Wyoming is a charming city located just outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan. With a population of around 75,000 people, Wyoming offers a small-town feel while still providing easy access to big city amenities.
| Activity | Main Features |
|---|---|
| Boulder Ridge Wilderness | Hiking, mountain biking trails, wildlife spotting, scenic picnic spots. |
| John Ball Zoo | Exotic animals, interactive exhibits, zip line, seasonal attractions like camel rides. |
| Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum | Hands-on aviation exhibits, flight simulators, historical aircraft, IMAX theater. |
| Craig’s Cruisers | Indoor entertainment with bumper boats, arcade games, mini-golf, laser tag. |
| Celebration Cinema Rivertown | Luxury cinema experience, Kids Club, family-friendly films. |
| Spoonlickers | Retro-themed ice cream parlor with homemade flavors and sundaes. |
| Johnson Park | Playground, baseball diamonds, picnic areas, summer wading pool. |
| Grand Rapids Children’s Museum | Interactive STEAM exhibits, imaginative play areas, outdoor playscape. |
| Thousand Oaks Golf Club | Family-friendly golfing, practice facilities, kids golf free promotions. |
| Riverside Park | Splash pad, playground, picnic pavilions, riverside setting. |
| Meyer May House | Frank Lloyd Wright house tours, architectural and historical insights. |
| Silver Star Roller Rink | Classic roller skating, family nights, music, and games. |
Families visiting Wyoming will find plenty of fun, family-friendly activities perfect for making memories together. From outdoor adventures to hands-on museums to sweet treats, Wyoming and the surrounding area caters to families looking for entertainment and quality time.
This article will provide 12 can’t-miss things to do with your family during a visit to Wyoming, Michigan. From hiking trails that wind through beautiful scenery to admiring classic cars to splashing around an indoor water park, every member of the family will find activities they enjoy in Wyoming. No matter the season or weather during your vacation, these 12 attractions offer memorable indoor and outdoor options for families.
1. Boulder Ridge Wilderness
Name and Location: Boulder Ridge Wilderness, located at 5875 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418.
History and Significance: Boulder Ridge Wilderness is a 200-acre nature preserve that was established in the 1970s to protect and conserve the natural habitats of West Michigan. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and rare bird species.
What to Expect: Visitors to Boulder Ridge Wilderness can explore over 5 miles of hiking trails, which wind through forests, meadows, and wetlands. The park also features a scenic overlook, a fishing pond, and picnic areas. Nature programs and guided hikes are offered throughout the year.
Visitor Information: Boulder Ridge Wilderness is open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. Parking is available at the main entrance on Wilson Avenue. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring water and insect repellent. Dogs are allowed on leash in designated areas.
Boulder Ridge Wilderness is located just 15 minutes outside of Wyoming and spans 1,700 acres of lush forests, rolling hills, and rocky outcrops. Families can choose from 15 miles of hiking trails that vary from easy to strenuous. As you explore the trails, watch for wildlife like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears.
In addition to hiking, Boulder Ridge offers excellent mountain biking trails to satisfy every skill level. Kids will enjoy navigating the gentle dirt hills while experienced mountain bikers can test their skills on rocky ledges and tree roots. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of thescenic overlooks.
2. John Ball Zoo
Name and Location: John Ball Zoo, located at 1300 W Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
History and Significance: John Ball Zoo was founded in 1891 and is one of the oldest zoos in Michigan. The zoo is named after John Ball, a prominent local businessman and philanthropist who donated the land for the zoo. Today, the zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world.
What to Expect: Visitors to John Ball Zoo can see a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, bears, penguins, and monkeys. The zoo also features several special exhibits, such as the Red’s Hobby Farm and the Idema Forest Realm. Educational programs and animal encounters are available for an additional fee.
Visitor Information: John Ball Zoo is open daily from 9am to 6pm (April through October) and 10am to 4pm (November through March). Admission is $14.50 for adults, $13.50 for seniors (62+), and $11.50 for children (3-12). Parking is $5 per vehicle. The zoo is wheelchair accessible and offers rentals of strollers and electric scooters.
John Ball Zoo has provided family-friendly animal encounters in Grand Rapids since 1905. As one of the oldest zoos in the country, it houses more than 2,000 exotic animals. Interactive exhibits like the zip line allow kids to burn off energy while learning about wildlife from around the world.
Don’t miss the indoor tropical conservatory bursting with exotic birds and the discovery center where little ones can touch snakes, frogs, insects, and more. Catch a daily penguin feeding and explore the aquarium to see sharks glide through the water up close. Summertime brings extra opportunities like camel rides, a carousel, and a Ferris wheel.
3. Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum
Name and Location: Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, located at 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002.
History and Significance: The Air Zoo was founded in 1979 by Pete and Suzanne Parish, who wanted to create a museum that would educate and inspire people about the history and science of flight. Today, the museum is home to over 100 rare and historic aircraft, as well as interactive exhibits and flight simulators.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Air Zoo can explore the museum’s collection of aircraft, which includes everything from early bi-planes to modern fighter jets. The museum also features hands-on exhibits about the science of flight, as well as flight simulators that allow visitors to experience what it’s like to be a pilot. Educational programs and guided tours are available.
Visitor Information: The Air Zoo is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. Admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors (60+), and $12 for children (5-18). Children under 4 are free. Parking is free. The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers rentals of strollers and wheelchairs.
Located in Portage, just 15 minutes south of Wyoming, Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum offers hands-on exhibits for aviation enthusiasts, scientists, and kids who love interactive learning. Families can climb aboard aircraft, operate flight simulators, and even touch a piece of the moon. More than 50 historical planes fill the hangars, including rare prototypes tested by NASA.
Kids gravitate towards KidZone’s fully accessible aircraft exhibits where they can dress up as a pilot and pretend to fly a plane. Air Zoo also houses Michigan’s largest IMAX DOMEScreen Theater, blasting educational films that immerse viewers 360 degrees into the action. Don’t miss special events like summer week-long aviation day camps.
4. Craig’s Cruisers
Name and Location: Craig’s Cruisers, located at 5730 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509.
History and Significance: Craig’s Cruisers was founded in 1979 by Craig Nelson, who wanted to create a family-friendly entertainment center that would offer something for everyone. Today, the park features go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, and other attractions.
What to Expect: Visitors to Craig’s Cruisers can enjoy a variety of activities, including racing go-karts on the park’s winding track, playing mini golf on one of the themed courses, and bumping around in the bumper boats. The park also features an arcade, batting cages, and a restaurant.
Visitor Information: Craig’s Cruisers is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. Admission is free, but individual activities and attractions are priced separately. Go-karts start at $7 per ride, mini golf is $8 per person, and bumper boats are $6 per ride. The park is wheelchair accessible and offers rentals of strollers and wheelchairs.
No matter the season, Craig’s Cruisers offers family fun in Wyoming. The massive indoor entertainment center contains bumper boats, roller coasters, arcade games, mini golf, and more. Multi-story laser tag includes challenge courses with zip lines, obstacles, and secret rooms to discover.
Craig’s Cruisers also houses Doubledecker Golf, an indoor, two-floor blacklight miniature golf course. Kids love conquering the two 18-hole courses decorated with fluorescent artwork. When the weather warms, tackle the outdoor go-karts reaching speeds up to 45 mph. Buy discounted family passes to enjoy unlimited access to all Craig’s Cruisers attractions.
5. Celebration Cinema rivertown
Name and Location: Celebration Cinema Rivertown, located at 3728 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, MI 49418.
History and Significance: Celebration Cinema Rivertown is part of the Celebration Cinema chain, which was founded in Grand Rapids in 1944. The Rivertown location opened in 1999 and features 18 screens, including an IMAX theater.
What to Expect: Visitors to Celebration Cinema Rivertown can enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters and independent films on the big screen. The theater features comfortable seating, digital projection, and state-of-the-art sound systems. The IMAX theater offers an immersive movie-going experience with a larger screen and enhanced sound.
Visitor Information: Celebration Cinema Rivertown is open daily, with show times varying depending on the movie schedule. Ticket prices range from $6 to $15, depending on the time of day and the type of movie. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and military personnel. The theater offers a variety of concessions, including popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.
Enjoy first-run movies in luxury reclining seats while the kids play at the cinema’s supervised Kids Club at Celebration Cinema rivertown. Parents can watch new film releases responsibility-free as kids ages one through 12 play games, do arts and crafts projects, or watch kids’ movies in the private club.
Celebration Cinema rivertown contains 14 screens showing all the current family-friendly films. The cinema serves up classic movie concessions like popcorn and candy plus pizza, mac and cheese bites, specialty cakes, and cold craft beer from local breweries. Special family events occur throughout the year like sensory friendly film showings.
