Summer Activities for Kids Near Kalamazoo
Welcome to our tiny corner of the state in Southwest Michigan. The Kalamazoo area has a wealth of activities for families and children in the summertime. As a mother of four children, I have spent the last 12 years exploring the surrounding areas. Located between Portage and Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo has so much to offer. This summer we’re sharing our favorite outdoor places to visit and explore including both FREE and paid activities for kids. Cool down in a splash pad, build a sand castle at the beach, explore a new playground, pick blueberries, and pet animals this summer, all of which are less than an hour from Kalamazoo. Let us help you spend your summer soaking up tons of outdoor time and making memories together. Check out our interactive map by Wanderlog to help you plan your summer bucket list as you discover the best things to do in West Michigan.
FREE ACTIVITIES NEAR KALAMAZOO FOR KIDS
Lexington Green Park | Portage
This summer pedal over to the outdoor bike park/ pump track located in the northeast section of the City of Portage. The pump track was recently put into Lexington Green Park, one of the oldest parks in Portage. Some recent changes include the addition of a bike pump track.
What is a pump park? If you’re unfamiliar with a pump park, it’s a continuous loop of berms, mounds and swoopy turns ridden without peddling. Instead the rider will use a pumping motion using his/her upper and lower body as they travel around the track and over obstacles. The main idea is to use a pump motion to maintain speed around the track without pedaling. It’s fun for everyone and quite the workout!
Amenities include baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, the bicycle skills course, picnic shelters, tennis/pickleball courts, and a walking trail. The 23 acre park is set in a wooded area in a neighborhood that has a half mile nature trail loop through the woods. Access to the park is from Pittsford and Belard streets.
Address: 4750 Pittsford Ave Portage, MI 49002
Hours: 9-9pm
Cost: Free
WMU Dinosaur Park & Museum | Kalamazoo
Do your children love dinosaurs?
Did you know that Western Michigan University has a Dinosaur Park, showcasing seven large dinosaur replicas, including triceratops, stegosaurs, and the newest addition of a brachiosaurus! All these prehistoric creatures are located outside at Western Michigan University’s Campus, which is FREE to visit. Plus there are three more dinosaurs that will soon make their home at WMU grounds, thanks to a generous donation.
Head inside to view the geology museum collection on the first floor of Rood Hall, which features fossils, shark teeth, a copper boulder, agates, an ultraviolet florescent display and even an interactive augmented reality sandbox for your future geologists. Interested in more events, check out the Kalamazoo Rock and Mineral Show at the Expo Center May 5-7, 2023. Two great playgrounds nearby are Upjohn Park or Henderson Tot Lot to add additional fun to your experience.
Location: The Dinosaur Park is behind Rood Hall and Lee Honors College on the campus of Western Michigan University. The nearest parking lots are behind Sangren Hall or by the Bernhard Center. The majority of parking lots are by permit only on Western’s campus, so be sure to park at available meters.
Hours: The museum is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except for holidays and university closures). The outdoor rock garden and Dinosaur Park welcome visitors at any time.
Cost: Free
Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery | Mattawan
Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery is a great space to learn about Michigan’s fish population. A show pond with a long dock provides opportunities for families to view and feed fish including chinook salmon, steelhead trout, northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, and lake sturgeon. If you’re lucky, you may spot one of the six-foot sturgeons at the bottom of the pond. The visitor’s center showcases a firsthand look at how fish hatcheries evolved in Michigan and shares ways to protect our fish population. During your visit take a tour of the hatchery and watch a short 15 minute video in the Auditorium to see what it’s like to be a steelhead trout at the Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery.
The visitor’s center’s lobby has tons of fun, educational exhibits and animal displays. You can even check out a live underwater camera of the show pond to view life under the water. The viewing aquariums feature arctic grayling, sea lamprey, and prehistoric lake sturgeon. Miles of nature trails are located throughout the property and wind around several ponds for scenic trails, perfect for bird watching.
Hours: Memorial Day – Labor Day; Mon- Sat 10 am – 6 pm; Sun 12 – 6 pm, hours vary during the year
Cost: Free
Lawton’s Splash Pad and Kid’s Dream Park | Lawton
Lawton Kid’s Dream Park and Splash Pad
Splash away on those hot days at The Lawton Splash Pad. This small splash pad opened in July 2020 and features a frog, flowers and buckets that spray water. The splash pad’s water is motion activated by waving your hands above the orange pole. Bathrooms are located next to the splash pad to make changing easier.
