• May Coffee Hour

    This year, Bloom Credit Union, Grow and the People First Economy’s Local First program are partnering for two of Local First’s regular Coffee Hour events, powered by Bloom Credit Union. Our Coffee Hour […]

  • Donuts & Digital

    Who can resist delicious donuts, hot coffee, and good company? That's right, we've expanded our D&D meetups to accommodate those early risers! You know who you are. Join a growing community of […]

  • 3rd Thursdays

    3rd Thursdays

    Sip. Shop. Stroll. Third Thursdays is a multi-venue showcase of locally owned art galleries, retail spaces, restaurants, and cultural institutions along the free DASH shuttle route.  It spans the neighborhoods of downtown Grand Rapids including Heartside, the Hotel District, Studio Park, and North Monroe.  Each month over 25 participating venues will host special 3rd Thursday-only art […]

  • World Turtle Day

    Shellebrate Michigan's native turtles with John Ball Zoo! There will be entertaining educational activities to help increase attention and knowledge about these amazing reptiles. Catch animal programs, keeper chats, and other entertainment throughout the day.

  • Heritage Hill 52nd Annual Weekend Tour of Homes

    In its 52nd year, one of the largest urban historic neighborhoods in the country opens its doors for a sneak peek into private homes and rarely seen public spaces during the Annual Heritage Hill Weekend Tour of Homes. A variety of architectural styles will be on display, including a grand neoclassical beauty with an extraordinary […]

  • Summer Spectacular

    Let the summer festivities begin!Just like you, John Ball Zoo can’t wait for all those summer time activities, so we decided to celebrate it! Join us and enjoy live music, animal activities, and specialty food for that festival feel.

  • June Coffee Hour

    The Local First Coffee Hour events are a casual opportunity to connect with member businesses, hear about our upcoming programs, and learn how to build an economy that puts people first. We host them monthly with the support of Bloom Credit Union. Host highlight: GRCM is two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits and daily drop-in programs that inspire […]

  • Loving Day Celebration

    Loving Day CelebrationJune 10, 2023    *   11am-4pmGrand Rapids Children's MuseumEbony Road Players, in partnership with the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, presents "Faces of Family: Sowing Seeds of Love." Part of the 9th Annual West Michigan's Loving Day Celebration, this festival-style celebration will include fun activities, art and entertainment for the whole family. All outdoor activities […]

  • World Ocean Day

    Today the beach is coming to the Zoo! Catch your favorite ocean characters, Moana, Ariel & Friends, as they help us celebrate and learn about the water and the many animals that live in it. Keep an eye out for educational activities, animal programs, keeper chats, and more!

  • 3rd Thursdays

    3rd Thursdays

    Sip. Shop. Stroll. Third Thursdays is a multi-venue showcase of locally owned art galleries, retail spaces, restaurants, and cultural institutions along the free DASH shuttle route.  It spans the neighborhoods of downtown Grand Rapids including Heartside, the Hotel District, Studio Park, and North Monroe.  Each month over 25 participating venues will host special 3rd Thursday-only art […]

  • Roaring Nights | Earth Radio

    Spend your summer nights at John Ball Zoo's 21 and up concert series, Roaring Nights! Guests can stroll through the Zoo to see animal activities, while enjoying live music, craft beer and wines, specialty food, and no kids! Each Roaring Nights will feature a different live band. Earth Radio will be joining us on Thursday, […]

  • 2 Million Diapers Donated Celebration

    2 Million Diapers Donated CelebrationJune 23, 2023    *   6-9pmGrand Rapids Children's Museum Celebrate with the Great Start Parent Coalition of Kent County at GRCM! With the help of pantry partners, 2 MILLION DIAPERS have been donated to families in Kent County! Join us at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum for a FREE night of family-friendly […]

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