6. Spoonlickers
Name and Location: Spoonlickers, located at 1551 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
History and Significance: Spoonlickers was founded in 2013 by a group of friends who wanted to create a unique ice cream experience in Grand Rapids. The shop is known for its creative flavors and its commitment to using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
What to Expect: Visitors to Spoonlickers can choose from a rotating selection of handcrafted ice cream flavors, which range from classic favorites like chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous options like lavender honey and vegan chai. The shop also offers sundaes, milkshakes, and other ice cream treats.
Visitor Information: Spoonlickers is open daily from noon to 10pm. Prices range from $4 to $8, depending on the size and type of treat. The shop offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as takeout options. Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots.
For the best ice cream in Wyoming, head to Spoonlickers. This 1950s-themed ice cream parlor crafts waffle cones and homemade ice cream daily in flavors like cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, and Superman. The bright aqua and pink decor looks straight out of the ’50s, and classic songs play to complete the retro atmosphere.
In addition to cones and cups, kids love constructing massive sundaes with choices of hot fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles, Oreo crumbs, gummy worms, and cherries. Scoop for scoop, you won’t find better soft serve in the area. The affordably priced treats mean you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank.
7. Johnson Park
Name and Location: Johnson Park, located at 2600 Wilson Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534.
History and Significance: Johnson Park was established in 1928 and is one of the oldest parks in the Grand Rapids area. The park is named after Fred Johnson, a local businessman who donated the land for the park. Today, the park covers over 200 acres and features a variety of recreational amenities.
What to Expect: Visitors to Johnson Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park features several miles of trails, a fishing pond, and a playground. The park also has a disc golf course, a dog park, and a sports complex with baseball and soccer fields.
Visitor Information: Johnson Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. Parking is available at several lots throughout the park. Visitors should bring their own equipment for activities like fishing and disc golf. The park also has restroom facilities and picnic shelters available for rent.
Pack a picnic lunch and head to Johnson Park just minutes from downtown Wyoming. This 48-acre park contains playground equipment like slides, monkey bars, and swings perfect for burning off kid energy. Seven little league baseball diamonds host games during spring and summer.
Paved walkways meander around a small lake populated by ducks, geese, and swans. Kids delight in feeding the birds breadcrumbs or birdseed purchased from vending machines at the park. Multiple picnic shelters offer shade on sunny days, and the park even includes a summer wading pool to help little ones cool off.
8. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Name and Location: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, located at 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
History and Significance: The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum was founded in 1992 and is dedicated to providing hands-on learning experiences for children and families. The museum is located in a historic building in downtown Grand Rapids and features a variety of interactive exhibits and programs.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum can explore a variety of exhibits that engage kids in learning through play. Exhibits include a kid-sized grocery store, a construction zone, and a science lab. The museum also offers daily programs and special events, such as story times and art workshops.
Visitor Information: The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm. Admission is $8.50 for children and adults, and $7.50 for seniors (62+). Children under 1 are free. The museum offers a variety of membership options for frequent visitors. Parking is available in nearby lots and garages.
The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum makes learning active and hands-on for little explorers. Centrally located downtown, the three-story museum overflows with interactive STEAM exhibits. Kids can experiment with kitchen chemistry, operate their own pizza parlor, or construct skyscrapers in the builder zone. Exhibits like “Air” allow children to manipulate airflow and pressure by moving sails or adjusting vortex generators.
Toddlers adore Mini Mooseum designed specifically for ages 1-5 to promote cognitive and motor skill development through water play, dress up, and sensory bins. Outside, an Imagination Playscape awaits with musical elements, climbing structures, and logs kids can manipulate.
9. Thousand Oaks Golf Club
Name and Location: Thousand Oaks Golf Club, located at 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
History and Significance: Thousand Oaks Golf Club was founded in 1992 and has been consistently ranked as one of the best public golf courses in Michigan. The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills and features rolling hills, mature trees, and challenging water hazards.
What to Expect: Visitors to Thousand Oaks Golf Club can enjoy a challenging 18-hole golf course that offers a variety of tee options for players of all skill levels. The course features well-maintained fairways and greens, as well as a driving range and practice facilities. The clubhouse offers a pro shop, restaurant, and banquet facilities.
Visitor Information: Thousand Oaks Golf Club is open year-round, weather permitting. Tee times can be booked online or by phone. Rates vary depending on the time of day and the day of the week, but generally range from $30 to $60 per player. The course offers a variety of membership options and leagues for frequent players. Rental clubs and carts are available.
