35 Amazing Things to Do in the City of Kalamazoo

things to do in the City of Kalamazoo

What to do in Kalamazoo MI

Yes, there really is a Kalamazoo.

While catchy for song lyrics (ask Bob Seger), Kalamazoo is a real place with a vibrant, diverse community. Whether looking to get outside, visit a museum or find a new place to eat or play, this college town offers a welcoming place for families to live.

The neighborhood of Kalamazoo is bursting with fun activities across various experiences.

Whether you live in this incredible city or are just visiting, this article features the best of the best in the city of Kalamazoo.

City of Kalamazoo

Bricks & Minifigs Kalamazoo

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We specialize in buying, selling and trading new and pre-owned LEGO® items, as well as specialty finds from LEGO® and third-party LEGO®-compatible vendors.
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Bricks & Minifigs Kalamazoo

City of Kalamazoo Snapshot

HISTORY: Bronson Park (named after founder Titus Bronson) is a favorite stop among families. Abraham Lincoln gave a speech in Bronson Park in 1856.

FUN: Downtown Kalamazoo is a special place at Christmas time. Visit Santa for photos and take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane.

FOOD: The city of Kalamazoo is a foodie haven, featuring cuisine from all over the world. Locals love the Kalamazoo Farmers Market, annual downtown festivals, and food truck rallies.

OUTDOORS: Kalamazoo offers an outdoor pool, splash pads, and many outdoor parks.

Life in Kalamazoo

Why people love to live here:

Downtown Kalamazoo features museums, diverse cuisine and plenty of shopping. Add live music, parades and art hopping events, and you can see why many visit this dynamic city.

Kalamazoo Valley Museum is a family favorite: it’s big on history and science through hands-on learning, and easy on wallets (admission is free).

Holiday shopping is made easier with the Holly Jolly Trolley. This festive ride dresses up for the holidays and makes winter extra special.

Population: 76,497

Education in Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo is a college town, offering a private university (Kalamazoo College), a public university (Western Michigan University) and a community college (Kalamazoo Valley Community College).

Graduates from Kalamazoo Public Schools are eligible for The Kalamazoo Promise, an anonymously funded scholarship program providing up to 100 percent of tuition for college or other in-state post-secondary educational institutions.

Things to Do in the City of Kalamazoo

The city of Kalamazoo offers something for everyone: shopping, food, parks, museums, and a local college town, which provides activities for both locals and visitors.

Downtown-Kalamazoo-Christmas

1 – Shop and Dine on the Kalamazoo Mall

Kalamazoo MallMAP IT
N Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Opened in 1957, the Kalamazoo Mall was the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the United States. Take a leisurely stroll downtown and stop for a coffee, dine outdoors for lunch, or shop the many locally-owned boutiques.

The Kalamazoo Mall hosts Art on the Mall each summer, where pottery, painting, sculptures, and other media are on display from local and regional artists.

Downtown Kalamazoo Mall
📷: Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership

2 – Splash and Swim in the Kik Pool

Kik PoolMAP IT
1018 Walter St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Cool off in the only 50-meter outdoor swimming pool in the Kalamazoo area. It offers water play, aqua fitness, swimming lessons and birthday parties.

The Kik Pool is named after the former head of the Kalamazoo Parks Department, Nicholas Kik Jr.

Kik-pool-Kalamazoo-kids-swimming

After you’ve dried off, head to Upjohn Park’s boundless playground, where children of all ages and abilities can play on rubber-turfed surfaces.

Upjohn Park also includes a skatepark, basketball courts, tennis courts and covered picnic tables.

Upjohn Park Playground Kzoo Parks, Kalamazoo playground
Upjohn Park is steps away from the Kik Pool
📷: Kzoo Parks

3 – Explore your Creative Side at Art Hop

Art Hop
359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 203, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Immerse yourself in the local arts on the first Friday of every month with Art Hop downtown.

The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo organizes this free, public event.

Local artists display their work, and patrons can “hop” from booth to booth to enjoy live music, vendors, and interaction with many creative minds.

