Are you crazy?  This is one of the questions that I asked myself as I loaded my 2 and almost 5 year old into the van on the HOTTEST DAY EVER!  We were off to our first park party, where I was sure there would be loads of people and probably a lot of chaos, too.

This park party was held in the parking lot of 5/3 Ballpark.  What I found, from the moment I arrived at 11:30am, was a well-organized, highly-staffed event.  Amazing, because it was all free!

There were parking lot attendants directing cars and many workers staffing the free lunch table.  Anyone under 18 was given a ham & cheese sandwich, apple slices, a bag of chips, a banana, and a carton of chocolate milk...a nutritious, not messy lunch that I really appreciated!  It was a little tricky to find a place to eat the lunch, since we didn't didn't want to roast on the parking lot pavement.  We went and sat under some trees near the parking lot and were soon joined by a large bunch lovely of students on a field trip from the LOOP program (a great free option for school-age kids in GR.)

After lunch we headed over toward the activities.  I didn't have my stroller along, but that would have been a good idea since the events were really spread out.  Most of the inflatables and climbing structures had really long lines that I didn't think we'd survive the wait in, but we still had a great time going around to the smaller booths.

Highlights:
-Getting tattoos from multiple places
-Free Country Fresh Ice Cream
-Petting the Binder Park Zoo turtle
-Playing the in the bubble pools
-Watching kid performers on the stage
-Meeting Maranda herself

There were a lot of other fun looking events, but we were too hot and tired to stay much longer. We ducked out at 1:30 pm and lounged in the AC all the way home, where great naps were had by all! 

Maranda has other park parties coming up this summer.  You'll find them on event calendar or on her website.

Upcoming Park Parties:

• Thursday, July 2 – Ionia County Fairgrounds, Ionia
• Thursday, July 9 – Garfield Park, Grand Rapids 
• Thursday, July 16 – Kollen Park, Holland 
• Thursday, July 23 – Upjohn Park, Kalamazoo 
• Thursday, July 30 – Allegan County Fairgrounds, Allegan

Summer has arrived and it is hot!

How do you keep cool during the Grand Rapids summer heat?  If you don't have access to a private pool or live near a swimming lake, you still have options!

The pictures above are from the Kentwood Splashpad...a relatively new and undiscovered gem.  (Located at Veteran's Memorial Park (335 - 48th St SE, Kentwood MI) Here's what I like about it:

-free
-not busy
-fenced in
-grass & trees nearby
-play structures on premise, including climbing wall
-clean
-good for ages 2-12
-next to picnic pavilion
-visibly monitored by Kentwood Parks and Rec
-includes sand-box

Didn't like:
-Splash pad itself has no shade
-Slides & Swings are in direct sun and are HOT
-no good way to clean off the wet sand
-opens at 11am.  Wish it were earlier.

Don't Know:
-what the restroom facilities are like

Other options for cooling off with water:
- Kentwood aquatic center at the KPHS of Kzoo & S. Beltline. There is a fee per use. $2 per person for residents and 0.50 more for non res.

-Richmond pool. Just off of Leonard in the NW side. Its a public pool with beach entry, waterslide slow enough for young kids and life guard that catches them at the bottom. huge shallow end with water features, snack bar, large diving board area & a well-paced water slide that can handle kids in parents' laps. Also a park with lake and playground on the same property, plenty of parking. Love it!  Only $3 and has a play ground with picnic tables outside of it. Only thing is the hours are weird. Last year, they closed from 3-5pm.

-Millenium Park (beach area and a separate kids area with fun sprayers).  Fee.

-Versluis Park, located off from Northland Drive, near Plainfield. They have a playground, picnic area and of course, a beach area.  It costs approx $8 (non residents) per car and has a lovely sandy beach and corded off area in the Lake to swim which is all fairly shallow at its deepest it is up to an adult's waist.

-Dumont Lake ... Allegan.  It's a very small, quaint, in the middle-of-nowhere State Park with an awesome playground, clean beach and warm water!!!

-East Grand Rapids Pools


Please leave your favorite swim areas in the comments section!

