What to do in Portage with Kids
Got celery, Portage?
In the 1880s, Portage, Michigan was deemed the “Celery City” of the nation, keeping that title through the mid-twentieth century. While no longer a stalky vegetable powerhouse, this Kalamazoo suburb has grown into a phenomenal city for families to call home.
Portage provides some great SWMI neighborhoods for families, full of activities to do both inside and out.
In this Article
Portage MI Snapshot
HISTORY: Celery Flats includes multiple historical buildings, including Stuart Manor. Constructed in 1846 by William Welch, this house was the summer home of the second Michigan U.S. Senator, Charles Stuart.
FUN: Try ice skating outdoors at Millennium Park. This seasonal favorite is the only outdoor rink in the area.
FOOD: Stop by the Portage Farmers Market on Sundays to stock up on food from local vendors and farms.
OUTDOORS: Portage has 19 individual parks and multiple lakes for swimming and fishing. Ramona Park is a local favorite, offering kayak rentals and a lifeguarded beach.
Why people love to live in Portage
Portage is a fantastic city for families offering parks, lakes, shopping, restaurants, and an engaging, aerospace museum.
The Portage Bikeway connects over 50 miles of bike paths throughout the city. Some sections are cleared in winter, allowing biking year-round.
The Air Zoo is a Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace and science museum. In addition to displaying over 100 aircraft, it is also world-renowned for its aircraft restoration skills.
Fortune 500 company Stryker has its world headquarters in Portage.
Portage Public Schools are the only schools in the area to offer the International Baccalaureate program for juniors and seniors.
Things to Do in Portage MI
As a suburb of Kalamazoo, Portage is the second largest city in SW Michigan, with nearly 50,000 residents.
Find green spaces, food, museums and more in Portage:
1 – Fly High with the Air Zoo
Air Zoo
6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
The Air Zoo is a world-class, Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace and science museum. With over 100 aircraft, full-motion flight simulators and exhibits updated regularly, the kids won’t be bored.
Families will enjoy an abundance of hands-on exhibits and the indoor amusement-park style rides.
The Air Zoo also offers summer camps, classes for homeschoolers, and free tours.
2 – Try an Escape Room with Escapology
Escapology
5600 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Join up with friends and get locked into a room full of riddles at Escapology. Solve the puzzles, crack the codes, and see if you can escape your room in 60 minutes! This venue offers 7 different themed rooms with varying difficulties.
3 – All-In-One Fun at Airway Fun Center
Airway Fun Center
5626 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Airway Fun Center is your go-to spot for big fun in one place- perfect for rainy days, birthdays, or just letting loose with the family.
Enjoy bowling, laser tag, go-karts, mini golf, an arcade, a high ropes course, and even a VR experience. There’s also food on-site, so you can refuel without leaving the fun behind.
For those looking to up their bowling game, they offer cosmic bowling and Spark- a specialized bowling experience where an interactive game is projected on the lanes for added excitement.
Airway is currently the only location in Michigan to offer the Spark experience.
4 – See the Twinkling Lights at the Portage Library
Portage Library
300 Library Ln, Portage, MI 49002
Following an annual tree lighting ceremony in early December, Portage City Hall and the Portage Library twinkle each night with light-up characters and decorated trees.
This is an easy one to walk with little legs or take a drive in their pajamas before bedtime.
5 – Go Ice Skating at Millennium Park
Millennium Park
280 Romence Rd, Portage, MI 49024
Portage’s outdoor ice rink, Millennium Park, features skate rental, skate sharpening, snack concessions, restrooms, warming house, and lockers.
This rink is typically open from early December through early March and has hosted themed events including skating with Santa and a New Year’s Eve skate.
6 – Hit the Beach at Ramona Park
Ramona Park
8600 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Ramona Park is a local favorite and one of the best beaches for kids. You can rent out kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. The beach area is fully staffed with lifeguards and concessions, and the park has plenty of room for picnicking. Free admission to Portage residents.
If the weather isn’t beach-friendly, try out their large, shaded playground with rubber turfed surface and ADA-accessible swings.
7 – Go Fishing at Lakeview Park
Lakeview Park
9345 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Take in the scenic views of Austin Lake while casting off from one of the docks at Lakeview Park. Kids will love the two sets of play structures; the one nearest the entrance is best for toddlers.
Lakeview also offers paved trails for easy biking or stroller walks.
8 – Listen to a Story at the Portage Library
Portage District Library
300 Library Ln, Portage, MI 49002
Portage’s library hosts several story times for different ages and interests, even combining some with fitness or music.
