The Butterflies are Blooming exhibit at the Frederick Meijer Gardens opens officially on Sunday, featuring over 7,000 butterflies and moths from over 60 countries. Visitors can walk the 15-thousand square foot Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and get up close as the butterflies make their way from plant to plant.

New this year are two events sure to enhance your experience. The Gardens will offer two evening experiences. “Spring Nights” will give visitors a view of the butterflies at twilight when they’re sure to be active. You can also spend tea time with them with a Butterfly Tea Party.

For more information on these events, times, and admissions, visit their website - FMG. 

If ice skating is more your speed, the park offers a unique “Skate through the Woods” opportunity. You can skate on a ¼ mile figure eight loop through a wooded pine section of the forest, and its well-lit for nighttime skating. 

For more information on times, as well as equipment rentals and adaptive equipment, visit their website Muskegon Luge Park.

The one mile loop will be lit up with lanterns along the trail, where you are sure to see aspects of nature during the winter months. Snowshoes are available to borrow, including children's snowshoes, but this is on a first-come-first-served basis. Don’t forget to bring along a flashlight or headlamp to ensure you can view the surrounding beauty. Once the trip is through, there will be hot chocolate and a bonfire to help keep you warm. Access is free with a state or local park pass.

For details on times and location, visit the Hatchery's website Trail Walk.

This year's event at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids promises to be another exciting event. The show features hundreds of vehicles on display for car enthusiasts of every level. You’ll see all makes and models covering the floor of the convention space, but there’s more than just the popular models. The highlight of the show is the Million Dollar Motorway, where every vehicle, whether they are luxury or performance, is worth more than 100 thousand dollars. There will be several remote-control car stations for you to test your skills, and you can test your knowledge and try to identify a crushed-up car on display during the show.

For information on times and events, visit the website at MI International Auto Show.. 

Want to continue learning about fun places and activities to check out across West Michigan? Subscribe to WCSG's Travelin' Together and we'll drop you an email with the latest family-friendly destination each week!

The 5th annual Ice Cream Challenge is happening this weekend at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. The event on Saturday features almost 10 different flavors, all of which are kicked up a notch with frozen nitrogen. You can vote on which is your favorite flavor after watching teams mix up a batch right before your eyes! The event is free with admission to the Air Zoo.

Once inside, you can check out the exhibits that include teams restoring vintage aircraft, the contribution of women to air and space exploration, and even jump into one of the full motion flight simulators. Information on admission and times are available .HERE. 

Want to continue learning about fun places and activities to check out across West Michigan? Subscribe to WCSG's Travelin' Together series and we'll drop you an email with the latest family-friendly destination each week!

The seasons final Tree Light Show and celebration. Enter the visitors center and view the 40-foot-tall Christmas tree, complete with 23 thousand Christmas lights. Not only is it a sight to behold, but a free seven-minute show is performed every few hours. The show includes favorite Christmas classics accompanying a light show that’s renowned for bringing back memories of the holiday past. As well as creating a new tradition for families.

Another special treat, at 8:30 the Christmas story will echo from the tree, followed by another light show. For information on show times and other events going on in Frankenmuth, visit their website Christmas Tree Show.

Want to continue learning about fun places and activities to check out across West Michigan? Subscribe to WCSG's Travelin' Together series and we'll drop you an email with the latest family-friendly destination each week!

The Gilmore Car Museum is dashing through the snow on four wheels. Their "Winter Wonderland" is offering an experience like no other with many activities to celebrate the season. Take a ride in a Model T while listening to the radio and watching the lights along the trail sync up to the music.

Kids will enjoy the search for Reindeer and elves along the grounds and then take time to make their own ornament. You might enjoy stepping back in time to witness Christmas from the 1900’s up to modern-day with the "Christmas Through the Decades" exhibit, and then share in the memory through the Festival of Trees, where 40 decorated Christmas trees will be on display.

