TONS OF IDEAS FOR FREE OR VERY LOW COST FUN IN KALAMAZOO COUNTY , MICHIGAN
New free items for you look in the side bars.
*Please BEWARE OF FREEBIES SCAMS. I am taking all precautions to list freebies that are real offers , with no strings attached , but please still make sure that an offer is not a scam if it sounds fishy . Here is a page by about dot coms freebie person that tells about how to spot scams :
HOW TO SPOT FREEBIE SCAMS
FREE OR SLIDING SCALE FLU SHOTS - it might be too late this year , but maybe not - call to see .
To get flu shots on a sliding scale or for free , go to our local Health Deparment( call first if you can) Here is the Health/Human services department information for Kalamazoo county :
Kalamazoo County Human Services Department
| Address | Nazareth Complex 3299 Gull Road, PO Box 42 Narareth, MI 49074 |
| Telephone | (269) 373-5200 FAX (269) 373-5363 |
| Health Officer | Linda Vail Buzas Provisional |
| Medical Director | Richard Tooker |
| Serving: | Kalamazoo County |
THRIFT STORES IN AND AROUND KALAMAZOO - MORE IN RIGHT SIDE-BAR
WEAR IT AGAIN
Sturgis, MI
210 W South St
49091
269-651-7067
33.6MI from Kalamazoo
COUNTY CLOSET 269-279-6183
Three Rivers, MI901 S Main St
49093
21.8MI from Kalamazoo
TEN THOUSAND GOOD THINGS
Covert, MI 49043 31773 State Route 140
269-764-8339
34.6MI from Kalamazoo
NUWAY THRIFT STORE
Kalamazoo, MI
3638 Miller Rd49001
269-383-0942
LADE DA'S
Kalamazoo, MI 426 S Burdick St
49007
269-342-6759
RESCUE TREASURES
448 N Burdick St
Kalamazoo, MI
269-383-1044
49007
BIBLE FOR MISSIONS THRIFT CTR
Battle Creek, MI
362 Capital Ave Ne
49017 269-969-3943
20.8MI from Kalamazoo
Bible for Missions also has a store in Grand Rapids ,and one in Holland .These are special stores that are highly rated by their customers. Shopping at these stores also supports a wonderful cause. Find out more at their home site :
DAISY THRIFT STORE
South Haven, MI 1210 Phoenix St # 349090
269-639-2228
32.8MI from Kalamazoo
A special store that deserves it's own section is the Habitat Restore.
Habitat for humanity has a store where you can buy discounted items for your home. Building materials , paint , furniture , and much more for a drastically lowered price , AND your purchase goes towards helping Habitat for Humanity ! Check out the Kalamazoo store .
| What is the ReStore? The Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity (KVHH) ReStore sells new and used overstocked and discontinued building materials donated by manufacturers, stores, contractors, and individuals. These donated items are used in the construction of KVHH houses or sold to the public at reduced prices. |
 1810 Lake Street Kalamazoo, MI 49001 Phone: 269-381-5523 Tue - Fri: 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sat: 9:00AM - 2:00PM |
PRINTABLE COUPONS WITH NO MEMBER FEE
Many coupon sites that have coupons that are this good charge for a membership . This one doesn't . You can get online coupons and in store coupons as well as restaurant coupons.
MORE FREE THINGS TO DO IN KALAMAZOO
--------------NOTE : I have only listed free or low cost attractions on this page . If you don't see your organization on this page , please consider lowering your prices for low income, elderly , and disabled families .
PARKS
Going to a State ,National, or county park is a great thing to do with your kids that is low cost. There are many programs at these parks . Some are historical , some have other themes. Some are just plain enjoying nature. Here are some links to check out to see what is in your area :
NATIONAL PARK SEARCH
DESCRIPTION OF WHAT EACH PARK HAS TO OFFER
MORE ON NATIONAL PARKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
MICHIGAN STATE PARKS
KALAMAZOO COUNTY PARKS
Daily vehicle admission is $5.00 per car. You and some other single moms can get together and make a day of it with your kids. Split the cost of the admission ,and go in the biggest car owned between the moms.Have each family bring picnic goodies to share and bring lots of things to drink . Include games such as frisbees , balls for catch , and maybe kites ! Go to the park and stake your claim . Lay out all the blankets into one huge blanket , and have a great day at the park!
--------Note---------------- Even if you don't have a car , you can get together and rent one , or pay someone to take you , or take a taxi . There are ways to make it happen ,and if you pool your resources with other people, you will save money and get to do things that you couldn't or wouldn't do if you had to pay for the whole experience by yourself.
