoor area. The outdoor gardens and sculpture park include the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, a Michigan Farm Garden, different seasonal gardens, a wooded path, nature trails, a boardwalk on the river, an amphitheater, and an extensive (30+ acres!) sculpture park. Meijer Gardens holds two special events each year: Holidays around the World (in December) and Butterflies are Blooming, in the Conservatory in February/March. There are also rotating art exhibits, a library, classrooms, and guided tours.

The Children’s Garden is the most fun for families, and our daughter especially loves the Great Lakes Water Garden. It’s got all five Great Lakes outlined, and they are filled with water! You can play with boats and splash and have all sorts of fun. There is also a huge tree fort, a story telling garden, a kid-sized beaver lodge, a rock quarry where you can dig for fossils, a log cabin, a children’s sculpture walk, a labyrinth, butterfly maze, and more. Kids can spend the whole day here, or just a few hours.

Tip! The gardens are open all year round, and in the winter, the sculptures take on a magical quality with the enhancement of snow! Read more about the gardens, as well as view more photos, at Wandering Educators!

Date last visited: summer 2011

Distance from the interstate: a few blocks from I-96, a mile or so east of US 131

Hours of operation: M/W/Th/F/St from 9 am-5 pm, Tues from 9 am-9 pm, and Sun from 11 am-5 pm.

Admission cost: Adults 14-64 are $12, seniors and students with ID are $9, kids 5-13 are $6, kids 3-4 are $4, and kids 2 and under are free.

Accessibility: Meijer Gardens is totally barrier-free, and has ramps and smooth paths everywhere. All doors have handicap push buttons to open them. Diaper facilities are located in the restroom; family restrooms available.

Dining Options: Taste of the Gardens Café is located right inside Meijer Gardens, near the entrance. It features sculpture by Dale Chihuly, and offers a kids’ menu, entrees, and sandwiches and salads. In the summer, outdoor seating is available. If you want to eat elsewhere, Grand Rapids is full of excellent food. We love the One Stop Coney Shop, in downtown Grand Rapids (10 minutes away).

Directions: The gardens are located at 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. From I-96, go north on East Beltline a few blocks.

Photos courtesy of Jessie Voigts.