Grand Days in Grand Rapids: Safe Things to do in the City and Beyond
Written by Leah Erben and Andreas Fields
Posted on November 12, 2020
We’re lucky to be close to such a great city filled with art, culture, history, and entertainment. We all know that things have been pretty different this year, and many of us are struggling to find safe things to do and reasons to actually leave the house. Check out this list of places that are still open and discover new ways to get off the couch and go explore!
#1: John Ball Zoo
Who doesn’t love taking a trip to the zoo to admire all the exotic animals and stunning wildlife? The John Ball Zoo has exciting exhibits featuring tigers, eels, frogs, and lions, among many, many more. The Zoo is open until December, so there’s plenty of time for you to visit the animals! To keep everyone safe, the zoo is currently functioning at a limited capacity. Make sure to buy your timed tickets online ahead of time.
#2: Watch the Leaves Change
Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas are perfect for watching the seasons change, so get outside for a bike ride or hike and marvel at all the colorful leaves. Take the time out today to explore all the natural fall beauty Grand Rapids has to offer. Visit beautiful parks like Grand Ravines North County Park, Aman Park, Rosy Mound Natural Area, and Kirk Park.
#3: Grand Rapids Public Museum
As long as you buy tickets online ahead of time, bring a mask, and plan to practice social distancing, you can still explore the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Learn about the history of GR, West Michigan habitats, ancient Egypt, and more.
#4: Blandford Nature Center
The Blandford Nature Center is open and ready for your next adventure. Come for a hike, visit the animals, or attend a nature program event. Bring your mask if you’re planning on going inside the center, and prepare to learn something new about the world around us!
#5: Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Meijer Gardens is a popular attraction year-round in Grand Rapids, so why not pay it a visit this fall? This 158-acre campus is host to sculptures spanning a variety of artists, movements, cultures, and decades. Additionally, the gardens contain plants and species from as far as Japan, Australia, and Africa. Grab some friends and a face mask and stroll through Meijer Gardens and appreciate changing leaves, stunning art, and vibrant plant life.
Grand Rapids is a city filled to the brim with great food, fantastic sights, and memories just waiting to be made. If you’re looking for more things to do, you can always visit the Explore GR website or the GVSU events calendar.