And when you’re done exploring, sit back and enjoy holiday treats at one of the cafe’s on the grounds. Tickets are limited. For more information including dates and hours and which buildings will be open, visit their website - Gilmore Car Winter Wonderland

To watch a video of WCSG's Patrick's visit to the Gilmore click HERE.

Want to continue learning about fun places and activities to check out across West Michigan? Subscribe to WCSG's Travelin' Together series and we'll drop you an email with the latest family-friendly destination each week!

Fellinlove Farm offers a tranquil Christmas experience for the entire family. Located on 11 acres in Holland, the hands-on farm began as a place of accommodation for family needs. Soon it turned into a relaxing and therapeutic retreat for people to experience a more calm setting.

This December, the farm will be hosting a Winter Wonderland on weekends in December leading up to Christmas. There you’ll be able to enjoy the wide array of animals on the farm, including traditional ponies and pigs, but some unusual animals as well. You can get up close and pet them while enjoying the serene setting.

While there, you can view the Live Mini Nativity on display the 13th and 20th. The display in the mini pasture will feature local actors as well as an array of animals living on the farm. It promises to be an event you won't forget! And stick around because towards the end of the Nativity evening display, you can even help put the animals to bed!

The Winter Wonderland Nature Trail Walk is a short hike allowing you to take in the lights and several holiday displays. The trail is only 3/4 of a mile and will get your heart pumping. But you can reward your efforts with some treats and hot chocolate 

For information on times and directions, visit our website at FellinLove Farms.

To view a video of a recent trip to FellinLove Farms - Click Here

The Old Grove Christmas Tree Farm offers a boutique-style Christmas experience for you and your family. You can choose from a wide selection of trees including Douglas, Concolor, Grand Fir, Eastern White Pine, or maybe the distinctive Colorado Blue Spruce. You can also choose from pre-cut trees or head out as a family onto the farm to chop down your own.

There’s a wide array of wreaths, ornaments, or garlands you can choose from. You’re more than welcome to capture that perfect Instagram moment or, if you’re looking for something more professional, there are opportunities to schedule an appointment to use the grounds. Some fees will apply.

After coming in from the cold, visit The Lodge for some hot chocolate or other refreshments.

For more information, including hours of operation, photography fees, and even delivery information, visit their website at Old Grove Christmas Tree Farm

To see a video of WCSG's hosts at the farm, click this link:

WCSG Visit

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Silver Bells in the City started from humble beginnings with a few thousand lights strung around downtown Lansing. Today, close to one million lights will adorn buildings and the state capitol to light up the city. Events on Friday include the Electric Light Parade, with 70 entries including nine high school bands performing. You can participate in the community Christmas Carole sing and then sit back to watch the drone show and spectacular fireworks display. As part of the evening, the state Christmas tree will also be lit up.

Throughout the night you can visit the Silver Bells Market where over 30 vendors will be open with their Christmas arts and crafts available for sale. And don’t forget to grab a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider while you’re there. You can learn more about hours and parking information by visiting their Silver Bells website.

Want to continue learning about fun places and activities to check out across West Michigan? Subscribe to WCSG's Travelin' Together Series and we'll drop you an email with the latest family-friendly destination each week!

The ‘Brushes and Beaks’ event at the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary this Saturday offers a unique experience for bird watchers of any level. This event promises a fun and creative adventure for all members of the family. Experienced “birders” will appreciate the opportunity to view more cardinals in a natural habitat while novice explorers will pick up tips and hints to make their watching even more enjoyable.

When you’re done viewing, demonstrate your creative side by painting your own wooden bird sculpture with guidance from a local artist. The event takes place Saturday from 10-11:30 in Augusta. For more information on costs and registration, visit Brushes and Beaks.

Want to continue learning about fun places and activities to check out across West Michigan? Subscribe to WCSG's Travelin' Together Series series and we'll drop you an email with the latest family-friendly destination each week!

The Michigan History Museum in Lansing is hosting a special exhibit this month that will transport you back to the Black Bottom Street of Detroit. Named for the rich soil that was in the area, the region became a hub for musicians and businesspeople attempting to add vibrancy to the area. It helped to create a section of the city that was succeeding with physicians, grocery stores and multiple restaurants opening to great success.