Be sure to stop by the preschool room afterward for books and engaging toys.
9 – Go Biking on the Portage Bikeway
Portage Bikeway
Portage, MI
The Portage Bikeway connects over 55 miles of off-road trails and bikeways throughout the city of Portage. Use the full Bikeway Brochure to plan your next pedaled adventure.
If you’re a year-long bike rider, try the Portage Creek Bicentennial Trail — it’s kept clear in the winter months.
Need a bike? Bike Portage has a bike share rental program. Bikes are available to rent seasonally, from April 1 – October 31, by downloading the Movatic app.
10 – Travel Back in Time at Celery Flats
Celery Flats
7335 Garden Ln, Portage, MI 49002
This “Celery City” preserved multiple historical buildings and located them all within Celery Flats in Portage. Here you will find an original one-room schoolhouse from 1856 and 1931 grain elevator among its collection. These buildings and others are restored and available for tours and private events.
The area features paved paths that are perfect for walking, biking, or strollers.
11 – Grab a Scoop (or two!) at Bella Creamery
Bella Creamery
10098 Shaver Rd, Portage, MI 49024
This locally owned shop serves up some amazing ice cream (made in-house) and ice cream cakes for special occasions.
12 – Enjoy Eclectic, Scratch Cooking at Full City Café
Full City Café
7878 Oakland Dr, Portage, MI 49024
Open since 1993, Full City Café is known for its unique meals made with fresh, local ingredients. While dishes rotate, you can always count on some delicious breakfast entrees, including omelets, pancakes and breakfast bowls.
13 – Grab Fresh Produce at the Portage Farmers Market
Portage Farmers Market
7900 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
Saturday is not the only day to enjoy fresh produce, flowers, live music and baked goods from farms and local vendors.
The Portage Farmers Market is held on Sundays at City Hall from June through October.
14 – Have Tea and Treats at Chocolatea
Chocolatea
7642 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
Open since 2008, this local gem knows their tea: they have over 200 loose leaf tea blends, Boba tea and 16 tea lattes on their menu (try the Cloud 9). If tea isn’t your thing, they also serve coffee and sandwiches and offer a massive selection of desserts.
From macarons and chocolates to pies and brownies, this shop covers any sweet tooth’s craving. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.
15 – Visit the Giant Christmas Cards and Decorated Trees at Celery Flats
Celery Flats
7335 Garden Ln, Portage, MI 49002
Starting in late November, take a stroll along Celery Flats Historical Area in Portage to see the oversized holiday greeting cards, lights, and decorations. These cards are painted by local artists and feature animals, holiday favorites and cartoon characters.
Celery Flats serves as a favorite spot for photos with twinkly lights; be sure to stop by the giant sleigh and reindeer. You can also mail a letter to Santa!
16 – Take a Hike at West Lake Nature Preserve
West Lake Nature Preserve
9001 S Westnedge, Portage, MI 49002
Grab your rain boots and take a stroll through paths that lead to a scenic view of West Lake. Portions of the bog trail are floating on water, and kids love the water that squirts up through the planks.
There is a nature-themed playground at the trailhead and a pavilion with restrooms.
17 – Dine and Play Mini Golf at Presidential Brewing Co
Presidential Brewing Co
8302 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Find fun, presidential-themed food and beverages at this family-friendly brewery in Portage. As a bonus, you can add a round of miniature golf (nine holes) during your visit! Mini golf is a steal at $5/person, and you can play as many rounds as you like.
For date nights, try their Beer Garden Live Summer Concert series, featuring an outdoor stage.
18 – Attend An Event At Ripple Effects
Ripple Effects Community Inclusion Center
2255 W Centre Ave, Portage MI 49024
Ripple Effects is a place where everyone belongs, and Community is literally their middle name! From summer and winter camps, free playgroups, and a ton of kid and family-friendly events, Ripple Effects has a lot to offer the community all year round.
View and register for an event on their website or through their Facebook page.
19 – Play Inside at HTN Playcenter (and Eat At Paris BáNH Mì)
HTN Play Center
Paris BáNH Mì Portage
653 Romence Rd, Portage MI 49024
Sometimes you just need to jump into a ball pit. Sometimes you just need to ride a banana swing. And other times, you just want to play arcade games and chill in a ‘sand’ pit. At HTN Play Center you can do it all — and then some! This indoor play center located in Romence Plaza is a kid’s paradise where they can climb, dig, and bounce their heart out.
