The Gigantic Guide to Kalamazoo Parks & Playgrounds: 25+ Places to Swing, Slide and Play

Kalamazoo Park Playground

You’re Just a Hop, Skip or Jump Away from the Nearest Kalamazoo Park

Visting parks is one of our favorite summer activities. Thankfully, Kalamazoo, Portage and surrounding cities are home to many green spaces.

With options such as splash pads, beaches, baseball fields, pickleball courts and innovative play structures, Kalamazoo parks are bursting with outdoor family fun.

This park guide will help you find the perfect park for your family to spend the day – or make plans to visit them all!

Whether you’re seeking sports courts, hiking trails or the ideal playground, we’ve got all of your Southwest Michigan parks covered.

Schrier Park
Playground at Schrier Park in Portage

Park Intel: Picking the Perfect Playground

We’ve done the (very fun) research and gathered intel on every local park listed to make your playground selection easier in three categories:

Toddler-Friendly:  To be deemed “toddler-friendly” in our guide, the play structures must be lower to the ground and easy to climb. Most also have softer surfaces in case they tumble while playing.

Mess-Free: These play areas have either woodchips or rubber turf to prevent muddy play.

Swings:  We’ve outlined the types of swings offered at each playground: standard swings (for big kids), baby swings (used with babies and toddlers), and ADA (Americans with Disability Act) Accessible Swings.

Branch Gymnastics

Featured Partner

2393 Helmer Rd N, Battle Creek, MI 49037
6712 Financial Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Branch Gymnastics is committed to building character, commitment, and community by impacting children’s lives through sports.

Register for dance and gymnastics classes and events:

Branch Gymnastics

Kalamazoo Parks

Kzoo Parks maintains more than 30 parks and public spaces in Kalamazoo. 2022 and 2023 welcomed a new splash pad (LaCrone Park) and new accessible equipment (Milham Park).

Kzoo Parks
251 Mills St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
(269) 337-8000

County parks are managed by Kalamazoo County Parks.

Children’s Nature Playscape on Bronson Park

Installed in 2022, the Children’s Nature Playscape on Bronson Park transformed a reclaimed green space into a nature park for the children of Kalamazoo. Kids are encouraged to explore natural elements like water, rocks and tree stumps.

Note: This park has limited hours. Verify schedule online before visiting.

Opening day: May 8, 2023

TRY THISWater features
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?No
SWINGS?No
Kalamazoo Park Playground
Kalamazoo Park
Children’s Nature Playscape
302 Academy St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Frays Park

Enjoy long walks on the 8-foot wide paths at Frays Park in Kalamazoo. They also offer a mess-free, tall play structure that is great for older kids and a sand volleyball court.

Pickleball and tennis fans will enjoy their courts here (installed in 2018).

TRY THISSand volleyball, pickleball
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?No
MESS FREE?Yes (Rubber Turf)
SWINGS?Standard, ADA Accessible, Baby
Kalamazoo Parks
image: Kzoo Parks
Frays Park
4400 Canterbury Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Henderson Tot Lot

Henderson Tot Lot received a major upgrade in 2018, with resurfaced basketball courts, a pickleball court, new playground structures and an outdoor ping pong table.

TRY THISGaGa ball pit, outdoor ping pong
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard
Henderson Tot Lot
601 Henderson Ct, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

LaCrone Park

LaCrone Park added a splash pad in July of 2022. This park also includes a playground, tennis courts and basketball courts.

TRY THISsplash pad
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard, Baby
image: Kzoo Parks
LaCrone Park
535 W Paterson Street, Kalamazoo 49007

Markin Glen County Park

Markin Glen offers a swimming beach, playground, mountain bike trails and 38 modern campsites.

Hikers will enjoy a scenic view of downtown while exploring.

TRY THISMountain biking, camping, swimming
ADMISSION FEE?Yes. Daily & Annual Passes Available
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard
Markin Glen County Park
5300 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49004

Milham Park

Milham Park is one of the largest green spaces in the area, offering 49 acres to explore.

You’ll find four different playgrounds here as well as bridges to explore as they carry you over the Portage Creek.