📷: Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo

Glass Art Kalamazoo

4 – Learn Hands-On at Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Kalamazoo Valley MuseumMAP IT
230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

The KVM is a local favorite for many reasons: it offers free admission, a children’s area, regularly rotating exhibits, and a planetarium—all in one multi-level, magnificent museum.

Families will move from one hands-on station to the next, learning geography, mathematics, history and other disciplines.

The planetarium features more than just stars: various educational and seasonal shows play regularly on its domed ceiling.

5 – Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Sweetwater’s Donut Mill

Sweetwater’s Donut Mill
3333 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
2138 Sprinkle Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Stop into Sweetwater’s Donut Mill for a yummy, frosting-laden treat! Home to some of the most amazing donuts in Michigan.

With original flavors like the grasshopper and classics from plain glazed to Bavarian crème, we guarantee you’ll have difficulty choosing just one.

Kalamazoo Donuts

6 – Let Your Child’s Love For Reading Flourish at Bookbug

BookbugMAP IT
3019 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

This independently-owned bookstore is for kids only.

Find all your favorite titles here, and stay for their weekly morning story times. Kids will also love exploring the little house in the back of the store.

If you need books for grown-ups too, stop by This is a Bookstore next door and grab food from their Table of Contents Café.

Bookbug, April 2025
Bookbug, April 2025

7 – Beat the Heat at the Florence Street Splash Pad

Florence Street Splash PadMAP IT
534 Florence St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Splash the summer days away at the free splash pad on Florence Street, featuring squirting frogs and a rubberized surface.

Florence-street-splash-pad-park
📷: City of Kalamazoo

~ SWMI Splash Pads

8 – Make Your Personalized Candle at Kalamazoo Candle Company

Kalamazoo Candle CompanyMAP IT
166 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

The Kalamazoo Candle Company offers drop-in times at their marketplace to pour your own candle.

Your wax creation includes scent selection and a custom label. Kids will love making sand candles, which do not have any drying time.

The popular shop also offers convenient locations in Portage and Byron Center.

Kids Day Out Candle
Kalamazoo Candle Company
Sand candles = no drying time!

9 – Experience a Nostalgic Sweet Shop at Rocket Fizz

Rocket Fizz KalamazooMAP IT
125 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Transport yourself into a Willy Wonka-inspired daydream at Rocket Fizz Kalamazoo, where sugary sweets, sodas, puzzles, and toys create an atmosphere sure to entertain kids of all ages. 

For social media fans, their Facebook page is one to follow for their latest products and silly shenanigans.

10 – Buy, Sell and Trade LEGO® Sets at Bricks & Minifigs

Bricks & Minifigs KalamazooMAP IT
1926 Whites Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Open since June 2022, this Oakwood Plaza shop invites visitors to buy new, sell and trade their favorite brick-shaped toys- including rare or retired sets!

For true LEGO® enthusiasts, celebrate here for your next birthday party.

Bricks & Minifigs Kalamazoo

11 – Listen to Some Beats on Bates Alley

Beats on BatesMAP IT
Bates Alley, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Grab dinner downtown and settle in for some live music every Wednesday evening with Beats on Bates.

This event features new artists weekly, from June through September.

2025 Beats on Bates Schedule

Music is not the only art form on Bates Alley; in 2018, local artist Patrick Hershberger designed the Bates Alley Street Mural, which covers the street in beautiful, watery waves.

Downtown Kalamazoo Events Summer

12 – Tour the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Kalamazoo Institute of ArtsMAP IT
314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 

Visit the KIA and browse its vast collection, which includes over 4,700 art pieces.

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts also offers classes and camps for all ages in various media.

Kids will want to head downstairs to the Upjohn Mason Grandchildren Interactive Gallery, where hands-on activities with pegboards, magnets and books encourage learning through play.

📷: KIA

13 – Play in Bronson Park

Bronson ParkMAP IT
200 W South St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Bronson Park holds four seasons of activities for local families.