For family-friendly golfing, head to Thousand Oaks Golf Club, conveniently located right off US-131 near other Wyoming attractions. This 18-hole public course features bent grass fairways and greens. With five sets of tee boxes, the course accommodates every skill level. Kids golf free with a paying adult after 3 pm.
Not a golfer? Thousand Oaks still offers family fun with one of Michigan’s top-rated full-service practice facilities. Hit balls on the driving range, practice your short game on the putting green, or dial in your iron play at the chipping area and practice bunker. Grab lunch on the deck overlooking the course after you play.
10. Riverside Park
Name and Location: Riverside Park, located at 2001 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.
History and Significance: Riverside Park was established in 1921 and is one of the largest parks in Grand Rapids. The park is located along the Grand River and features a variety of recreational amenities, as well as a historic band shell and a veterans memorial.
What to Expect: Visitors to Riverside Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. The park features several miles of paved trails, a boat launch, and a fishing pier. The park also has a playground, picnic shelters, and a disc golf course. In the summer, the park hosts free concerts and movie nights at the band shell.
Visitor Information: Riverside Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. Parking is available at several lots throughout the park. Visitors should bring their own equipment for activities like fishing and disc golf. The park also has restroom facilities and a concession stand that is open during the summer months.
Cool off with a trip to Riverside Park’s splash pad located along the Grand River. Kids delight in running through spraying fountains, mushroom waterfall buckets, and water cannons. Multiple bench swings allow parents to supervise easily as little ones dart between water features.
When kids need a break from the water, they can burn some energy at Riverside Park’s playground. Equipment includes climbing ropes, tube slides, steering wheels, and monkey bars. Have a picnic under one of the covered pavilions after working up an appetite.
11. Meyer May House
Name and Location: Meyer May House, located at 450 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
History and Significance: The Meyer May House was designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1908-1909. The house is considered one of the best examples of Wright’s Prairie School style and features many of his signature design elements, such as horizontal lines, open floor plans, and integration with nature.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Meyer May House can take a guided tour of the building and learn about its history and significance. The tour includes the main living areas of the house, as well as the outdoor spaces and gardens. Visitors can see many of Wright’s original design features, such as the art glass windows and the built-in furniture.
Visitor Information: The Meyer May House is open for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm, and on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Tours are limited to 12 people and are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb stairs. Photography is not allowed inside the house.
For families interested in art and architecture, Meyer May House offers a peek into one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces. This prairie-style home built in 1908 represents Wright’s signature design elements like strong horizontal lines, overhanging roofs, and emphasis on nature. Kids marvel at the 174 art glass windows filling the home with multi-colored light.
Complimentary guided tours provide details about Wright’s innovations that were unusual for the time like open floor plans, built-in furniture, and early forms of passive solar heating. Meyer May House also schedules special events like summer Lego building competitions for budding architects.
12. Silver Star Roller Rink
Name and Location: Silver Star Roller Rink, located at 3314 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.
History and Significance: Silver Star Roller Rink has been a popular destination for roller skating in Grand Rapids since it opened in 1978. The rink has hosted many events and competitions over the years and has been a gathering place for families and friends.
What to Expect: Visitors to Silver Star Roller Rink can enjoy open skating sessions, as well as special events like birthday parties and group outings. The rink features a large wooden skating floor, a sound system, and a snack bar. Skate rentals are available for those who don’t have their own.
Visitor Information: Silver Star Roller Rink is open for open skating on Fridays from 7pm to 11pm, Saturdays from 1pm to 11pm, and Sundays from 2pm to 6pm. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Skate rentals are $3. The rink also offers discount packages for groups and birthday parties. Visitors should arrive early to rent skates and get ready to skate.
Round out family fun with an evening of roller skating at Silver Star Roller Rink, metro Grand Rapids’ last remaining roller rink. Skate along with disco balls and neon lights flashing over the classic maple wood rink listing favorites from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Weekly family nights feature kid-friendly music along with games and prizes.
Silver Star offers speed skating, roller hockey pick-up games, skating lessons, and open adult nights for parents too. The snack bar sells classic rink favories like soft pretzels, nachos, popcorn, and slushies. Grab a table in the lounge area to take a breather between skates.
Conclusion
With scenic parks, hands-on museums, sweet treats, and classic family entertainment, Wyoming offers no shortage of family fun. These 12 attractions provide memorable activities everyone will enjoy no matter the weather or season.
From hiking wooded trails to learning about airplanes to splashing on waterslides, Wyoming caters to families seeking quality time and new experiences. Use this guide to fill your next Wyoming vacation with can’t miss adventure, education, and laughter that brings your family closer together.