Within the same park there is an impressive wooden play structure called Kid’s Dream Park, which contains a tire swings, wooden castles, slides, bridges, and balance beams. Your kids will love playing hide-n-seek and tag in this enormous structure. Bonus it has a separate toddler play area, so both the young and young at heart can enjoy. On hot summer days your family will appreciate the mature trees that create tons of shade and picnic tables to have lunch.
Hours: 10:00 AM – Dusk
Cost: Free
Portage District Library | Portage
Start out at the newly remodeled library, which offers multiple story times, activities and a large open space with interactive toys for children to play and socialize with other children. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends or make some new ones. In the summer the library offers programming like movement classes, STEM activities and other interactive events. Check out their schedule of events here.
If the weather clears, head to the paved Celery Flats Trail, which is a path that is ideal for walkers, strollers and bikes. Another fun activity to try is geocaching, there are two caches hidden by the library area, one by the cemetery and another along the trail. Unfamiliar with geocaching, find more information and discover the fun of outdoor treasure hunts. There are also some Letterboxing in Kalamazoo, which is quite similar to geocaching.
Address: 300 Library Ln, Portage, MI 49002
Hours Mon–Thurs, 9 - 9 pm; Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 9am-5 PM ; Sunday, 1 pm-5pm
Cost: Free
Nature Playscape | Kalamazoo
Right in the heart of Kalamazoo, a children’s nature playscape opened in 2022. As of May 8th, this outdoor playground featuring water, stepping stones and wooden logs has been an exciting place to experience nature and foster creative play in an urban setting. The Nature Playscape, once the site of the First Reformed Church, was transformed into a natural playground space for children to enjoy barrier free. With the help of fundraising this playground, complete with natural elements, is a wonderful addition to downtown Kalamazoo.
Hours May 8th - October 28th
Mon- Fri 9am-12pm, 3pm-6pm
Cost Free
Hiking Trails and Parks | Kalamazoo
One of our favorite free activities to do in the summer is explore local parks and nature trails in Kalamazoo and the surrounding areas. We created a list of some of our favorite hiking trails, which are ideal for kids. These Kid-Friendly Hikes in Kalamazoo are the ideal distance for families, They have unique features like creeks, playgrounds, and overlooks that keep the trail interesting. We’ve also suggested nearby parks with restrooms and playgrounds so you can make a whole day adventure.
Hours: Dawn-Dusk
Cost: Free
PAID ACTIVITIES NEAR KALAMAZOO
Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary | Athens
This summer view rescued alligators and reptiles when you visit the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary near Battle Creek, Michigan. Take a tour of the facility, feed the alligators, meet the alligator named Medusa, and even have a unique animal encounter. An entertaining and educational tour is part of the admission fee into the sanctuary.
Tip: Head to the nearby John Wilson Memorial Park for a picnic lunch under the covered pavilions. The lovely park is situated alongside a creek with a large grassy area. We especially love the old school merry-go-round and play structure. Check out this detailed post for additional information about our visit to the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary.
Hours 11-4pm
Open May 1 - Oct
Cost $12.95/ person
Airway Fun Center | Portage
Airway Fun Center has so many activities to chose from including numerous outdoor elements. Plus, they are constantly adding new experiences. During warmer months, they offer a high ropes course, a go cart track, climbing wall, and putt putt golf. This place has something for everybody in the family. they also have packages deals and food inside. If the weather doesn’t co-operate you can enjoy bowling, laser tag, arcade games, ropes courses, escape room, and painting with a twist, and gyroscope inside the facility.
Hours: 10am-11pm
Cost: varies
En Gedi Campground River Resort & Canoe Livery | Leonidas
Kayaking on the St Joe River
Journey down the scenic St. Joe River. Use your own equipment or rent tubes, canoes or kayaks from En Gedi Campground and Canoe Livery. En Gedi has you covered with shuttle services and 6 different river trip lengths from 1 hour, 2 hour, or even 4 hour trips. They offer friendly service and several trip options for camping guests and the general public. The river winds along with a good flow. We saw dozens of turtles, and water fowl as we paddled along. Some interesting features include remains of old bridges on the route. Want additional details and pictures, check out our family trip camping experience at En Gedi in which we kayaked down the St Joe River here.
