While the great lakes are AMAZING for recreation, some days they are a little too dangerous to dip your toes in. If you are looking for a way to stay out of the rip current, but still have a rip-roaring good time, I've got you covered! Here is a list of splash pads, inland lakes, and public pools available for you to still cool off during the hot summer. If I missed any, be sure to let me know!
SPLASH PADS
Allendale: Allendale Community Park (and a giant sandbox too!) (FREE)
Caledonia: Caledonia Community Green Park (FREE)
Coopersville: Pocket Park (FREE)
Hudsonville: Harvey St Splash Pad - Pop up fountains right in the walkway! (FREE)
Grand Rapids: Many of the city's parks have splash pads! Here are their locations: Aberdeen Park, Alger Park, Campau Park, Cherry Park, Fuller Park, Garfield Park, Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, Heartside Park, Highland Park, Joe Taylor Park, Lincoln Park, Mary Water Park, Mulick Park, Roosevelt Park and Wilcox Park. (All FREE)
Jenison: Maplewood Park - Splashpad, fishing lake with dock & playground (FREE for Georgetown residents; $5 adults/$3 kids non-residents). Rosewood Park - Splashpad & two playgrounds in the same area (FREE)
Muskegon: Downtown Muskegon on Western Ave (FREE)
Sparta: Rogers Park (FREE)
Spring Lake: Tanglefoot Park - Updated and right on the Grand River, this park is popular for fishing, self-service kayak rentals and the splashpad. (No swim area for the river) (FREE)
Walker: Millennium Park - Part of Kent County Parks System, there is a lake with swimming/boat rentals, splash pad, playgrounds, and concessions. (Daily pass: Adults $4, Seniors (63+) $3, Kids (3-15) $2)
Wyoming: Many parks have been upgraded to include splash pads! Here are the locations: Gezon Park, Jackson Park, Lamar Park, Oriole Park, Southlawn Park (FREE)
Zeeland: Splash Pad Park, right on Elm St (FREE)
Creeks & Streams
(Remember to wear protection from bugs, watch for poison ivy, and check water testing results at these locations!)
Grandville: Wedgwood Park - Buck Creek flows through this park and has a nice walk-way from Wilson to Canal (FREE)
Jamestown: Spring Grove Park - Fed by a natural Spring, this park is a favorite for kids wading in the cool creek (FREE)
Wyoming: Buck Creek Nature Preserve - Follow the trail and find carved out places where those who fish have made trails to the creek! Great place to catch frogs, crayfish and fish! (FREE)
Public Lakes
Casnovia (between Ravenna & Sparta): Grose Park, on Crockery Lake - Nice wooded walking paths, handicap beach access, sandy swim area, playground, grills, picnic tables - it's got it all (Also a public boat launch, but on other side of lake) (FREE)
Grand Rapids: Versluis Park - Playground, Sandy Beach, handicap accessible, small boat launch (FREE)
Greenville: Wabasis Lake Park - Huge park with fishing, boat launch, boat rentals, basketball courts, softball/baseball fields, and more (FREE)
Lowell: Stoney Lakeside Park - small beach, but sandy shore (FREE)
Jenison: 8th Ave Park - Beach with play area (Free for Georgetown Twp Residents; Non-residents Adults $5, Kids $3)
Mears: Silver Lake - So many things to do, but a bit of a drive north (State Park Pass Required)
Rockford: Myers Lake - has changing rooms (FREE), Bostwick Lake Park - small, but roped off swim area (FREE)
Walker: Millennium Park - Part of Kent County Parks System, there is a lake with swimming/boat rentals, splash pad, playgrounds, and concessions. (Daily pass: Adults $4, Seniors (63+) $3, Kids (3-15) $2)
Wayland: Gun Lake Park - Right on Gun Lake with boat launch (fee for launching) and playgrounds (FREE)
Public Pools and Facilities
Grand Rapids: Briggs Park Pool, Richmond Park Pool, MLK Jr. Park Pool (See website for details on pricing)
Holland: Bouws Pool - Varied hours - (see website for hours and pricing); Holland Aquatic Center - many pools and a splash zone! (See website for hours and pricing)
Hudsonville: Action Wake Park - Give wake boarding a try with their pull line or enjoy time on their inflatable Aqua Park! ($30 all day pass or $20 for 50 minute session; 2 hour cable pass $50 or $65 for all day)
I hope this helps you stay cool this summer and find some new places to make memories! Did I miss any?!