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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November 19
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December 17
While you're downtown, check out some of the other businesses in the Hotel District participating in 3rd Thursdays!
Friends Just Like Me
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Join Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan (DSAWM) at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum for Friends Just Like Me, a special after-hours celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month! Wear your mismatched socks and DSAWM gear and enjoy free play with full access to the museum.
This event is free, but RSVP is required through DSAWM.
Questions? Email program@dsawm.org.
Upcoming playtimes:
TBD
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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, Nov 24, 2026
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Tues, Dec 8, 2026
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:
Monday, November 2, 2026 | 5-7pm
Kids Markets
Saturday, November 7, 9am-2pm
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Find your next favorite treasure at Kids Market at GRCM on Saturday, November 7, from 9am–2pm! Browse unique items created by young entrepreneurs, enjoy complimentary gift wrapping with your purchase, & enter to win gift shop giveaways!
Want to stay and play? The museum is open from 9am–4pm, but admission is required to explore the exhibits.
Mini Chefs
Select Fridays, 10am-12pm
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Get ready to stir, sprinkle, and snack! On select dates, little chefs are invited to the Workshop for Mini Chefs, a hands-on cooking experience packed with tasty fun. 🍕🍎🍩
November 6: make your own quesadilla
November 20: make your own apple pie snack cups
3rd Thursday Cozy Movie Night
Thursday, November 19, 4–8pm
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
In recognition of Children’s Grief Awareness Day, join us for a cozy 3rd Thursday evening at the museum! Snuggle up for a cozy movie night featuring Coco — the film begins at 5:30pm. As part of 3rd Thursday, admission is just $3 from 4-8pm. Plus - FREE Popcorn!
Popcorn machine rental donated by Great Lakes Ace Hardware Store. Thank you!
Healing with Play Partner Programming
Saturday, November 21, 10am–2pm
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Community partners will join us for special programming focused on emotional healing, resilience, and the power of play to help children express and process big feelings. Programming is included with regular museum admission.
member events
Save the date for upcoming members-only playtimes:
⭐ Monday, November 9, 9am-12pm ➡️ Member Playtime
⭐ Monday, December 14, 9am-12pm ➡️ Winter Wonderland