2023 updates include more inclusive equipment to welcome visitors of all abilities.

TRY THISFour playgrounds
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard, ADA Accessible, Baby
playground near me park near me
Milham Park
607 E Kilgore Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49002

Upjohn Park & Kik Pool

Upjohn Park includes a skatepark, swimming pool, boundless playground and multiple sports courts.

The Kik Pool is the only 50-meter outdoor swimming pool in the Kalamazoo area.

TRY THISSkatepark, swimming pool
ADMISSION FEE?No park fees. The Kik Pool offers daily or season passes.
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Rubber Turf)
SWINGS?Standard, ADA Accessible, Baby
Kalamazoo Park
Upjohn Park
1000 Walter St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Woods Lake Park

Located near the Oakland/Winchell and Oakwood neighborhoods Woods Lake Park includes a playground and sandy beach.

TRY THISBeach, fishing
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Rubber Turf/Woodchips)
SWINGS?No
playground near me park near me
Woods Lake Park
2900 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo 49008

Portage Parks

The City of Portage manages 18 park sites with a variety of amenities including playgrounds, sports courts and pavilions.

Portage Parks Department
320 Library Ln, Portage MI 49024
(269) 329-4522

Harbors West Park

Nestled inside a Portage neighborhood, Harbors West Park includes features for kids of all ages. Little ones will like climbing the playground and walking the shaky bridge.

Big kids can play basketball, sand volleyball, or in-line hockey.

TRY THISIn-line hockey rink, sand volleyball
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard, Baby
Portage Playground
Kalamazoo Park, Portage Park
Harbors West Park
3458 Summersong Path, Portage, MI 49024

Haverhill Park

Located adjacent to the Portage elementary school, Haverhill Park is a favorite stop on the Northwest Portage Bikeway.

Families will enjoy the playground, basketball courts and tennis courts.

TRY THISTennis courts, bike paths
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard, Baby
Kalamazoo Park, Portage Park
Haverhill Park
6577 Hampton St, Portage, MI 49024

Lakeview Park

Two playgrounds on Lakeview Park offer different options for play. Stay near the park’s entrance with the younger kids (bonus: it’s shaded!).

Venture further into the park towards Austin Lake with the bigger kids for a climbing-friendly playground.

Be sure to walk out on the docks to see the fish!

TRY THISFishing, walking trails
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?No
SWINGS?Standard, Baby
This larger play structure is near the docks. Find sand volleyball courts nearby.
Portage Fishing
Be sure to explore the docks at Lakeview Park
Lakeview Park
9345 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002

Oakland Drive Park

Oakland Drive Park boasts a towering play structure, soccer fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball courts and baseball fields.

As all slides are tall, covered tunnels, this playground is best suited for big kids.

TRY THISSledding hill, baseball
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?No
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard, Baby
Kalamazoo Park, Portage Park
Oakland Drive’s towering tunnels are fun for older kids
Oakland Drive Park
7650 Oakland Dr, Portage, MI 49024

Portage Creek Bicentennial Park

Portage Creek Bicentennial Park (PCBP) was an official city project to honor the nation’s 200th birthday.

PCBP runs between the City Centre Area and the northern city limits at Kilgore Road, connected by a 3.5 mile multi-use trail. You’ll find the playground at the main entrance, off of Milham Road.

The bathrooms are conveniently located steps away from the slides.

TRY THIStrail walks, climbing wall
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard
playground near me
map: Portage Parks
Portage Creek Bicentennial Park
910 E Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002 (Main entrance, playground)
424 E Kilgore Rd, Portage, MI 49002 (Lovers Lane Trailhead)
7335 Garden Ln, Portage, MI 49002 (Celery Flats Trailhead)

Ramona Park

Best known for its sandy beach on Long Lake, Ramona Park includes two playground structures, fishing, and multiple sports courts.

TRY THISFishing, kayaking, lifeguarded beach
ADMISSION FEE?Yes for non-Portage residents during beach season (Memorial Day- Labor Day)
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Rubber Turf)
SWINGS?Standard, ADA Accessible, Baby
Portage Park, Playground
Ramona’s playground is well shaded and offers a nice view of the water
Ramona’s life guarded beach includes a concession stand and has picnic tables nearby
Ramona Park
8600 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI 49002

Schrier Park

Schrier Park in Portage is a favorite spot to gather, both inside and out.