From live concerts and food truck rallies to winter strolls through Candy Cane Lane, this park merits annual visits.  

Bronson Park Tree Lighting
Annual tree lighting ceremony in Bronson Park
Candy Cane Lane
Candy Cane Lane

14 – Cheer for the Broncos at Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University Athletics
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Living in a college town has its benefits.

Whether it’s football, hockey or another sport, Western Michigan University offers many fun opportunities to watch sporting events together as a family.

Be sure to snag a photo with Buster Bronco if you see him!

15 – Hike the Trails at the Kalamazoo Nature Center

Kalamazoo Nature CenterMAP IT
7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

The Kalamazoo Nature Center offers 14 miles of trails to explore.

Trails are labeled for ease of use with both distances and difficulty levels. In the warmer weather, stop by Nature’s Playground after your hike to cool off with water play.

The KNC is also a fantastic source for nature education; check their schedule for children’s story times and programs.

Kalamazoo-Nature-Center-Playground-natural-water-splash-pad-park
KNC Nature’s Playground
KNC Trails

16 – Conquer Your Fear of Heights at Climb Kalamazoo

Climb KalamazooMAP IT
136 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo MI 49007

Test your rock climbing skills at the indoor mountain climbing gym in the city of Kalamazoo.

Climbers of all aptitudes and ages are welcome, starting at three years old.

Climb Kalamazoo
📷: Climb Kalamazoo

17 – Check out a Favorite Book or Visit Story Time at the Library

Kalamazoo Public Library
Central: 315 Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Eastwood: 1112 Gayle Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Edison: 1244 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Your local library is a fantastic spot for story times; many have ones geared to toddlers or preschoolers to foster a love of reading for all ages.

After story time finishes, visit each branch’s unique play area.

Kalamazoo Public Library
📷: KPL

18 – Snag Fresh Foods at the Farmers Market

Kalamazoo Farmers MarketMAP IT
1204 Bank St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Kalamazoo Farmers Market features over 100 vendors offering fresh produce, plants, flowers and local goods.

The market runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from June through November.

Kalamazoo Farmers Market

19 – Play Ping Pong at Henderson Tot Lot

Henderson Tot LotMAP IT
1601 Henderson Ct, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Ever play ping-pong outside?

Kzoo Parks’ 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.

Henderson Tot Lot Kzoo Parks

20 – Take a Photo with the Jolly Man in the Red Suit

Downtown Kalamazoo Santa
Santa’s Workshop in Downtown Kalamazoo

Santa and Mrs. Claus make an annual trip to visit local families in Downtown Kalamazoo.

This free visit includes writing Santa letters, cookie decorating, craft making and taking photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Santa’s location may change annually, but the fun is the same! Visitors typically meet with Santa at The Radisson, Epic Center, or City Centre.

Downtown Kalamazoo Santa
📷: Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership

21 – Take a #Skelfie during SkeleTour

SkeleTour
Downtown Kalamazoo

The Metro Toyota SkeleTour is an autumn spectacular that lasts throughout the entire month of October.

Walk around downtown and discover one-of-a-kind, life-size skeletons that reflect local businesses and organizations in the city of Kalamazoo.

22 – Watch a Broadway Show at Miller Auditorium

Miller AuditoriumMAP IT
1341 Theatre Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Located on Western Michigan University’s campus, Miller Auditorium features shows for families or a date night away: Broadway productions, comedy events, family shows, and live concerts are on the schedule at this performing arts venue.

Miller Auditorium City of Kalamazoo
Miller welcomes 3,497 guests to its performances
📷: Miller Auditorium

23 – Buy Some Peanuts & Cracker Jack at a Growlers Game

Kalamazoo GrowlersMAP IT
251 Mills St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048

The Kalamazoo Growlers baseball team offers fun and excitement from the Northwoods League, a premier summer collegiate baseball league.

Fans can expect a lot of games in a short season: the Growlers play 72 games in 77 days, giving many opportunities to catch a game at Homer Stryker Field.

