30+ Amazing Family Things to Do in the City of Kalamazoo

Things to Do in Kalamazoo

What to do in Kalamazoo With Kids

Cover photo: City of Kalamazoo

Yes, there really is a Kalamazoo.

While catchy for song lyrics (ask Bob Seger), Kalamazoo is also 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 city of Kalamazoo is bursting with fun family activities across a wide variety of experiences:

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 Ribfest and food truck rallies.

OUTDOORS: Kalamazoo offers an outdoor pool, splash pad, and plenty of parks to play outside.

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

City of Kalamazoo

Demographics

The city of Kalamazoo offers something for everyone: shopping, food, parks, museums, and a local college town all provide activities for families to enjoy.

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.

You should know: Kalamazoo is home to many educational institutions including a private university (Kalamazoo College), a public university (Western Michigan University) and a community college (Kalamazoo Valley Community College).

Kalamazoo

Population: 76,497

Schools:
Kalamazoo Public Schools

Known For:
» Kalamazoo Mall
» Do-Dah Parade
» Western Michigan University
» Bell’s Brewery
» Gibson & Heritage Guitars
» The Upjohn Company

Kalamazoo Public Schools

Kalamazoo Public Schools is proud of its rich diversity. As one of the largest districts in our regions, KPS has vast resources to meet students’ needs and interests.

Whether that’s learning Mandarin Chinese, participating in award-winning robotics programs, receiving social-emotional support, or choosing from over 20 Advanced Placement courses, KPS has opportunities to help your child thrive. Enroll today! #WeAreKPS

Kalamazoo Public Schools KPS

Things to Do in the City of Kalamazoo

#1
Shop and Dine on the Kalamazoo Mall

Kalamazoo Mall
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
photo: Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership

#2
Splash and Swim in the Kik Pool

Kik Pool
1018 Walter St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Cool off in the only 50-meter outdoor swimming pool in the Kalamazoo area, offering 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 over to Upjohn Park’s boundless playground, where all ages and abilities are welcome to play on their rubber-turfed surfaces. Upjohn Park also includes a skatepark, basketball courts, tennis courts and covered picnic tables.

Kalamazoo Park
UpJohn Park is a favorite playground in the City of Kalamazoo.

#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 Kalamazoo Arts Council organizes this free, public event where local artists display their work and patrons can “hop” from booth to booth to enjoy live music, vendors, and interact with many creative minds.

#4
Learn Hands-On at Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Kalamazoo Valley Museum
230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

The KVM is a local favorite for so many reasons: free admission, 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: a variety of educational and seasonal shows play regularly on their 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 a difficult time choosing just one.

Kalamazoo Donuts

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

Bookbug
3019 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

This independently-owned bookstore is for kids only. Find all of your favorite titles here, and be sure to 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 too.

Kalamazoo Bookstore

#7
Beat the Heat at the Florence Street Splash Pad

Florence Street Splash Pad
534 Florence St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

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

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

#8
Make Your Own Candle at Kalamazoo Candle Company

Kalamazoo Candle Company
166 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

The Kalamazoo Candle Company offers drop-in times at their marketplace to pour your own candle. Your personal wax creation includes scent selection and a custom label. Kids will love making sand candles, which do not have any drying timel.

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

Kids Day Out Candle

#9
Experience a Nostalgic Sweet Shop at Rocket Fizz

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

Transport yourself into a Willa 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 on their latest products and silly shenanigans.

Kalamazoo Candy Shop
Photo: Rocket Fizz

#10
Go Apple Picking at VerHage Fruit Farm and Cider Mill

VerHage Fruit Farm and Cider Mill
8619 West ML Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

VerHage provides everything you need to experience a quintessential Michigan autumn day: apple cider, fresh donuts, u-pick apples, pumpkins, and a zip line. 

Bring the family on weekends for fun, fall activities including hayrides, jumping pad, animal barn, and a ride on Andy the Apple Train.

#11
Get your Giggles at the Do-Dah Parade

Do-Dah Parade
Downtown Kalamazoo

Since 1984, the annual Do-Dah Parade is 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.

Since 1984, the annual Do-Dah Parade is 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 Parade

#12
Paint Pottery at Art Bayou

Art Bayou
3306 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Art Bayou offers a drop-in style studio for painting pottery on Stadium Drive, featuring over 400 pottery pieces. Whether it’s a gift for a special family member or a personal keepsake, this studio is open six days a week to stop by and create your next masterpiece on a flexible schedule.

Kalamazoo Pottery Painting
photo: Art Bayou

#13
Listen to Some Beats on Bates Alley

Beats on Bates
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.