Cost: Tube/ $15, Kayak or Canoe / Varies $25-60
Hours: 9- 8pm, Memorial Day- Labor Day
Capri Drive In Theater| Coldwater
Make some unique memories this summer as you experience a drive in movie with your children. The Capri Drive In is a 1000 car drive in movie that is open seven nights a week from March until late October. With two screens that show back to back movies, you can watch 2 movies for the price of one! Upcoming movies are posted the week prior. Concessions are available with popcorn, nachos, candy and drinks. Save money and bring your own snacks and drinks from home. Vehicles begin lining up early alongside the road. Load up blankets and lawn chairs if you want to sit in the bed of your truck or outside. Movies begin at sundown and the sound is broadcasted over the FM stereo to your car or portable radio. We personally enjoy sitting outside in our truck bed or in lawn chairs so we bring our own radio. You can rent portable radios for $3.00. Radio Frequencies Screen 1: 89.7 FM, Screen 2: 89.3 FM.
Tip Bring a radio to tune into the station so you don’t kill your battery. Bring a football or soccer ball to play with in the grassy field
Cost $12.00/ adults; $5.00 /Kids 5-11; Free: kids under 5
Hours March- October, sundown
Kalamazoo Nature Center | Kalamazoo
With both indoor and outdoor activities for children to learn, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is a ideal place to visit this summer. A visitors center, a nature’s playscape, and live bird & animal exhibits will keep your whole family engaged. With over 14 miles of trails along the Kalamazoo River you can spend tons of time outside exploring the many trails. One of our favorite hiking places is the Beech Maple Trail to Raptor’s Ridge Trail. Also on warm days the nature’s playscape is a great place to explore water play. My children love seeing the live animal exhibits including a screech owl, vulture, and red tail hawks. KNC also has programming for class field trips, homeschool groups and scouting programs, as well as, camps in the summer. Read more about our experience at the Kalamazoo Nature Center.
Hours 9– 5 pm Mon-Sat, 1– 5 pm Sun
Cost $7 adults/ $4 children
Ramona Park | Portage
Ramona Park is a spacious park located on Long Lake that features a water front inclusive playground, a beautiful swimming beach, multiple playgrounds, tennis/ pickle ball courts, soccer fields and baseball diamonds.
When the beach area is open Memorial Day- Labor Day weekend there is a $10.00 fee to enter the park if you’re a non-resident. On the off season there is no entry fee. The small sandy beach area has a lifeguard on duty during summer months. There is a lifeguard stand and sand volleyball courts. Restrooms and changing areas are located at the beach, along with a snack bar that is open during summer months. It’s a popular spot for kayaking and fishing at the beach area.
Two large modern playgrounds are located in the park. The one closest to Long Lake is an inclusive playground. A wheelchair ramp allows entrance to the play structure. There are two adaptive swings that allow an adult to swing with a child or accommodates anyone with special needs. Another fun feature is the Fun Sway, which is a teeter totter accessible for everyone. Mother’s of young children will appreciate a toddler sized play structure and soft cushioned material covering the ground. The park has tons of shade from mature trees and multiple picnic tables and grills.
Hours 10-7pm Daily
Cost Free, Memorial- Labor Day: $10 /non county residents
River Oaks County Park Splash Pad | Galesburg
Cool off this summer at the River Oak County Splash Pad. The splash pad has two areas, both a toddler space and a bigger kid area. A highlight for kids is the large dumping bucket, sure to soak anyone in it’s path. Several play structures are also located within the park for kids to enjoy. Bring appropriate sun protection since there isn’t much shade around the splash pad. Restrooms conveniently located make changing after playing in the water easy, so no wet seats on the way home. Also located within the county park is a dog park for your furry friends to enjoy.
Address: 9202 E Michigan Ave, Galesburg, MI 49053
Hours: 10– 8pm
Cost: Kalamazoo County Park Entry Fee $5.00/ yearly pass $30.00
Dutch Creek Animal Farm | Shipshewana
On the border of Michigan and Indiana visit Amish Country, where you will experience up close animal encounters at Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park in Shipshewana, Indiana. This one of a kind park is run by the Amish and offers a unique experience. Enjoy a safari style wagon ride drawn by horses. Each person is given a heaping container full of feed. Here is where the real fun begins, as you tour the farm Camels, Water Buffalo, Brahmans, Long Horn Cattle, Elk, Zedonkeys and Zebras come right up to the wagon to eat.
Wagon Ride at Dutch Creek Animal Farm
After your wagon ride, check out the petting zoo where you can hold bunnies and chicks and see goats, turtles, and more. Keep exploring where you can view a variety of animals from deer, monkeys, cockatoos, parrots and pigs. Gaze upward at one of the world’s largest horse breeds or race alongside an ostrich, this experience will entertain the entire family. There is minimal shade so bring hats and sunscreen. Pack a picnic lunch and water bottles which you can enjoy under the covered pavilion during your visit. Read more about our experience here.
