Indoor Activities for Kids Near Kalamazoo — discovering anew (2024)

Welcome to my corner of Michigan. Located between Portage and Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo has so much to offer. There is a wealth of activities for families and children nearby. Michigan’s weather is fickle so if you have a cold, rainy or snowy day, here are 12 indoor things to do near Kalamazoo for families. Keep your kids active and create some lasting memories as you play together.

Free Activities Near Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo Valley Museum | Kalamazoo

This FREE Kalamazoo museum has an amazing children’s area with interactive elements to engage even the youngest of minds. On the 3rd floor the exhibits are changed throughout the year from dinosaurs to Lego, so it’s a new visit every single time. Planetarium shows are offered throughout the day on various topics of astronomy, Michigan Great Lakes and seasonal shows.( Fee $3.00/ show)

Hours: Tues- Sat: 10-4pm Sun: 12-4pm

Cost: Free

Portage Public Library | Portage

The newly remodeled building offers story times, activities and a large open space with toys for children to play and socialize with other kids. It’s a perfect place to meet up with friends or make some new ones. The library offers story times, movement classes, and other interactive events. Check out their schedule of events.

If the weather clears, head to the paved Celery Flat Trails. The path is great for strollers and bikes. Another fun activity to try is geocaching, there are two caches hidden by the library area, one by the cemetery and another along the trail. Unfamiliar with geocaching, check out this outdoor treasure hunt.

Hours:

Monday – Thurs :9Am- 9:00 PM

Friday: 9am -6:00 PM

Saturday: 9-5:00 PM

Sunday: 1- 5:00 PM

Cost Free

*Many libraries in the area have great children’s programs. If you’re in Northern Kalamazoo, check out Otsego’s Library, where they have the most creative Willy Wonka display going on now.

Paid Activities Near Kalamazoo

Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum| Portage

Fly through the air in a hot air balloon, experience a flight simulator, or discover what it’s like for an astronaut to live in space. Throughout the Air Zoo Museum you will find hands on learning experiences including building a bottle air rocket or sitting in the co*ckpit of a plane. Included in the entrance fee is access to over 5 amusem*nt park rides, we love that you can ride again and again. (height restrictions on some rides)

Watch a short film about space or flight history, specifically geared towards children. Tip check the showtimes when you first arrive. The upper deck is the spot to eat lunch. There is a food court area to purchase drinks and food, but we usually plan ahead and bring our own food. Plan to spend easily spend 2-4 hours at the museum. The upper level provides a bird’s eye view of all the planes and exhibits. During holiday breaks their are special events/ STEAM activities offered.

Hours: Mon- Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun- 12-5pm

Cost: Adults – $15.95, Seniors- $12.95, Children ages 5-18 $14.95, Children under 4 Free

Swim at YMCA Greater Kalamazoo | Kalamazoo

Grab a family day pass for $25. When our family needs a fun outing during the cold winter months, we like to head to the pool. Don’t have a membership, not a problem. They offer day passes for the whole family. You can enjoy the pool, basketball court and workout equipment. The Maple Y has a splash zone and lap lanes. Check the schedule for open swim times and family swim hours.

Hours: Vary

Cost $25

Mezanmi Play Café | Vicksburg

Mezanmi Play Café is a unique combination of a coffeehouse for parents with an indoor play area. Located in the quaint village of Vicksburg, it’s the perfect place for little ones to play while you meet up with friends, relax, and enjoy a fresh brewed cup of coffee.

Ideal for when you just need to get out of the house, Mezanmi provides a safe, comfortable space where your children can play in an environment that fosters creativity. The emphasis is on natural and wooden toys, with imaginative elements including: a tree house, teepee, and kitchen area. TIP The play space is geared for children 6 and under. Don’t forget socks which are required to play

Cost: 90 minute play sessions/$8.00/child. Reserve your spot ahead of time online. Discounts for multiple children/ memberships available.

Hours:

Mon- Fri 8:00am -4:30 pm

Sat- Sun 8:00am -12:30pm

• Another play cafe that serves food just opened in Plainwell, called MI Grounds.

LVL Up Gaming Lounge | Vicksburg

Gather your family or friends and head to the modern day video game arcade to try all the newest gaming systems. With multiple consoles including PC, PS5 and X-Box. Pay by the hour and have fun interacting as you challenge each other. A great spot to head when it’s a rainy, cold day. Memberships also available.

Hours: Vary

Cost: Purchase play time increments

Lace up those skates or rollerblades and get ready to roll. Rollerworld will make adults nostalgic for the good ole days. Music, disco balls and fun interactive games of limbo and four corners will guarantee a good time is had by all in Southwest Michigan. Have a beginner skater, grab a walker to help them learn to skate. Food and drinks are available in the restaurant area. During holiday break Rollerworld is open extra days/hours. Check their schedule here.

