Your Summer Bucket List for Kalamazoo
While winter has not gone away quietly (snow in April, anyone?), we are still making big plans for warm weather in Southwest Michigan.
Although spring may have started slowly and quietly, we are confident that sunny, beach-filled days are ahead for our summer in Kalamazoo.
We’ve put together a list of summer activities for kids to serve all families’ needs: places to play inside or out, camps and classes to learn, and local restaurants to try.
And when you’re ready to venture, we have you covered with day trips and weekend getaways.
Here are 101+ ideas for families to have a totally awesome summer.
Featured Summer Activities for Kids
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What to Expect:
Jungle Joe's challenges you to see how many hole-in-ones you can get on our 18-hole adventure golf course. As you walk along the rolling greens, be sure to take a selfie with Georgina, our 17-foot-tall giraffe.
The course is open 7 days a week, weather permitting.
Inflatables and arcade will be open as well inside if you need to escape the summer sun!
Jungle Joe's challenges you to see how many hole-in-ones you can get on our 18-hole adventure golf course. As you walk along the rolling greens, be sure to take a selfie with Georgina, our 17-foot-tall giraffe.
The course is open 7 days a week, weather permitting.
Inflatables and arcade will be open as well inside if you need to escape the summer sun!
What to Expect:
With summer just around the corner, the time has come for you to bring your family to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, Michigan's ultimate LEGO®-themed playground!
You can inspire their imaginations with educational play here.
With two rides, a 4D theater, and ten different play zones, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the perfect place to visit when you and your family need a quick escape or want to get away on a rainy day.
With summer just around the corner, the time has come for you to bring your family to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, Michigan's ultimate LEGO®-themed playground!
You can inspire their imaginations with educational play here.
With two rides, a 4D theater, and ten different play zones, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the perfect place to visit when you and your family need a quick escape or want to get away on a rainy day.
What to Expect:
Visit SEA LIFE, Michigan's largest aquarium for a summer getaway.
Get up close and personal with some of your favorite deep-sea creatures including sharks, stingrays and sea turtles!
Experience what it's like to touch a sea star or anemone at the Touchpool, then walk through Michigan's only 180-degree ocean tunnel!
Get ready to be amazed this summer as you discover the stories of the oceans' most fascinating creatures at SEA LIFE!
Visit SEA LIFE, Michigan's largest aquarium for a summer getaway.
Get up close and personal with some of your favorite deep-sea creatures including sharks, stingrays and sea turtles!
Experience what it's like to touch a sea star or anemone at the Touchpool, then walk through Michigan's only 180-degree ocean tunnel!
Get ready to be amazed this summer as you discover the stories of the oceans' most fascinating creatures at SEA LIFE!
What to Expect:
Peppa Pig World of Play is the perfect summer destination for families with young children!
You and your little piggies will enjoy exploring more than a dozen free-roaming play areas, all lovingly inspired by the cherished TV series. This indoor attraction is perfect for children ages 1-year-old to 8-years-old.
You'll explore 14 oink-tastic play areas: Peppa's Treehouse, Rebecca Rabbit's Underground Adventure, George's Fort, Granddad Dog's Garage, Madame Gazelle's School, and more!
Peppa Pig World of Play is the perfect summer destination for families with young children!
You and your little piggies will enjoy exploring more than a dozen free-roaming play areas, all lovingly inspired by the cherished TV series. This indoor attraction is perfect for children ages 1-year-old to 8-years-old.
You'll explore 14 oink-tastic play areas: Peppa's Treehouse, Rebecca Rabbit's Underground Adventure, George's Fort, Granddad Dog's Garage, Madame Gazelle's School, and more!
What to Expect:
Conveniently located 30-minutes from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland, Allegan Event is Michigan’s largest indoor ropes course and offers endless adventurous activities for families and guests of all ages to explore.
Attractions include the heart-pumping Sky Trail® ropes course with Sky Rail® zip rails, the Sky Tykes® course for little children, Clip ‘n Climb® walls, and outdoor Maze.
Stop by the arcade for more fun and games, then refuel in the food and beverage area.