The area also boasts the family of Aretha Franklin, where her father moved in and started the New Bethal Baptist Church. You can learn more about hours, parking, and other information by visiting the museum website - Michigan History Museum.

You and your young ones can experience the joy of learning while playing together at the Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing. Here you’ll enter a dynamic world that offers multiple exhibits to satisfy the curiosity of your child. There’s plenty of exhibit space to explore our own natural world, as well as outer space.

Play ‘hide & seek” with wildlife creatures in the “I am Wild” exhibit. Kids will learn principles of building and the atom, all while playing on extra-life-sized teeth or “out on the water!” Check the activities board near Guest Services when you check in to see the daily events calendar. You can get information on times and admissions, as well as their upcoming Holiday Shopping Night by visiting their website Impression 5.

The Farm in Hudsonville offers 80-acres of unique fun for the entire family. Some of the family traditions we’ve come to know during the fall, such as wagon rides, started back in 1986 after the farm's oldest daughter brought friends home from college, and those rides have become a huge hit.

You can also take advantage of bonfires if you wanted to schedule a group. The farm now offers 15-acres of pumpkin patch, with pumpkins of all sizes available. These last two Saturdays of the season are set aside for festivities that include an apple cannon, wagon ping-pong, and a chance to tackle the giant straw climb. On site is a bakery so you can munch on delicious pumpkin donuts while sipping hot or cold cider.

For information on admissions, times, and availability, visit their website - POST.

Check out the WCSG Video Visit to Post Family Farm .HERE

Want to continue learning about fun places and activities to check out across West Michigan? Subscribe to WCSG's Travelin' Together series and we'll drop you an email with the latest family-friendly destination each week!

Starting back in 1911, Robinette’s orchard began primarily providing peaches to area markets. It grew into an apple haus on Grand Rapids' upper Northeast side a year later and the rest, as they say, is history. The farm has been in the family for over six generations, and when you visit you’ll step right into history as the buildings have turned into the facilities you’ll see today.

You can stroll the 125 acres of farmland where a variety of fruits are now grown including apricots, blackberries, cherries, and more when they are in season. And stop into the Apple Haus, but be warned – the smell of fresh baked breads, donuts, and pastries will stay with you throughout your time indoors. There’s plenty of picnic space available to enjoy your lunch outside.

Visiting the cider mill is an extra special treat. You’ll see the unique UV process Robinette’s uses with their cider. You can watch the process throughout the fall and about once a week during the winter.

Dogs are welcome outside buildings as long as they’re on a leash, and service dogs are always welcome in any area.

There are plenty of outdoor activities including wagon rides, a nature trail and corn maze. Visit the petting zoo or take a turn on the big jumping pillow.

Check out this video of a WCSG visit to Robinettes - VIDEO

For more information including additional rules, information, and availability, visit their website Robinette's.

Want to continue learning about fun places and activities to check out across West Michigan? Subscribe to WCSG's Travelin' Together series and we'll drop you an email with the latest family-friendly destination each week!

What started out as a roadside produce stand, has become a thriving farm market, complete with u-pick produce and plenty of opportunities for families and friends to make precious memories. Schwallier’s Country Basket in Sparta offers children’s activities in their kids’ play area. Ride the Cow Train or on weekends hitch a Wagon Ride for a scenic view of the orchard.

Speaking of apples, there are u-pick options or if you just want convenience, you can get a bushel and cider to go. Stop in at the New Old Barn for a break, you can even get a freshly made pizza if you want. The Corn Maze offers new options each year and take a fun ride out to the back 40 to shoot off Apple Cannons or host a bonfire.

You can get information on reservations and information by visiting their website - Schwallier's. 

Check out our video interview with Schwallier's here!

Want to continue learning about fun places and activities to check out across West Michigan? Subscribe to WCSG's Travelin' Together series and we'll drop you an email with the latest family-friendly destination each week!