Kalamazoo Growlers Baseball
📷: Kalamazoo Growlers

24 – Ride the Holly Jolly Trolley

Holly Jolly Trolley
Downtown Kalamazoo

Visitors enjoy FREE rides downtown on this old-fashioned trolley, decked out for the Christmas season in the city of Kalamazoo.

Downtown Kalamazoo Holly Jolly Trolley
Holly Jolly Trolley Downtown Kalamazoo
📷: Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership

25 – Stock up on Kalamazoo Gear at The Spirit of Kalamazoo

The Spirit of KalamazooMAP IT
154 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

In addition to selling 24 flavors of Plainwell ice cream, The Spirit of Kalamazoo is a must-stop for Kalamazoo attire.

Whether celebrating a new baby with a Kalamazoo onesie or picking up a Western hoodie for your college student, this shop has all of the local gear.

Kalamazoo Onesies
📷: Spirit of Kalamazoo

26 – Buy New Shoes with a Guaranteed Fit at Little Chick

Little Chick Shoe ShopMAP IT
1924 Whites Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Since 1938, Little Chick Shoe Shop has been a shoe store for kids only.

It will transport you back in time with handwritten receipts and shopping history on index cards.

All of this history comes with a long-standing policy: all shoes are guaranteed to fit: If a child outgrows his shoes within the policy’s time frame, the replacement pair is prorated.

Kalamazoo Kids Shoe Store

27 – Strike up Some Fun at Revel and Roll West

Revel and Roll WestMAP IT
4500 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Revel and Roll West is a one-stop shop for arcade games, bowling, axe throwing and laser tag.

Families will also enjoy their lane-side service, featuring scratch dishes and a full bar.

When the weather permits, try out their patio dining outside.

📷: Revel & Roll West

Revel & Roll West
Revel & Roll West Munchies

28 – Get your Giggles at the Do-Dah Parade

Do-Dah Parade
Downtown Kalamazoo

Since 1984, the annual Do-Dah Parade has been a Kalamazoo tradition built around satire and entertainment.

Every June, head downtown and collect candy as local businesses show off their funny bones and dance through the streets.

Kalamazoo Do-Dah Parade

~ Do-Dah Parade Event

29 – Travel Back in Time at Dinosaur Park

Dinosaur ParkMAP IT
2101 Wilbur Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 (Rood Hall)

Open in 2021, Dinosaur Park is FREE to visit on Western’s Campus and features some massive prehistoric friends, including a 15-foot Brachiosaurus.

Dinosaur Park Credit: Western Mich Facilities Mgmt
📷: Western Michigan University Facilities Management

30 – Create Your Custom Fragrance at The Aroma Labs

The Aroma LabsMAP IT
352 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

At The Aroma Labs, visitors can craft their personalized scents into fun products to take home: perfume, bath salts and beard oil are all options for showcasing your new creations.

The Aroma Labs is located on the mall, in Downtown Kalamazoo.

Grand Rapids shoppers will find a second location on Monroe Center Street.

Aroma Labs

31 – Play Inside at Kids Empire

Kids EmpireMAP IT
5130 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

When outdoor play isn’t in the cards but your kids need to burn off boundless energy, head to Kalamazoo’s huge indoor playground on West Main.

There’s plenty to do for kids 12 and younger, like super-fast slides, a soccer area, imaginative building with giant blocks, exciting spinning, dancing, challenging obstacle courses, and more.

Snacks and drinks are available on site – you can also leave and return on the same day if you need a food break.

~ Kids Empire

32 – Stock Up on Loose Leaf Tea at Kalamazoo Spice & Tea Merchants

Kalamazoo Spice & Tea MerchantsMAP IT
245 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Opened in 2023, this shop offers hand-blended spices, loose-leaf teas, and gourmet delights.

📷: Kalamazoo Spice & Tea Merchants

33 – Kick off the Holiday Season with the Maple Hill Holiday Parade

Maple Hill Holiday Parade
Downtown Kalamazoo

For over sixty years, this parade in Kalamazoo has served as the unofficial start to the holiday season in November.