Tip Stop for a sweet treat at the Amish Frozen Custard and Ice Cream spot just minutes down the road to finish off your day!
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am- 4:30pm & Saturday 9am-4pm
Open May 1 – Mid October
Cost: Many Amish businesses are cash only
$13.95/ Adults
$9.95/ Children (ages 3-12)
Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park | Alto
Boulder Ridge is a private zoo that is the perfect size for families with small children. Experiencing up close encounters with animals is a unique feature of this West Michigan animal park. We visit frequently and I feel confident to tackle this park by myself with my four children without getting overwhelmed. The park has a safari style ride, which is a nice break for little legs.
Mining for gems at Boulder Ridge
While you wait for the safari ride, there is a picnic area with tables and a small play area with animal statues to keep kids entertained. On the tour you will get to see Wildebeests, Elands, Watusi and Rheas. Explore the reptile house and alligators exhibit, then head outside to see the lemurs, kangaroos, monkeys, flamingos and giraffes. There is also a bird aviary, where birds can land on your suet feed stick for ($1.00).
A mining sluice is another fun activity for children to try their hands at. After purchasing a bag of sand containing gems, you can hand sift through to find gems in the sluice. Check their website for special events throughout the year. The Zoo is handicap and stroller accessible.
Cost:
$18.00/ Adults 12+: ,
$14.00/Kids (3-11) , 2 under free
Hours: Mon- Sat 10-6pm, Sun 12-6pm
Open May- Mid October
Kellogg Bird Sanctuary | Augusta
This unique bird sanctuary is a true gem located in Augusta Michigan, near Battle Creek. A scenic place to visit all year long with bridges and scenic lookouts offering views of the birds and wildlife that make Winter Green Lake their home. Enjoy over 3 miles of trails, both paved and unpaved. We recommend spending the $1.00 to purchase a bucket of corn to feed the swans, geese and ducks. View the rescued birds of prey area and learn about each animal’s rescue story including owls, hawks and eagles. They also have presentations and live animal encounters for field trips for schools, homeschool co-ops and scouting programs.
Observing Birds of Prey at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
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.
Cost: $5.00 adults/ $3.00 children.
Hours 9-5pm Wed- Sun, Closed Mon, Tues. For additional information and Tips When Visiting the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary about what to expect.
Frederick Meijer Park | Grand Rapids
Visit this spacious tropical exhibit for butterflies during the spring, March 1, 2023 - April 30, 2023, where you can be surrounded by 7,000 fluttering butterflies at Frederick Meijer Gardens. Bring a picnic lunch because there is space to eat outside or inside in their food court area. With so much to do you can easily spend hours at Frederick Meijer Gardens. Explore the Children’s Garden with a handicap accessible tree fort, maze and sensory gardens.
See the butterflies at Frederick Meijer Gardens
Hike the path through the Japanese gardens and enjoy the beautifully designed ponds, overlooks and bridges. Our trip is never complete without my children rolling down the the hill at the sculpture park by the towering black horse sculpture. Spend time viewing the gorgeous flowers and bulbs blooming as you enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. They even have special events, on Tuesday nights until 9pm, ie Bring your flashlight and search for butterflies.
Tips: Go during the week to avoid the longer lines or hit the butterfly exhibit in the afternoon. Wear bright colors to attract butterflies. Check out the Japanese's gardens, this area is often overlooked but it is seriously beautiful.
Hours: 9-9pm
Cost: $20 / adults, $15 /seniors and students and $10 / children 3-13.
Whirl Pool Compass Fountain | St. Joseph
The beautiful beach town of St. Joseph is one of the best places to visit with kids for a Michigan day trip. About an hour drive from Kalamazoo, summer is the perfect tome to visit St Joseph. Easily spend a full day playing at the beach and then head to the compass fountain. With the backdrop of Lake Michigan’s shoreline, the impressive spray from the cannon’s fountain shoots 35 feet in the air. Shouts and laughter can be heard as kids and adults alike run into the fountains spray to cool off on a hot summer day.
Benches surround the fountain for those that want to observe the entertaining chaos! The one drawback is there is no shade anywhere near the fountain so make sure you have sunscreen and plenty of water to drink. Some other St. Joseph aera highlights to enjoy is the beautiful sandy beach nearby, as well as, the Silver Beach Carousel and the Discovery Zone Museum. On Friday nights in the adjacent park there are movies played in the park. Before leaving grab some delicious Silver Lake pizza to complete your visit.
