Events
general events
The Circus is Coming to GRCM
Tuesday, October 6, 2pm
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
🎪 Step right up! The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Hype Crew is rolling into GRCM! Catch mini-performances, circus fun, photo ops, hands-on activities, performer meet-and-greets, & a chance to meet Bailey the robot dog! Plus, enter to win Ringling swag & ticket giveaways.
Come get a mini circus preview before Ringling takes over Van Andel Arena October 29–November 1!
🎟️ Included with regular museum admission.
Trick-or-Treat at the Museum
Thursday, October 29, 5-8pm
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Get your costumes ready for a frightfully fun night at GRCM! Trick-or-treat throughout the museum, decorate your own treat bag, enjoy themed crafts and games, and dance the night away at a Glow Dance Party! This event is open to the public and included with regular admission.
The museum will close from 4–5pm and reopen at 5pm for the festivities.
Third Thursdays
Monthly, 4-8pm
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Join us for 3rd Thursdays at GRCM!
Save the date for these upcoming playtimes!
-
October 15
-
November 19
-
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:
Monday, October 19, 5-7 pm
.png)
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!
-
Tues, Oct 27, 2026
-
Tues, Nov 24, 2026
-
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
member events
Boo Bash
Monday, October 12, 9am-12pm
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
GRCM members, get ready for a fab-boo-lous time at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum on Monday, October 12, from 9am to 12pm! Join us for a spook-tacular Halloween-themed Member Morning that's perfect for your little ones. Dress up and let the Halloween festivities begin!
Save the date for upcoming members-only playtimes:
⭐ Monday, October 12, 9am-12pm ➡️ Boo Bash
⭐ Monday, November 9, 9am-12pm ➡️ Member Playtime
⭐ Monday, December 14, 9am-12pm ➡️ Winter Wonderland