Kentwood: Parks, Trails and Seasonal Events

Kentwood combines parks and non-motorized trails with activities at the Kentwood Aquatics Center and the Kentwood Ice Arena, as well as seasonal events. When planning your trip, you can consider both the activities that interest you and specific dates you may want to plan your stay around.

Parks and Trails in Kentwood

Kentwood’s parks and trails include 15 parks, two trails and two trailheads across a total of 410 acres. The trail network also includes 13 miles of non-motorized trails connected to other trails in Kent County. If you want to include park visits and trails in your trip, you can choose from several areas and an extensive trail network. Acreage and trail length represent different measures.

Old Farm Park has pickleball courts and a playground. If you’re planning your visit around either of these amenities, check current park information beforehand to confirm they are available.

Swimming, Ice Skating and Nature

The Kentwood Aquatics Center offers swimming lessons. The Kentwood Ice Arena is home to the East Kentwood Falcons hockey program; in winter, it also offers public skating days. Swimming lessons and winter public skating offer different focuses that you can consider when choosing your activities.

East Paris Nature Park has a nature trail. A reopening report dated September 19, 2024, mentioned it as part of the park. Park improvements also described in 2024 included signs about invasive and native species, as well as plants and animals that may be found in the park. Bicycle repair stations were also mentioned. Since trail conditions, signage and maintenance status can change, check current park information before planning a visit for a specific purpose.

Seasonal Events

A regional account published on September 30, 2025, describes Kentwood’s annual Fourth of July celebration as having a traditional program that includes a pancake breakfast, a 5K run and fun run, a parade and a fair. According to the account, the evening event at Kentwood City Hall includes live music, food trucks, a beer garden, community booths and fireworks.

The same account mentions free Thursday concerts at Kentwood City Hall from June through August. Together with winter public skating and the Fourth of July celebration, these offer different seasonal occasions to plan around.

When looking for a hotel in Kentwood, these interests can help determine your preferred travel dates: for example, a stay focused on park visits and trails, or a trip planned around a seasonal offering. This can help you first determine which places and dates matter to your plans.

Explore more destinations: Grand Rapids, Ada, Wyoming, Plainfield Township, Grandville, Caledonia.

For the broader travel overview: Kent.