PERFECT FAMILY WEEKEND GETAWAY IN KALAMAZOO MICHIGAN
Kalamazoo is the perfect place to bring your family, especially if you’re looking for days full of adventure and learning. With world-class attractions, various outdoor fun, and the sweetest of treats to snack on, Kalamazoo offers an exciting and fulfilling weekend getaway for your family.
Read on to learn about the top attractions and things to do with families of all ages during your family weekend getaway in Michigan, all of which reside right here in Kalamazoo County! From museums and hands-on learning experiences to kid-friendly restaurants and hiking trails, you’re sure to find something to excite the whole crew here in Kalamazoo.
Learn Something New
Air Zoo
The Air Zoo is a must-visit during your time in Kalamazoo. With 50+ rare and historic aircraft, amusement park rides and exhibits, you’re sure to find the perfect adventure when you arrive. The exhibits are immersive, fun, and bursting with aviation information. Gain insight into the men and women from Michigan who have made significant contributions to aviation at the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame. Visit on a Family Fun Day, experience the 3D and HD Full-Motion Flight simulator or sit and enjoy the experience of the RealD Missions theater. Plan your route through the Air Zoo with their Adventure Map. After all, it wouldn't be a Michigan family getaway without a trip to the Air Zoo!
Gilmore Car Museum
Any car-lover should explore North America’s Largest Auto Museum. Even non-car lovers can enjoy all the Gilmore Car Museum has to offer, especially with the family! Located just outside Kalamazoo, the Gilmore Car Museum has been named as one of Michigan’s Best Attractions by USA Today readers. The museum houses more than 400 classic cars ranging from brass era to muscle cars and trucks to the car from Disney’s The Gnome-Mobile. Kids and adults alike will love stepping back in time at the authentic 1941 Blue Moon Diner during your visit.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
During your family weekend getaway in Michigan, discover even more in Kalamazoo when you visit the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. There, you can experience highly interactive, hands-on science and history exhibits that focus on southwest Michigan history. Experience the wonder of the Planetarium, the mystery of a 2,300-year old mummy or the excitement of a simulated space mission. The museum’s seasonal exhibits change quite frequently, so be sure to check out their website before you go. General admission is free, with most programs and events being free too! Come explore and learn more about Kalamazoo during your family weekend getaway in Michigan.
Get Outside & Enjoy the View
W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is the perfect place to bring your family during your weekend in Michigan. Capture close views of both captive and wild birds when you visit, and catch a glimpse of Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Eastern Screech Owls, Trumpeter Swans, and more! Plus, you can enjoy the rest of the grounds by walking the trails and seeing the birds in their natural habitat.
Kalamazoo Nature Center
For the more nature-enthused kiddos, or families just looking to get outdoors and explore, consider the Kalamazoo Nature Center during your family weekend getaway in Michigan! With over 14 miles of hiking trails, ranging from an easy half mile to a more difficult 2.7-mile loop, you can walk through various scenic landscapes and take in the different wildlife of Kalamazoo. Along the way, you may see bird enclosures for rehabilitation, butterflies, and native plant species. The Arboretum Loop is stroller-friendly and perfect for young kids. Check out their full trail list and map to find the right route for you.
Children’s Nature Playscape
This non-profit organization is dedicated to facilitating nature-inspired play right in the heart of Downtown Kalamazoo, MI. This park features a nature-inspired landscape, where children are encouraged to engage in unstructured play with natural elements such as logs, rocks, and textured pathways. If you’re visiting from the spring through fall, consider stopping by to connect with nature and get out any built-up energy.
Shop & Enjoy Good Food
The Spirit of Kalamazoo
Every great family trip to Michigan comes with hunting down the perfect souvenir to commemorate your adventures. Be sure to stop by The Spirit of Kalamazoo to find the perfect t-shirt or trinket you are looking for. Pick up a Kalamazoo t-shirt or local area sweets like 24 different varieties of Plainwell Ice Cream!
Rocket Fizz Kalamazoo
Satisfy all of your candy and soda pop cravings at this retro shop located right on the Kalamazoo Mall. It’s loaded with thousands of unique candy and soda varieties, so you’re sure to find your new favorite confection to take home with you from your visit. Satisfy your sweet tooth during your next visit to Kalamazoo by stopping at Rocket Fizz Kalamazoo!
One Well Brewing
This all-ages and family-friendly brewery understands that even parents should enjoy a nice cold brew too! The giant wooden picnic tables in their beer garden allow for enjoying a relaxed community and a delicious food menu. If you’re spending time inside, you and the family can even play arcade games and pinball machines. For those with a sweet tooth, try adding a scoop of ice cream to any beer (or soda, for the non-alcoholic drinkers) for a dollar! This spot is a must-stop on your family trip in Michigan.
Channel the Sports Fan in You
Attend a Kalamazoo Wings hockey game in the fall and winter, or a Kalamazoo Growlers baseball game in the spring and summer
You don't have to be a huge sports fanatic to enjoy an evening out at a Kalamazoo Wings or Growlers game! These unique experiences in Kalamazoo offer family-friendly environments with themed nights and endless entertainment almost every weekend! Don't forget to snap photos with their famous mascots, Slappy and Porter.
Family-Friendly Accommodations for You in Kalamazoo
There are plenty of pet and family-friendly accommodations here in Kalamazoo to rest your head after a day of exploring during your family trip in Michigan.
Kid-friendly and pet-friendly places to stay
- Home2Suites (Downtown and Southeast): Here, you can enjoy spacious connecting rooms, 1-bedroom suites, and in-room kitchens for extra space and accessibility for the whole family.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Kalamazoo-Portage: Offers spacious, pet-friendly suites conveniently located near top attractions around Kalamazoo. There is a $75 pet fee and other policies surrounding your pet’s stay, so be sure to check those out before booking.
- Towneplace Suites: Sitting in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, this dog-friendly hotel features a fully equipped kitchen and a dedicated workspace for you and your four-legged friend to spread out in.
- Red Roof Inn (East and West): Here, your first pet stays free! If you have a second pet, it's just an additional $15 a night. Just be sure to declare your pets at check-in and be sure they're leashed when outside your room at all times.
More historic and unique options for family stays
- Stuart Avenue Inn Bed & Breakfast: The Friends & Family room consists of a two-room suite on the third floor, perfect for a family-friendly getaway in Michigan.
- Delta Hotel by Marriott Kalamazoo: Here you’ll find the perfect balance of comfort, style, and convenience. Our full-service hotel features spacious guest rooms, an indoor pool, a vibrant restaurant and bar, arcade, and everything you need to unwind after a day on the go.
We Can’t Wait to Host You on Your Family Weekend Getaway in Michigan
For more ideas on things to do on your family trip in Michigan, check out things to do with kids, or our tips on traveling to the area with teens. Let us help you plan your trip and get the most out of your family getaway. There’s so much to do here in Kalamazoo!