Parking Nearby parking is $12, but you can park up the hill for free.
Hours: 12– 8 pm (May 1 – Friday before Memorial Day), 10 – 9 pm (Memorial Day – Labor Day)
Cost: Free
Moo-ville Creamery | Nashville
Moo-ville is simply delicious! Kid’s especially will love selecting from 40 flavors of homemade ice cream, visiting the farm animals, and climbing on the playground.
Located off M-66 in Nashville MI, this large dairy farm is fun for the whole family. There are multiple locations in Michigan, although this is the only one with all the activities. Easily spotted from the road, the large Moo-ville cow and large dairy barns welcomes you. In the center of the petting farm is a covered pavilion with picnic tables to sit and enjoy ice cream or lunch.
The playground consists of a large play structure with multiple slides, bridges, ladders and a giant sandbox will entertain children for hours. Toddlers will love multiple peddle tractors on the farm. During certain weekends in the summer they also offer a free bounce for children to play and jump on.
Petting Farm From April- October, you can enjoy a free petting farm with cows, goats and sheep. For $1.00 you can purchase feed. A sidewalk runs along the petting area making it convenient for wheelchairs and strollers to maneuver.
Tours Learn first hand how the farm is run by taking a tour to view how cows are milked by the farm robotics. Tours last about 30 minutes total. Don’t forget to take a fun picture with the giant moo-ville cow!
Cost: Free to use the playground, petting farm; self-guided tour for $3.00/person ; guided tour for $5.50/person
Hours 9-9pm, April-October
Historic Village Depot Museum| Vicksburg
Take a step back in time at the Historic Village of Vicksburg. With vintage stores, a gas station, newspaper and print shop, school buildings and even a old fashion sweet shop. View a train locomotive and red caboose at the train museum. On Saturdays you can enter the buildings to see the preserved treasures from the past within, which are maintained by the Vicksburg Historical Society. Come Saturday, May 13, 9am-12pm for a FREE bike rodeo and tune up event!
On Fridays under the spacious covered pavilion the town of Vicksburg has a Farmer’s Market where you can pick up fresh local produce, beautiful cut flowers, handmade pastries and listen to live musicians.
A nearby stop while in Vicksburg is to visit Clark Park in downtown Vicksburg, less than 2 miles away. A large play structure within the park known as Loriland Children’s Place has 7 slides, monkey bars, and swings. Portage Creek runs through the park which is perfect for creek walking. My children especially love to wear water shoes and bring fishing nets to catch frogs, tadpoles and crayfish.
Tip: Want some refreshing ice cream, cross the street to Apple Knockers. Located on the water, kids will love the pirate ship seats and fun interior.
Hours: 11-5pm Saturdays
Cost: Free
Blueberry Picking at Brookside Farms | Paw Paw
Picking juicy, sun-warmed blueberries is a summertime delight. July and August in Michigan is synonymous with blueberry picking. Blueberries have a longer season beginning early July and lasting through August, although the picking season in Michigan can vary due to weather. Always call ahead to inquire of the current picking conditions and availability.
This Southwest Michigan family-friendly blueberry farm provides both U-pick and Ready Pick. A new playground was added on site as well as fun pictures opportunities. Hands free picking is made easy as they provide buckets and strings to tie around your waist or neck.
After picking, relax in their beautiful air conditioned store with choices of delicious baked goods, ice cream and our personal favorite smoothies! Choose from three flavors: blueberry, raspberry, strawberry or combine all three for a triple berry delight!
There are dozens of fruit farms in West Michigan, check out this Guide to Blueberry Farms in e one nearest you Guide to Blueberry Farm.
Strawberry Picking in June
Strawberry Picking
Sunny skies and rows of ripe red strawberries waiting to be picked is the perfect start to summer. Strawberry picking season in West Michigan begins early to Mid-June. The season usually only last for three weeks, so don’t wait to head out and enjoy this fun experience with your family. We love supporting our local u-pick farms and choosing family owned and operated Michigan farms. Here is a full Guide to Strawberry U- Pick Farms in Michigan.
Although we’d loved it if the weather was sunny skies all summer long. Occasionally we’re stuck with a rainy day, here are 12 Indoor Activities for Kids in Kalamazoo.
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I’m delighted you stopped by Discovering Anew today! Let us know if there are any places we need to add to this list! Don’t forget to save and pin for later to help plan your summer bucket list. Follow Discovering Anew on Facebook for more Michigan Fun Adventures!
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