The world’s most attended art event takes place all over downtown Grand Rapids every fall – and kids love it! Don’t miss out on ArtPrize happening September 18th – October 3rd, 2026.
With 650 works of art spread over three square miles, ArtPrize is basically a big scavenger hunt to find pieces that speak to you. Kids tend to gravitate to the biggest, most colorful and whimsical pieces, but ArtPrize is also a great opportunity to expose them to a wide range of creative expression – from paintings and sculpture to music and performance art.
One of the coolest things about ArtPrize is that visitor votes determine the winners of $500,000 in total prize and grant money. You have to be at least 13 years of age to vote but you can certainly ask your younger kids’ opinions before you cast your smartphone ballot. Get them started on the road to art appreciation by asking them why they like or dislike the things they’ve seen and how the art makes them feel. You’ll also want to keep your smartphone handy for the endless photo ops of your kids with art.
Much of the art on display is outdoors and easily accessible by strollers. Free, stroller-friendly DASH buses circulate throughout the ArtPrize area to save time and conserve your family’s energy. When it’s time for a break, head to the ArtPrize Oasis, an outdoor riverfront space featuring relaxing seating, awesome art installations and yard games. Refuel with a snack or meal at any of 140+ downtown restaurants, many of which host ArtPrize entries.
Beyond Art Prize
Some of downtown’s kid-friendly museums are also ArtPrize venues. Come for the art, stay to explore the fascinating exhibits at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and Grand Rapids Public Museum.
John Ball Zoo is one of our favorite places to visit in Grand Rapids and now when you visit you can see more than red pandas, tigers, and hippos but the BRAND NEW otter habitat too! The otter habitat has been completely reimagined to give guests an incredible, engaging experience, that is an absolute must see.
Explore Grand Rapids in a whole new way at the Robinette’s Grand Rapids themed corn maze. Enjoy fall favorites all in one place – take in the changing leaves on the 5 mile nature trail loop, visit with animals, play on the jumping pillows and enjoy seasonal treats.
Get tickets for the Pumpkin Train. Join the Famous Pumpkin and goofy sidekicks will entertain you with their crazy antics and each child may chose a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch at the end of their ride at Coopersville & Marne Railway.
Grand Rapids Attractions Pass
Planning a trip to Grand Rapids just got A LOT easier! For one rate you can get access to six museums – five of them in walkable downtown Grand Rapids – plus a comedy club, Michigan’s only professional ballet company, Michigan’s longest-running professional opera, an award-winning presenter of contemporary plays and musicals, and even a laser tag arena!
A 1-Day Attraction Pass is $13 for kids, $25 for adults and provides admission to several attractions including our go-to favorites: Ford Presidential Museum (general admission $11 for kids and $17 for adults), Grand Rapids Art Museum (general admission $6 for kids and $12 for adults), Grand Rapids Public Museum (general admission $5 for kids and $14 for adults) AND Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (general admission $12).
Where To Stay
Grand Rapids is day trip we make often but if you want to extend the fun, plan an overnight stay. Here are our favorite places to stay downtown:
Photo credit: Facebook
