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 13th – 28th.
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 $200,000 in prize 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. Special attractions at the museums include the Robot Zoo exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (runs thru September 22nd) and the NEW Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry , Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (opening September 21st).
Downtown is also the site of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party (September 14 & 15), and Brickworld Grand Rapids (September 13 – 15), featuring amazing LEGO displays and interactive play stations.
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 DINOSAURS too! There are over 20 life-size replica robotic dinosaurs you can spot throughout the zoo as part of the Dino Adventure experience.
Save the date
ArtPrize kicks off Friday, September 13th with a parade in downtwon Grand Rapids kicking off at 6:30pm. Three separate parades traveling down Front Ave, Monroe NW and Commerce Ave will also include live music from the Nuru Dance Troupe, El Son De México Mariachi Band, and the Grand Rapids Firefighters Pipes and Drums. Following the parade, join the kick-off party on the Pearl Street Bridge and stay up for the 9pm fireworks show.
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