26 Fantastic Family Things to Do in Portage MI

Things to Do in Portage MI, Celery Flats

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.

Portage City Hall

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

Portage, a suburb of Kalamazoo, is the second-largest city in SW Michigan, with nearly 50,000 residents.

Find green spaces, food, museums and more in Portage:

Schrier Park
Schrier Park in Portage MI

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 abundant hands-on exhibits and the indoor amusement-park style rides.

The Air Zoo also offers summer camps, classes for homeschoolers, and free tours.

Air Zoo
Main exhibit floor of the Air Zoo in Portage MI
Air Zoo Ferris Wheel

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 including kid (and adult) favorite, Scooby Doo!

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 a VR experience. Food’s also 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 in which an interactive game is projected on the lanes for added excitement.

Airway Lanes, Bowling

Ropes Course, Airway Lanes
Ropes Course at Airway Fun Center

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.

Portage Ice Rink

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 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.

BONUS: Free admission to Portage residents (day and seasonal passes available for purchase).

families at the beach - Ramona Park Beach

If the weather isn’t beach-friendly, try out their large, shaded playground, which has a rubber-turfed surface and ADA-accessible swings.

Ramona Park Portage 2025
Ramona Park playground

~ MI Beaches

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.

Portage Fishing

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.

Portage Library Building

Preschool room at the Portage District Library

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. 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.

Biking in Portage

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.

bike trails Kalamazoo
📷: City of Portage

~ Bike & Hiking Trails

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.

Among its collection, you will find an original one-room schoolhouse from 1856 and a 1931 grain elevator. These buildings and others are restored and available for tours and private events.

The area features paved paths perfect for walking, biking, or strollers.

Portage Celery Flats

Portage Tree Lighting 2023 Celery Flats

11 – Grab a Scoop (or two!) at Bella Creamery

Bella Creamery
10098 Shaver Rd, Portage, MI 49024

This locally owned shop serves up some fantastic ice cream (made in-house) and ice cream cakes for special occasions.

Portage Ice Cream Shop

12 – Enjoy Eclectic, Scratch Cooking at Full City Café

Full City Café
7878 Oakland Dr, Portage, MI 49024

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.

Full City Cafe Brunch

~ Breakfast Restaurants

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.

Portage Farmers Market

Portage Farmers Market

14 – Have Tea and Treats at Chocolatea

Chocolatea
7642 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002

Since 2008, this local gem has known its tea: it offers over 200 loose-leaf tea blends, Boba tea and 16 tea lattes on its menu (try the Cloud 9).

If tea isn’t your thing, they also serve coffee and sandwiches and offer a massive selection of desserts.

This shop covers any sweet tooth’s craving, from macarons and chocolates to pies and brownies. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Tea Shop Portage
📷: Chocolatea

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!

Celery-Flats-trees-2022

Celery Flats Christmas

16 – Take a Hike at West Lake Nature Preserve

West Lake Nature Preserve
9001 S Westnedge, Portage, MI 49002

Grab your rain boots and explore 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.

Portage Hiking Trail
Expect some splashy fun on these planks
West Lake Nautre Preserve

There is a nature-themed playground at the trailhead and a pavilion with restrooms.

West Lake Nautre Preserve

~ Parks & Playgrounds

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.

Restaurants with Outdoor Dining Presidential Brewing Co
📷: Presidential Brewing Co

~ SWMI Outdoor Patio Dining

18 – Attend An Event At Ripple Effects

Ripple Effects Community Inclusion Center
2255 W Centre Ave, Portage MI 49024

Ripple Effects is where everyone belongs, and Community is 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.

Ripple Effects Community Inclusion Center
📷: Ripple Effects

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.

📷: HTN Play Center
htn play center sand pit
📷: HTN Play Center

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.

While a day pass or membership is required to access the play center, it is not necessary to enjoy the restaurant.

📷: HTN Play Center

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.

📷: Jungle Joe’s
📷: Jungle Joe’s

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 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.

Kalamazoo Candle, Sand Candles
Kid-friendly sand candles at Kalamazoo Candle Company

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.

The trail connects to Schrier Park, and there are restrooms and a bike air station at the Eliason pavilion

Note: No bikes are permitted on the boardwalk

Eliason Nature Reserve/Bishop's Bog
Eliason Nature Reserve/Bishop’s Bog

Bishop's Bog Preserve
Bishop’s Bog Preserve

23 – Cool Off with a Custard + Play Break at Ritter’s

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!

Ritter's Frozen Custard

24 – Go Thrifting 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.

Second Childhood
📸: Second Childhood

Portage has a terrific variety of thrift & consignment shops:

Clothes Mentor
649 Romence Rd
Women’s clothes for all sizes- you can even request a personal shopper.
Once Upon a Child
643 Romence Rd
Toys, baby gear and clothes for the youngest shoppers.
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 July 2025)
7017 S Westnedge Ave
Stay tuned: This new shop will add 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 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. Your finished masterpiece is kiln-fired and ready for pickup a few days later. It’s great for family outings, friend dates, or solo creative time.

Art Bayou, Facebook
📸: Art Bayou

26 – Dress Up & Trick-or-Treat at Monster Mash

Ramona 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 collect candy.

City of Portage Parks and Recreation Monster Mash event
📸: City of Portage

~ Monster Mash Event

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?