Not all children prefer to zone out in front of electronic devices all day. For the agile all-agers there are always some active options. This month West Michigan is host to everything from the high energy b-boy element of hip-hop to high-flying fun at a local skate park. It’s time to burn some calories — then unwind at a flea market or Disney production.
Breakdance Classes
61Syx Teknique Street Dance Academy, 2751 Alpine Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
$15 per class or $55 per month, Kids classes ages 4–12 years old, Adult classes ages 13+
(616) 826-8013, 61syx.com/street-dance-academy
If your kids are less Tony Hawk and more Grand Master Flash, sign them up for breakdancing classes at 61Syx Teknique Street Dance Academy in Grand Rapids. Owner Keegan “Seoul” Loye is a b-boy straight outta Cedar Springs, yo. Now living in Grand Rapids, he has been all over the country performing and competing as part of 61Syx Teknique. He started teaching in 2008 and bought the studio in 2011. Now with over 100 male and female students, he and his instructors help students find their own unique styles. “We not only teach students how to breakdance, we teach the history and culture of hip-hop,” Seoul said. Instead of recitals, the dancers participate in up to three student battles per year. They also have the opportunity to travel across the country to compete in Chicago, Nashville and Detroit. “Breakdancing is more popular than ever,” he said. “I wish I started breakdancing when I was 8 years old.”
Skateboarding and more at Camp H Skate Park
5240 West River Drive, Grand Rapids
Friday Night Family Night 6–9 p.m.
Open Skate Saturdays 12–4 p.m. and Sunday 12–3 p.m.
Skateboarding Camp April 3–8
Camp H Skate Park is the new project for enfant terrible Richard Haralson. Known for his rowdy house parties and bawdy bar crawls, building a 4,000-square-foot indoor skate park was right up his alley. But it seems the bad boy has mellowed with age. “I built the skate park for myself and pros who might come through Grand Rapids,” Haralson said. “I never thought it would become so popular with families.”
His kids started skateboarding and they told their friends. Pretty soon, Friday Night Family Night became official. With a low-key DIY vibe, everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. Skateboarding, rollerblading and BMX are available. Parental permission and helmets are mandatory — one wrong crash and “there goes the yolk.”
“It’s amazing to watch a kid who has never skateboarded before gain the confidence to do her first trick,” he said. Haralson builds new ramps monthly and is continuously moving everything, creating fresh looks. Look for the first Camp H Skateboarding Camp April 3–8 during spring break.
Flea Market and Pinball at the Zoo
Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St., Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Indoor Flea & Farmers Market
April 25, 8 a.m.–3 p.m., kalcounty.com/parks/expo/fleafarm.htm
Pinball at the Zoo
April 23–25 (Thursday 2–10 p.m., Friday 1–10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Adults $15, kids $8, (269) 383-8761, pinballatthezoo.com
The Kalamazoo County Expo Center is the place to be for families the last weekend in April. Kids love nothing better than pawing through once-loved detritus under the baleful glare of fluorescent lights. Let them search for buried treasures April 25 at the Kalamazoo Indoor Flea & Farmers Market. Up to 30 vendors will be on hand with curious collectibles, decorative glassware, once-loved heirlooms, leather-bound books and antique furniture begging for a little TLC. There are also new dollar store items and honey and jam fresh from the farm.
At the other end of the expo center, you will find Pinball at the Zoo from April 23–25. Buy a ticket for unlimited access to the pinball machines. There will also be video games, arcade collectibles and a pinball auction. Buy that pinball machine, or neon sign, for your home’s man cave! If you’re a pinball wizard, sign-up for the pinball tournament and show them your patented hip bump.
The Magical Music of Disney Concert
Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage, 2755 East Napier Ave., Benton Harbor
April 18, 7:30–10:30 p.m., $37, (269) 982-4030, smso.org
Find your inner princess, or prince, at the Magical Music of Disney Concert in Benton Harbor. Performed by the swell Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, this magical concert will bring back memories of fantasy, fun and fantastic music. Be amazed and entertained while music and animated images transport you to your favorite Disney moments such as The Little Mermaid and The Lion King. Look for the Disney Classics Overture, Tarzan Suite, Hercules Suite, and Mary Poppins Fantasy. Come early for the pre-concert conversation with the music makers. Stay late for the post-concert reception.
