Blandford Nature Center: located at 1715 Hillburn NW. Is a very popular attraction that offers nature lovers and history buffs a well-deserved treat. Blandford surprises its visitors with: several long, picturesque trails lined with Michigan's finest trees, an educational Nature Center, and several Historic buildings dating back to the mid-1800's such as the Blacksmith shop and Schoolhouse that are opened for public view during their Fall Harvest Festival. Blandford takes you away from the busy city and back in time for a truly relaxing visit. Call (616) 453-6192 for times open and special events happening at the Blandford Nature Center. www.michigandnr.com/publications/pdfs/wildlife/viewingguide/slp/82Blandford/index.htm
Community Circle Theatre: Located at 1607 Robinson Road SE at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center. From May through September, they perform five main stage and several children's shows throughout the year. Call (616) 456-6656 for show times and ticket prices. https://www.circletheatre.org
Coopersville & Marne Railway Co: This old-fashioned passenger train takes you on a relaxing journey or maybe an encounter with some wild cowboys! From spring to fall there are a variety of different theme trips to take. There is also Group Charters available. Call (616) 837-7000 for admission prices and departure times. https://www.coopersvilleandmarne.org/index.html
Grand Rapids Fish Ladder: Located at the Sixth Street Bridge. In the fall on the Grand River you will see a spectacular display of nature, as the salmon fight to return upstream for the spawning season. Children of all ages will get a kick out of these flying fish! The most active months are mid-September to mid-October.https://www.michigandnr.com/publications/pdfs/wildlife/viewingguide/slp/83Grnd/index.htm
Le Montueux Vineyard & Winery: located just North of Grand Rapids at 2365 8 Mile Rd. This beautiful countryside escape would be the perfect spot to visit during the months of May through December. They offer complimentary wine tasting and a variety of wine making supplies. Call (616) 784-4554 for details.
AJ's Family Fun Park: Located adjacent to the Fifth Third Park. This family fun park features race cars, miniature golf, batting cages and an arcade. Kids love to visit anytime and its easy access on/off the local Highways. Prices vary call (616) 785-0077 for more information. https://www.ajsfamilyfun.com
Star Theater: Located at 3000 Alpine NW, Walker. 616-785-9200. www.amctheatres.com
Robinette's Apple Haus & Gift Barn: located at 3142 Four Mile Rd. This family owned and operated apple farm offers a real treat if you want to not only taste their deliciously sweet cider and but also see how it's made! Along with your cider enjoy some of the best donuts in town! The Apple Haus donuts are in high demand and you can enjoy them in their own lunchroom. After a bite to eat, you can tour the farm by Horse-drawn Hayride or visit their 1800's gift barn featuring fine collectibles and dried floral gifts. For hour information for the Apple Haus call (616) 361-5567 or for the Gift Barn call (616) 361-7180.www.robinettes.com
IMAX Theatre at Celebration! Village: Knapp St. and East Beltline 616-530-7469. The IMAX large format film presentations the most intense cinematic experience in West Michigan. 6 Story High Screen. State of the Art Sound. 3-D capablilty. Cutting Edge Realism. www.celebrationcinema.com/
Celebration! Cinema: Knapp St. & East Beltline 616-530-7469. Seventeen-screen theatre featuring state-of-the-art projection and digital sound. The ultimate in stadium theatre seating. Anchor of Celebration! Village retail/restaurant complex. Admission charged.www.celebrationcinema.com/ Also located at Kalamazoo & M-6 on the Southeast side of town.