Music is not the only form of art 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

#14
Tour the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 

Visit the KIA and browse their vast collection; over 4700 pieces of art are included in their permanent collection. The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts also teaches classes and camps for all ages in a variety of media.

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

#15
Play in Bronson Park

Bronson Park
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 visits all year long.  

Bronson Park Tree Lighting
Be sure to catch the annual tree lighting ceremony in Bronson Park
Candy Cane Lane

#16
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 a number of fun opportunities to watch sporting events together as a family. Be sure to snag a photo with Buster Bronco if you see him!

Western Michigan Football

#17
Hike the Trails at the Kalamazoo Nature Center

Kalamazoo Nature Center
7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

The Kalamazoo Nature Center offers 14 miles of trails for families 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 some water play.

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

KNC Trails
Visitors will find beautiful wooded trails throughout KNC.

#18
Conquer Your Fear of Heights at Climb Kalamazoo

Climb Kalamazoo
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 just three years old.

photo: Climb Kalamazoo

#19
Tantalize your Barbecued Taste buds with Ribfest

Kalamazoo Ribfest
145 E Water St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

For over 30 years, Kalamazoo Ribfest pairs great food with live music downtown at Arcadia Creek Festival Place. Local and national vendors provide ribs and sides to fill your belly, while live bands perform on stage.

This three-day event is a city of Kalamazoo tradition since 1985.

#20
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
Northside: 1000 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

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, be sure to visit each branch’s unique play area.

#21
Snag Fresh Foods at the Farmers Market

Kalamazoo Farmers Market
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

#22
Train the Next American Ninja Warrior at Airborne Adventure Park

Airborne Adventure Park
5103 Portage Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49002

Airborne Adventure Park provides trampolines, a foam pit, obstacle courses and a zip line in this indoor park to engage your family in a number of different fun, physical activities.

#23
Take a Photo with the Jolly Man in the Red Suit

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.

Downtown Kalamazoo Santa
photo: Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership

#24
Take a #Skelfie during SkeleTour

SkeleTour
Downtown Kalamazoo

The Metro Toyota SkeleTour is an autumn spectacular throughout the entire month of October, 60+ one-of-a-kind, life-size skeletons that reflect local businesses and organizations in the city of Kalamazoo.

photo: Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership

#25
Watch a Broadway Show at Miller Auditorium

Miller Auditorium
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.

#26
Buy Some Peanuts & Cracker Jack at a Growlers Game

Kalamazoo Growlers
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
photo: Kalamazoo Growlers

#27
Ride the Holly Jolly Trolley

Holly Jolly Trolley
Downtown Kalamazoo

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

Holly Jolly Trolley Downtown Kalamazoo
photo: Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership
Downtown Kalamazoo Holly Jolly Trolley

#28
Stock up on Kalamazoo Gear at The Spirit of Kalamazoo

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

n 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
photo: Spirit of Kalamazoo

#29
Buy New Shoes with a Guaranteed Fit at Little Chick

Little Chick Shoe Shop
1924 Whites Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Open since 1938, Little Chick Shoe Shop is a shoe store for kids only that 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 their policy’s time frame, the replacement pair is pro-rated.

Kalamazoo Kids Shoe Store

#30
Strike up Some Fun at Revel and Roll West

Revel and Roll West
4500 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

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

Families will also enjoy their lane-side service, featuring scratch dishes (including specialty Detroit-style pizzas) and a full bar. When the weather permits, try out their patio dining outside.

photo: Revel & Roll West

#31
Buy, Sell and Trade LEGO Bricks at Bricks & Minifigs

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

Open since June 2022, this Oakwood Plaza newbie invites visitors to buy new, sell and trade their favorite brick-shaped toys- including rare or retired sets! For true LEGO enthusiasts, be sure to celebrate with them for your next birthday party.

Bricks & Minifigs Kalamazoo
Find Bricks & Minifigs in Oakwood Plaza, next door to Little Chick.
Bricks & Minifigs
Visitors will find cases of LEGO minifigs or they can build their own.

#32
Travel Back in Time at Dinosaur Park

Dinosaur Park
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
photo: Western Michigan University Facilities Management
Dinosaur Park Western Michigan University

#33
Create Your Own Custom Fragrance at The Aroma Labs

The Aroma Labs
2352 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

At The Aroma Labs, visitors can craft their own personalized scent into a fun product to take home: perfume, bath salts and beard oil are all options for showcasing your new creation.

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

#34
Play Ping Pong at Henderson Tot Lot

Henderson Tot Lot
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



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