28 Best Outdoor Activities and Parks in West Michigan
Michigan is one of the best places to enjoy the great outdoors, offering a diverse range of activities for everyone. From physical activities like biking and kayaking to relaxing options like picnicking and beach lounging, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun. Explore the best outdoor adventures and parks around Grand Rapids and West Michigan, with family-friendly activities and must-visit spots. Whether you’re looking for an active day out or a relaxing escape, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
Table of Contents
Physical Activities
Disc Golf
Disc golf is a fun sport that’s easy to pick up for beginners and can get quite competitive for more experienced players. In Grand Rapids alone, there are 14 courses to explore, and over 200 throughout the state, ensuring plenty of variety and challenge for players of all levels. Some notable places to play are Garfield Park’s beginner friendly course, Johnson Park’s hilly course if you’re looking for some good exercise, or Brewer Park’s pro level course.
Pickleball
Whether you’re looking to make new friends or enjoy some competitive play, pickleball is a great choice. Pickleball has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, and West Michigan has fully embraced it — with over 75 courts in the area! Pickleball is a social and inclusive sport, welcoming to player of all skill levels. Belknap Park offers 21 courts with assigned levels and play style for different courts, making it easy to join in. Other great parks with pickleball courts are Ada Township Park, Old Farm Park in Kentwood, and Bicentennial Park in Byron Center.
Water Sports
Getting out on the water is a great way to spend a summer day! Whether you prefer stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking & canoeing, or tubing, we’re lucky to have so many lakes and rivers to accommodate. Many local parks offer boat rentals, such as Millennium Park and Wabasis Lake, or head up to Rockford for a trip down the Rogue River with AAA Canoe. If you already have your own watercraft, there are also plenty of public boat launches around, such as Reed’s Lake, Johnson Park, and Riverside Park.
Walking
Here’s an easy one for you — walking! Whether you’re looking to take in some nature, or explore the city, using your own two feet is a great way to get around and get some fresh air. There are numerous trails around that range from flat and paved, to a more rugged hike. If you’re more of a city person, there are many great walking neighborhoods that offer shops and restaurants to peruse along your jaunt — check out Wealthy Street Business District, or Creston. Want to make your walk a little more social, check out local walking clubs or join a guided walking tour.
Golfing & Mini Golfing
The Grand Rapids golf scene has something for everyone — from beautiful full-sized courses for serious golfers, to whimsical mini golf courses perfect for families and casual outings. Check out courses like Quail Ridge in Ada, or Saskatoon Golf Club — a hidden gem in Alto with 5 nines to choose from, as well as a 3 hole course for a quick round. For the mini golf enthusiasts, enjoy a lighthearted game at Craigs Cruisers, or Pirate’s Landing in Holland.
Free Outdoor Fitness Classes
The City of Grand Rapids hosts a Free Outdoor Summer Fitness Series, bringing energy and community to parks and public spaces. With a variety of classes like yoga, HIIT, and cardio dance, there’s something for everyone — and no need to register, just drop in and get moving! Check out the parks & recreation website for the class schedule.
Biking
Biking enthusiasts will love the variety of trails available in the area. For mountain biking, Ken-O-Sha Park offers an exciting and challenging ride through beautiful terrain. If you prefer paved paths, places like the White Pine Trail and Kent Trails provide scenic routes perfect for leisurely rides or fitness outings.
Relaxing Things To Do Outside
Picnics
Picnics are a classic summer activity, perfect for a relaxing day. You can pack your meal from home or grab takeout from a local restaurant to enjoy in a scenic park. If you love the idea of outdoor dining but prefer to be waited on, there are numerous restaurants around with great patios and rooftops (check out our guide!)
Eyes to the Sky
What better way to kick back than to just sit down and look up. During the day, you can catch planes going overhead, and if you want a really good view of them, visit the Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park to watch planes take off and land up close. Once it gets dark, the night sky lights up. Even in the city on a clear night, you should be able to see some stars, but for a real show, visit the Veen Observatory in Lowell for their Public Viewing Nights where you can use their telescopes to see stars and planets! Or if you’re up north check out the Headlands Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City.
Outdoor Movie Threatres
Who doesn’t love a good movie night? Even better, take your next one to the great outdoors! Drive-ins and outdoor cinemas are a fun deviation from your average movie experience. For a traditional drive-in experience, head over to the Getty Drive-In in Muskegon, or bring your lawn chairs to Studio Park’s Sunset Cinema nights. Pack up your family and friends, chow down on some popcorn, and be entertained!
Farmers Markets
Strolling through your local farmers market is such an amazing way to connect with your community. If you’re seeking some fresh produce, handcrafted goods, or a warm, welcoming environment, the market is the place for you! Because it varies so much by season, no trip to the farmers market is the same, so you’ll be able to go time and time again! Check out Fulton Street Farmers Market in Grand Rapids, or Rockford’s Farmers Market, both open on Saturdays.
Whitecaps Game
Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd — even if peanuts and Cracker Jacks aren’t your snack of choice, a good ball game is plenty of fun. Luckily for us in West Michigan, we have our very own Minor League team based in of Comstock Park. Watching a Whitecaps game is the perfect blend of excitement and leisure. Baseball isn’t called America’s favorite pastime for nothing!
Fishing
You may have noticed that Michigan has no shortage of fresh water. Our great lakes and rivers are a the perfect place to relax and try your hand at fishing. With fishing, you’re able to move at your own pace, whether you’re there for the thrill of the catch or to embrace the beautiful landscape. Bring along some friends or take a moment of needed solitude. If you’re okay with getting a little wet, try wading into the Flat River at Fallasburg Park — or cast your line from the Grand Haven pier if you want to stay dry.
