Family events in Kalamazoo, MI

Celebrate community at the Kalamazoo County Fair with lots of family entertainment. You can check out 4-H animals and exhibits, ride the kiddie rides, visit the petting zoo, enjoy pony rides and attractions like a mechanical bull, rock wall, R/C truck course, mini golf, and carnival games. There will also be Touch-A-Truck, contests, a kickball tournament, a silent auction, karaoke, rodeo events, live music, and fair food.

Explore art outdoors and in the galleries on a Wonder Walk that circles the KIA to look at several sculptures, then continues inside to see works by the same artists. The experience features focused looking at selected pieces along with games and activities in the galleries. It is designed for children ages 2 to 4, though all are welcome, and it is free with admission. Caregivers are required to stay with their children throughout. Advance registration is recommended, and adults need to complete registration for their children. This event will not be livestreamed or shared on YouTube.

Lunchtime Live!, presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union, brings live music, family-friendly games, and a variety of food options to Bronson Park. This installment features regional performer Jacob McLeod on the Rotary Stage at the west end of the park. Food trucks line the park and additional vendors set up throughout, with food and retail available for purchase. The event is free and open to the community.

First Friday is back in Downtown Kalamazoo, with a lively evening featuring young artists from across the community. Stop by from 5 to 8 PM to check out local shops and restaurants while artists, musicians, and artisans showcase fresh creativity and big talent downtown.

Enjoy live music from the [Zero] Bourbon Brothers at Kalamazoo Candle Company in downtown Kalamazoo. This family friendly outing features nonalcoholic cocktails and food, with the setting along the Kalamazoo Mall for a lively downtown backdrop.

Enjoy a free, all-ages evening at Cross Community Church of the Nazarene celebrating the conclusion of the Snowball Mountain Challenge Vacation Bible School. The evening includes a presentation in the sanctuary, food and games outdoors, and an indoor movie in the gym. Advance sign up is appreciated to help with food planning. For more information, contact Jen Harding at Wee Care by email at hardingj@weecarekids.org or by phone at (269) 327-3100.

Airborne Adventure Park turns into a glowing, high-energy experience for GLOW Night. Expect black lights, neon colors, and pumping music for an after-dark adventure at the park.

Celebrate summer at the farm while marking a 75th anniversary with a free community event that features tethered hot air balloon rides that require a ticket, blueberry donuts, the Floatin’ Franks hot dog cart, live music from Coconut Riot, and wagon rides along with other activities.

Fallen but not Forgotten Military, Operation Heaven Sent, and The OHS 2nd Hand Store present The Circus Tent, offering classic concessions in support of a cause that gives back. Enjoy chili dogs, nachos, chili cheese nachos, popcorn, and cotton candy. Proceeds help provide free flag ceremonies honoring fallen service members, deployed troops, and active duty military.

Experience living history at Kalamazoo Air Zoo with a scenic ride in the B-25 “Rosie’s Reply”, a genuine World War II aircraft. This is a true flight in a historic bomber, not a simulator or a static exhibit. Hear the engines come to life, feel the power as you lift off, and enjoy wide-open views from the sky. It is well suited for first-time flyers, aviation enthusiasts, and history fans looking to create a lasting memory.

This family-friendly session at the Kalamazoo Nature Center is part of a monthly story time featuring nature-inspired picture books. This installment highlights The Wild by Yuval Zommer, followed by a relaxed walk on the trails if the weather cooperates. Please meet in the Clubhouse inside the Visitor Center. Entry is covered by regular KNC admission, and members attend at no cost. Dress warmly in case the walk proceeds.

