Michigan - Pitstops for Kids

Grand Rapids Public Museum

September 9, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

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

Situated alongside the Grand River directly across (and linked by pedestrian bridges) from the heart of downtown, the Grand Rapids Public Museum houses an eclectic collection of historic, scientific, and cultural exhibits related to western Michigan. This imposing building, with its three-story wall of windows facing the river, is designed with an eye to beauty as well as function. Older kids will get more out of it than younger, but it has something for everyone in the family.

In the three-story gallery overlooking the river, you’ll find classic cars, life-sized games of chess and Connect Four, and a horse-drawn street car that kids can climb on. Be sure to look up and enjoy the twinkling hangings made of round mirrors and Christmas lights—not to mention the full-sized whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.

Little girls will love the doll room, which includes a table and play tea set. But the major exhibit on the first floor is “The Streets of Old Grand Rapids.” Here, volunteers staff replicas of historic Grand Rapids shops. The day we visited, a volunteer was using a foot-cranked printing press to create two- and three-color bookmarks, one color at a time. A great photo op in this exhibit is the old-fashioned bicycle, whose front wheel is so big, even adults have to stretch to maneuver the pedals.

As an added bonus, the first floor links to a pavilion built out over the river to house a beautiful restored carousel. Rides cost $1 a ride—a real bargain compared to the average mall carousel.

As you make your way through the museum, keep an eye out for the A to Z signs. (”H”, for instance, is for “hats,” and their collection is a lot of fun, ranging from the exotic to the downright kooky.)

Most of the second floor is dedicated to the traveling exhibits and the planetarium. The planetarium is named after local hero Roger Chaffey, who was killed in the Apollo 1 disaster. At the time of our visit, the traveling exhibit was The Discovery of King Tut’s Tomb. We heard great things about the exhibit, but as we were on a limited time frame and had several children too young to appreciate it, we opted to bypass it.

The third-floor Western Michigan Habitats exhibit has a hefty “gross” factor that’s sure to impress young grade school boys, with a cutaway of the forest floor and a model of a drop of marsh water, magnified 200 times so every amoeba and flatworm has its full impact. Environmental consciousness is a big deal in western Michigan, but the exhibit about Lake Michigan brings the personal, local, and global issues surrounding sustainability into clear focus at a level of scientific authority that parents will appreciate and older kids will find accessible.

Older kids will get more out of the Grand Rapids Public Museum than younger, but there are hands-on exhibits on all three levels, from building blocks outside the planetarium to hinged mystery windows inviting kids to guess which baby goes with which Western Michigan animal. Tucked into the information-dense water-and-forest exhibit on the third floor is a puppet theater and tree house play area to keep the little ones occupied while older siblings and parents absorb the displays.

Signage around the museum is very clear, with “Please touch” and “please don’t touch” signs including pictorial reminders for non-readers as well as words.

Planning your trip:

Give yourself at least three to four hours to see the museum itself, and all day if you want to get the most out of the traveling exhibits. There is a cafe on the second floor, offering soups, snacks, and other luncheon fare.

Daily admission is $8 for adults and $3 for children 3-17; kids 2 and under are free. The GRPM offers discounts to college students, AAA members, military personnel, and others. Planetarium shows add $4, and carousel rides are $1 apiece for non-members.

Note: Admission to visiting exhibits is priced separately (for King Tut, $18 for adults and $13 for kids 3-17) but includes general admission to the museum and a carousel ride.

Hours of Operation:

9-5 Monday through Saturday and 12-5 on Sundays, with evening hours on Tuesday. Be aware that GRPM is closed on major holidays.

Location:

272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI.

Our family visited the Grand Rapids Public Museum as guests of Experience Grand Rapids.

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.

Exploring Holland Michigan with kids

August 10, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

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

The town of Holland, Michigan was settled by Dutch immigrants in the mid-19th century, and has made a name for itself as a go-to destination for experiencing Dutch culture. Situated near Lake Michigan, three hours from both Chicago and Detroit and 35 minutes from Grand Rapids, Holland boasts two stand-out attractions for families.