Join 20,000-30,000 friends in Downtown Kalamazoo to witness floats, massive ballons, schools, bands and more as they march along the route.

Kalamazoo holiday parade Maple Hill holiday parade downtown Kalamazoo
📷: Maple Hill Holiday Parade

34 – Get Messy with the Children’s Nature Playscape

Children’s Nature PlayscapeMAP IT
302 Academy St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

A vacant lot was transformed into a beautiful playscape in Kalamazoo.

Explore the natural elements here, including water, rocks and dirt, and check their calendar for special events.

Visitor note: The playscape is staffed and therefore only open during specific operating hours. Verify schedule on their website.

Kalamazoo Park Playground

35 – Dine at a Locally Owned Restaurant

The City of Kalamazoo is a foodie town that prides itself on a diverse set of locally-owned restaurants. While it’s impossible to name them all, we’ve highlighted five must-tries while in the city:

Louie’s Trophy House
629 Walbridge St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Louie’s is the oldest bar in Kalamazoo, open since 1918.

In addition to the “trophies” around the restaurant, they are known for their weekend brunches, complete with Bloody Mary bar and mimosa flights.

If you’re a St. Patrick’s Day celebrant, Louie’s is one of the top spots on your list.

Louie’s also offers a second location in Texas Corners, Louie’s Corner Bar.

Cairo’s Kitchen
155 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Starting as a food truck, Cairo’s opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Kalamazoo, serving Egyptian food, including shawarma and falafel wraps.

city of Kalamazoo
Falafel wrap at Cairo’s Kitchen

Cherri’s Chocol’art
101 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

For all things chocolate, Cherri’s needs to be on your list.

Sweets here (including marshmallows!) are made from scratch. Try the Monster Shakes: decadent, over-the-top ice cream shakes that rotate seasonally.

We recommend grabbing a s’mores kit to roast over the fire or a hand-painted chocolate bunny at Easter.

Cherri's Chocol'art Milkshake
Cherri’s Monster Shakes are legendary

Shakespeare’s Pub
241 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Open since 2013, “Shakes” is known for its beer selection and amazing nachos and pizza.

You should also add them to your must-visit list on St. Patrick’s Day.

Best Nachos- Shakespeare's Pub
Top-voted nachos in Kalamazoo

Water Street Coffee
Multiple locations in Kalamazoo

Locals love Water Street Coffee, which operates six locations in the Kalamazoo area, including both hospitals.

Their coffee and tea selections are excellent, and their food is also spectacular.

Best Coffee Shop

Map

find things to do in the City of Kalamazoo MI

Where to Stay in Kalamazoo MI

Radisson Hotel Plaza at Kalamazoo Center
100 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007
The Kalamazoo House
447 W South St Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Kalamazoo
303 N Rose St Kalamazoo, MI 49007
The Henderson Castle
100 Monroe St Kalamazoo, MI 49006

FAQs

Where is Kalamazoo MI located?

Kalamazoo MI is located in southwest Michigan, almost equidistant (approx 140 miles) between Detroit MI and Chicago IL and about 70 miles southwest of Lansing, Michigan’s capital.

When was Kalamazoo founded?

Kalamazoo was founded in 1831 by Titus Bronson.

Where can I find Yes, there really is a Kalamazoo swag?

The Spirit of Kalamazoo downtown is your best bet for city-branded merchandise. Grab some Plainwell ice cream while you’re in the shop too.

What is The Kalamazoo Promise?

The Kalamazoo Promise is an anonymously funded scholarship program providing up to 100 percent of tuition and mandatory fees paid for at in-state post-secondary educational institutions.

The Promise scholarship can be applied to over 60 Michigan institutions, trade programs, community colleges and universities.

Since it began in 2005, The Promise has awarded more than 7,000 KPS graduates with more than $180 million in scholarships. 

What are your favorite things to do in the City of Kalamazoo?

Albeit biased, we think Kalamazoo MI is one of the best cities to live or visit. What are your favorite things to do here?