Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Kalamazoo
Best Hikes for Kids and Families in Kalamazoo
If your goal is to get outside more with your family this year, here our some Southwest Michigan hikes you should add to your list. When creating my list of top family-friendly hikes near Kalamazoo, there were a couple key factors that seem to create an ideal environment when hiking with children.
1. Reward spots (lakes, creeks, bridges, stairs, overlooks, basically anything that creates interest. )
2. Playgrounds nearby
3. Proper signage and practical distance or loops.
If you’re new to hiking, check out Camping with Kids :Tips and Packing List for tons of helpful tricks for making hiking more manageable for your family.
Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
Kellogg Bird Sanctuary | 12685 E C Ave, Augusta, MI 49012
Located in Augusta Michigan, near Battle Creek this place is a true gem. A beautiful place to visit in all four seasons with bridges and lookouts offering views of the birds and wildlife on Winter Green Lake. Explore the 3 miles of trails, grab a bucket of feed and feed swans, geese and ducks. Visit the birds of prey area and learn about each rescued animal’s story including owls, hawks and eagles.
Tips Make sure to grab a map of all the trails when you arrive. The majority of the trails are paved near the bird exhibits and are handicap accessible. $5.00 adults/ $3.00 children. Hours of operation are 9-5 Wed- Sun, Closed Mon, Tues. For additional information check out our additional Tips for Visiting the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary.
Asylum Lake Preserve
Asylum Lake Preserve | 3838 S Drake Rd, Kalamazoo MI 49009(South of Stadium Dr.)
This preserved is tucked right in the heart of Kalamazoo, with mature towering trees helping to seclude this 2.1 mile loop trail that takes you past Asylum Lake.
Tips There are two entrances to the park, one on Drake and the other on Parkview. We parked on Drake, where the trailhead starts off in an open field, which leads you through the woods and around Asylum Lake with scenic views of wildlife. *Dogs are allowed at the park with a leash.
Eliason Nature Reserve | 9501 Shaver Rd. Portage, MI 49024
Eliason Nature Reserve
A floating boardwalk is one of the best features of this 1.6 mile trail, kids will especially love the feel and squelching noises as they cross the bog. During a crisp sunny day in October, the trail was littered with golden yellows and crimson leaves. Among the cattails on either side, explore the wetland areas and enjoy the unique ecosystem with lilypads and tall grasses while listening to frogs chorusing and watch dragonflies hovering.
This scenic trails traverses the 142 acre park and connects with multiple locations including Schrier Park and Bishop’s Bog, ideal for those who want additional mileage.
Tips There are multiple trailheads that have parking available. Check out the map here to see how the parks all interconnect with each other.
Bow in the Clouds
Bow in the Clouds Preserve | 3401 Nazareth Rd, Kalamazoo MI 49048
Spring/ summer is a personal favorite time to hike at Bow in the Clouds because of the wild flowers. This 60 acre preserve features two main trails. The lower hike (blue) takes you to an overlook platform with views of the marsh. The (white) trail leads through the wetlands and contain boardwalks.
Tips There are no restrooms at the hike. Look for the old gray barn to help spot the entrance, which can be tricky. Only the small loop at the top would be stroller safe. Bring a carrier for the rest of the hikes and boots if it’s a wet season.
West Lake Preserve
West Lake Preserve | 420 S Shore Dr. Portage
West Lake Preserve has a large open area with a playground, swings, picnic tables and pavilion. Westlake Preserve is part of the Portage Bikeway Path that connects and includes; Eliason Nature Preserve, Bishops Bog, and South Westnedge Park. The main 2.5 mile loop trail is wide and covered in woodchips. Parts of the trail contains floating boardwalks through the wetlands and bog that leads you to several views of West Lake.
Tips Bring your boots during the wet seasons because the floating boards will squirt up. Look for a large teepee on the edge of the path, it’s a favorite spot for children to explore. Interested in additional details about West Lake Preserve check out this post.
Al Sabo Nature Preserve
Al Sabo Nature Preserve | 6310 Texas Dr., Kalamazoo, 49012
Located in Texas Township, this preserve has 741 acres with numerous hiking and biking trails. This beautiful preserve is free to use and open all year round, 24 hours a day. It offers over 25 miles of trails through fields, woods, and wetlands.
Tips There is a large map at the entrance of the parking lot. I find it can be easy to get turned around so download a map prior to going. Some of the trails are marked, but there also is a majority of unmarked trails. The small parking entrance can be hard to spot. It is a small gravel parking lot. Dogs are allowed in the preserve.
If you love to climb trees, make sure to visit the tree of life in the center of the grassy field.
Just down the road, Texas Drive Park, has a playground, bathroom facilities, and basketball courts. Plus, plans are in the works for a splash pad in the near future.
Fort Custer State Park
Fort Custer State Park | 5163 Fort Custer Dr. State Highway M-96, Augusta, MI 49012
Spreading over 3,000 acres, this state park has over 40 miles of hiking trails that circle around three lakes. They also have a playground and small beach area. A great hike for families is the multi- use blue trail which is a 4 mile loop that travels along the lake. For more details read the full post here.
Tips Admission is free with the Michigan Recreation Passport, if not daily vehicle rate is $9.00 per vehicle.
Lillian Anderson Arboretum
Lillian Anderson Arboretum | W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
One of the most gorgeous parts of the hike is the Majestic Pines with beautiful towering trees framing the path. Other unique features on the trail includes a covered wooden pavilion. Make sure to take a moment to rest and allow your gaze admire the architectural design of the Batt’s pavilion’s ceiling. Over 140 acres, the trails will take you through forested woods and wetlands. There are plenty of trails to explore, one trip here is never enough.
Tips After your hike, head next door to one of the best parks in Kalamazoo. The Oshtemo Township Park has a large playground, with a handicap accessible play structure, climbing spider wall, restrooms, and tennis courts. This is an ideal spot to have lunch under the covered picnic tables or use the restrooms.
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Kalamazoo Nature Center | 7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
A nature’s playscape, bird & animal exhibits, and various hiking trails will keep children exploring for hours. There is a visitors center, restrooms, and interactive exhibits inside the nature center. An entrance fee is required. $7.00 adults, $4.00 child.
Tips We enjoy the trail 2 to 6, which is the Beech Maple Trail to the Raptor Ridge Trail Loop, that has several overlooks and creek crossings. Want more details about visiting, check out this post for additional information.
Chipman Preserve
Chipman Preserve | 8395 E Main St, Galesburg, MI 49053
Add this hike to your list in late May through mid June to see the sea of purple lupines blooming. Chipman Preserve has over 3 miles of trails and beautiful wildflowers including columbine, phlox, and lupines. The SWMLC has been working to update the trails and signs to make them more user friendly. Here is a post that has additional details about the preserve.
Tips There are no restrooms at the preserve. Playgrounds, restrooms and picnic tables can be found at two nearby parks, Merrill Park and River Oak County Park.
Closing Thoughts
Kalamazoo, Michigan has so many great activities and outdoor adventures for families. Follow Discovering Anew for more Michigan Travel, camping reviews and trip guides. Don’t lose this post, save and pin for your next hike. What hikes would you add to the list? No matter where you go, make sure to get outside and discover a new trail. Follow Discovering Anew
This post may contain affiliate links that add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to help offset the cost of my blog.
If you’re looking for a day pack for hiking with kids, I highly recommend Teton Day Pack which you can find here on Amazon. It is lightweight, durable and has multiple pockets for all the essentials.
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