Nelis’ Dutch Village

One part amusement park, one part living history, and one part quaint shopping district, the Dutch Village is a compact, charming replica of 19th-century Dutch culture.

Originally opened as a retail shop for the Nelis family’s tulip growing operation, the village now boasts a carillon, cafe, pub, extensive gift shop, and attractions for kids and adults alike.

Start your day by saying hello to the families of ducks paddling in the Village’s decorative canals. Then listen to a performance of the “Gouden Engel” (golden angel), a 1920s street organ. This wooden-piped, ornately carved and painted work of art includes drums and mechanical figures. Periodically through the day, costumed employees converge on the square in front of the organ to demonstrate klompen dancing. Afterward, the crowd is invited down to learn a basic dance.

All-you-can-ride carnival-style swings, windmill-themed Ferris Wheel, small zip line and carousel are included in the admission price. For the little ones, there are also “petal pusher cars,” which run on railroad tracks and are powered by the children themselves.

It’s not all carnival rides, though. The Nelis family has set up a mock Dutch village where visitors can see short (5 minutes or less—perfect for little ones) demonstrations from cheese making to wooden clog making. You can even be weight on a scale to prove you’re not a witch. There’s also a petting zoo (hand sanitizer provided!).

Keep your eyes open for gems not included on the map. Behind the zip line stands a trio of old-fashioned water pumps attached to gutters for racing rubber duckies. Beside the school house you’ll find not only a bean bag toss, but a contraption that I can only call a “tandem” snow board.

Nelis’ Dutch Village is ideal for kids in the 3-10 age range. Plan at least four hours for your visit, and don’t be surprised if the kids clamor to stay until closing time.

Whether or not you have time to spend in the park, take time to visit the cafe and souvenir shops, which are accessible from outside the park. The cafe serves kid-friendly fare and Dutch specialties like Kroketten, a fried meat pastry, and Saucijzebroodjes, a sausage pig’n’bun. Kids can also make a “stroopwafel,” a thin waffle cookie spread with a cinnamon-sugar concoction.

The cafe offers the usual souvenir fare–t shirts, shot glasses and the like–but the real gems are found in the collection of Dutch gifts—blue china, cuckoo clocks, and other beautiful artwork.

Nelis’ Dutch Village is located at the corner of US Highway 30 and James Street. Hours vary by season and are posted on the website. (link: http://www.dutchvillage.com/park/hours.html.) Admission is $11 for adults and $9 for children 3-15.

Windmill Island Gardens

Windmill Island Gardens, operated by the city of Holland, Mich., is a beautiful preserve and botanical garden at the edge of the downtown area.

Entering Windmill Island, you will drive through a marshland grown up in cattails. The scent of flowers greets you upon getting out of the car. A street organ sits at the head of a breathtaking flower garden and lawn, where the mysterious snow-board contraption makes another appearance, along with hoops and sticks. Both of these are unique play opportunities for kids to enjoy while parents listen to frequent organ concerts.

The highlight of the grounds is, of course, the picturesque De Zwaan (the swan) windmill. This 250-year-old structure was relocated from the Netherlands, still in working order, and actually grinds grain that can be purchased on site. Costumed guides give klompen dancing demonstrations and offer tours of the first five levels of De Zwaan. Kids can turn a miniature millstone, and you can see World War II bullet holes in some artifacts on display. Although the inner workings of the windmill are fascinating to adults, the highlight for kids is going out on the “gallery,” where you can touch the windmill blades when the windmill is not in operation.

Note: although the rest of the grounds are accessible, the upper floors of the windmill are reached via stairs; strollers will have to be left at ground level.

There are picnic tables, and visitors are encouraged to bring food. The carousel here is smaller than most, so it’s particularly good for little ones. Behind the carousel you’ll find a playground and a small courtyard where children are encouraged to water from a rain barrel and get up close and personal with herbs and edibles.

