It's a winter wonderland in Kalamazoo, Michigan! Take your little ones on a magical visit to our reindeer ranch, snowshoe your way through nature's bounty, slide down the sledding slopes or spin around the ice-skating rink. Create family memories that'll warm you up this winter.
Visit the Reindeer Ranch
A tranquil and joyous afternoon at the Reindeer Ranch in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is simply magical. As soon as you step foot onto the ranch, the air becomes alive with an excited buzz. You are welcomed by friendly ranch hands who guide you through a wonderland of velvet-nosed reindeer grazing leisurely in snowy paddocks. Children laugh with joy as they feed and pet these majestic creatures, under the watchful eyes of the seasoned herders. You are then led to a warm and rustic barn where hot chocolate and festive stories entertain and enthrall both the young and old. If you book a tour for the evening, enjoy a rustic walk and marvel at the festive lights that adorn the forest. As the day draws to an end, you'll leave the ranch feeling enriched by the charm of the countryside and the company of its enchanting inhabitants.
Find a Sledding Hill
Kalamazoo, Michigan, is blessed with an array of stunning sledding hills alive with laughter and screams of delight during winter. These include:
Kindleberger Park
Located in the heart of Parchment, Kindleberger Park is a popular winter destination when snow covers the ground. Families flock to Scout Hill, a steep slope with multiple sledding paths that overlooks the park’s baseball field. It's a fun spot for all ages, with the nearby Parchment Library providing a warm break for those escaping the chill.
Milham Park Golf Course
A local favorite, Milham Park Golf Course is a go-to for sledding enthusiasts during the snowy season. Though known as a golf course in warmer months, it transforms into a winter playground with hills and winding paths perfect for sledding. Open to the public, it’s a beloved tradition for many Kalamazoo residents.
Woods Lake Elementary
Children flock to the hill near Woods Lake Elementary on snowy weekends and school breaks for sledding fun. The hill’s steepness promises quick rides just south of the school, and the nearby parking area is perfect for parents to stay warm while watching. Across the street, Oakwood Plaza offers a cozy place to unwind with a coffee or hot meal after sledding.
Oakland Drive Park
In Portage, Oakland Drive Park offers an excellent sledding hill surrounded by scenic trees. It's easily accessible from Oakland Drive, with a hill that’s a favorite winter spot near the basketball courts and close to the parking lot. This park is a year-round destination but truly shines in the snowy months.
See a holiday light show at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum Planetarium
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum's planetarium offers a range of exciting shows for a fun and educational family outing. With a 50-foot dome and 109-seat theater, visitors can explore the Solar System, learn about black holes, and discover the secrets of constellations. The planetarium also features family-friendly seasonal shows like "Let it Snow," set to classic holiday music. After the show, families can explore three floors of interactive exhibits covering science, history, and culture, making it a perfect winter activity for all ages.
Maple Sugar Festival
The annual Maple Sugar Festival at the Kalamazoo Nature Center is a testament to Michigan’s vibrant natural and cultural history. This sweet, family-friendly event gives attendees a unique opportunity to discover how maple syrup is made, from tree tapping to the boiling process, through interactive demonstrations. Live music, mouth-watering pancake breakfasts topped with locally sourced maple syrup, horse-drawn wagon rides, and lively storytellers create a charming, rural atmosphere that adds a delightful taste of history to the experience.
Go Snowshoeing
Kalamazoo County has plenty of trails perfect for a tranquil snowshoeing expedition. The Al Sabo Preserve and Lillian Anderson Arboretum are two popular choices, offering miles of serene woodland paths, as well as the challenging terrain of Kalamazoo Nature Center. Additionally, Kellogg Forest offers diverse topography and Chipman Preserve promises a more peaceful trek through meadows, wetlands, and woods.
Go to Echo Valley
An afternoon at Echo Valley in Kalamazoo is an exhilarating, high-octane experience. This winter sports park features three large, 60-foot-high, 700-foot-long toboggan runs that will leave your heart racing. Families and friends can rent a toboggan, head to the top of the snow-capped hill and then plummet down at speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Afterward, they can enjoy warming refreshments at the snack bar and exchange stories of their thrilling rides.
Ice Skating at Millennium Park
Kalamazoo County provides a variety of choices for ice-skating enthusiasts. From Millennium Park, where skaters can enjoy an open-air ice rink during the winter months for a classic, chilly Michigan skate experience.
