By BREE BRAGG

The Kokomo Post

The last day of school is just around the corner and we know you’re going to be looking for fun and exciting things to do with your family this summer. From outdoor adventures like biking and hiking to ways to cool off and splash around. We have compiled an exciting list of 22 things to do this summer in Kokomo that you’re going to want to mark off of your Kokomo Summer Bucket List!

City Water Sprays

When the summer months hit in Kokomo, the city water spray events are highly anticipated by the community. If you’re looking for a fun way to cool off this summer, then this is it! The Kokomo Fire Department sets up large water hoses and strategically positions them to create slip and slides throughout various parks in the city, and children and adults alike eagerly gather dressed in swimsuits and equipped with towels. You can experience the city water sprays for yourself on:

1-3 p.m. Wednesday June 7 at Mohr Park

1-3 p.m. Wednesday June 14 at Bon Air Park

1-3 p.m. Thursday June 22 at Highland Park

1-3 p.m. Wednesday June 28 at Garden Square Apartments

1-3 p.m. Wednesday July 5 at Lafayette Park School

1-3 p.m. Wednesday July 12 at Jackson Morrow Park

1-3 p.m. Wednesday July 19 at Foster Park

Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center

When it comes to summer in Kokomo, Kokomo Beach is a given! Kokomo Beach offers a variety of water attractions that cater to all ages. From water slides and a lazy river to splash pads and more, there's no shortage of aquatic adventures to enjoy. Kokomo beach is open for the season and is inviting families to come join in on the summer fun. Kokomo beach will also be offering Water Walks again for ages 18+ which was introduced last year where you’re invited to walk the lazy river before and after regular hours. This is the perfect way to get in some exercise this summer while keeping cool!

Kokomo Beach is open daily from May 27-July 30, and weekends only Aug. 5, 6, 12 and 13.

11 a.m.-7 p.m.: Monday-Saturday

Noon-7 p.m.: Sunday

Admission:

Adult (12+) $6

Senior (55+) $5

Youth (2-11) $5

23 months & younger: Free

Water Walk is open May 29-July 30

9-9:45 a.m.: Monday-Saturday

7-7:45 p.m.: Monday-Friday

Admission: $2 per session

Creature Feature at Jackson Morrow

The Creature Features at the Kirkendall Nature Center in Jackson Morrow Park offers a unique and educational experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

This program is free to the community and features a variety of different visitors and shows. From farm animals to lizards to birds and more, there is always a creature to be featured at the Kirkendall Nature Center.

Upcoming Creature Features include:

TAKE FLIGHT! BIRDS OF PREY SHOW

Mark Booth from Take Flight! Wildlife Education will bring several birds of prey for an interactive program. A hawk, an owl and falcons will help teach about the raptor family and how these birds of prey have made a difference in society throughout history. Demonstrations, lessons, and stories will help the audience understand the importance of nature, wildlife and ecology.

11 a.m.-noon, and 1-2 p.m.: Saturday June 17, 2023

SQUISHY & FRIENDS INTERACTIVE REPTILE SHOW

Reptile Rex with Squishy & Friends will bring many snakes and reptiles and will offer an interactive learning “close encounter.” The snakes and reptiles are breeds from Africa, Asia, Australia and South and North America.

11 a.m.-noon, and 1-2 p.m.: Saturday Aug. 12, 2023

INDIANA WILD

Indiana Wild is an interactive learning program with an alligator, a giant African bullfrog, Tom turkey, a scorpion, a pancake tortoise, a rex rabbit, a skunk, a groundhog and a porcupine.

11 a.m.-noon, and 1-2 p.m.: Saturday Sept. 23, 2023

Sun King Kokomo

Sun King in Kokomo is a staple on Buckeye Street for many reasons. From delicious brews, to the fun atmosphere, there’s fun for everyone at Sun King Kokomo. This local brewery is unlike others in town because they welcome not only adults but also children and furry friends. You can also order or carry in your favorite foods from other businesses and enjoy a night of fun inside or on the patio with family in friends. Sun King offers a variety of board games inside as well as the giant connect four game — and outside you can find things like corn hole, table tennis and foosball. To learn more about special events happening at Sun King Kokomo, click here.

Summer Concert Series at Foster Park

The Summer Concert Series brings the community together for evenings of music, entertainment, and togetherness. Set against the backdrop of Foster Park, these outdoor concerts are staple to summers in Kokomo! Both Local and regional bands take to the stage performing a mix of genres, from rock and country to jazz and blues and every year families are invited to enjoy the experience. For the full line-up, click here.

Al Berryman Splash Pad

The Al Berryman Splash Pad in offers endless fun in the summer heat. Named in honor of Al Berryman, a beloved community figure, this splash pad is a testament to his commitment to fostering joy and happiness among local residents. The splash pad features a variety of interactive water features, including sprays, jets, and dumping buckets, designed to engage and entertain children of all ages and it’s free! To learn more about the Al Berryman splash pad, click here.

First Friday

First Friday in Kokomo is a monthly event that showcases the arts and cultural scene in the city. On the first Friday of each month, downtown Kokomo comes alive with creativity, music, and community engagement. Visitors can explore art galleries, boutiques, food trucks and more participating in the monthly event. Whether strolling the streets, enjoying live performances, or discovering new artistic expressions, First Friday is a great way to experience downtown Kokomo each month. To stay up to date with First Friday themes, click here.

