It may be cliché, but spring has sprung in West Michigan. Birds chirping. Grilled burgers waft the neighborhood. Local tennis and pickleball courts echo with laughter and competition. A silver pick-up truck hauling its boat. Sports games grace the family calendar. These are the signs of springtime in West Michigan.

Spring is an exciting season in West Michigan. Along with soaking in the blooming flowers, attending kids’ sports games, and pulling out the grill, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the warmer temperatures. Here is a compiled list of a few of my favorite springtime activities, for all ages, so keep reading to find a new adventure.

Nelis’ Dutch Village:

Nelis’ Dutch Village is open for the season. Located in Holland, the theme park celebrates Dutch Heritage and is Netherlandic-inspired. Dutch Village offers a wooden shoe factory, cheese-making, and a petting zoo. With both indoor and outdoor activities, Dutch Village is a great springtime, family activity.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park:

If you want to experience springtime floral and fauna, check out Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Visiting the botanical gardens and viewing the sculptures is a great way to embrace the warmer weather in West Michigan. Throughout the season, they offer classes, workshops, and exhibitions. Currently, the “Paul Villinski: Flight Patterns” is happening through August 18. Learn all about different flight patterns and methods through sculpture art. Here is the calendar of events for the park.

John Ball Zoo:

While John Ball Zoo is open year-round, spring is a great time to spot the animals. Bonus: the zoo is hosting a Lantern Festival now through June 16. Take a walk through the zoo trails after-hours and enjoy the beautiful lantern displays, telling the stories of wildlife and Asian culture. Visit their website to learn more and buy your tickets.

West Michigan Whitecaps:

With spring comes the start of baseball: a precursor to summer. Grand Rapids has its very own minor league baseball team. Affiliated with the Detroit Tigers, the West Michigan Whitecaps play home series through the spring and into the summer. Throughout the season, you can enjoy various themed-night games, bobblehead giveaways, and fireworks. Bluey and Bingo nights are May 31 and June 1.  Check here for the game schedule, and here for a list of themed nights.

Aircraft Viewing Park:

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a picnic or watch the sunset, I highly recommend the Airport Viewing Park. Located next to our International Airport, the park offers a panoramic view of planes’ arrivals and departures. Learn more here.

Festivals Galore:

While the Tulip Time Festival – the quintessential springtime West Michigan festival has passed, there are still several festivals to enjoy. Festivals are a great way to explore a new town, or highlight a shared passion. Check out these West Michigan springtime festivals:

  • The Kite Festival is happening May 18 & 19. Chill on the beach, bring your own kite, or watch other peoples’ kites.
  • The Festival of the Arts is happening June 7 through 9. At this free festival, celebrate all things art—music, dance, art, food, and activities.
  • The Grand Haven Jeep Festival will be May 18. The City of Grand Haven says this will be the biggest festival so far. There will be giveaways, vendors, and of course, a Jeep parade.
  • The Tequila Festival is happening May 18 in Grand Rapids. Try an assortment of premium and ultra-premium tequila.

Memorial Day: 

Memorial Day is happening Monday, May 27 this year. To honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, stop by one of these Memorial Day Parades:

Springtime is the perfect time to stop and smell the roses. With the warmer weather, these events and activities could be a great option for you to smell the roses, right here, in West Michigan.