Events
general events
Third Thursdays
Monthly, 4-8pm
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Join us for 3rd Thursdays at GRCM!
Save the date for these upcoming playtimes!
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December 18
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January 15
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February 19
While you're downtown, check out some of the other businesses in the Hotel District participating in 3rd Thursdays!
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Tots & Coffee Club
Monthly, 9-11am
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Join us for a special monthly morning of play & connection with other toddlers & their grownups while you sip complimentary drinks from our GRCM Coffee Bar!
Save the date for these upcoming playtimes!
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Tues, Jan 27, 2026
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Tues, Feb 24, 2026
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Tues, March 24, 2026
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Tues, April 28, 2026
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Tues, May 26, 2026
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Tues, June 23, 2026
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Tues, July 28, 2026
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Tues, Aug 25, 2026
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Tues, Sept 29, 2026
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Tues, Oct 27, 2026
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Tues, Nov 24, 2026
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Thurs, Dec 8, 2026
Giftworks!
December 2-23
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Each day we offer a new handmade project to create, wrap, and share with someone special. Thank you to our Giftworks sponsors: Glenn Morris & Associates & Autoowner's Insurance.
daily programs
Dec 2 + 3 Puzzles
Dec 4, 5, + 6 Wooden Magnets
Dec 7 + 9 Pencil Cases
Dec 10 + 11 Wreaths
Dec 12 + 13 Shrinky Dinks
Dec 14 + 16 Beaded Suncatchers
Dec 17, 18, + 19 Photo Frames
Dec 20 + 21 Wooden Magnets
Dec 22 + 23 Shrinky Dinks
Winter Break at GRCM
December 18-23, 26-30, Jan 2-4
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Join us daily for special activities and performers—free with museum admission!
Dec 2 - 23 Giftworks
Friday, Dec 26
10 AM - 12 PM Opera Tots
1 - 3 PM Mr. Juggling Man
Saturday, Dec 27 + Sunday, Dec 28
9 AM - 3 PM Woodworking Studio
Monday, Dec 29
10 AM - 12 PM Boredom Fighters
1 - 3 PM Cirque Amongus
Tuesday, Dec 30
10 AM - 12 PM Full Bloom Yoga
1 - 3 PM Mr. Juggling Man
museum closes at 3 PM
Friday, Jan 2
10 AM - 12 PM Drumming with Josh
1 - 3 PM Boredom Fighters
Saturday, Jan 3 + Sunday, Jan 4
9 AM - 3 PM Woodworking Studio
New Year's Early Eve
December 30, 5-8pm
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Join us for our confetti-filled annual celebration & make a wish for the new year with your little ones, all before bedtime.
This enchanting evening will include:
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Glitter Booth photo booth
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Ball drop with confetti
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Facepainting
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Music and dancing
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Snacks, noisemakers, and FUN
Tickets:
$26 general admission
$16 members
$16 museums for all
Under 1 free
Sensory Friendly Playtime at GRCM
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Together with Autism Support of Kent County, GRCM welcomes families to play in a calmer, quieter environment outside of regular Museum hours. Free to attend but registration required.
Upcoming playtimes:
Stay tuned for more playtimes in 2026!
member events
Member Morning
Monday, February 9, 9am-12pm
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
No fuss, all frills! Join us for member playtime on Monday, February 9 from 9am-noon as we break out the beverages and teatime treats for a Valentine's Tea & Cocoa party !Make a Valentine for someone special, enjoy a tea party with REAL teapots, teacups, & saucers, teatime treats, hot cocoa, tea, & coffee. Fancy outfits encouraged at this lovely morning at the museum! ☕✨
Save the date for upcoming members-only playtimes:
⭐ Monday, February 9 ➡️ Valentine's Tea & Cocoa Party
⭐ Monday, March 9 ➡️ Member Playtime
grown-up events
Let's Play Golf Outing
Monday, June 22, 2026
Thornapple Pointe Golf Course
Save the date! Proceeds from the 7th Annual Let’s Play! Golf Outing will help the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum continually provide funding by supporting our efforts to bring play to all children in our community through open-ended programs, exhibits, outreach initiatives, and community partnerships.
Registration details will be announced in the Spring.
State of Play Breakfast Fundraiser
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Join the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum as we continue our mission of building minds through play at our 8th Annual State of Play breakfast fundraiser. This open house fundraiser will take place inside and outside of the museum, allowing guests to experience guided tours of our current exhibits. Guests will enjoy outdoor seating with curated food and beverage options.
RSVP details coming this Summer.