Hours: Thurs- Sun, hours vary

Cost: $11-13.00

Paris Bahn & HTN Play Center | Portage

Enjoy this recently opened indoor play center and restaurant. The HTN indoor play cafe has a ball pit, toddler area, and multiple slides to keep kids entertained while you enjoy your meal of Vietnamese food and French style bread, plus they feature boba milk teas.

Hours: 11-7pm

Cost: 2 hours of play and socks

Weekdays (Mon-Thurs) $15.00 per child/$4.00 each parent(include two with paid child)

Weekends (Fri-Sun) $17 per child/$4 each parent (includes two with paid child)

The heights are the limits at Allegan Event Center. This facility has everything thrill seekers would want: climbing walls, ziplines, high ropes course and arcade games. There is also a toddler ropes course so younger children can still join in on the fun. Great for birthday parties and groups. A waiver is required to join in on the fun. Tip: Wear closed toed shoes for climbing

Hours: Varies

Cost: Varies based on elements and time allotted

Battle Ground Skate House | Battle Creek

This indoor skate park welcomesall kinds of wheelsincluding skateboards, BMX bikes, scooters and in-line skates. Battleground isopen for all ages, check the schedule for holiday break hours here.

Hours/Cost:

Monday 1-5pm 6.00 /// 4-8pm 6.00

Tues / Wed / Thurs4-8pm 8.00TUESDAY ONLY: attendSkate Churchand ride 4-8pm FREE

Friday /Saturday - 1-5pm $10.00 /// 5-9pm $10.00 /// Both sessions $15.00 /// 18 & over Friday night Fossil Session starts Nov 4 9pm-12am $10.00

Sunday - 1-5pm $10.00

Airway Lanes | Portage

Airway Lanes has so many activities to chose from. Plus, they are constantly adding new experiences. Bowling, laser tag, arcade games, ropes courses, escape room, painting with a twist, and gyroscope. During the summer, there is also high ropes course, a go cart track, climbing wall, and putt putt golf. This place has something for everybody in the family.

Hours:
Sunday 9:00AM – 10:00PM

Monday – Thursday 10:00 AM – 11:00PM

Friday 10:00AM – 12:00AM

Saturday 9:00AM – 12:00AM

Cost: Varies

A visitors center, a nature’s playscape, live bird & animal exhibits will keep your whole family engaged. Enjoy both inside and outdoor activities to keep kids busy. With over 14 miles of trails along the Kalamazoo River this is a great spot to enjoy the beauty of Michigan. One of our favorite hikes for children includes: Beech Maple Trail to Raptors Ridge Trail.

$7 adults/ $4 children.

Jungle Joes | Portage

Jump, bounce and slide your way over to Jungle Joes. With tons of giant inflatables and arcade games your kids are sure to get all their energy out! A large variety of arcade games and ski ball are also available for kids to earn tickets and collect prizes. They offer space for birthday party too. Tip: Socks are required by everyone, even those who aren't playing.

Hours:

Monday -Thursday: 9am-8pm
Friday - Saturday: 9am-9pm
Sunday: 12pm-7pm

Cost:

Ages 2-17 unlimited play $14
Toddlers 23 months and under $4
Participating adults $5

Airborne Trampoline Park | Kalamazoo

Invite your friends and family to come jump and play while you burn off energy at this indoor Airborne Trampoline Park. Dodgeball, slam dunk, zipline and a ball pit jump are just a few of the fun things to do at the trampoline park. Socks are required for jumping. Check out the fun events offered like glow jumps and special toddler times

Hours:

Mon- Wed: 12 pm-6:00 pm
Thurs: 12 pm-8:00 pm
Fri: 12 pm-9:00 pm Friday: GLOW 7pm - 9pm
Sat: 12pm-8:00 pm NYE GLOW 6pm - 8pm
Sun: 12pm-6:00 pm

Cost: varies depending on time

Kids Empire | Kalamazoo

A new indoor play space recently opened in Kalamazoo. With over 15,000 square feet of indoor playgrounds to enjoy the ball pit, climbing structures, and trampoline. You’ll find a specific area geared towards toddlers too. Let your child run free at Kid’s Empire as they jump, climb and play.

Socks are required to play and can be purchased at $3.00. Re-entry is allowed all day so you can leave and come back. Food is available on site.

Hours: Mon- Thurs 10am- 8pm

Fri -Sun 10am – 10pm

Holidays Hours 10 am – 10 pm

Cost: $19.90 per child

Let us know if there are any places we need to add to this list! Don’t forget to save and pin this for later when you’re searching for activity ideas. Follow Discovering Anew for more Michigan Fun!