The indoor building is popular for party rentals, while outside you can walk the trails, have a snack under the pavilion or play on the playground.

TRY THISIndoor building, walking trails
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard
Schrier Park
850 W Osterhout Rd, Portage, MI 49024

Westfield Park

Westfield Park includes a not-so-subtle blue playground, tennis courts, soccer fields and sand volleyball. While the playground surface is soft (rubber turf), the slides may be a bit too tall for toddlers.

TRY THISSand volleyball, soccer, tennis
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?No
MESS FREE?Yes (Rubber Turf)
SWINGS?Standard
Kids playgrounds kalamazoo
Westfield Park
4500 W Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49024

West Lake Nature Preserve

The West Lake Nature Preserve is a 110-acre wetland bog in Portage. Families will enjoy fishing, visiting the nature-themed playground and walking the trails.

Tip: Watch your step! Some floating bridges squirt water through the planks.

TRY THISWetland trails, fishing
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?No
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard
Portage Hiking Trail
These floating bridges are a kid (and adult) favorite with squirting water.
Some fun finds through the trails in West Lake Nature Preserve.
Portage Playground
The giant frog serves as a great photo op at this playground.
West Lake Nature Preserve
9001 S Westnedge, Portage, MI 49002

Surrounding Cities

Don’t stop your park exploration in just Kalamazoo and Portage: SWMI communities in Oshtemo, Texas Township, Parchment, Three Rivers and more are home to some beautiful spaces to explore!

6th Street Park

For the pickleball, soccer and football fans, 6th Street Park should rank high on your list. With 8 pickleball courts and brand new soccer/football fields, this park offers lots of space to play.

Young kids aren’t the best visitors for this one currently since there is no playground. However, there is plenty of space to run to get those wiggles out. Later phases are planned to add a playground in the future.

Note: there are no restroom buildings on site (just port-a-potties). The township expects to add a restroom building later in 2023.

TRY THISPickleball, soccer/football fields
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?No
MESS FREE?N/A
SWINGS?No
6th street park 
park near me
The soccer/football fields were added in Spring 2023
image: Texas Township
6th Street Park
6321 S 6th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Dumont Lake Park

Dumont Lake Park offers a playground and 550 feet of beach for warm weather play. This 18.6-acre park is also a favorite spot for fishing and features a watercraft/boat launch facility.

There is no entrance fee for Allegan County Parks. However, there are fees for horses and watercrafts to use the boat launches.

TRY THISFishing, beach
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?No
Lake Playground
Dumont Lake Park
2417 31st St, Allegan, MI 49010

Flesher Field

Located off 9th Street in Oshtemo, Flesher Field hosts Oshtemo Fun Days and the Highland Games annually each summer.

This park offers paved walking paths, a large sports field and a good mix of play structures for big kids and toddlers.

TRY THISWiffle ball, paved trails
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard, ADA Accessible, Baby
Wiffle ball fields and covered pavilion at Flesher Field
Flesher Field
3664 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Kindleberger Park

Located in Parchment, Kindleberger Park includes a Little League complex, playground, outdoor stage, and pickleball courts.

This park is also great for sledding in the winter and a short walk away from a summer treat at Twisters.

TRY THISPickleball, sledding hill
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?No
MESS FREE?No
SWINGS?Standard, Baby
Kalamazoo Park, Parchment Park
image: City of Parchment
Kindleberger Park
122 N Riverview Dr, Parchment, MI 49004

Oshtemo Township Park

Tucked behind the library and township hall, Oshtemo Township Park’s playground includes large and small structures to suit different ages. Climbers will enjoy scaling the massive climbing net in the middle.

For other fun activities, families can try pickleball, wiffleball, or the 18-hole disc golf course.

