← Seasons

Summer Activities

Need something to do today? Start with swimming, libraries, indoor play, trails and annual events worth watching.

Big Rapids staging area on the White Pine Trail
White Pine Trail in Big Rapids · Photo: Discountfrozenpizza, CC BY-SA 4.0

Water, parks & everyday outdoor fun

Saturday, July 25, 2026 · Newaygo · Gates 8 a.m.

Big Air Motocross Pop-Up Practice

Five hours of riding from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at 1262 Spring Drive. Contact the track for current practice pricing. Riders age 17 and younger need a completed minor-release form signed by both legal guardians; if only one parent will attend, confirm the notarization requirements before arriving. Proper motocross safety equipment is required.

Official practice announcement ↗ · Minor forms ↗
Big Rapids · Free · Seasonal water play

Hemlock Park & Matthew James Hansen Memorial Splash Pad

One of the easiest all-in-one outings for families: a seasonal splash pad, children’s playground, picnic areas, courts, Riverwalk access, fishing and a kayak launch. Check current splash-pad hours and closures before leaving.

Official Hemlock Park information ↗
Big Rapids · Free

Northend Riverside Park

Play area, river access, nature trails, picnic pavilions, volleyball and two disc-golf courses. This park does not have the city splash pad; that is at Hemlock Park.

Official Northend park information ↗
Big Rapids · Free · Wheels

Swede Hill Skate Park

A dedicated skate park for skateboards, BMX bikes, scooters and rollerblades, with nearby fishing and picnic space. Bring the safety gear your child needs.

Official Swede Hill information ↗
Big Rapids · Free · Trail stop

Depot Trailhead Park

A family-friendly stopping point on the White Pine Trail with space to rest before or after a walk or bike ride.

Official Depot Trailhead information ↗
Big Rapids · Seasonal

Charles E. Fairman Community Pool

Historically offers seasonal community swimming and may offer lessons. Confirm the current year's opening, fees and schedule.

City recreation updates ↗
Mecosta · Day-use fee

School Section Lake Veteran’s Park

A family-focused lake park with swimming, camping, seasonal children’s activities and an Art Barn. The historic Little River Schoolhouse has also hosted free Saturday summer programs; confirm the current schedule and vehicle fee.

Official park and activity information ↗
County parks · Day use/camping

Mecosta County parks

Use the county parks system for current information on Brower Park, School Section Lake, Paris Park and other recreation properties.

County parks ↗

Libraries & summer reading

Big Rapids

Big Rapids Community Library

Summer reading, storytimes, crafts and youth events vary each year; most library programs are free.

Library calendar ↗
Mecosta / Canadian Lakes area

Morton Township Library

Check for summer reading and children's programs.

Library website ↗
Barryton

Barryton Public Library

Check the library's current channels for summer reading, hours and community activities.

Library updates ↗

Indoor, creative & rainy-day options

Big Rapids · Arts

Artworks

Gallery visits plus changing classes, workshops and youth camps. Watch for summer enrollment in winter or spring.

Programs ↗
Stanwood · July 24, 2026 · 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Outdoor Explorers Creative Nature Experience

A four-hour creative outdoor session at The Dukes’ Ranch with a hike, play time, farm-animal visits and a nature-inspired painting class. General admission is listed at $25.92. Confirm availability and participant requirements before registering.

Official details and registration ↗
Big Rapids · Free · Birth–age 5

MOISD Early On Playgroup at Hillcrest

Recurring caregiver-and-child playgroup with storytime, crafts, games, music, movement and sensory activities at 501 W. Bridge Street. Recent sessions have run 10–11:30 a.m.; confirm the next weekday and session before going.

Together2THRIVE updates ↗ · Call 231-592-9605
Stanwood · Younger children

Little Village

Indoor play and changing classes or events. Confirm current open-play hours, age fit and admission before traveling.

Official website ↗
Big Rapids · Movies

Bulldog Cinema

Check current showtimes and ratings for family-friendly movies.

Showtimes ↗
Big Rapids · Camps

Ferris State youth programs

University sports and specialty camps change annually; begin checking in winter or spring for summer offerings.

Ferris State ↗

Trails, bikes & nature

White Pine Trail

Paved rail trail through the county for walking and family biking. Select a distance and trailhead that fits your group.

Michigan DNR trail page ↗

The Dragon Trail

Natural-surface trail around Hardy Pond. Review segment difficulty, conditions and safety before taking children.

Trail map and updates ↗

Paris Park / fish hatchery area

A county-park destination for trails, history, camping and outdoor exploration.

County parks ↗

Haymarsh Lake State Game Area

Wildlife viewing and outdoor exploration; review state-land rules, hunting seasons and conditions before visiting.

Michigan DNR ↗

Annual events to watch for

Big Rapids · Historically early June

Big Rapids Summerfest

A free downtown celebration with family activities, live music, food, vendors and changing attractions such as inflatables and games. Check the current schedule before leaving.

Official event listing ↗
Big Rapids · Free community event

Angels of Action Summer Block Party

A family-focused neighborhood gathering with community organizations and children’s activities. Watch Angels of Action in late spring for the current date, location and partners.

Angels of Action updates ↗
Historically early summer

Barryton Lilac Festival

Community festival. Start watching local announcements in spring; do not rely on a prior year's date.

Official updates ↗
Historically midsummer

Mecosta County Free Fair

Livestock, 4-H exhibits, rides and family activities. Fair entries and youth projects begin much earlier than fair week.

Fair information ↗
Historically summer

Remus Heritage Days

Community celebration typically announced by local organizers. Watch in spring for the current schedule.

Organizer updates ↗
Historically late summer

Wheatland Music Festival

Multi-day music and camping event with family programming. Tickets and camping planning happen well in advance.

Wheatland Music Organization ↗
Big Rapids · Market season

Big Rapids Farmers Market

Fresh food, local vendors and children’s activities on select market days. Check the city calendar or the market’s current announcements before promising the kids a special activity.

Official market information ↗