Annual park passes are $25.00. Discount Annual Passes for Seniors are $20.00. Annual passes are good at all five County Parks.
Kalamazoo County's Most Popular Campground with improved and rustic sites. 3 fishing and swimming lakes, swimming beach, boat ramp and disc golf course.
Cold County Brook Park
Kalamazoo County's Newest Campground with 38 sites featuring full hook-up, fishing and swimming lakes and tennis courts.
Markin Glen County Park
2 swimming and fishing lakes, boat ramp, swimming beach, popular spot for winter activities like sledding and cross-county skiing and the beach house doubles as a warming station.
Prairie View County Park
Growing in popularity as a Soccer Mecca with 20 adult and youth fields, host to many leagues and tournaments, lake access, boat ramp and softball fields.
Agriculture and History come alive with the 1870's Grist Mill, which is also a popular wedding site, fishing pond and annual events that showcase the pioneer efforts and its classic charm.
Scotts Mill County Park
NATURE CENTERS , SANCTUARIES AND PRESERVES
*The nature center has handicapped access.
THE Kalamazoo Nature Center is one of the most outstanding nature centers in the United States
Their fee covers many activities for both inside and outdoors fun.
The KNC has scholarships available for those of us who have setbacks in our income . Here is the infomation for childrens' scholarships :
"Nature Up Close offers a variety of summer camp experiences for kids ages 3 to 17. The
brochure will be released in early February. Camperships to Nature
Up Close camp cover either 80%, 65% or 40% of camp program fees, and are good for a
one-week session of camp. The same application is used to determine Camperships to
KNC’s Winter Break Camp (December/January) and Spring Break Camp (first week of
April).
Feel free to make as many copies of the enclosed application form as you need. Nature
Up Close camp is an inclusive day camp that welcomes all children regardless of special
needs."
-This was taken from a summer 2007 camp brochure . Call for information , or go to the KNC website listed below :
MUSEUMS
"A directory of Historical Museums in Michigan, categorized by county.
Taking a trip to Michigan? A visit to these Michigan history museums and historical societies will allow you to soak up some local history and culture while you are there. Visit a historical museum and gain insight into the history of your Michigan ancestors, learn how they lived and played. Some history museums have virtual tours, histories, data and historic photos to view online, allowing you to visit from home."
HISTORICAL MUSEUMS IN MICHIGAN
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum
is a wonderful museum with many free activities for families , and very low fees for those activities that require tickets. The staff is very friendly and helpful .Check out their informative site often to see what is going on !
The Museum has a great special exhibit on the third floor right now . It is all about buildings and how they are made. Lot's of cool hands-on things. The third floor is where the special exhibits are. Keep checking the KVM site for upcoming cool stuff. OH , and the preschool area on the second floor always has really cool stuff for the younger kids !
The Kalamazoo Institute for the Arts
has a museum shop , library , gallery area and many varied classes . It is essentually a visual arts museum .Scholarships for classes are available . Inquire at the museum. Entry is free . Special exhibits may require an extra fee.There is a container by the door for donations , which are most welcome !
KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE FOR THE ARTS
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts also provides an exciting array
of educational progams (most are free ) for all ages, including :
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ARTventure (museum tours)
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ARTworks Interactive Gallery
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Outreach Services (programs and exhibits at your site).
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Senior Day at the KIA
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Sunday Funday
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The 4th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival
Click here for more informaton about these events :
MUSIC
There are many ventures in music in Kalamazoo . To start , the college programs from Western Michigan University , Kalamazoo Valley Community College , and Kalamazoo College offer many free programs .
Western Michigan University School of Music
WMU SCHOOL OF MUSIC EVENTS PAGE
FREE FOOD FOR KIDS
This is another great site by the people at About dot com . Road trips with kids are fun , but ...if you are tired of picnics or eating in the car ,and the weather is not so great outside , restaurants can be a God send !
RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE KIDS FOR FREE.
More restaurants in Kalamazoo county where kids eat free
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This isn't really totally free . You have to buy something. However , if you are going out to eat or for entertainment , here are some coupons for the Kalamazoo area :
COUPONS FOR RESTAURANTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
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This isn't totally free either , but it is still a great deal !
NEW !
Fazolison West Main St.(Near the intersection of Drake and West Main) has a kids night on Tuesdays.
For .99 kids can order a variety of meals and they have free arts and crafts !
Tons more of free stuff , discounts and more can be found on another one of my pages . Just go here :
Living the Frugal Life or Memoirs of a Dumpster Diver
