• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Oleksii Sergieiev - Fotolia.com

2. Grand Rapids Public Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Courtesy of Le Do - Fotolia.com

3. Grand Rapids Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Grand Rapids Art Museum

4. Blandford Nature Center

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Matthew Kilander - Fotolia.com

5. Meyer May House

© Courtesy of we8504 - Fotolia.com

6. John Ball Zoo

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of Dustin Smith - Fotolia.com

7. Grand Rapids Symphony

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Courtesy of furtseff - Fotolia.com

8. Gerald R. Ford Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Gerald R. Ford Museum

9. Grand Rapids Children's Museum

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Grand Rapids Children's Museum

10. Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Matthew Kilander - Fotolia.com

11. Heritage Hill Historic District

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Heritage Hill Association

12. Brewery Vivant

Category: Nearby Food & Drink

13. The Chop House

14. Fulton Street Farmers Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Courtesy of elxeneize - Fotolia.com

15. The Pump House

16. Ju Sushi & Lounge

Category: Nearby Food & Drink

17. Bagger Dave's

18. Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Daniel Thornberg - Fotolia.com

19. ArtPrize

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com

20. Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery

21. Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© demphoto/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Grand Rapids, the second-largest city in Michigan, offers scenic views of the Grand River, unique museums, coffee shops, a choice of attractions, and excellent restaurants to explore on a weekend getaway or day trip.
  • Stroll through the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, tour the restored Meyer May House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and see the exhibits at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
  • Top things to do in Grand Rapids with kids include the zoo, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the Children's Museum.

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