COMMUNITY

20 Best Things to do on a Rainy Day in Grand Rapids

It’s that time of year in West Michigan where we are teased with good weather one day, and the next is a torrential down pour. If you are looking to stay dry but still get out of the house and have some fun, we have a list of the best things to do in Grand Rapids on a rainy day!

Looking for Culture?

  • Visit the GR Children Museum: Right in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the Children Museum offers exciting events and exhibits for your little ones to enjoy. Including the Live Hive where kids can learn how bees are critical to our ecosystem.
  • Visit the GR Public Museum: Grand Rapids also offers a Public Museum with a collection of 250,000+ artifacts and specimens, making it Michigan’s largest collection. Now featuring a new Dinosaur exhibit, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
  • Catch a Production at the Grand Rapids Civic TheatreEstablished in 1925, the Civic Theatre is s the 5th largest community theatre in the country! They offer a variety of productions for everyone to enjoy. They also offer acting classes and dance classes for all ages!
  • Visit the GRAM: As a beacon of the arts in an art-loving city, GRAM is more than a world class museum— they offer workshops with a wide variety of mediums and techniques to learn. As well as tours of their current art & artist.

 

People looking at a painting in the Grand Rapids Art Museum

The Grand Rapids Art Museum

 

  • Discover the Library: Between the Grand Rapids Public Library system and the Kent District Libraries, we have some amazing branches around here. Library cards are free, and give you access to so much more than books—from audiobooks and music, to movies and video games. Our favorite branches are the downtown Grand Rapids Public Library, and the Ada Kent District Library branch.
  • Take A Class at Brush Studios: Grab some friends and head to Brush Studios to let out your inner artist! They offer private and public events in variety of styles and themes. All materials are provided, and at the end you get to take your masterpiece home!

 

Group of people take a painting class at Brush Studios

Brush Studios

 

Looking to Let Off Some Steam?

  • Visit Break Room Therapy: Have you ever wanted to smash your computer to pieces? Well, Break Room Therapy has you covered. This therapeutic activity lets you destroy everything from plates to TV’s and fax machines in a safe environment.
  • Visit Grand Rapids Grand Prix: Whether it’s your first time or you’re a racing pro, everyone enjoys the thrill and freedom that come with driving the highest caliber racing vehicles. These karts can get up to 45 miles per hour!

 

People race around a go-kart track at Grand Rapids Grand Prix

Grand Rapids Grand Prix

 

  • Visit Sky Zone Trampoline Park: If you are looking to jump, dodge, flip, and sweat then Sky Zone is the place to go. There is enough room for everyone, so all kids—and kids at heart— can play together.
  • Visit The Pack Indoor Dog Park: Do you have a pup that needs to get out of the house? The Pack is Michigan’s first indoor off-leash dog park, restaurant, and bar! Don’t forget to register your dog before going.
  • Visit the Fowling Warehouse: Fowling is the mashup of football and bowling. Throw the football at your competitor’s pins to try to knock down. Be careful of other team’s footballs flying at your pins!
  • Try Duckpin Bowling: This isn’t your average bowling—Duckpin bowling dates back to the 1800s. The difference is the lanes are shorter, the pins and attached to a string, and the ball is smaller and hole-less. Woodrow’s Duckpin also offers craft cocktails and beer so you can really let loose.
  • Have Some Laughs at The Comedy ProjectWho doesn’t need a good laugh? At the Comedy Project, there’s no shortage. They feature improv, sketch & comedy variety shows, a comedy training center, and private event hosting!
  • Beat Some High Scores at Pinball Land: Don’t let the name fool you, this all-ages arcade has all of the retro games you can think of! The best part is, there’s no need for quarters, just pay the admission fee and play as much as you want!
  • Try Axe Throwing at FlannelJax’s: Let out your inner lumberjack— from axe throwing to crosscut saw races, you’ll surely be hooked! Also, for every group that attends, they will donate $1 to One Tree Planted.

 

Person preparing to throw an axe at a target at FlannelJax's

FlannelJax’s

 

Looking to Treat Yourself?

  • Relax at Ethos Day Spa: With clean and natural products, Ethos Day Spa has been carefully crafted to be effective and ethical. Their luxurious services not only provide results but help promote relaxation to refresh your body and mind.

 

Person relaxing at Ethos Day Spa

Ethos Day Spa

 

  • Become a Chef at The Local Epicurean: Grand Rapids has plenty of great restaurants, but why not try your hand at cooking a delicious dish yourself? Even if you are just learning the art of cooking, The Local Epicurean offers everything from Pasta Fundamentals to Chocolate Truffle classes.
  • Do Some Retail Therapy at The Woodland Mall: Remember you can shop in person—not just on Amazon! The Woodland Mall offers over 100 of the top brands. Find a book to read at Barnes & Noble or update your wardrobe at a variety of stores, from high-end to affordable.
  • Take in a Movie at Celebration Cinema’s Studio Park: Downtown Grand Rapids’ newest movie theater offers comfortable stadium style seating, a variety of specialty cocktails & craft beer, and a full food menu to enjoy!
  • See Your Favorite Band at GLC Live at 20 Monroe: With more than 2000 seats, and almost daily shows, there’s a concert for everyone at 20 Monroe.

 

Looking for more things to do in Grand Rapids on a Rainy Day? Check out our City Pages for more ideas!

From cooking classes to axe throwing, there are no shortage of rainy day activities in Grand Rapids!