Lake Bellaire Room

This entry is a departure from most of what you find here at Grand Rapids Kids because it doesn't include a thing about Grand Rapids or Kids.  I'm writing, instead, about a place 3 hours away from Grand Rapids that feels like you've left the world and landed in heaven. (Probably helped by the fact that the kids are at Grandma's house for a long weekend.)

Located in Alden, a quaint little town that evokes visions of summers past, The Inn at Torch Lake is a new arrival.  The building was built in 1991 on the site of an old house that burned in the 60's.  The lower level is filled with cute shops.  The upper level is where you find the Inn, and it has only been open for business for a short time.  Translation: the rooms are new, beautiful, and fitted with all the latest amenities.  Wireless Internet (where do you think I'm typing this from?), Huge flat screen TV, kitchenette, gas fireplace, fabulous bedding, and the design and decoration of each room leaves you feeling pampered and pretty because each room is so smartly put together.

Amazingly, the Inn offers more than a good place to sleep.  Harvey, the owner/proprietor/renovation expert takes your stay to the next level.  He's a nice guy, easy to talk to, and he'll be the one to greet you with a glass of wine or beer when you arrive.  He's also the one whipping up his own sweet breads, quiches, and other treats from a lovely breakfast that you can eat with other guests or in the privacy of your room's balcony.  Be sure to talk to Harvey about all the great local stops, too.  His recommendations for restaurants were right on, and we had great food and service at the casual Torch Riveria just a few miles away.

When you're not relaxing in your room you'll find a great variety of activities to enjoy.  Although the shops are few, you'll be able to spend a few hours browsing through them because they are unique and interesting.  There are a few restaurants in town that serve a tasty breakfast or lunch, too.  Ice cream from the shop in the back of Higgins General Store will leave you stuffed (a single scoop here is really a double!)

What else is there to do besides shop & eat?  Get outside!  My husband and I spent time each day doing something active.  Torch Lake, a beautiful, crystal-clear lake is only steps away from the hotel.  You can rent kayaks right here and paddle down the lake to the Torch River.  Or you can arrange pick-up/drop-off from different locations.  Just ask the outfitters for trips based on length of time an exertion.  There are also tennis courts in the park adjacent to the Inn.  Another activity we enjoyed was biking.  We brought our bikes with us and drove up to Central Lake to start pedaling.  This allowed us to ride for about 20 miles along the upper Chain of Lakes, a series of long, narrow lakes linked together by small rivers.  (Torch Lake is actually a part of this.)  We pedaled up to Ellsworth, a tiny farming community that happened to have a parade and annual pig roast that day, and then made our way back down to Central Lake where we admired the beautiful view of Intermediate Lake.

If you're not up for biking or kayaking, you might consider renting a pontoon boat.  This is a favorite mode of transportation on the chain of lakes because they can go through the shallow rivers with ease.  Anchoring on the south side of Torch Lake at the sand bar is also a popular place to stop, sunbathe and relax.

Of course, there are great golf courses nearby, too.  A personal favorite of mine is A-Ga-Ming, but you're close to Shanty Creek Resort, too. (They have a spa...need I say more?!)

Our short stay was peppered with local flavor.  We looked at tourist brochures and signs and easily found local festivals and activities to help fill up our time.  In addition to the pig roast, there was a parade and fireworks in East Jordan, and a Strawberry Social in Alden.  Northern Michigan loves to celebrate in the summer...it shouldn't be hard to find a festival or activity when you visit.

The little town of Bellaire was also a fun stop.  You'll find a two-screen movie theater here and some great restaurants.  They also have a 1.5 mile paved trail that is great for walking, biking, in-line skating.  If you get tired of the little town atmosphere, Alden is not too far away from Petoskey or Traverse City, where you will find many more stores & restaurants.

We're already planning our next trip to Alden...our little secret!  If you do visit the Inn at Torch Lake, let Harvey know that Melody from Grand Rapids Kids sent you!

(And if you do bring the kids, they'll find nice playgrounds in all the small towns and enjoy the many ice cream stops along the way.)