City of Firsts Adventure Park

The City of Firsts Adventure Park, situated conveniently across from the iconic south location of Scoops Ice Cream, makes for the perfect Kokomo Summer combo and a guaranteed destination for fun! The City of Firsts Adventure Park offers go-karts, putt-putt, batting cages and now an impressive indoor arcade. Since last season they have teamed up with another local business, Scanlines Arcade to come together as one to provide a safe, fun and welcoming atmosphere for all ages. For more details about City of Firsts Adventure Park, click here.

The Kokomo Reservoir

The Kokomo Reservoir offers a serene and scenic escape for outdoor enthusiasts. The reservoir is a popular spot for boating, kayaking, fishing and more recently even paddle board yoga. The reservoir's surrounding trails are perfect for hiking, biking, and bird-watching, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The Kokomo Reservoir also offers picnic areas, inviting visitors to relax, enjoy a meal or just soak in the view. To learn more about paddle board yoga, click here.

Koko-Go Free Ride

Koko-Go is a free bike share program encouraging the community to explore the city and its scenic trails. Koko-Go offers a variety of options for two-wheeled and even three-wheeled adventures. This initiative not only promotes physical fitness but also reduces carbon emissions and congestion on the roads. Whether cruising along the Nickel Plate Trail, exploring local parks, or commuting to work, the free bike share program in Kokomo provides a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation. It fosters a sense of camaraderie among cyclists and creates opportunities for people to connect, discover new areas of the city, and enjoy the beauty of Kokomo's outdoors in a sustainable manner. For details about Koko-Go and tours click here.

Riverwalk Concert Series

The Riverwalk Concert Series is a highly anticipated summer event that brings the community together for evenings of music, relaxation, and entertainment along the beautiful Wildcat Creek. Set against the backdrop of the Kokomo Riverwalk, this concert series offers a diverse lineup of talented musicians performing various genres. As the sun sets and the music music starts, locals gather on the lawn or bring their own chairs and blankets to enjoy the unique experience. You can check out this year’s lineup by clicking here.

Brews on Buckeye

Brews on Buckeye is an annual event that celebrates the craft beer scene and brings together beer enthusiasts from near and far. Taking place on Buckeye Street in downtown Kokomo, this festival offers a unique opportunity to sample a wide variety of craft beers from local and regional breweries. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or simply looking to explore new flavors, Brews on Buckeye provides an impressive selection of brews to satisfy every taste. The festival atmosphere offers live music performances, food vendors, and local artisans adding to the festive ambiance. To learn more about this year’s Brews on Buckeye event, click here.

Kokomo Jackrabbits

Each year the Kokomo Jackrabbits return to Municipal Stadium offering baseball games that showcase top collegiate talent from around the country. The Jackrabbits provide affordable family-friendly entertainment, with a variety of promotions, activities, and giveaways that keep the crowd engaged throughout the game. Attending a Kokomo Jackrabbits game is not just about watching baseball—it's about coming together as a community and creating lasting memories while enjoying the excitement of the game. For schedule and ticket information, click here.

Downtown Farmers Market

The Downtown Kokomo Farmers Market is a gathering place that celebrates local agriculture, artisanal products, and community connections. Held in the heart of downtown, this weekly market showcases an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The market also offers an array of handmade crafts, baked goods, locally sourced meats, and specialty food items. Often, the market's lively atmosphere is complemented by live music performances and food trucks. The Downtown Kokomo Farmers Market is the perfect was to support and explore local. To see a gallery of this year’s Farmer’s Market, click here.

Kokomo Parks

Kokomo offers a great collection of parks that provide residents and visitors with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Each park offers its own unique features and charm. Highland Park invites visitors to explore its lush green spaces, picnic areas, and serene walking trails. Foster Park offers skateparks and amphitheater. Jackson Morrow Park encompasses a vast area with amenities like sports fields, playgrounds, and a nature center that offers educational programs. And that’s just to name a few! With its diverse range of parks, Kokomo ensures that there's always a place for everyone to enjoy nature, engage in recreational activities, and create lasting memories with friends and family. For a full list of parks in Kokomo, click here.

Recreation Adventure Program

A recreation and adventure program is being offered at local parks in Kokomo offering arts and crafts, games, storytelling, special events, picnics, sports and physical fitness. During these programs supervisors are present to offer children leadership and organized games and sports. For more information including locations and a program schedule, click here.

Kokomo Speedway

Kokomo Speedway’s legendary dirt track has become synonymous with exhilarating motorsports action. Known as the “Baddest Bullring in the Midwest,” this high-banked, quarter-mile oval attracts racing enthusiasts from near and far. Kokomo Speedway hosts a variety of racing events throughout the year, including sprint car races, midget car races, and modified races, featuring some of the most skilled drivers in the sport. The fast-paced, close-quarters racing on the tight turns and challenging surface creates an electrifying atmosphere for both drivers and fans. The grandstands are packed with supporters who cheer on their favorite drivers and on-track battles. For more details and tickets, click here.

Summer Reading Program

It’s no secret that some of the best summer events are a part of the Summer Reading Program at the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library. Each year the library fills the summer with amazing events like canvas painting, outdoor movie nights, concerts, bubble shows and a fan favorite the annual foam party! If you’re looking for a way to keep your kids entertained all summer long then the library is going to be the place for you. You can find all of the library’s events by clicking here.

Things to Do in Kokomo This Summer