Family Friendly Activities
Geocaching
Geocaching is like a modern-day treasure hunt. All you need is the simple phone app that uses GPS coordinates to guide you to hidden “caches.” The best part is that you can find geocaches almost anywhere, from parks and neighborhoods to downtown areas and even parking lots! It’s a great way to discover new places and create lasting memories together while enjoying the thrill of the hunt.
Zoos
Exploring zoos and wild animal parks is a fantastic way for families to connect with nature and learn about wildlife. Most people in Grand Rapids are familiar with John Ball Zoo, but West Michigan is also home to one of the top 10 largest zoos in the country — Binder Park down in Battle Creek! We also have some hidden gems around too! Check out Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park in Alto to see their collection of exotic and endangered animals. Or venture over to Zeeland to visit the Critter Barn, a working farm where you can interact with the animals and learn about farming and agriculture.
Berry Picking & Orchards
Orchards and cider mills offer delightful family-friendly activities beyond just the fall season. Throughout the summer, you can enjoy picking seasonal fruits like raspberries and strawberries at Redberry Farm in Hudsonville or cherries, blueberries, and peaches at Grange Fruit Farm in Rockford. Fan-favorite orchards like Robinette’s and Ed Dunnenback & Girls Farm also provide wonderful experiences for families to enjoy fresh fruit and outdoor fun.
Sand Dune Rides
For an unforgettable adventure, take the family for a ride in the Dunes! Check out Saugatuck Dune Rides or Mac Wood’s Dune Rides in Silver Lake for a thrilling tour with stunning views of the lakeshore and sand dunes. The engaging drivers make sure you have a memorable experience that combines natural beauty with a touch of local lore.
Parks in Grand Rapids
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a hub of activity with something for everyone. With a beach, splash pad, and boat rentals, you can enjoy a day on the water without having to go all the way to Lake Michigan. Additionally, this park offers 18 miles of trails, mostly paved and some natural, for biking and walking. Enjoy the volleyball and basketball courts for some friendly competition. Millennium Park is located conveniently close to Johnson Park with a disc golf course, baseball fields, and more trails.
Fallasburg Park
Located along the picturesque Flat River in Lowell is Fallasburg Park. Fallasburg is home to one of the few historic covered bridges in Michigan, adding a charming touch to this scenic park. With its playground, multiple picnic shelters, and shallow river access, this is a great place to bring the family for a fun day out. You can also enjoy hiking a section of the North Country Trail, or hitting the disc golf course.
Huff Park
Located on the northeast side of town, Huff Park is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park features a boardwalk through the wetlands, perfect for wildlife-watching walks with kids. It also offers a playground and baseball diamonds, providing plenty of options for fun.
Riverside Park
Running along the Grand River, north of downtown is Riverside Park. From disc golf, fishing, and kayak & boat launches, to playgrounds, athletic fields, and a paved walking and biking trail, Riverside Park checks all the boxes. This park is also home to Food Truck Fridays during the summer — yumm!
Cascade Township Park
Cascade Township Park is packed with recreation options for a variety of interests. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy facilities for disc golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer/football, and pickleball. Animal lovers will appreciate the dog park, while kids can have a blast on the playground. In the winter, the park’s large hill becomes a popular spot for sledding, offering year-round fun.
Provin Trails
A unique escape into nature, Provin Trails features natural trails perfect for a hilly hike through the woods. The park boasts a central sand dune and beautiful dense pine tree stands, making it an ideal spot to set up a hammock and relax for a while. Despite its secluded feel, this tranquil oasis is conveniently close to Knapp’s Corner.
Bonus: Dog Parks
We can’t forget about our furry friends — there are numerous dog parks around Grand Rapids. A couple of our favorites that are beautiful destinations for both pups and people are Grand Ravines, Shaggy Pines, and Lowell Dog Park.
Best Beaches in West Michigan
Grand Haven
Grand Haven State Park is home to one of the most stunning beaches in West Michigan. The boardwalk and pier along the mouth of the Grand River lead out to the iconic lighthouse. The state park features a pristine sandy beach, picnic areas, and a campground. Just down the shoreline is the Grand Haven City beach, and a little further down is Kirk Park Dog Beach, which allows dogs off leash to enjoy the lake with you. Don’t forget to catch a show at the famous musical fountain while you’re in town.
Holland
With both Lake Michgan and Lake Macatawa, Holland is another quintessential beach town in West Michigan. Holland State Park borders both the lakes, and is home to Ottawa Beach on the Lake Michigan side, as well as the historic “Big Red” lighthouse. On the north side of town is Tunnel Park, where a tunnel through the sand dune brings you to a beautiful sandy beach.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck is renowned for its stunning sand dunes and beautiful beaches. Oval Beach is a more traditional and family-friendly option, offering easy parking and concessions for a convenient day out. For a bit more adventure, head to Saugatuck Dunes State Park, where exciting trails through wooded dunes lead you to the sandy shoreline.
Muskegon
With 3 state parks and 26 miles of beaches, you can’t forget to add Muskegon to the list of beach towns! Both Muskegon State Park and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park offer amazing hiking trails, sandy beaches, and campgrounds. We love Pere Marquette Park for it’s lighthouse views and beachfront restaurant, the Deck. If you’re looking for a dog friendly beach in Muskegon, you’ll want to visit Norman F. Kruse Park.
Michigan has something for everyone — especially in the great outdoors!