Bring a favorite hat, blazer, jeans, or a canvas bag to the Black Arts & Cultural Center and personalize it with patches that reflect your style. Early arrival is recommended for the best selection. General admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 10. Admission includes music and a friendly atmosphere, finger foods and beverages, one patch, and application to your own or a purchased item using a heat press or glue. Upgrade options are available. Bundle 1 is $25 and includes your choice of four filler patches, two small patches, and one medium patch, with application included. Bundle 2 is $40 and includes three filler patches, two small patches, two medium patches, and one large DTF transfer or patch, with application included. Bundle 3 is $70 and includes five filler patches, three small patches, three medium patches, and two large DTF transfers or patches, with application included. Individual patches will also be for sale, with more details shared at the event. Only patches acquired at the event, whether purchased or given away, will be applied on site by heat press or glue. Other patches or items cannot be attached during the event. A preview of available designs will be shared the day before. If you need something to decorate, additional patchable pieces will be available to buy, including vintage camo jackets, blazers and jackets, bags, and ties. Sewing services are offered for an extra fee with later shipment, delivery, or pickup. All sales are final. Every garment is handled with care, but heat transfer and DTF processes involve inherent risk and outcomes can vary by fabric type, condition, and care history. Participation acknowledges that the organizers are not responsible for damage to customer owned items. Applications are performed at the customer’s own risk, and replacements or refunds are not available.

Returnable bottles and cans can make a real difference for Kalamazoo Animal Rescue. Contributions provide steady funding and help cover medical care so cats and dogs adopted from the rescue are healthy and ready for their new homes. Donations are welcome through the organization’s year-round bottle and can program. Please only donate containers that qualify for Michigan’s 10-cent deposit under the state’s Bottle Deposit Law.

This weekly story hour at the Storytime Stage features favorite tales, both timeless and new. Attendees are encouraged to use their imaginations to dream up worlds together.

Build a character, roll dice, and craft a shared story in a welcoming series of standalone, single-session tabletop RPG adventures. Designed for LGBTQIA+ players and allies, this all-ages gathering is open to newcomers and longtime gamers alike. Sessions span a wide range of genres, including superheroes, towering mechs, classic high fantasy, cozy slice-of-life quests, and more. Those interested in serving as a Game Master are encouraged to get involved.

Learn to draw favorite cartoon characters in a relaxed, hands-on session. Devon will be there to help. The cost is $30 per session or $100 for four sessions. No registration is required, and walk-ins are welcome.

Enjoy an evening that includes a friendly horseshoe tournament, a barbecue meal available for purchase, and a fireworks finale after dark. The meal costs $10 for one person or $20 for a family.

As summer twilight fades, a public stargazing session at the Kalamazoo Nature Center explores the night sky. KAS will feature the Super Summer Star Clusters. If skies are mostly cloudy or overcast, the session will be canceled. Check for cancellation updates on the day of the session and contact the organizers with any questions.

Transforming Parents is a peer-led group for parents of trans and gender-expansive people of all ages. It provides a space to build community and support one another throughout their parenting journeys.

Young builders can dive into a polar themed LEGO camp that transforms Bricks & Minifigs Kalamazoo into an icy world of discovery. Guided by trained BAM Kalamazoo educators, campers in grades K through 3 use the LEGO Education Antarctic Animals kit to explore penguins, seals, and other creatures, build frozen habitats and landscapes, and learn how animals survive in extreme environments. Each day blends organized projects with open-ended creative play, including teamwork-focused challenges that build problem solving skills. No experience is needed, just plenty of imagination. Enrollment is limited to 12 campers, and the fee is $140 per child. This program runs across four days, and a single registration reserves a spot for the full session.

A summer camp series at Little Gym in Kalamazoo offers flexible attendance, allowing families to choose one, two, three, or all four days within a Monday to Thursday schedule. It is designed for children ages 3 to 10 who are bathroom independent. The cost is $45 per child per day.

An additional enrollment opportunity for the 2026-27 school year offers a broad range of classes for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including core subjects and a variety of electives. The event takes place at Agape' Christian Church.

Middle schoolers explore science and engineering through creative LEGO-based challenges in this hands-on STEAM camp. Guided by trained BAM Kalamazoo educators, participants use LEGO Education Science kits to design models, run experiments, collect observations, and draw conclusions. They practice iterative problem solving as they build, test, adjust, and refine their ideas, blending artistic thinking with engineering tasks. Work happens both independently and in small groups, with an emphasis on clear communication of results and learning from every trial. Each day combines structured projects with time for open-ended creation. No prior experience is necessary, just curiosity and an interest in building. The program is intended for grades 6 to 8, is limited to 12 campers for a small-group experience, and costs $155 per camper. A single registration reserves a spot for the full four-day session, and participants should plan to attend each day.

