Celebrate 20 years of play at Grand Rapids Children's Museum

Located on 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, this free event will host various outside activities for children, including sensory play, carnival games, art projects, obstacle courses, and a hula-hoop performance. While families are welcomed to bring their own snacks and beverages, there will also be snow cones available and other snacks and drinks from Fresh Thyme Market. In addition to the party outside, inside the museum will be open as well with a discounted admission fee of $3.00.

According to Adrienne Brown-Reasner, Director of Communications and Events, these street parties are “a way to say thanks to the Grand Rapids families that have kept us going” and this year’s party “will be bigger and longer than years past!”

Because playing helps children grow socially, physically, intellectually, and emotionally, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum’s goal is to provide an environment where minds are transformed through play and to support the value of play in all ages. Even though “many traditional educational settings are scaling back free play time,” Brown-Reasner says that they are committed to “fill that void” and give children the necessary space to learn through playing.

In addition to the healthy developmental benefits, by offering children a play space, they are allowed to “decide what they are building, what they are drawing, and really be in charge,” Brown-Reasner explains. While children may feel as if they are always being told what to do when they are at home or school, the museum gives children the opportunity to choose what they want to do by exploring the various exhibits and using their imagination and creativity to play and create.

In an effort to ensure play is made accessible to all families, the museum provides a number of programs to help those with financial challenges. Brown-Reasner mentions some of the programs include “a discount for EBT card holders, free day passes through some area libraries, discounted Family Night every Thursday where admission is $1.75 after 5 p.m.,” and discounts for families, school faculty, and those who served in the military.

Throughout the year, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum also offers numerous different types of exhibits, programs, and events. Around the holidays, families are welcomed to celebrate with such events as Trick or Treat Night and New Year’s Early Eve. Schools and other groups can always arrange field trips and schedule visits year-round, and since playing benefits all ages, the museum provides adults the chance to play as well with events, such as Grown Up Play Date.

Bring the whole family or a group of friends and come join the community in celebration of play at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum on Monday, July 31st, for a day of fun-filled activities and games. For more information on the museum, visit their website or call 616-235-4726.