Underwriting support from:
Chalk Day /Courtesy of the Downtown Market
Chalk Day /Courtesy of the Downtown Market
Beginning Wednesday, June 27, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market welcomes back its free “Kids at the Market” activities, engaging kids through crafts, science experiments, animals, fitness and more.
Each Kids at the Market event is hosted by a different West Michigan organization with a unique theme, so parents can expect to find something new and exciting each time.
“We love hosting free events for kids, especially during the summer when we can take advantage of our unique outdoor space in the Market Shed,” said Amanda Gielczyk, director of marketing and special events. “Parents can bring their kids out for some fun and learning, then grab lunch or snacks inside the Market Hall from one of our awesome small business merchants.”
Event dates and themes include:
Chalk Day
June 27, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
This “Kids at the Market” event is all about chalk! Led by professional chalk artists Tess Marhofer and Alexis Kole, kids will have the chance to make their own chalk to take home, learn tips and tutorials and enjoy a "free-draw" area with every type of chalk gizmo and tool you can imagine. Kent District Library will also be on-site with books about art, drawing, colors, and a hands-on craft.
Bricks 4 Kidz®
July 11, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hosted by Bricks 4 Kidz®, this “Kids at the Market” event focuses on STEM education. Bricks 4 Kidz is a local company that uses building bricks, motors and circuits to teach kids hands-on STEM skills. Kids can rotate between several workspaces with a different object to build and STEM skill to learn. KDL will also be on-site with books focusing on STEM and STEM-based crafts.
Critter Barn
July 25, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hosted by the Critter Barn, this week’s free “Kids at the Market” focuses on activities allowing children to get up close and personal with farm animals while learning more about them. Animals include chicks and ducklings, rabbits and bunnies, pygmy goats, sheep, a donkey, a rooster and more. A milking station and agricultural info will also be available.
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