If you want to get out of the sun, a building adjacent to the gift shop houses a 1930s-era model town (think model railroad, but with boats instead of trains). The gift shop offers snacks and Dutch souvenirs as well as bags of De Zwaan bran, corn meal, wheat flour, and so on.

While you’re on the grounds, you might well see people kayaking in the canal that flows through the property. Kayaks are not rented on site, but can be rented in town.

Windmill Island, located at 1 Lincoln Ave., is open 9:30a.m. to 6p.m. daily from mid-April to the beginning of October. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children 5-15, but residents of Holland are admitted free with proof of residency.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Kate and her family experienced Holland Michigan with compensated attraction tickets, for the purpose of 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.

Krupka’s Blueberry Plantation

September 23, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

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

Krupka’s Blueberries is located in the resort lakeside town of Saugatuck, Michigan, and makes for a nice day trip if staying in the area or a pit stop if driving through. Our family finds them to be the best blueberries in the whole state (which is quite a fruit belt)! You can buy pre-picked if you’re in a hurry, or take some time to pick your own (super fun!).

Note: Ten pounds of blueberries for a family of three will only last about 100 miles (at least for my family!). And if it’s hot out, buy the pre-picked!

Distance from the interstate: One mile from Highway US31.

Cost: 10 pounds of picked blueberries cost $22 (at last visit)

Website: None.
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Directions: Take the Blue Star Highway exit and head east less than one mile. Krupka’s is on the left; it’s a big field fronted by blueberry bushes. Enter the driveway and drive to the shop at the back.

Pier Cove Beach, Fennville Michigan

August 5, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

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

A small, beautiful beach, Fennville’s Pier Cove Beach features a small creek that lets out into Lake Michigan, which is often warmer than the big lake. It’s perfect for small kids to splash in! Families can also find rocks and logs and make sculptures! In the big lake, kids (and adults!) will swim to their hearts’ content. Oh, and dogs are welcome! This is the perfect pit stop to escape crowds; the only drawback: there are no bathrooms or changing rooms, so plan accordingly!

Travel tip: Beware the poison ivy on the south side of the staircase! Stick to the right! No lifeguard on duty.

For more information on area beaches, head over to Top 10 Beach Towns on Michigan’s Sunset Coast at Wandering Educators.

Closest interstate or highway: US31, Fennville Exit (M-89).

Cost of admission: Free!

Hours: Sunrise to sunset.

Dining options: None; bring a picnic!

Directions: From US31, take the Fennville exit (M-89). Head West toward Lake Michigan. At the T, take a left (south) and drive to another stop. Take a right (west) and go around the curve. Pier Cove is about 25 feet down the road on the Lake side (right). There are about 10 parking spaces.

Oval Beach, Saugatuck, Michigan

August 3, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

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

Saugatuck’s Oval Beach is a popular pit stop along the coast of Lake Michigan for a reason: ranked by Conde Naste traveler as one of the 25th best beaches in the world, it boasts wonderful dunes (including Mount Baldhead), family amenities such as a playground and concession stand, and picnic areas complete with grills and a deck. It features two beach areas (one that is flatter, and one that is accessed by stairs). Sometimes you’ll get huge waves, and sometimes very calm waters. It’s all fun: bring some sand toys, a Frisbee, a kite, and plenty of towels and sunscreen. The only drawbacks? It can get crowded in summer, and the faucets only run cold water (brr!).

For more information, head over to Top 10 Beach Towns on Michigan’s Sunset Coast at Wandering Educators.

Closest interstate or highway: US31

Cost of admission: Park fees apply.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset.

Dining options: Oval Beach does have a seasonal concession stand, but more dining is available in nearby Saugatuck.

Directions: From Highway US31, take the Blue Star Highway exit, and head west. Turn left at the Kalico Kitchen, and follow that along for several miles until you see a sign on the left for Oval Beach.