Conveniently located 30-minutes from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland, Allegan Event is Michigan’s largest indoor ropes course and offers endless adventurous activities for families and guests of all ages to explore.
Attractions include the heart-pumping Sky Trail® ropes course with Sky Rail® zip rails, the Sky Tykes® course for little children, Clip ‘n Climb® walls, and outdoor Maze.
Stop by the arcade for more fun and games, then refuel in the food and beverage area.
What to Expect:
Come explore Michigan’s premiere aerospace and science center this summer!
With more than 200,000 square-feet, this Smithsonian-affiliated center features hundreds of air and spacecraft, full-motion flight simulators, hands-on learning stations, rides, theater, and active restoration center – there’s something for everyone to explore.
Summer highlights: Visiting Historic Aircraft, FREE Summer STEAM Days & National Aviation Day (Aug 19)
Admission: Ages 4 and under FREE; Ages 5-18 $14.95; Adults $15.95; Seniors $12.95
- Discounts for Military, Fire & Police, and families receiving SNAP benefits -
Come explore Michigan’s premiere aerospace and science center this summer!
With more than 200,000 square-feet, this Smithsonian-affiliated center features hundreds of air and spacecraft, full-motion flight simulators, hands-on learning stations, rides, theater, and active restoration center – there’s something for everyone to explore.
Summer highlights: Visiting Historic Aircraft, FREE Summer STEAM Days & National Aviation Day (Aug 19)
Admission: Ages 4 and under FREE; Ages 5-18 $14.95; Adults $15.95; Seniors $12.95
- Discounts for Military, Fire & Police, and families receiving SNAP benefits -
What to Expect:
Join us this summer at John Ball Zoo and meet our new pygmy hippos, Jahari and Penelope.
Get ready for a season loaded with close encounters, special experiences, hands-on fun and of course, lots of animal friends who are eager for you to visit.
Stay tuned to our website for the latest exciting events happening this summer such as Summer Spectacular, the Lantern Festival, Breakfast with the Animals and more.
Join us this summer at John Ball Zoo and meet our new pygmy hippos, Jahari and Penelope.
Get ready for a season loaded with close encounters, special experiences, hands-on fun and of course, lots of animal friends who are eager for you to visit.
Stay tuned to our website for the latest exciting events happening this summer such as Summer Spectacular, the Lantern Festival, Breakfast with the Animals and more.
What to Expect:
Our peaceful and authentic farm is the place for your family to take a step back and keep things simple.
We are a 3rd generation family farm that features seasonal fruits and veggies including asparagus, strawberries, sweet & tart cherries, blueberries, sweet corn, peaches, apples, grapes, pumpkins and squash. Donuts and apple cider in the fall.
U-Pick options available: tart cherries, blueberries, peaches, apples & concord grapes.
Please check our website, Facebook or call to confirm current availability
Our peaceful and authentic farm is the place for your family to take a step back and keep things simple.
We are a 3rd generation family farm that features seasonal fruits and veggies including asparagus, strawberries, sweet & tart cherries, blueberries, sweet corn, peaches, apples, grapes, pumpkins and squash. Donuts and apple cider in the fall.
U-Pick options available: tart cherries, blueberries, peaches, apples & concord grapes.
Please check our website, Facebook or call to confirm current availability
Summer Activities for Kids Outside
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, we recommend maximizing your family time outdoors.
Whether it’s a lazy day at the beach to build sandcastles or a full day of visiting furry and scaly friends at the zoo, there are summer activities for all ages to enjoy.
Grab your sunglasses, lemonade, and sunscreen and embark on your outside adventures.
Parks and Playgrounds
SWMI is packed with parks and playgrounds for all ages and interests.
From traditional slides and swings to pickleball courts, sand volleyball and disc golf, our green spaces are fantastic gathering spots for families.
8 • Explore the natural playground at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. – 7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49009
9 • For less steady walkers, we recommend rubber turfed playgrounds. This one at Texas Drive Park was added in 2021. They are also working on a splash pad here! – 6630 Texas Drive Park Trl, Kalamazoo MI 49009
10 • Join the pickleball craze at Kindleberger Park, Frays Park or 6th Street Park.
