Education Everywhere — Students and educators have a much-deserved spring break next week, and many families plan to stay right here in West Michigan to enjoy it.
Here’s a list of some fun and educational happenings to put on your calendar:
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Spring break camps: The study of interesting insects, garden friends and artistic opportunities are on the docket next week for students ages 5-10.
- Inclusive nights offer complimentary after-hours access for children and adults with disabilities. An event tailored for people who are deaf or hard of hearing is from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 9. An event for people who are blind or have low vision is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 10.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
The museum is hosting Find Your Voice: A Talk with Gary D. Schmidt at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 12.
Schmidt, a professor of English at Calvin University, is a two-time Newbery Honor recipient for his books, “Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy” and “The Wednesday Wars.” His latest young adult book, “Jupiter Rising,” was released last August. In this free program, open to all ages, Schmidt will talk about his experiences as a writer and how he became interested in writing, and offer advice for aspiring young writers. The talk will be followed by a book signing.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
After a brief closure, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum will reopen for a week of hands-on fun, performances, and special activities during Spring Break Bonanza, Friday, April 4, through Sunday, April 13.
A full lineup of daily activities and performances is planned, including interactive experiences with Boredom Fighters, Wimee’s World, We Rock the Spectrum, Opera Tots and more. Plus, kids can get creative in the Clay Studio, explore sensory play and learn about bubble science. See the schedule here.
Grand Rapids Public Library
All GRPL locations will bring the world of Bluey to children April 4-12, offering Bluey-themed crafts, games and a photo opportunity to remember their Bluey experience. Designed for kids up to age 13.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Themed days over spring break:
- Wednesday, April 2: STEAM Day
- Thursday, April 3: Paleontology Day
- Friday, April 4: Baseball Day
- Saturday, April 5: Carnival Day
- Sunday, April 6: Game Day
- Monday, April 7: Island Getaway Day
- Tuesday, April 8: Camp Curious Day
- Wednesday, April 9: Griffins and Rise Day
- Thursday, April 10: LEGO® Day
- Friday, April 11: Water Wonders Day
- Saturday, April 12: Nature of Color Day
- Sunday, April 13: Sensory Sunday
Activities going on all week include giant versions of games like Kerplunk, chess and Lincoln Logs; a museum-wide scavenger hunt; discovery carts with real artifacts and specimens; table activities; and three floors of exhibits.
- “Little Red Riding Hood”: April 7-12 at Grand Rapids Ballet, 341 Ellsworth Avenue SW. Event includes the Grand Rapids Symphony. Lobby activities, including costume try-ons and meet-and-greets with GRB dancers, begin at 10 a.m., with performances at 11 a.m.
- An Evening at Hogwarts: Music by Candlelight: Friday and Saturday, April 11-12, performances at 7:30 p.m.
- Hogwarts Adventure, a one-hour family concert, Saturday, April 12. Lobby activities begin at 1 p.m. with the performance at 2 p.m.
John Ball Zoo
The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival begins Wednesday, April 9, and runs through June 15. The one-mile light tour through the zoo features handcrafted Asian lantern displays that tell the intersecting stories of wildlife and Asian culture. Hours are 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Kent District Library
KDL branches will offer several activities involving STEM and crafting. More information is available at KDLSpring Break.