And when you start to get hangry or thirsty, you don’t have to go far. They are connected to Paris BáNH Mì, a French bakery that serves pastries, snacks, boba, and coffee. For heartier fare, they offer Vietnamese sandwiches, noodle and rice bowls, and rolls.
While you need a day pass or membership to access the play center, you do not need one to enjoy the restaurant.
20 – Visit the Jungle…Jungle Joe’s
Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center
7255 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Jungle Joe’s is a family favorite, and our tweens still enjoy going there (don’t tell them I told you, though). And between you and me, some of those inflatable slides have serious speed! Rest assured there are inflatables for all ages to climb, bounce, and slide on.
There is also an arcade, snack shack, and outdoor 18-hole jungle-themed mini golf course.
21 – Get Creative with Candles
Kalamazoo Candle Company
6800 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49024
Looking for a hands-on activity? At Kalamazoo Candle Company, you can design your own candle from start to finish! Choose your fragrance, mix your scent, and pour the wax.
Kids can join the fun too by making vibrant sand wax candles, no heat required! It’s a great indoor option for a rainy day or a special outing.
22 – Hike Through a Rare Michigan Bog
Bishop’s Bog
Eliason Nature Reserve to Bishop’s Bog Preserve
Start: 1614 W Osterhout Ave, Portage, MI 49024
End: 9010 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
Take a scenic walk through one of Michigan’s most unique natural areas. Begin at Eliason Nature Reserve, a 141-acre blend of wetland and upland ecosystems, and follow the trail to Bishop’s Bog Preserve—the largest remaining relict bog in the southern Lower Peninsula (and possibly the entire Lower Peninsula!).
This easy hike is about 45 minutes each way and includes a floating boardwalk that winds through the wetlands. Keep an eye out for rare plant species and listen for birds and wildlife as you go.
The trail connects to Schrier Park, and there are restrooms and a bike air station at the Eliason pavilion (note: no bikes allowed on the boardwalk.)
23 – Cool Off with a Custard + Play Break
Ritter’s Frozen Custard
217 Romence Rd, Portage, MI 49024
Treat yourself to something sweet and let the kids burn off some energy at Ritter’s Frozen Custard in Portage. With a playground onsite and plenty of outdoor seating, it’s the perfect stop on a sunny day.
Our favorites? The Strawberry Delight, Monkey in the Middle, and Brownie Sundae- but don’t sleep on their smoothies!
Whether you’re craving a cone or a custard creation, Ritter’s has something for everyone.
24 – Treasure Hunt for Tiny Trendsetters
Second Childhood Children’s Resale Boutique
217 Romence Rd, Portage, MI 49024
Looking to refresh your kids’ wardrobes without breaking the bank? Second Childhood in Portage is a local favorite for finding adorable, affordable outfits in baby, kids, and juniors sizes.
From gently used name brands to boutique-style new pieces, it’s perfect for back-to-school, cozy fall photos, or gearing up for sports season.
Portage has a terrific variety of thrift & consignment shops. Here’s a neighborhood roundup:
Clothes Mentor
649 Romence Rd
Once Upon a Child
643 Romence Rd
Main Street Vintage
6650 S Westnedge Ave (Crossroads Mall, 2nd level)
A fun mix of vintage style clothing and retro finds, both for teens and adults.
Boomerang For The Home
6022 S Westnedge Ave
Offers household goods.
Nu-Way Thrift (opening soon)
7017 S Westnedge Ave
Stay tuned: this new shop will add even more thrifting variety to Portage’s scene.
25 – Get Artsy at Art Bayou
Art Bayou
8606 Portage Road, Portage, MI
Tap into your creative side at Art Bayou, a paint-your-own pottery studio that’s perfect for all ages. Whether you’re painting a mug, plate, or something totally whimsical, everything you need is provided- and no experience is required!
It’s a fun way to spend a slow afternoon or celebrate a birthday, and your finished masterpiece is kiln-fired and ready for pickup a few days later. Great for family outings, friend dates, or solo creative time.
Bonus: They offer themed events and studio specials throughout the year. Check their calendar before you go!
26 – Dress Up & Trick-or-Treat at Monster Mash
Romona Park Monster Mash
8600 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage MI 49002
Get ready for a spooky-good time at Portage’s annual Monster Mash– a fun, family-friendly Halloween event at Ramona Park! Kids can come in costume and enjoy music, games, and festive fall fun.
Map
FAQs
What is Portage MI known for?
• Celery City
• Air Zoo
• The Stryker Company
• Ramona Beach
• Portage Bike Trail
How many people live in Portage MI?
48,978 (2022 estimate)
Which schools are in Portage MI?
More SWMI Cities to Explore
