Julianne & Alexander
Things To Do
Grand Rapids Original Swing Society at Rosa Parks Circle
Swing Dancing is actually the very first date that Alex and I went on together. Along with meeting at Rosa Park, the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society (GROSS) also meets at the Blue Bridge and Ah-Nab-Awen park throughout the month every Tuesday. For more information on the location and time, the direct link to their website is listed above! Price: Free with a $7 wrist band donation (optional)
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Another fond memory we both have is going to Meijer gardens together. Along with having a beautiful butterfly display in the early months of summer, they also have many gorgeous displays of greenhouses and flower gardens to walk through as well as an outdoor sculpture park that encircles the entire grounds of Meijer gardens. (Also, make sure to check out the huge 24-foot tall horse sculpture outside!) Price: Adults: $14.50 (14-64) Children $7.00 (under 14) Seniors (65 & older) $11.00 Students (w/Id) $11.00
The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum
Located right next to Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids, The Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum is a great place to visit for a bit of fun history. They have many fun facts about Gerald R Ford along with some breathtaking art from past Art Prize winners. Admission: Adults $11.00 Seniors $8.00 Students: $7.00 Children Free
Grand Rapids Public Museum
With a mix of national and local history, this museum has a lot to offer and makes for a fun day of learning and having fun. GROSS also has hosted dances here before as well and could be a good combo event for a fun night out. Admissions: Adults $12.00 Seniors $11.00 Students $7.00 Children $7.00
John Ball Zoo
The John Ball Zoo is always a fun option for anyone with bored kids or just animal lovers in general. They have many fun exhibits to go through and some really cool underwater creatures that I found particularly fascinating as a child. Admission: Adults $8.50 Seniors $7.50 Children $6.50 (Children 2 and under are free)
Grand Rapids Art Museum
For any of my art lovers out there, I would highly recommend visiting the Grand Rapids Art Museum while you are in town. With many amazing masterpieces and breathtaking tapestries, you won't want to miss out on this amazing experience. Admission: Adults $10.00 Seniors $8.00 Student $6.00 Chidren: free
Holland State Park
Moving onto Holland, we have one of the biggest "attractions" of west Michigan and that is lake MI. Now I can tell you that if you are expecting the ocean you will be sorely disappointed. Lake MI is not as great as many Michiganders would like you to believe. However, if you are looking for a good time, the beach is always the place to be. I will also add that our water is much cleaner than the ocean (; Cost: $9.00 parking fee (this is only if you park at the beach itself)
Windmill Island Gardens
Another great place to visit if you are staying in Holland is definitely Windmill Island Gardens. Many flowers will be in full bloom around the wedding and would make for a fun day of taking in a little bit of our creator's beautiful art. Admission: $10.00 per person & free parking
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Along with visiting the beach, the dunes are a fantastic place to go! there are options like renting dune buggies or even jet skis for a very fun-filled day of activities. Cost: $12 Parking For additional information on rentals, I have attached the direct link to Hollands boat and ski rentals along with dune buggy rentals below. Water Sports Rentals: http://www.hollandwatersports.com/PersonalWaterCraftRentalPricesMichigan.html Dune Buggy rentals and rides: https://www.silverlakebuggys.com/
Nelis' Dutch Village
One of my favorite memories growing up was Niels Dutch Village. With many fun rides and activities like wooden shoe carving and a mary-go-round swing, you won't want to miss out on this fun day away if you have little ones. Admission: Adults $13.00 Children $11.00
New Holland Brewing - The Knickerbocker
Another great place to visit would be downtown Holland. They have many cute restaurants and coffee shops along with many brewery's. New Holland Brewing would be at the top of my list. With fantastic food and great beer and stouts, New Holland makes for a fun night out. Another great place to check out would be hops which is within walking distance of New Holland and has some kids menu options as well as great drinks and food. Average Price Range: $20/meal (excluding drinks)
Holland Harbor Lighthouse
Finally, we have a smaller attraction. If you happen to find yourself by Holland beach, the Big Red Lighthouse is a fun little attraction to go visit. In the summer months, they open access to the lighthouse itself. Meaning that not only can you walk out to the pier where the lighthouse is, but you can also climb to the top which makes for a pretty great view! Cost: Free with specific parking