11 • Ramona Park in Portage offers double your fun with both a beach AND play structures. This playground also offers a rare feature: SHADE. – 8600 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage MI 49002
Nature Hikes & Bike Trails
Ready to venture off the beaten bath? Find hiking and bike trails for every skill level and interest.
12 • Explore one of the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy‘s ten public nature preserves.
13 • Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery is FREE to visit, and offers nature trails, kids activities and you can feed the fish! – 34270 County Rd 652, Mattawan MI 49071
14 • Grab your helmet and bike the Portage Bikeway. With over 55 miles of trails, your adventures can span a larger portion of the city.
15 • Bike to South Haven with the Kal-Haven Trail. This trail covers farmland, wooded areas, and over rivers and streams.
Water Play: Splash Pads & Beaches
Hit the beach or a local splash pad to beat the heat this summer. Many of these attractions offer FREE water play on the hottest summer days.
16 • Visit Silver Beach and the Whirlpool Fountain in St. Joe.
17 • Swim at Ramona Park on its lifeguarded beach (fee for non Portage residents applies). – 8600 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage MI 49002
181 • Visit the new splash pad at LaCrone Park in Kalamazoo, opened in 2022. – 535 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo MI 49007
Zoos, Sanctuaries & More Animal Attractions
Whether you prefer furry, scaly or feathered, you can find zoos and petting zoos in SWMI for a large variety of animals.
19 • Visit the alligators, camels and goats at Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park. – 8313 Pratt Lake Ave SE, Alto MI 49302
20 • Walk the trails and visit the waterfowl at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. – 12685 C Ave E, Augusta MI 49012
21 • Hold and feed gators at Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary in Athens. – 1698 M 66, Athens MI 49011
22 • Feed the giraffes and visit Raj the snow leopard at Binder Park Zoo. – 7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek MI 49014
23 • Say giddyap and get ready to hit the trails while horseback riding.
More Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids
24 • Rent a canoe, kayak or SUP for the day and have a family adventure.
25 • Go on a geocaching adventure somewhere new. If you’re new to the geocaching scene, try these tips to get started.
26 • Try out an old-fashioned lawn game like badminton, croquet or bocce ball.
27 • Play a round of mini-golf at Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center. – 7255 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage MI 49002
28 • Visit the Spinosaurus and other prehistoric friends at Western Michigan University’s Dinosaur Park.
29 • Visit Kalamazoo’s Art Hop on the first Friday of each month. Browse local talent at this FREE event.
30 • Hop aboard a train and watch the world pass by on one of these Train-tastic Adventures.
31 • Invite whimsy by planning and planting a Fairy Garden in your yard.
32 • Catch a movie in Celery Flats with Portage’s Movies in the Park.
33 • Paint rocks and hide them for others to find around town. Share your creations with Kalamazoo Rocks.
34 • Enjoy a FREE concert in the park with State on the Street downtown.
Indoor Activities in Kalamazoo
While we love summertime weather in Kalamazoo, sometimes Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.
When it’s too hot, too rainy or you just need a change of scenery, there is no shortage of indoor play options to engage the family.
We’ve highlighted high energy activities where kids can run and play, as well as lower-key projects to do at home.
Family Fun Centers
These one-stop-shops pack a lot of fun into one place for families. Bowling, laser tag, ninja courses, trampolines and more are inside these indoor playgrounds.
35 • Strike! Go bowling with the family at Airway Fun Center. Be sure to try the Kids Bowl Free program. – 5626 Portage Rd, Portage MI 49002
36 • Bounce your way over to Airborne Adventure‘s trampoline park and try the ninja warrior course, x-swing or zip line. – 5103 Portage Rd, Kalamazoo MI 49002
37 • Suit up the family for laser tag at Revel & Roll West. – 4500 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo MI 49008
38 • Visit the new Kids Empire indoor playground in Kalamazoo. – 5130 W Main, Kalamazoo MI 49009
39 • Play some Donkey Kong or Pac-Man at Klassic Arcade.
