Living in Grand Rapids has so many perks. The city is beautiful, and you can go just about anywhere to find the best shopping and dining, kid-friendly activities in the suburbs, and city skyscrapers. You can also find some of the coolest parks that you and your whole family will love! Come aboard for a great read about exploring the best of Grand Rapids and the parks it has to offer.
Reeds Lake
Starting at the top of our list is Reeds Lake, located in East Grand Rapids. You'll find people walking, running, walking their dogs, paddle boarding, boating, and much more on Reeds Lake. The lake is lined with sidewalks and paths along the lakeshore, with benches along the way to sit, relax, and take in the scene. Reeds Lake also has some of the yummiest restaurants on hand, including Rose's for a scenic lakeside meal and The Jersey Junction for a cool ice cream treat at the end of a hot day on the lake!
Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Center
Did you know that the Gerald R. Ford Airport in Grand Rapids has a whole park dedicated to watching planes land and take off? If you didn't, we suppose it's a best-kept secret! Here you'll find great views of the airport and runways, a huge grassy knoll for kiddos to run and play, public restrooms, water fountains, a covered pavilion, and picnic tables. Don't forget to pack snacks or a meal to enjoy on a summer evening. This Grand Rapids park is the perfect combination of enjoying the scenery and watching the planes.
Provin Trails
Located next to Robinette's Apple Haus and Winery, the charming tall trees and elegant pockets of light are known as Provin Trails. You may know this space as "the place for photos," as the enchanting trails lined with the tallest of trees make for the perfect photo shoot. Provin Trails also offers hiking trails, a great plain for cross-country skiing in the winter, and public restrooms.
Cascade Township Park
If you are looking for a "one-stop" park, we have the perfect place that has something for everyone. Welcome to Cascade Township Park, located in the heart of Cascade with plenty to do for kiddos and adults alike. Here you'll find a big sandbox and playground for the kiddos and everything from a disc golf course, soccer fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts to a sledding hill and much more. Not too far from the park are Frosty Boy and Jam'n Bean Coffee Company for a sweet treat after a morning or afternoon of play!
Pinewood Park
Located in the City of Kentwood, just 15 minutes outside of Grand Rapids, you'll find this public park inside Princeton Estates, a subdivision in Kentwood. Pinewood Park is adorned with three large play spaces, a sandbox, soccer fields, tennis courts, a skate park, a large pavilion and grills for summer picnics, and a large splash pad for the kiddos. After a large fire in 2012, the playground structure was rebuilt by all the helping hands of the Kentwood and Grand Rapids communities.
Millennium Park
If you are looking for a little "beach" oasis, then you've stumbled across a 1,400-acre gem known as Millennium Park. Kick back, relax, and catch some rays while the kiddos play in the sand at the six-acre beach around the man-made lake. You'll also enjoy a splash pad, hiking trails, fishing, concessions for a snack or lunch, and a covered pavilion for some shade. This is the place you could spend an entire day and still not get to every activity the park offers.
Ah-Nab-Awen Park
How could we forget this classic park right in the heart of Grand Rapids? This space was once the location of a Native American village but is now better known for hosting some of the coolest events in the city. From festivals and meet-ups to shows and fireworks, this is the place to be on a summer night with the whole family! The park has seating, grassy hills to sit on and for kiddos to play on, and a front-row seat to the Grand River with killer views of the tall buildings downtown. You'll also find artwork, the Gerald R. Ford Museum right next door, public restrooms, and free WiFi.
Pick the Perfect Park for You!
We hope you enjoy visiting some of our favorite parks in Grand Rapids — they're great for a long hike, a picnic, or an afternoon at the playground. Each one is just around the corner from our Grand Rapids apartment communities.
Written by Kaleigh Teunessen