Over 100 Fun Things to Do in Kalamazoo with Kids
Southwest Michigan is brimming with ideas and activities for families all year round. Over 100 ideas you say? Absolutely!
With so many options, it’s hard to know what to try out first. Indoor or outdoor activities? Local attractions and family-friendly events? All are covered in this easy-to-navigate resource guide of things to do in Kalamazoo.
Which ones will be added to your family shortlist?
Whether you’re new to Southwest Michigan or a Kalamazoo native, scroll on and get ready to fall in love with Kzoo (and that’s K-zoo, never Kazoo).
Things to Do in Kalamazoo
Local Events
Our event calendar brings together events for families to enjoy: story times at libraries, concerts, Santa visits, fireworks, trunk-or-treats and more.
Weekend Picks
Focused on weekend events? Find our weekend picks with suggested fun for Friday through Sunday every week.
Have we missed a favorite local event? You can submit it here.
Indoor Play
Southwest Michigan weather can turn on a dime.
Parents and caregivers need to have in their back pocket a list of options for indoor play places and fun things to do in Kalamazoo that offer plenty of inspiration for toddlers and big kids alike.
Kalamazoo offers many centers perfect for running, jumping, sliding and swinging. Kids can burn off energy jumping on a trampoline, try their hand at bowling or exploring interactive museums.
Outdoor Recreation
Everyone loves exploring, and family outings provide an opportunity to discover all the best that Michigan Outdoors has to offer. You’ll find suggestions for toddlers, teens, and adults.
There is no shortage of hiking and bike trails in the area; from paved to more rustic exploring, Southwest MI has trails for all ages and interests.
With so many lakes in our great state, take advantage of the best paddling water fun Kalamazoo has to offer with kayaking or canoeing.
Giddy up – it doesn’t matter if you’re a horse expert or novice, try horseback riding at one of several Kalamazoo stables.
Parks & Playgrounds
SWMI is packed with green spaces offering playgrounds, basketball, pickleball, bike trails, volleyball and more.
These Kalamazoo area spots offer plenty of space to romp and enough outdoor entertainment to make them worth loading up the kids and heading out.
Museums & Cultural Attractions
If you’re looking for cultural attractions in Southwest Michigan, you’re in luck. The best family museums in Michigan are as entertaining as they are educational. Your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re learning.
In October, remember the annual Southwest Michigan Cultural Membership Exchange Program, with opportunities to visit several museums for free if you have a membership at one of the participating locations.
Animals & Petting Zoos
Kids and animals go hand-in-hand. Southwest Michigan is home to amazing places to get up close and personal to a wide variety of animals.
Find zoos, sanctuaries and more petting zoo options near Kalamazoo.
Farm Fun & Local Produce
Local farms provide delicious food for farmers markets and opportunities for u-pick fruit, including organic varieties.
In the fall, kids will have a blast at visiting a farm with bounce houses, wagon rides, country stores, corn mazes and petting zoos.
Beaches
Summertime means beach time for Michigan families.
Get to know the best features – attractions, food, bathroom availability – for all of the beaches near Kalamazoo and across Michigan. From Lake Michigan to inland beaches, there is a beach near you right now.
Splash Pads & Outdoor Water Play
When the sun is blazing down its heat in Michigan, families may all be asking the same question: Where can we go swimming? Luckily for us, there are a number of options to take a dip or run under a water fountain.
Find cool water playgrounds with kiddie pools, fountains, geysers, pumps, and spray features that kids love.
Festivals & Fairs
Festivals & Fairs are a family affair where all ages can enjoy performances. And most festivals are often free things to do in Kalamazoo.
You’ll enjoy sifting through all the events to land on something that’s truly special and unique that your family is sure to love.
The annual festivals that greater Kalamazoo hosts are the perfect place to start.
Local Restaurants
We take our food seriously in SWMI, with a huge variety of cuisine and strong opinions on the best restaurants in Kalamazoo.
If dining out with kids, be sure to take advantage of Kids Eat Free nights to help make dinner more affordable.
More to Explore