40 • Take a leap of faith, literally, at Allegan Event. Climb on and over 85 rope elements as you maneuver your way around the course. – 439 River St, Allegan MI 49010
41 • Have big kids? Take them to Climb Kalamazoo (more ideas for teens and tweens here). – 136 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo MI 49007
Museums & Libraries
Perfect for a rainy day or to cool off from a ninety-degree summer day, local libraries and museums can provide fun spaces to learn and explore.
42 • Broadcast the latest news and weather forecast from Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
43 • Take a spin on the balloon Ferris wheel at the Air Zoo.
44 • Pick up a new set of bedtime stories from the Portage or Kalamazoo libraries.
45 • Explore the latest masterpieces at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
Other Indoor Activities to Try
46 • Play Mouse Trap, Sorry, or other favorite board games.
47 • Gather books you no longer read and donate to a Free Little Library.
48 • Go swim at an indoor pool.
49 • Make a photo journal or scrapbook of all of the memories the family will make this summer.
50 • Make a Snuffle Mat for your dog, or donate one the SPCA or Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.
51 • Press summer flowers and use them for homemade bookmarks or cards.
52 • Restock your art supplies from Colors & Cocktails.
53 • Grab your telescope and do late-night stargazing.
54 • Make your own candle or sand candle (no drying time!) at Kalamazoo Candle Company. Visit them downtown or at their new shop in Portage, across the street from Target!
55 • Build your own terrarium at Mason Jar Plant Shop.
56 • Go paint pottery at Art Bayou.
Kalamazoo Restaurants & Food
Kalamazoo has the best restaurants to satisfy every palette. Whether it’s pizza, sushi, grape leaves or Pad Thai, this area can cover your family’s appetite.
And when you’re ready for dessert, make sure you have room for rolled ice cream, decadent cakes, handmade candy and macarons.
Beyond sampling the local favorites, summer also provides a fun time to experiment with cooking at home. This list also includes some fun recipes to try with your family.
Restaurants & Bakeries
57 • Grab a scoop of strawberry ice cream at one of Kalamazoo’s best ice cream shops.
58 • Take the kids on a surprise donut run to Sweetwater’s Donut Mill or Peace, Love, and Little Donuts.
59 • Try out a new breakfast restaurant, and get your eggs sunny side up.
60 • Dine al fresco with the family on one of Kalamazoo’s outdoor patios.
61 • Try a pickle pizza from Jac’s or Louie’s Trophy House.
62 • Be brave and order some unique, over-the-top food and food challenges from local restaurants.
63 • Feel like a kid in a candy shop at Rocket Fizz or Mattawan Candy Company.
64 • Celebrate a summer birthday with cake from a favorite bakery.
65 • Grab some late-night grub from the Late Night Food Truck Rally.
66 • Try a Boston Cooler from the soda bar at Schultz’s Treat Street. – 3023 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo MI 49008
U Pick & Farmers Markets
Warm weather welcomes fresh produce to SWMI, opening farmers markets and upick fruits at local farms.
67 • Visit the Kalamazoo Farmers Market and stock up on locally grown goodies. – 1204 Bank St, Kalamazoo MI 49001
68 • Pick your own fruit at a local farm:
69 • Go flower picking at Berry Brothers in Paw Paw. – 37146 30th St, Paw Paw MI 49079
Cook at Home
70 • Bake a strawberry cake after fruit picking with the family.
71 • Make your own healthy and delicious popsicles or fruit slushies.
72 • Make meals together. The kids can help with these recipes.
73 • Blend frozen bananas to make a smooth, cool treat. (Daniel Tiger fans will know this as banana swirl).
74 • Make your own lemonade and “sell” it to family members from a cardboard stand.
Fairs & Festivals
Festivals and fairs are summertime staples in Southwest Michigan. Live music, games and delicious food (hello, elephant ears!) are all ingredients for a great family experience.
Each summer, these events return to Kalamazoo with a mix of time-honored traditions and new and fun experiences.
Weekend Activities
If you find yourself with free weekends this summer, have no fear- our weekend roundup highlights some of the coolest stuff for families to try. 
Summer Camps & Classes
Camps and classes are a fun way to keep children’s brains energized and learning during the summer break from schoolwork.
Whether your child is interested in creative endeavors like art or music or more physical activities like sports, Kalamazoo offers a diverse set of camps to meet all families’ needs.