Check this out for a glimpse of what the farm is all about! 

Want to continue learning about fun places and activities to check out across West Michigan? Subscribe to WCSG's Travelin' Together series and we'll drop you an email with the latest family-friendly destination each week!

 

The Fallasburg Art Festival starts this weekend in Lowell at Fallasburg Park. Located on 76-acres, the park offers a natural environment with places to relax and picnic. Within the park, some 100 artist booths will be on site, offering artwork that ranges from digital to floral, metal to woodworking, and more.

Demonstrations will be set up in both pavilions to offer guests a glimpse of how mosaic tiles are made, as well as fly tying, wood turning, and printmaking are done. You can take in musical acts on the central stage Saturday and Sunday, and kids activities will be available near the playground. Bring a picnic lunch or check out the food booths set up around the music stage. Fallasburg Park is located just 20 minutes outside of Grand Rapids.

For information on locations, times, and schedules, visit their website Fallasburg Art Festival.

Six stages around Heritage Landing will provide plenty of entertainment to last through Sunday that includes bands, solo acts, traditional dance, and cultural entertainment. You can get up close to traditional Irish instruments and practice your Irish language skills while learning one of the many traditional songs of the Island.

For the kids, an activity center opens on Friday to offer Celtic crafts, coloring contests, a kids parade, and an exciting Irish treasure hunt. Plus, enjoy cultural presentations, enchanting storytelling, and free face painting. For information on schedules, food, performances, visit their website at Irish Music Fest.

Kids can get involved in miniature versions of those games, even have an opportunity to craft their own Scottish Shield. When they are finished with all the activities, they can even ride the famous "Nessie Wagon." An animal activity center will feature beloved creatures including Highland coos, sheep, and deer hounds.

Admission is free, and so are the stories local historians are willing to share with you throughout the day. For more information, visit their website - Scottish.

For the animal lovers in your home, there’s an exciting adventure to explore along the lakeshore. The Muskegon Museum of History and Science to discover ‘Whoooo is in the Forest.” The discovery-themed program encourages students to uncover the mysteries of the exact identities of the animals hiding out in the natural habitat. Using the clues that have been left behind, take a look over all the animals in the habitat exhibit and pinpoint who we are looking for.

Use your curiosity and your senses to uncover their not-so-secret identities! Admission is free to county residents. For more information, including times and location, visit their website Muskegon Museum.

The 28th Street Metro Cruise is back, and this year promises something for everyone in the family. Almost 350 cars will be on display at Rogers Plaza in Wyoming for the car enthusiast as well as the first time and novice visitors to enjoy. Experience the thrill of seeing cars hit 160 miles or more at the Lucky’s Self-Serve Dyno testing platform.

You can cruise the lot to not only see the cars, but talk with owners about their specific vehicle. Learn all you want about their cars and the owners special attachment to their vehicles. Get a glimpse of history through their stories.

Visit the main stage where bands will play a wide variety of musical styles including Gospel and Patriotic music. A kids tent is available for students to make projects they can take home. And two-dozen food vendors will be out to provide something for everyone. All the events are available for kids, pet friendly, and accessible.

The event kicks off tonight in Cascade for the warmup event featuring car displays and activities for all members of the family. Events in Wyoming run Friday and Saturday. For more information, including a schedule, maps, and info on getting around, visit 28th Street Metro-Cruise.

The 49th annual Frankfort Art Fair attracts hundreds of artists from around the region and the state to display Michigan artwork. This year’s event at Market Square Park promises to be the largest art festival in the area in the last six years.

Artists including painters, sculptors, jewelry, and many other mediums will display their works starting on Friday, and continuing through Saturday. Judges will be on hand to evaluate and hand out awards.  In conjunction with the art fair, The 35th Frankfort Collector Car Show will be held on Saturday from 8:00 am - 2:30 pm in Mineral Springs Park.

And while you’re in Frankfort, you can also take in many of the lighthouses in the region. For more information, including times and a map of the festival grounds, visit their website at Frankfort Art Fair.

