Hello Grand Rapids! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Rare founding-era documents, wildlife exploration day, and mini chefs + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Rare documents on display: Today at DeVos Place, a free Acton Institute exhibit lets you handle founding‑era documents, including a first‑edition Constitution, early Declarations, and writings from Jefferson and Adams during Acton University -- handle the historic documents.
Top rankings and major projects: Grand Rapids was named Michigan’s best-managed city by WalletHub, highlighting strong finances, services, and planning. City leaders touted Acrisure Amphitheater, Amway Soccer Stadium, and new housing investments as momentum drivers -- see the city rankings.
Expanded support for families: RX Kids expanded to Grand Rapids' 49507, with enrollment opening in July, offering eligible families $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for six months, and benefits beginning July 1 -- get all the details.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Your next cocktail move: Eastern Kille Wealthy nails that sweet spot between special and easygoing, with thoughtful, not-too-fussy drinks and a cozy, polished room that just feels right. Meet a friend, linger over something stirred or citrusy, then call it a small win for your week in GR.
Neighborhood nature break: Whether you need a quick reset or kid energy to burn, Huff Park delivers with a wetlands boardwalk lined with interpretive signs, plus a playground and a ball field. Bring a coffee, watch for frogs and herons, and remember you’re still in GR, not Up North.
Garden game upgrade: Motman's Greenhouses is the family-owned, locally grown spot that’s been helping West Michiganders since 1950. Swing by this week for cheerful annuals, hardy perennials, veggie starts, and shrubs, then leave with that smug I-can-keep-this-alive energy your porch, beds, and backyard will actually appreciate.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🛟 Water Safety Day @ Millennium Park and Beach | Wednesday (6/24) at 10:00 AM – Head to Millennium Beach for Water Safety Day, where the pros from Life EMS and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital run free, hands-on sessions with your regular admission. Expect life jacket fittings, CPR demos, and real-world survival tips. Because lakes are gorgeous, and a little sneaky.
📚 Children's Story Hour @ Grand Rapids Public Library - Seymour Branch | Wednesday (6/24) at 10:30 AM – If your littles need an adventure and you need AC, GR Lit Fest and Grand Rapids Public Library's Seymour Branch have you covered. Author Ms. Z reads When the School Goes Dark, then kids design creatures and tackle a library scavenger hunt, energy well spent.
🌊 Wildlife Exploration Day @ John Ball Zoo | Thursday (6/25) at 9:00 AM – World Ocean Day is on at John Ball Zoo, a Great Lakes to ocean trek with critters, music, aerialists, crafts, and a few familiar pirates and princesses. Members walk in free, everyone else GA, yes, a Hawaiian shirt gets you $2 off at the window.
🐉 Art Basics for Kids: Drawing Dragons @ Grand Rapids Public Library - West Leonard Branch | Thursday (6/25) at 11:00 AM – West Leonard Branch is letting your kids trade screen glare for dragon lairs, with artist Corinne Roberts showing ages 6 to 11 how to sketch mythical beasts using simple shapes. It’s first come, first served, and zero prior talent required, which is refreshing.
👩 Mini Chefs @ Grand Rapids Children's Museum | Friday (6/26) at 10:00 AM – This hands-on kids class at the Workshop turns tiny tyrants into Mini Chefs, with smoothies one week and fruit pizza the next. They stir, sprinkle, and snack while you sip coffee in peace, then enjoy a gloriously quiet ride home, sticky fingers and all.
🎨 Summer Kids Art Camp @ Painting with a Twist | Friday (6/26) at 1:00 PM – The sold-out K-Pop Hunters art camp returns for a one-day encore for ages 7–12, ideal for kids who treat the kitchen like a dance floor. They’ll paint fan-inspired art, bop to kid-friendly tracks, and take dance breaks, while you savor the post-camp quiet.
🎂 143rd Birthday Party & Carnival @ Humane Society of West Michigan | Saturday (6/27) at 12:00 PM – Think you have enough candles? Humane Society of West Michigan turns 143 with a dog-friendly carnival, food trucks, a foam party, and free adoptions for pets six months and up, because your couch needs a co-pilot. Bring the kids, the leash, and your soft spot.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Grand Rapids report Weather forecastToday — High: 75°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 63%
A chance of rain showers between 11am and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 2pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 75, with temperatures falling to around 73 in the afternoon. South southwest wind 1 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South southwest wind 3 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 77°F — Low: 56°F — Precip: 24%
A slight chance of rain showers before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. West southwest wind 3 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. This house is wildThis turn-key Beard Farms retreat pairs 181 feet of Laraway Lake frontage with nearly an acre of wooded privacy in the Forest Hills school district. Inside, soaring 24-foot ceilings, a quartz island kitchen, Monogram appliances, and a sunlit atrium set the tone. The main-floor primary suite, walkout lower level, and bonus room add polish, flexibility, and lakeside charm.
Take a peek inside → |
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