There are more summer camps and class offerings for 2023. Make sure to sign up early, as many favorites fill up quickly.
Summer Camps
75 • Western Michigan University’s Dollars and Sense Camp will have your big kid budgeting, investing and saving in no time.
76 • Explore your creative side with summer camps at the KIA for grades 1 – 12.
77 • The Air Zoo is inspiring future engineers and scientists with summer camps for preschoolers through twelfth grade.
78 • Looking for an overnight camp? Since 1950, Van Buren Youth Camp has welcomed kids to Great Bear Lake to swim, kayak, make arts and crafts and play sports.
79 • Getting OUTSIDE is a priority with Kalamazoo Nature Center. They even offer a Thursday overnight camp out for the big kids!
80 • Camp Kzoo is full of adventure, with daily trips to places like the Kik Pool, Rollerworld, and the movie theater.
Summer Classes
81 • Want to bond with some music classes? Crescendo Academy of Music is offering its Music Together classes this summer for caregivers and little ones.
82 • Kingdom Soccer offers youth soccer classes starting at age 2.
83 • Kalamazoo Music School offers the ultimate in flexibility for families; kids interested in learning an instrument or voice lessons can take them 7 days a week!
84 • Soccer Shots engages kids aged 2-8 in soccer skills, using parks in multiple cities near Kalamazoo.
Take a Road Trip
While Kalamazoo is pretty amazing, sometimes it’s good to break out of your comfort zone and explore somewhere new.
You can try a new amusement park, museum, zoo or beach and still have enough gas in the tank to return home.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip or are ready to pack the bags for a weekend away, we have you covered with our favorite family road trips.
Day Trips Within 2 Hours
Need a quick getaway? These day trips will still let you sleep in your beds after your fun adventures conclude.
85 • Watch the trees come to life in the Fantasy Forest at Leila Arboretum. – 928 Michigan Ave W, Battle Creek MI 49037
86 • Plan a shopping day at the Tanger Outlet Mall in Byron Center. – 350 84th St SW, Byron Center MI 49315
87 • Say hello to the tigers and penguins at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. – 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids MI 49504
88 • Head to Lansing and visit Impression 5 Science Center or Potter Park Zoo.
89 • Take a day trip to South Haven: swim, walk the pier and shop during the day. Stay for the Lake Michigan sunset.
90 • Immerse yourself in art and flowers at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. – 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525
91 • Go zip lining through the trees at TreeRunner Adventure Park in Grand Rapids.
92 • Go grocery shopping or play banker at the Kids ‘N’ Stuff Museum in Albion.
93 • Take a dune ride in Saugatuck.
94 • Raining? Get in the car and visit our favorite Grand Rapids indoor playgrounds.
95 • Explore the Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph, ride the Silver Beach Carousel and explore a playground on the beach!.
96 • Visit Moo-ville and learn how milk and ice cream are made. Stay and see the animals in the FREE petting farm. – 5875 S. M-66, Nashville MI 49073
Get Away for a Weekend
Pack your bags for a night (or two!) and these drivable destinations can pack a lot of fun into a summer weekend away.
97 • If your family likes thrill rides, check out Michigan’s Adventure. Don’t forget the swimsuits for their outdoor waterpark. – 4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon MI 49445
98 • Take a road trip to Detroit and visit Belle Isle (don’t forget to visit the aquarium).
99 • Beat the traffic and take the train to Chicago and explore the Magnificent Mile.
100 • Head east to Auburn Hills and visit Peppa Pig World of Play, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and SEA LIFE Aquarium.
101 • Cross one place off your bucket ‘visit’ list from our 20 places to take your kids in Michigan before they grow up.
102 • Spend a weekend away at the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island. – 286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island MI 49757
103 • Spend the weekend in Grand Rapids; there are enough summer things to do to keep you busy from morning to night.
104 • Step just inside the Indiana border for a beach getaway to Michigan City IN.
Free Summer Activities
Summer fun doesn’t have to cost a lot! Enjoy some of our favorite summer activities for kids that are free in SW Michigan:
More Summer Fun