Local AMF bowling centers are offering bowling to kids, up to 2 games/day, for free during the summer.

This does not include shoe rental, and you must register your child at your participating location.
Click here to find a bowling center near you.

Fourth of July Weekend Ticket Special

This Tuesday, June 23 we're giving everyone in West Michigan a great alternative for the holiday weekend. Reserved seats, normally $9.50, will be on sale for only $5.00! This offer is good for three games - July, 4, 5, & 6 and only valid on this day only.

Saturday, July 4th is a 7:00 pm game with a Farm Bureau Insurance fireworks show.  But that's only the beginning, as the world-renowned ZOOperstars! will be here for their only appearance of the season!

Sunday, July 5th is a Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Family Day.  Game time is 2:00 pm but all of the great, family festivities start at 1:00 pm when the gates open.

Monday, July 6th finishes off the three day weekend when the 'Caps play Dayton at 7:00 pm.  We'll be giving away Gerald R. Ford Museum baseballs to the first 1,500 fans! 

THIS IS A ONE DAY ONLY SPECIAL! You can get your tickets through our website, over the phone - 616.784.4131 or at the West Michigan Glass Block ticket office at Fifth Third Ballpark from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. this Tuesday.

This blog entry is one where Grand Rapids Kids hits the road.  We didn't go far, but we did venture outside of our regular turf.

Destinations:  Battle Creek's Binder Park Zoo, Kalamazoo's Air Zoo, and Plainwell's Ice Cream Company.

The drive from Cascade to Binder Park Zoo was about an hour and a half.  The kids did great and were ready to run when we got to the zoo.  Peacocks have free roam of the place, it seems, so we ran into a few of these right away.  Some even "showed off" for us.  Gorgeous!

A fun zebra-striped tram took us out to "Wild Africa" where the zoo is set up to look like an African National Park.  Zebras, giraffes and other animals roamed across an open expanse.  Visitors have multiple vantage points.  We brought our stroller out here, but both kids walked the mile long trail with gusto.

There is no picnicking inside of the park.  If you bring your own food, you'll have to go back outside the gates to eat it.  There are some picnic areas there.  We chose to eat at the restaurant in Wild Africa.  My chicken sandwich was a little dry, but the kids both got great burgers and my husband was happy with his crispy chicken wrap.  They have a good variety of food for reasonable prices.

After our trip to Africa, we headed for the cheetas and wild horses.  The snow leopard was sleeping when we passed by, but the cheetas gave chase.  Wow, those are some sleek animals!

We skipped the swap walk (no bug spray) and headed for the giant tortoise.  Our zoo trip finished with a walk through the Children's zoo, which is really a petting zoo.  Here is where you'll find a play area and giant dinosaur replica.

We didn't ride the train or carousel, but each looked fabulous and was only a few $$.

The Zoo is open
Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm
Saturday & Holidays 9am to 6pm
Sunday 11am to 6pm

General Admission
Adults $11.95
Seniors $10.95
Children (2-10) $9.95
Children under 2 FREE

If you're a John Ball Zoo member, you get 1/2 off your entrance fee!


Not wanting our trip to be over so soon, we decided to stop by the Kalamazoo Air Zoo on the way home.  We had heard it was free for the summer, so it was a great opportunity to find out if we should come back and spend longer some other time.

The verdict?  It's a great place for kids 7 and older.  My 4 1/2 -year old had fun riding the 2 rides that were for his age/size, but after an hour, he was ready to leave.

There are a lot of great experiences for kids if they have some appreciation of how flight works, as well as history.  Antsy toddlers up through preschoolers will probably only want an hour here.  There are fees for the activities...visit their website for details.

It was getting late by this point...the air zoo closes at 5 pm on Wednesdays.  As we drove North on 131 we decided that ice cream would be the perfect way to cap off our fun day.  I knew that Plainwell was a cute little town just north of Kalamazoo, and that they should have a cute ice cream place to match.  After driving around looking for one downtown, we landed at a gas station, about ready to call off the search.  Wouldn't you know, there in the parking lot was a girl wearing a Plainwell Ice Cream Company T-shirt.  She happily directed us to the shop, which we discovered was on the main road through town, past downtown by a few blocks.

