Grand Rapids Summer Bucket List 

The average warm season in Michigan lasts about 3.8 months. That gives us from about May 25 to September 18 to savor every drop of sunshine. Have you started creating your summertime bucket list? Some activities are better done when it’s warm outside! Here’s a list of 10 things to add to your Grand Rapids summer bucket list:

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Walk The Bridge at The Grand Ravines

Summertime is hiking time. The snow has melted, the air is warm, and the sunlight stretches into the night. It’s the time of year to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy the sun-speckled maples. The Grand Ravine is a gorgeous 202-acre county park, with calming views. This majestic hiking spot offers a moment to appreciate the half mile of frontage on the beautiful Grand River. What makes this park unique is the pedestrian suspension bridge. It’s believed to be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Michigan! Are you looking for your next hiking trail? Be sure to check out this Best Hiking Near Grand Rapids article. 

Tap Into Your Creative Energy at The GRAM

Are you in the mood to create something new or possibly looking to find some artistic inspiration? Each Saturday, The Grand Rapids Art Museum offers community art workshops to inspire learning and creativity. There are a variety of offerings that align with current exhibits. The studio set studies are catered to all ages and skill levels, and classes are included with admission. 

Walk Your Pup Through Cascade Township Park

This 55-acre park is ready to host your perfect sunny day. There’s so much to do at this conveniently located City Park. The one-mile pedestrian path is accompanied by two baseball diamonds, a multi-purpose field, four horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court, an 18-hole frisbee golf course, and four tennis courts. To top it all off, there’s also an open-leash dog park for your best friend to have some fun! Enjoy the sunshine and a picnic under any of the three covered gazebos. Do you have a fur baby you want to take on more adventures? Here is an extensive article on Dog-Friendly places in Grand Rapids!

Enjoy a Night Out With a Friend During Food Truck Fridays

Every Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. people gather to feast at the gorgeous Riverside Park. Kicking off May 19, GR8 Food Truck Fridays will unleash 20 food trucks at the park for some elite munching! What screams summer more than sitting by the river for a picnic with your friends? From freshly made donuts and hot pretzels to barbecues and tacos, everyone can find something to satisfy their cravings. Bonus: This is also a wonderful opportunity to support small, local businesses! Another great thing to add to your Grand Rapids summer bucket list!

Enjoy a Delicious Brunch at San Chez

San Chez serves up a satisfying brunch in  American, Spanish, and Cuban styles. But, be warned,, the choices at this restaurant will not be easy! Their menu includes breakfast empanadas, breakfast hash, and chicken and waffles—yum! Such a delicious selection! Which of the classic dishes would you choose? Brunch of course would not be complete without a Bloody Mary or premium coffee drink. Check out this list of the best brunches in Grand Rapids.

Kayak at Millenium Park

The DeVos Family Boathouse offers kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards for rent. Boaters can explore the lake surrounding the beach and recreation area and paddle under the trail bridge to get to Lake Leota to the north. Combined, these lakes cover a total of about 100 acres with nearly four miles of shoreline to explore. This is a great way to appreciate Michigan’s wonderful waters. 

Take a Family Trip to Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery

Robinette’s Apple Haus is open year-round, but the cherries start getting ripe by the end of June. Starting in July, you can pick delicious apples, peaches, and cherries right off of the tree. You’ll also find nature trails, a corn maze, a hayride, a petting zoo, a jumping pillow (an air-filled pillow, which is permanently installed in the ground), and wine tasting. Robinette’s may be known for its cider and donuts, but now you know they also offer a fully operational winery right on their property! If you’re looking to enjoy some wine tasting, here’s an article on Wine in Grand Rapids.

Let Your Creativity Flow at I’m An Artist Community Studio

When you walk into this creative space it feels like a dream. In this calm and inviting room, art supplies of all kinds decorate the walls and there’s a plethora of table space just waiting for you to start creating. This open studio is donation based and intended for all ages and abilities. There are always different ideas and prompts provided to help spark your creativity. Drop into the studio every Tuesday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Visit the Farm at Blandford Nature Center

It comes as no surprise that Blandford Nature Center made the Wander West Michigan’s list of Top Things To Do in Grand Rapids. This amazing nature center has so much going on. There’s more to explore than just a farm! Blandford’s Wildlife Education Center is home to many rehabilitated animals that are no longer able to survive in the wild. Here you’ll find hiking trails located in the beautiful woods and all kinds of events and classes. A few of the happenings include a Wildlife Care Experience, date night hikes, outdoor yoga, and family workshops!

There you have it, 10 must-dos this sunny season in Grand Rapids. You don’t have to go too far to enjoy a Michigan summer. I hope this helped to shape your summertime adventure list. We’ve been waiting all winter for these 16 weeks of sunshine, so let’s make the most of them!

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