Many sites serve a free lunch and most have a wading pool or water playground.
Younger children are welcome when accompanied by someone 16 years or over. Playground leaders plan and supervise recreational programs but the playground is not a structured daycare program and cannot replace proper adult supervision of a parent or babysitter. The Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department is committed to promoting peace at home, in the parks and in neighborhoods. The Peace in the Parks program, in cooperation with the Institute for Global Education, uses games, art, drama, music, storytelling, and other activities to reinforce seven principles of peace. Peace in the Parks is integrated into the entire playground program.