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 await us in Kalamazoo this summer.
We’ve compiled a list of summer activities for kids to suit all families: 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 to help families have an awesome summer.
In this guide
Featured Summer Activities for Kids
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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!
We specialize in buying, selling and trading new and pre-owned LEGO® items, as well as specialty finds from The LEGO® Group and third-party LEGO®-compatible vendors.
Our beautiful centrally-located shop also offers LEGO® entertainment, expertise, knowledge, events, rarities, camps, family programming, in-store shopping, community partnerships and more! Plus, we've extended our hours for the summer!
Daily animal encounters with care specialists, petting zoo, and more. New river otters habitat opening May 22.
Your visit supports our conservation of wild places and wildlife. Memberships from $18 down. Open daily 9–5. Tickets online.
Ages: Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary Kids, Tweens, Middle Schoolers, High Schoolers
Take on outdoor adventures including go karts, ropes course, climbing wall, spinning coaster, gyroscope, and mini golf.
Then keep the fun going inside with bowling, arcade games, immersive attractions, and delicious food.
Airway is your one-stop destination for family fun all summer long!
Ages: Toddlers, Preschool, Elementary, Tween, Middle School, High School, Preschoolers, Elementary Kids, Tweens, Middle Schoolers, High Schoolers
Whether it’s enjoying one another's company, having a fun conversation, or making family memories - that’s what we’re about here at Schultz Fruitridge Farms. It is our commitment to you.
We’re here to happily serve you with fresh country air and family time.
Come and enjoy our 3rd-generation family farm.
Ages: Toddlers, Preschool, Elementary, Tween, Middle School, High School, Preschoolers, Elementary Kids, Tweens, Middle Schoolers, High Schoolers
Summer Activities for Kids Outside
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, we recommend making the most of 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.
10 • For less steady walkers, we recommend rubber-turfed playgrounds. This one at Texas Drive Park was added in 2021. They also opened a new splash pad here in 2023! – 6630 Texas Drive Park Trl, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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 much 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
18• Visit the 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 animals, SWMI has zoos and petting zoos for a wide variety of them.
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 an old-fashioned lawn game like badminton, croquet or bocce ball.
27 • Play a round of mini-golf at Allegan Event. – 439 River St, Allegan, MI 49010
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 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 Lunchtime Live 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 keep the family engaged.
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 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 for cooling off on 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 • Take a pottery class at The Potted Plant in Portage. – 3798 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024
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 to 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. – 240 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
53 • Grab your telescope and do late-night stargazing.
54 • Make your own candle or sand candle (no drying time!) at Kalamazoo Candle Company.
55 • Build your own terrarium at Mason Jar Plant Shop.
56 • Go paint pottery at Art Bayou. – 8606 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
57 • Build your own LEGO® Minifig at Bricks & Minifigs Kalamazoo. You can also find new and used sets there, plus bulk LEGO® bricks! – 1926 Whites Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
đź“·: BAM Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Restaurants & Food
Kalamazoo has the best restaurants to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re looking for pizza, sushi, grape leaves or Pad Thai, this area can satisfy 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 is also a fun time to experiment with cooking at home. This list includes some fun recipes to try with your family.
Restaurants & Bakeries
58 • Grab a scoop of strawberry ice cream at one of Kalamazoo’s best ice cream shops.
59 • Take the kids on a surprise donut run to Sweetwater’s Donut Mill.
60 • Try out a new breakfast restaurant, and get your eggs sunny side up.
61 • Dine al fresco with the family on one of Kalamazoo’s outdoor patios.
62 • Try a pickle pizza from Jac’s or Louie’s Trophy House.
63 • Be brave and order some unique, over-the-top food and food challenges from local restaurants.
64 • Feel like a kid in a candy shop at Rocket Fizz or Mattawan Candy Company.
65 • Celebrate a summer birthday with cake from a favorite bakery.
66 • Grab some late-night grub from the Late Night Food Truck Rally.
67 • Try a flavor-burst soft serve cone from Galesburg Pizza King. – 125 W Michigan, Galesburg, MI 49053
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 u-pick fruits at local farms.
68 • Visit the Kalamazoo Farmers Market and stock up on locally grown goodies. – 1204 Bank St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
69 • Pick your fruit at a local farm:
70 • Go lavender picking at Shades of Lavender Farm – 47222 24th St, Mattawan, MI 49071
Cook at Home
71 • Bake a strawberry cake after fruit picking with the family.
72 • Make your own healthy and delicious popsicles or fruit slushies.
73 • Make meals together. The kids can help with these recipes.
74 • Blend frozen bananas to make a smooth, cool treat. (Daniel Tiger fans will know this as banana swirl).
75 • Make your 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.
Summer Camps & Classes
Camps and classes are a fun way to keep children’s brains energized and learning during the summer break from school.
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 2024. Make sure to sign up early, as many favorites fill up quickly.
Summer Camps
76 • Western Michigan University’s Dollars and Sense Camp will have your big kid budgeting, investing and saving in no time.
77 • Explore your creative side with summer camps at the KIA for grades 1 – 12.
78 • The Air Zoo inspires future engineers and scientists with summer camps for preschoolers through twelfth grade.
79 • 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.
80 • Kalamazoo Nature Center prioritizes getting outside. They even offer a Thursday overnight campout for the big kids!
81 • Camp Kzoo is full of adventure, with daily trips to places like the Kik Pool, Rollerworld, and the movie theater.
Summer Classes
82 • Want to bond with some music classes? Crescendo Academy of Music offers its Music Together classes this summer for caregivers and little ones.
83 • Kingdom Soccer offers youth soccer classes starting at age 2.
84 • Kalamazoo Music School offers voice and instrument lessons for kids AND adults!
85 • 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 impressive, sometimes it’s good to step 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? After your fun adventures conclude, these day trips will still let you sleep in your beds.
86 • Watch the trees come to life in the Fantasy Forest at Leila Arboretum. – 928 Michigan Ave W, Battle Creek, MI 49037
87 • Plan a shopping day at the Tanger Outlet Mall in Byron Center. – 350 84th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
88 • Say hello to the tigers and penguins at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. – 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
89 • Head to Lansing and visit Impression 5 Science Center or Potter Park Zoo.
90 • Take a day trip to South Haven: swim, walk the pier and shop during the day. Stay for the Lake Michigan sunset.
91 • Immerse yourself in art and flowers at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. – 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
92 • Go zip lining through the trees at TreeRunner Adventure Park in Grand Rapids.
93 • Go grocery shopping or play banker at the Kids ‘N’ Stuff Museum in Albion.
94 • Take a dune ride in Saugatuck.
95 • Raining? Get in the car and visit our favorite Grand Rapids indoor playgrounds.
96 • Explore the Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph, ride the Silver Beach Carousel and explore a playground on the beach!.
97 • 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.
98 • 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
99 • Take a road trip to Detroit and visit Belle Isle (don’t forget to visit the aquarium).
100 • Beat the traffic and take the train to Chicago and explore the Magnificent Mile.
101 • Head east to Auburn Hills and visit Peppa Pig World of Play, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and SEA LIFE Aquarium.
102 • Cross one place off your bucket list from our 20 places to take your kids in Michigan before they grow up.
103 • Spend a weekend away at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. – 286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island MI 49757
104 • Spend the weekend in Grand Rapids; there are enough summer things to do to keep you busy from morning to night.
105 • Step just inside the Indiana border for a beach getaway to Michigan City IN.
Summer Bucket List
Keep track of fun summer activities with this bucket list; download your copy below. The PDF download also links to our articles, which list zoos, parks, museums and more to help guide your adventures!
Download Printable Bucket List
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