Celebrate National S'mores Day the Girl Scout way in Kalamazoo with a campfire-themed gathering at the Kalamazoo Regional Center. The classic s'mores recipe first appeared in a Girl Scout cookbook in 1927, and this event honors that tradition with campfire sing alongs and s'mores roasting. Activities include face painting and temporary tattoos, cuddly kittens, a visit from the Kalamazoo Public Library, arts and crafts, opportunities to make and trade SWAPs, a display on Girl Scout history, a karaoke dance party, duck races, cornhole, a bounce house, a dunk tank, and a scavenger hunt, plus a CEO slime raffle. Italian ice will be available, with Ben's Soft Pretzels and Teresa's Kitchen offering items for purchase. This free event welcomes girls of all ages and their families, and Girl Scout membership is not required.

Local businesses are teaming up for a kid focused day filled with activities and treats at each stop. Find unique offers and creative fun along the way, including a waived studio fee at Colors & Cocktails, a $15 savings, plus 10% off the store. Kalamazoo Candle is offering 30% off sand candle making. Mason Jar Plant Shop has a DIY terrarium for $10. Rocket Fizz features 10% off all items in the store. Spirit of Kalamazoo has an ice cream sundae for $5.25. Unclue Buddy's Toys is giving 10% off one toy.

Connect with other homeschoolers at a relaxed social hangout centered on board games and learning. Play games that foster critical thinking, problem solving, memory, teamwork, communication, and good sportsmanship. Staff are on site to teach rules and guide play. A one-day pass is $5.00, with a buy-one, get-one-free offer.

At Urban Alliance, attendees will find complimentary food and ice cream, children’s games and crafts with a bounce house, and live music by JP GOT SAVED.

Rev up creativity at BAM Kalamazoo with a drop-in session focused on building and racing LEGO cars. Use a large bin of bricks and purpose-built metal wheels to craft a custom racer, then send it down a timed derby track to test your speed. BAM staff oversee the activity and provide help as needed. There is no charge to participate, and it is recommended for ages 5 and up. Space is limited to keep the experience safe and comfortable. During Tuesday at the Races, pre-owned LEGO Speed Champions items are available at 20 percent off.

Enjoy a relaxed playtime at Ramona Park where children can have fun while moms connect and chat. Hosted by Westwood MomCo, a faith-based nonprofit that supports mothers of young children from birth through kindergarten, this casual meetup offers a chance to share community with others in the same stage of life. The organization typically meets twice a month during its regular season to discuss parenting, marriage, and growing in faith, and they also plan mom nights out and family outings. This summer gathering is part of their informal meetups leading up to the start of the next season.

Families with young children ages 0 to 5 are welcome at a park gathering that offers popsicles, a free book, a themed activity, and literacy resources. Siblings are welcome too. Each date takes place at a different park. For questions, contact Family Liaison Michelle Dudycha at 269-389-9880. Invitamos a familias con niños pequeños de 0 a 5 años a disfrutar de una reunión en el parque con paletas, un libro gratis, una actividad temática y recursos de alfabetización, y los hermanos también son bienvenidos. Cada fecha se realiza en un parque diferente. Para preguntas, envíen un mensaje de texto o llamen a la enlace familiar, Michelle Dudycha, al 269-389-9880.

Black belt Tristan Brown leads a youth BJJ camp centered on submission-only competition. Participants explore tactics tailored to formats without points, with instruction in high-percentage finishing techniques, skill-building games tailored to the sport, and live sparring. Designed for ages 6 to 12. The fee is $85 per person. Open to members and nonmembers, and space is limited.

On Thursdays, admission is free and hours run later into the evening, made possible through support from Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.

Drummers and other musicians with disabilities can take part in a five-week drumming program that offers a supportive, community-centered setting for creative expression. Guided by an experienced instructor, each one-hour class builds listening skills, encourages following directions, and fosters collaboration through rhythm. Parents, guardians, family members, and chaperones are welcome to attend. Participation is free, and registration is required.