Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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Family Nature Gatherings
Family Nature Gatherings
Our Mission is to build a nature based community where families can grow together through adventure and exploration.
Prior to participation in any events please read and sign the family participation waiver.
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Complete Digital Waiver
This group is based around gathering families together to get outdoors and enjoy nature. We plan to meet at a variety of locations around the north-east region of Grand Rapids to allow for a variety of experiences. All events will include unstructured play in the outdoors, and many events will include an activity or educational talk. We will have weekend and weekday gatherings that will last around 2 hours but we will meet in public spaces so feel free to plan to stay longer or if you need to leave early that is no problem.
Adults must be present with your children and remain responsible for supervising the children they bring to each gathering.
At each location we will gather together for the first 15-30 minutes prior to setting off for adventuring and exploring as a group.
SIGN UP for Event Updates to know even more details on each event, what to bring, and what to expect.
Crahen Valley Park
Crahen Valley Park
Saturday, December 13, 2025
10:00a - 12:00p
GR Township park with open fields, paved trails near parking, and unpaved hiking trails with moderate inclines/declines in beautiful forest with creek. The wooded area is not a stroller friendly walk but carriers work well for littles.
4355 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Meet south of parking lot on benches along walking path.
Wycliff Trailhead Park
Wycliff Trailhead Park
Friday, January 4, 2026
1:00p - 2:30p
This 1.86-acre parcel features several nature trails that gently wind through the property. The most unique part of Wycliffe, however, is its nature-based playground. The Township created two play areas: One intended for 2- to 5-year-olds (three wooden structures for imaginative play) and one intended for 5- 12-year-olds (an obstacle ropes course made with UV-resistant and metal-reinforced material to resist breakage).
2977 Wycliffe Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Meet - In park. Parking is in neighboring Unity Spiritual Community Lot. Follow short path into the woods.
Sledding @ East Oakview Elementary (tentative)
Sledding @ East Oakview Elementary (tentative)
Saturday, January 24, 2026
11:00a - 12:30p
Location will be determined closer to gathering. If weather permits the plan is sledding and snowplay. Likely if there is enough snow we will likely meet at East Oakview Elementary. This will be updated 1 week prior to event weather depending with details.
Location Tentative!
3940 Suburban Shores Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Meet at sledding hill
Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake
Saturday February 7, 2026
11:00a - 12:30p
Pickerel Lake Park offers a scenic mix of natural areas to explore along a branching network of trails. The lake itself covers nearly 80 acres and is a great setting for fishing or wildlife observation. One of the best-known features of the park is the 900 feet boardwalk crossing a portion of the lake.
6001 Ramsdell Dr NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Meet - Near Parking Lot, east side of lot near woods. Kids will start by playing in woods NE of parking lot until group is all together and then we will go on walk/hike on boardwalk.
Calvin Bunker Interpretive Center
Calvin Bunker Interpretive Center
Friday, February 20, 2026
1:00p - 2:30p
The preserve’s 100+ acres of native plants and natural habitats offer boundless opportunities to explore and connect with nature. The Bunker Interpretive Center is also open Mon-Fri.
1750 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Meet at Entrance Garden area of Bunker Interpretive Center.
Parking at main entrance of cudesac is limited, other options: Designated Ecosystem Preserve spaces immediately north of our parking lot. & Prince Conference Center, Lot 16. Then follow the sidewalk past Prince Pond to the BIC and trails.
Grand Rogue Park
Grand Rogue Park
Friday, March 13, 2026
1:00p - 2:30p
66-acre community park, sitting at the convergence of the Rogue River and Grand River, the park has unique access to both rivers, an inland lake, and ponds. It has wooded areas along the River and lots of wooded hiking trails that are very accessible for children as the land by the river is fairly flat.
2868 Grand Isle Dr NE, Belmont, MI 49306
Meet - TBD
Provin Trails
Provin Trails
Saturday, March 21, 2026
11:00a - 12:30p
Interconnected loops of natural-surfaced trails invite hikers and skiers to explore the sandy-floored forest of Provin Trails park. Located off 4 Mile Road between Dean Lake Avenue and the East Beltline, this heavily wooded park offers a quick escape to nature that's close to city life. A largely undeveloped area, Provin Trails provide ample challenges for beginner, intermediate, and expert hikers alike.
2900 4 mile Rd, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Meet in the pines located right to left of trailhead and trail sign. Once parked head down hill into the woods and we will be along trail at base of hill.
Additional Events will be added quarterly.
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