TRY THISClimbing net, disc golf
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard, Baby, ADA Accessible
Climbers will love the giant rope net at Oshtemo Park.
Oshtemo Township Park
7275 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Prairie View County Park

Prairie View County Park spans an impressive 210 acres that include two lakes (Hogsett & Gourdneck). While there is play equipment (slide/swings), the highlight here is really the water.

Families enjoy the swimming beach, which is shallow enough for little ones to enjoy. If you have canines in your family, this park also offers a dog park.

TRY THISBeach, dog park
ADMISSION FEE?Yes. Daily & Annual Passes Available
TODDLER FRIENDLY?No
MESS FREE?No
SWINGS?Standard
Southwest Michigan Beach
image: Kalamazoo County Parks
Prairie View County Park
899 E U Ave, Vicksburg, MI 49097

Richland Township Park

With 48 acres of land, Richland Township Park has plenty of room for activities: lacrosse fields, baseball/softball fields, basketball courts and a playground are all options here.

TRY THISBaseball, lacrosse
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard, Baby
Kalamazoo Park, Richland Park
Richland Township Park
6996 N 32nd St, Richland, MI 49083

River Oaks County Park

River Oaks in Galesburg is well-known for its splash pad (open Memorial Day-Labor Day).

This park also includes 20 soccer fields, a dog park, a playground, and a model airplane field.

TRY THISSplash pad, dog park
ADMISSION FEE?Yes. Daily & Annual Passes Available
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard, Baby
Splash Pad
image: Kalamazoo County Parks
River Oaks County Park
9202 E Michigan Ave, Galesburg, MI 49053

Scidmore Park

Scidmore Park is home to a petting zoo (May – October), farmers market, duck pond, and large, farmhouse style playground.

TRY THISPetting Zoo
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard, Baby
Three Rivers Park
image: City of Three Rivers
Scidmore Park
113 Spring St, Three Rivers, MI 49093

Sherwood Park

Situated along the east bank of the Kalamazoo River, a visit to Sherwood Park can include ice skating in the winter and sand volleyball matches in the summer.

This park also includes a Veterans Memorial at the north end.

TRY THISIce rink, visit Veterans Memorial
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?No
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?Standard, Baby
Sherwood Park
121 N Sherwood, Plainwell, MI 49080

Southwest Michigan Miracle League Playground

Located on The Dome’s campus in Schoolcraft, this inclusive playground invites all abilities to play.

This new playground opened in June 2023 and is located next to the SMML’s baseball field.

TRY THISSlide, swings, drums
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Rubber Turf)
Southwest Michigan Miracle League inclusive playground Schoolcraft MI The Dome
Southwest Michigan Miracle League inclusive playground Schoolcraft MI The Dome
Southwest Michigan Miracle League Playground
12733 US-131, Schoolcraft, MI 49087

Texas Drive Park

Texas Drive Park includes a sandbox, play structure, soccer fields and football field.

There is also a 0.75 mile paved path that encircles the park for walking or biking.

2023’s updates include the addition of a splash pad, set to open in late June/early July 2023.

TRY THISSandbox, soccer fields
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Rubber Turf)
SWINGS?Standard, Baby
Kalamazoo Park
Texas Drive Park Splash Pad
Splash pad design: Texas Township
Texas Drive Park
6603 Texas Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Texas Township Farmers Market Playground (Pocket Park)

Stop by the Farmers Market in Texas Corners and you will find this hidden gem of a playground, recently named Pocket Park.

Parents of younger kids will appreciate that it’s fenced, lower to the ground and partially shaded.

TRY THISClimbing wall, farmers market
ADMISSION FEE?No
TODDLER FRIENDLY?Yes
MESS FREE?Yes (Woodchips)
SWINGS?No
Kalamazoo Park, Farmers Market
This playground is fenced, offering additional safety for younger visitors.
Texas Township Farmers Market Playground (Pocket Park)
7110 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Worth the Drive

Bailey Park 1400 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017

Families visit Battle Creek - playground
image: Calhoun County Visitors Bureau 

Kids Paradise Park 200 S Liberty St, Paw Paw, MI 49079

North Side Park Watson Rd (North of River St), Otsego, MI 49078

Kalamazoo Parks & Playgrounds Map

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