[Franceclaire]

Hello,

With my family we will spend 1 week in Grand Haven in 2 weeks.
We have 2 children (5 and 3): what can we do (off couse the beach) which place is nice to see (ex: Holland? a zoo?)

Thanks,

Claire

[Bydand]

Short drive over to Grand Rapids and the John BAll Zoo is a great place for adults as well as kids. We go there 5 or 6 times a year and even the 11 year old doesn't get tired of it. While you are over there the Van Andel Museum is a great place as well (I think it is officially the Public Museum of Grand Rapids now)
Right in Grand Haven is the main Coast Guard Headquarters for this area, I 'm not sure what they offer for the public, but would be amazed if they didn't have something of interest.

[YAZ]

Take a fishing charter on Lake Michigan!

[Franceclaire]

thanks : do you know a nice playground and park amusement (but not so huge than Michigans' adventure)?

[mackinac81]

Oh, you'll be coming at the tail end of the Coast Guard Festival. One of the greatest events on the lakeshore, IMO.

Holland is a nice place. They have a Dutch Village outside town that might be good for kids. It's also a nice walking town with Hope College, the houses and downtown area.

Grand Haven has Fortino's on Washington St. It's a grocery turned gourmet candy shop that's been in the same family for over a century. Very nice people. There's also a small museum of the area that's free of charge just a block away. And the Central Park in the middle of town to relax in, and the lighthouse is really neat. PJ hoffmaster St. Park is nearby, (between GH and Muskegon) and they may have hiking stuff. There are good places to eat along Washington St.

If you get the chance, take the scenic drive down Leonard St. from Grand Rapids to spring lake. You can see fields, the Grand River and long stretches of tree lined road.

West Michigan's great. Welcome, and have a good trip!

[KMB323]

Don't patronize zoos they're prisons for many endangered animals and their good guy persona is a facade.

Grand Haven is gorgeous in the summer! The Coast Guard festival has passed unfortunately, that's a great gathering of young and old.

You can't really miss much while exploring Grand Haven.. the coastal portion is small and cozy. The shops are fun.. spend the day at the beach and walk the pier. They're closing the Bil-Mar (The only on beach restaurant) which totally blows! I've been going there since I was a little girl. Def grab some drinks there after a long day in the sun.

Grand Haven's basically just a beach town like any other. Good pizza in town. One good bar lol