Grand Rapids Symphony: located at 169 Louis Campau Promenade, Suite 1. Presents classical, casual classics, pops, family series, coffee classics and lollipops concerts(for children) during its regular season Sept. thru May. In the summer the orchestra presents outdoor concerts called Picnic Pops at Cannonsburg Ski Area. Call 616-454-9451 www.grsymphony.org
Opera Grand Rapids: located 161 Ottawa NW Ave. Suite 20. Opera Grand Rapids presents four full productions per season from October through May, at DeVos Hall. Be entertained by the finest young national talent in principal roles and outstanding local artists as supporting cast. Call 616-451-2741www.operagr.com
Broadway Theatre Guild: located at 50 Monroe Ave. NW. The Guild presents Broadway touring productions at DeVos Hall. Admission varies with each show with prices from $25-$65. Call 616-235-6285. www.broadwaytheatreguild.org
Wealthy Theatre: located 1130 Wealthy St. SE. The Wealthy Theatre is a multi-cultural arts and education center inspiring respect and creativity among its neighbors and broader community. Call 616-451-8001www.grcmc.org/theatre/
Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium at Van Andel Museum Center: 272 Pearl St. NW, (616)456-3663. Spectacular educational sky shows for all ages. Laser light shows set to popular music. State-of-the-art Digistar theater. Shows change several times a year. Admission charged. www.grmuseum.org
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA): located at 41 Sheldon Blvd. A multi-disciplinary contemporary arts center with thought-provoking programming in the visual arts, performance art, music, dance, film and literature. Artist's services are provided. Gallery admission free. UICA offers a variety of or regular exhibits and events, with film shows, art exhibits, musical and theatrical performances as well as readings and lectures. Call (616) 454-7000 for more information. www.uica.org
Studio 28, 1350 28th Street, Wyoming. 20 screen theater. Featuring stadium seating and state of the art projection and digital sound. Virtual-reality ride, retail store, and video arcade. 616-530-show (7416). www.bigscreenmovies.com
Craig's Cruisers, 5730 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming, (616)530-2900. Ride the go-karts, bumper boats and kiddie rides. Play on two miniature golf courses and enjoy the large arcade. Drive indoor electric go-karts! Great for birthdays and groups. www.craigscruisers.com
Amway Corporation: 7575 E. Fulton St. Ada. A redesigned Visitor Center recreates the history of one of the world's largest direct selling companies and explains the business it pioneered. Audio-visual presentations and interactive displays help bring the Amway story to life. Admission free. Alticor is the parent company for Amway Corporation, Quixtar, Access Business Group, and Pyxis Innovations.616-787-6701. www.alticor.com
Veen Observatory: 33008 Kissing Rock Rd., Lowell, (616)897-7065. Outdoor night observatory with powerful telescopes for viewing the moon, stars and planets. www.graaa.org
Top Hat Carriage: Office 8988 3 Mile Road NE, Ada 616-682-0096. West Michigan's largest, most professional horse and carriage service. Open all seasons for private and corporate events. Downtown guided or romantic tours offered Friday and Saturday evenings. Gift certificates available. www.michigan.org/travel/detail.asp
Fallsburg Historic Village: 13944 Covered Bridge Road, Lowell, MI 49331. "Preserving the pioneering spirit of Fallsburg" Placed on National Register of Historic Places in 1999. FHS Activities include covered bridge bike tour, fall Festival, Christmas in the Village, Quarterly Newsletter, Quarterly Member Programs,and Operation of the Museum. Open Sundays 2PM - 4PM, May 27 - October 21, Admission: Adults $1.00 Children 5 - 12 years old 25 cents. School classes and other groups are welcome at any time of year, during daylight hours, by appointment, for a modest fee. 616-897-7161. E-Mail:Fallasburg@aol.com
Grand Rapids Griffins:(Hockey) 130 W. Fulton St. (616)774-4585. This IHL team offers the coolest game in town. The Griffins, the primary affiliate of the Ottawa Senators, play in the beautiful Van Andel Arena. Call (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737 for ticket information.https://griffinshockey.com/
Grand Rapids Rampage: (Football) 130 W. Fulton St. (616)559-1871. The ArenaBowl XV World Champions play at Van Andel Arena with action packed football May through August. Call (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737 for individual tickets or (616) 559-1871 for group tickets. www.rampagefootball.com