Our WCSG's Travelin' Together visits Marshall Michigan, and the 2nd annual Marshall Motorfest. Close to 450 cars will be on display, for both visitors to admire and judges to compare. The vintage auto owners will be on hand to answer questions as well as talk about their cars, from their history to how they handle on the road.

The family-friendly extravaganza kicks off Friday with a reception and movie night at Brooks Airfield. On Saturday, visitors will enjoy live music, fun games, tasty food trucks, FREE Ford EV test drives, and a Rockabilly Costume Contest for all ages. The events close out with a classic car cruise in the downtown area.

This event kicks off Marshall Motor Month, a month long celebration of the automobile. There will be plenty of activities throughout the month for you to enjoy. While you're there, you can also take in the shops and stores that populate the downtown area.

For more information, including a list of events and times, visit Marshall Motorfest.

This week’s WCSG’s Travelin’ Together takes place in Byron Center for the return of the West Michigan Italian Festival. The event actually ran for 25 years until 1997 when it was known as Festa Italiana in the downtown area of Grand Rapids..

Some of the past traditions will be included in this new festival, including food, music, and arts & crafts. This time you can try your hand at bocce ball and even participate in a tournament, and a spaghetti eating contest. There will also be live bands, as well as a kid's area. Organizers say it's an opportunity to celebrate Italian heritage and share that with members of the West Michigan community. The festivities start on Friday at Tanger Outlet and conclude on Saturday evening. For more information visit WM Italian.

Our WCSG’s Travelin Together visits the Cadillac Festival of the Arts. This two-and-a-half-day event features art displays of multiple art forms including readings, music, paintings, dance, and gardening. During the festival there will be opportunities for kids to participate in making art and for artists to display their creations for both judging and sales. Stick around for the almost two-dozen food trucks that will be open through the festival.

For information including times and a map of the festival, visit their website at Festival.

Bear Lake Days offers a small-town festival atmosphere amidst crowds that you would expect in a suburb of a large metropolitan city. The three-day festival includes all the small town games and activities one would expect, and that’s what makes it special. The Village is located in the northern part of Manistee County, about 15 miles north of Manistee on US 31. 

You get the home town feel even with crowds that swell to three times the normal population of Bear Lake. This festival includes games, a parade, and even a pig roast. There’s music and hot air balloon rides. You can take in the antique car show, along with an arts and crafts fair. Stick around to take in the pancake breakfast on Sunday morning and then enjoy church services to conclude the festival.

For more information, visit the Pure Michigan Website - Bear Lake Days.

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Travel to Ypsilanti, which boasts the oldest continuous Fourth of July parades in the state. This year, a 100-year-old Rosie the Riveter will serve as parade marshal. Petoskey combines small town charm with some unique bands for their Grandpa Shorters Parade. Mackinaw City boasts the largest fireworks display in Northern Michigan. And with the fireworks going out of the water, the spectacular view can be enjoyed for miles in every direction.

One of the largest fireworks displays in the state is right here in West Michigan in South Haven. The show out over the water will only last about 20 minutes, but the number of fireworks expected to be set off will leave you breathless. For more information, including maps, times, and best places to park or sit, as well as links to each of these communities, visit each of these communities websites.. 

The Big Rapids Air Fest takes off this weekend in Mecosta County. This year’s event gets underway Saturday at the Robin Hood Airport on 18 Mile Road. Admission is free but some of the other events are going to entail some costs.

A pancake breakfast starts the day hosted by the Chippewa Lake Lions Club. From there kids can check out the Big Rapids Fire Department’s fire truck and take a ride on the ‘kiddie plane train.’ Walk on the tarmac and talk with pilots from around the state who will fly in and make their craft available for you to check out. Organizers are expecting planes that can carry anywhere from one to four people on board. And with a recent runway extension, some larger craft may also be on display. New this year are helicopter rides, which are available for an additional cost.

For more information, including time's and a schedule of events, visit AirFest 2025.