GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) invites spring breakers to add days at the Museum to their staycation itinerary. In addition to its three floors of exhibits, immersive shows in the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, and the recently reopened 1928 Spillman Carousel, the GRPM has an exciting calendar of events and activities for all ages to enjoy.

Key events and themed days are as follows:

The Michigan State University Neuroscience Fair

Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Meet scientists and discover the wonders of the brain.

Hot Glue Creux Terrarium Workshop

Thursday, April 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Enjoy an evening at the museum building terrariums inspired by the T. Rex and Backyard Adventures exhibits. Hosted by the Hot Glue Creux. Tickets can be purchased online.

LEGO Day

Friday, April 3, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Compete in a LEGO building competition with the West Michigan LEGO Users Group.

Young Entrepreneurs Market

Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Discover and shop products created by local kids and teens.

Baseball Day

Tuesday, April 7, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Meet local nonprofit Fans of Valley Field

Camp Curious Day

Wednesday, April 8, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Explore fun activities from our summer Camp Curious programming and meet some of the instructors.

Local Sports Day

Thursday, April 9, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Say hello to representatives from the Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey and Rise Volleyball with activities and giveaways.

Late Nights at the GRPM

April 9 & 10, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

See the Museum in a whole new light.

Concerts Under the Stars: Sunken Melody featuring visual artist Joe Zook

April 9 & 10, 7:30 p.m.

Live local music under the Planetarium dome with immersive custom visuals by local visual artists. Tickets available online.

Dino Day

April 10, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Meet Steven and Elizabeth, the creators of Your Dinosaurs Are Wrong. Catch a screening of Jurassic Park in the Meijer Theater at 2 p.m. and play in a dino sensory bin.

Carnival Day

April 11, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

See a juggler, visit a face painter, and grab cotton candy or snow cones.

Sensory Sunday

April 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Lighting and sound will be adjusted throughout the Museum to provide a low-sensory experience.

“Last year, we had a blast during the Museum’s spring break, and loved seeing guests embrace themed days,” said Public Programs Director Rob Schuitema. “There is something here that will spark your curiosity between the exhibits, activities, and visiting community partners. A day exploring the Museum is always a day well spent, and with all these extra elements, you won’t want to miss it.”

Unless otherwise listed, there is no additional charge beyond general admission to attend the Museum’s themed days during Spring Break. General admission grants access to all three floors of the Museum and the traveling exhibits Backyard Adventures, created by Scitech and produced by Imagine; and Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family, an exhibition by the Australian Museum.

Every day from Sunday, March 29, through Sunday, April 12, guests can expect activity tables and giant versions of classic games in addition to special theme activities. Volunteers will bring out Discovery Carts, which allow guests to handle real Museum artifacts and specimens. On select days, volunteers will host make-and-take craft tables. Guests can also grab a Museum-wide T. Rex themed scavenger hunt from the front desk to complete as they explore exhibits.

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium offers even more fun and education at the Museum with a full schedule of shows from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For an additional $4 with admission or $2 for members, visitors can attend Planetarium shows that take audiences on a full-dome, multi-sensory journey through the galaxy, across constellations, or into delightful light shows set to music. The schedule of shows and their descriptions can be found on the Planetarium webpage.

Guests can also ride the newly reopened 1928 Spillman Carousel in the riverfront Cook Carousel Pavilion. This 100-year-old artifact offers riders stunning views of the city, running every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is also now wheelchair accessible. Tickets are $3 or $1 for Museum members. Guests should review the Carousel webpage and plan to book in advance to secure their ride time, as they could fill up quickly. Learn more at grpm.org/1928-spillman-carousel.

The Museum has a cafe where visitors can enjoy lunch while taking in views of the riverfront expansion’s progress, the Grand River, and downtown. Visitors can also stop in the Curiosity Shop and enjoy a unique shopping experience that offers products made by local artisans and vendors, exhibit mementos, books, and treats.

Advance ticket purchase is recommended before your visit to ensure a seamless entry for each visitor. The GRPM offers discounts for Kent County residents, including free admission for Kent County children ages 17 and under every day. The GRPM also participates in the Museums for All program, an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), to offer reduced general admission to EBT/WIC cardholders. Reserve your tickets today at grpm.org.

Spring Break is sponsored by Meijer, Inc. and the Michigan Arts & Cultural Council.