Anyhow, the ice cream was DELICIOUS!  And is is reasonably priced.  My husband and I both commented on how good it was...we're definitely going to swing by there the next time we're in the area!

If you've been to any of these places, feel free to add your comments below.  Thanks!

The staff at the Grand Rapids Public Museum read over the entries and picked the winner:            Dawn A, who will get (4) passes the museum.  Her winning comment included that the Museum inspires conversations with her kids.

The Museum extended this offer to some Runners Ups because of all of the great comments.  These folks will get (2) free passes to the museum:

Caitlin                                        
 to thank her husband for his service to our country and to welcome him home

 Heather                                    
 to answer her questions about GR and furniture! (and to welcome her to her new city!)

Alex Vandertol                          
 For checking out the website and penciling us into the calendar!

Maryanne                                   
For sharing the Museum with her grandchildren  Congratulations!

 Look for more Great GiveAways from Grand Rapids Kids

I've recently discovered a line of all-natural skin care products made right here in Grand Rapids.  SkinDeep Naturals is a company owned and operated by a local woman, Jessica, who believes in two things that all moms can stand behind: effective quality skin care products and reasonable affordable prices. 

The products are always 100% natural with no synthetic ingredients and packaged with sustainable materials; so you can feel good about your skin, your pocketbook, and your ecological footprint.  I am personally in love with the Lemon Lip Butter, but don't let me sway you:)

If you have skin sensitivities or concerns about specific ingredients, Skin Deep Naturals is a great place to start.  Jessica thoroughly researches her ingredients and customizes recipes for clients with special needs.

The giveaway package this week is an assortment of SkinDeep Naturals products.  It includes Lemon Lavender Scrub, Renewing Eye Balm, Healing Calendula Lotion, Lemon Lip Butter, and Chamomile Face and Body Mist...with a retail value of $46.75!

For more information about the products included in this giveaway, or the other products in the SkinDeep Naturals line, visit www.skindeep.etsy.com, or you can visit Jessica's blog at skindeepnaturals.blogspot.com

To win this Great GiveAway, go to Skin Deep Naturals Etsy site and look over the product line.  Pick one product that you would like to try and let us know why it appeals to you.  Be sure to include the name of the product that you are reviewing in your blog comment. 

This contest closes on July 6, 2009, at midnight.  Good luck! (One entry per person, please.)

Last Thursday my kids and I popped into Gymboree Play & Music for the first time.  Our experience just goes to show that you don't really know about a place until you try it for yourself.

I'm not quite sure exactly what I expected, probably something along the lines of Kindermusik, since we've been involved with that in the past.  What we found was a little like Kindermusik because they were playing fun music, but also very different.  What was different was the physical  atmosphere with the Play Gym.

We participated in Family Gym, which is the only class where multiple ages are allowed, and the only class where a parent can go in with more than one child.  Between climbing on the toys and participating in ever-changing group activities, the children were lead through many activities for 45 minutes (although it felt like 15!)  My son (almost 5) had fun climbing and playing, but I could tell that this might get old for him if we came again.  For that reason, they offer an Art class at the same time for the older kids...no parents needed.  This art class is fabulous.  When Ethan was there, he reported playing "hide and seeK" with foam letters, reading Chick-a-Boom, and came home with a beautiful art project relating to the story that he made during the 55 min class.

Patting out rhythms on the air log, doing rhymes while rolling, lots of bubbles, parachute time, climbing, dancing, playing, and making new friends...this was all part of our Gymboree experience.  We definitely recommend it.  I think Gymboree would be best for a family that could commit to going once a week, although they do offer Open Play Gyms for non-members.

Gymboree has a lot going on.  They structure their classes by level, which correspond to ages.  The levels are very age specific, so they will target your child's developmental level quite well.  There are so many options that I would encourage you to study their schedule and call to get more information.  You can also get a free class to just go and try it out.

When you call, be sure to mention that you heard about them on Grand Rapids Kids!