Discover Kentwood
14 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
East Paris Nature Park
Small, tucked-away community park with two lakes, boardwalks and lookout docks — excellent for birding, reflections, and intimate waterscape compositions. Easy parking, clean restrooms, covered pavilion; no entry fee. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and mirror reflections, or overcast for even light on wildlife. Short, accessible loop trail (under 1 mile) and dog-friendly — weekdays/early mornings are least crowded.
Kellogg Woods Park
Dense hardwood forest with winding trails, boardwalks over wetlands and small streams — strong seasonal character (spring wildflowers, vibrant fall foliage, quiet snowy winters). Easy roadside parking, free entry, mostly unpaved paths (some boardwalks are wheelchair-accessible). Best at golden hour or after rain for reflections; weekdays and early mornings reduce runners and dog-walkers.
Northeast Park
Riverside park on the Grand River offering broad water vistas, marshland textures, walking trails and open sky — good for landscape and nature shots, seasonal color and reflections. Easy street parking and free entry; flat accessible paths make gear transport simple. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and calm water; weekdays/early mornings minimize walkers and dog traffic. Spring and fall amplify bird activity and foliage; winter offers stark minimalism and long shadows.
Paris Park Nature Reserve
Small, wooded nature reserve with paved loops, interior trails and a meandering creek — great for intimate landscape, creek reflections and wildlife (deer, ducks). Best at golden hour or blue hour for soft light; peak fall for color; spring for fresh greens. Limited parking (8–10 spaces), no restrooms; bring bug spray and a tele/zoom for wildlife. Easy access from street-level trails, family-friendly and close to the city.
Stanaback Park
Small community park with wooded trails, open fields and pockets of wetland—good for intimate nature compositions, seasonal color and quiet landscape studies. Best at golden hour or overcast afternoons for even light; autumn and winter offer strongest visual impact. Easy access from Whitebud Road with small parking area and flat, walkable paths—suitable for most gear and families. No entry fee; expect local visitors on weekends.
Stauffer Station Park
Small, well-maintained trailhead on the Paul Henry Multi-Use Trail offering wide open fields, wooded edges and long paved paths — great for compositional leading lines, seasonal color (fall foliage, spring greens) and casual wildlife. Easy access with parking at both ends, single-stall restroom (west lot), paved surfaces for bikes and tripods, leashed pets allowed. Best at golden hour or weekday mornings for low crowds and soft light; overcast days work well for even forest light.
Pinewood Park
Small family park centered on a large water-dragon sculpture, three varied playgrounds, splash pad, skate area, sports fields and a walking trail. Great for playful portraits, environmental kid action, detail shots of playground textures and water motion. Free public access, on-site parking and restrooms; best visited early weekday mornings or golden hour to avoid crowds and harsh midday light; overcast days work well for even skin tones.
Paul Henry Trail Wing Ave
A peaceful, tree-lined paved trail just over a mile—excellent for intimate nature and greenway shots. Photograph canopy tunnels, seasonal colors, and candid walkers or cyclists. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; shady midday can create high-contrast patches. Small parking lots at either end; accessible, flat surface; leash-controlled dogs and shared use mean watch for people. No entry fee.
HappyKids Indoor Playground
Vibrant indoor playground with colorful play structures, ball pits, slides and candid family moments—ideal for lifestyle and environmental portraits. Visit weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid crowds. Lighting is mixed fluorescent; bring fast glass and a camera that handles high ISO. Parking is available on-site; expect admission fees and child-waiver requirements. Always ask parents' consent before shooting children.
Paul Henry Trail Wing Station
Small trailhead and riverside stop on the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail offering wooded paths, boardwalks and views of the Thornapple River—great for intimate landscape and nature shots. Best at golden hour or autumn for color; spring for fresh greens and migrating birds. Easy on-site parking at Wing Ave SE, no entry fee, mostly flat and accessible trails; expect cyclists and walkers on weekends. Pack weather-appropriate shoes for muddy stretches after rain.
Covenant Park
Covenant Park is a small community green with mature trees, open lawns and neighborhood trails—good for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and informal portraits. Best at golden hour and during fall color or after rain for saturated greens and reflections. Easily accessible by car with on-site parking and no entry fee; paths are mostly flat and stroller/wheelchair friendly. Weekday mornings are quiet for unobstructed shots of trails and lawns.
Calvin Cross Country Course
Rolling grass fields, tree-lined trails and gentle hills at Calvin Cross Country Course offer classic landscape and action shots—especially during meets and autumn color. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side light and long shadows; misty mornings add atmosphere. Accessible from campus with nearby parking lots; usually open to public but check event schedules for meets. Expect easy walking on packed grass; bring weather-ready footwear in wet seasons.
Kidz Indoor Playground
Kidz Indoor Playground is a colorful, high-energy indoor play space ideal for action shots of kids on slides, ball pits, climbing structures and candid family moments. Visit weekday mornings for lower crowds and cleaner play areas; weekends and afternoons are busiest. Indoor mixed lighting requires high ISO and fast lenses. Confirm admission fees and get parental consent before photographing. Free parking available in the lot; accessible entrance on Eastern Ave.
Sky Zone Grand Rapids
Sky Zone Grand Rapids is an indoor trampoline park offering dynamic action shots of jumpers, flips, dodgeball and foam pits. Photograph airborne motion, silhouettes against skylights and candid family interactions. Visit weekday mornings or early afternoon for smaller crowds; weekends and evenings host events and parties. Lighting is mixed fluorescent and skylight—expect fast action in relatively low, uneven light. Entry requires signed waivers and park grip socks; parking is ample at the plaza.