- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Muskegon Today
By the People, for the People
West Michigan Tourist Association Highlights Spring Break Activities
From butterflies to lanterns, the WMTA offers a variety of family-friendly events this April
Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:05am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
West Michigan's spring break offerings provide a vibrant, large-scale celebration of the season's renewal and the region's diverse cultural attractions.Muskegon TodayThe West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has shared a lineup of popular spring activities and events happening across the region in April, including the Butterflies are Blooming exhibit at Frederick Meijer Gardens, the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo, and free admission to the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary on Earth Day.
Why it matters
These events provide families with fun, educational, and nature-focused options for spring break and the start of the spring season in West Michigan. The diverse activities cater to a range of interests, from seeing thousands of tropical butterflies to exploring Chinese cultural traditions through illuminated lanterns.
The details
The Butterflies are Blooming exhibit at Frederick Meijer Gardens features the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the U.S., allowing visitors to get up close with the beautiful creatures. The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo showcases breathtaking Chinese cultural artistry through intricate, illuminated lanterns in the shape of wildlife and zodiac symbols. The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is offering free admission on Earth Day, April 22, for visitors to explore the trails, see waterfowl like Trumpeter Swans, and view an art exhibit featuring student-made bird sculptures and murals.
- The Butterflies are Blooming exhibit runs until April 30.
- The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is open April 8 through June 14, with expanded hours starting May 19.
- The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is offering free admission on Earth Day, April 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The players
West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA)
A regional tourism organization that promotes travel and activities in West Michigan.
Frederick Meijer Gardens
A botanical garden and sculpture park in Grand Rapids, Michigan, known for its Butterflies are Blooming exhibit.
John Ball Zoo
A zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that hosts the annual Grand Rapids Lantern Festival.
W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
A nature preserve near Kalamazoo, Michigan, that focuses on bird conservation and education.
What’s next
Visitors can check the WMTA website for more details and ticket information for these spring events.
The takeaway
West Michigan is offering a diverse array of family-friendly activities this spring, from immersive nature experiences to cultural celebrations, providing plenty of options for those looking to make the most of the season during spring break and beyond.
