Spring has arrived. And that means only one thing to students — spring break is finally here! Fortunately for parents, you don’t need to hit the road for a fun week with the kids. There’s plenty to do right here at home.
Visitors travel to our community to see and experience the many unique attractions we have here, and spring break is an opportunity to visit these places in your own community. To help you make the most of your break, check out the following activities!
Local Art Experiences
There are plenty of options to experience art in Kokomo! Take a behind-the-scenes tour of America’s oldest art glass company (right here in Kokomo) and watch how art glass is made, take a class to make your own piece of art or explore downtown by finding art hidden around every corner with a fun scavenger hunt.
Kokomo Opalescent Glass
On the behind-the-scenes factory tour of Kokomo Opalescent Glass, you can experience the fascinating technique of making art sheet glass up close. So close, in fact, that you can feel the heat of the 2,000-degree furnace. Classes are available for individuals or small groups to make your own glass creation!
Cost: $6 general admission, $3 for students; cost for classes vary
Where: 1310 S. Market St., Kokomo
When: All tours must be scheduled in advance. Call 765-457-1829 to schedule your tour or class.
More info: www.kog.com
Fired Arts Studio
Paint your own pottery in this family arts center. Check out hundreds of options of pre-fired bisque, waiting for you to add your creative finish! Walk-ins welcome. Classes and workshops also available.
Cost: Pieces are individually marked from $2-$100 and there is a $5.00 studio fee per painter
Where: 106 N. Main St. (downstairs), Kokomo
When: Open Wed-Thurs. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri-Sat. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. & Sun. 12-5 p.m.
More info: www.firedartsstudio.com
Downtown Kokomo Art Walk Scavenger Hunt
There is art around every corner in downtown Kokomo, including colorful murals, art alleys, a sculpture walk and a variety of unique public art. Challenge yourself or others to find all 10 art pieces throughout downtown on the Art Walk Scavenger Hunt.
Cost: Free
Where: Downtown Kokomo
When: Always open
More info: Download an Art Walk Scavenger Hunt Map at www.visitkokomo.org/downtown-art
Artist Alley
Take in an art show — outside! Kokomo’s first outdoor public art gallery. While you’re there, get your photo taken in an art replica of a 1894 Haynes Pioneer. Yes, you can actually sit in it!
Cost: Free
Where: In the alley next to Kokomo Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St., Kokomo
When: Always open
More info: Find Artist Alley on Facebook
Explore Local Museums
Did you know that famous inventor Elwood Haynes who invented “America’s First Car” was from Kokomo? Did you know that the beautiful and historic Seiberling Mansion was built in 1891 and now houses various exhibits on local history? Explore these local museums to learn more about our community!
Elwood Haynes Museum
The first commercially successful gasoline powered automobile was developed in 1894 in Kokomo by Elwood Haynes. You can take a stroll through his former residence and see a number of his possessions, inventions and automobiles.
Cost: Free will donation
Where: 1915 S. Webster St., Kokomo
When: Thursday-Friday 1-4 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. & Sunday 1-4 p.m. (through May 31st)
More info: 765-456-7500, www.cityofkokomo.org
Seiberling Mansion & Howard County Museum
Explore our community’s past while enjoying the beauty of the stunning Seiberling Mansion. Featuring beautiful architecture and hand-carved woodwork, the historic mansion offers multiple exhibits highlighting the history of Howard County through fascinating historical photos and artifacts.
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children
Where: 1200 W. Sycamore St., Kokomo
When: Tuesday to Sunday 1-4 p.m.
More info: 765-452-4314, www.hchistory.org
Kirkendall Nature Center
An animal and nature lover’s dream, the center has a large diorama of preserved animals, including a beaver, an albino muskrat, a barn owl, deer, a great blue heron, a bull elk and much more. There’s also mounts of fish, insects and butterflies, as well as fossils on display. In the center’s five large aquariums, you’ll find native species of fish, frogs, lizards and snakes. And that’s just the inside! Head outside and enjoy a nature walk on the trail as well.
Cost: Free
Where: Inside Jackson Morrow Park, 4200 S. Park Road, Kokomo
When: Tuesday and Thursday 2-5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. & Sunday 1-4 p.m.
More info: 765-864-1655, www.cityofkokomo.org
Outdoor Fun
As the weather warms up, head outdoors to stay active and get some fresh air. There is plenty to see and do!
Trails
Whether you’re looking to walk, run, bike or rollerblade, there’s no shortage of trails to choose from in Kokomo. So grab your family or friends and hit the many trails that run throughout the community.
Cost: Free
When: Trails always open
Where: Throughout the community
More info: Download a Trail Experience Map at www.visitkokomo.org/maps-guides
Skate parks
For the sk8ters, Kokomo offers not one but three skate parks! With a 90-degree bent full pipe and bowls of varying sizes, Kokomo Pipeline Skate Park is a world-class facility for advanced skaters and BMX biker riders. Studebaker Skate Park and Foster Park Skate Park are also available to those with in-line skates and skateboards.
Cost: Free
When: Open during daylight hours
Where: Kokomo Pipeline Skate Park, 4200 S. Park Road, Kokomo; Studebaker Skate Park, 1030 N. Purdum St., Foster Skate Park, 721 W. Superior St., Kokomo
More info: 765-456-7275, www.cityofkokomo.org
Disc golf course
Try your hand at disc golf at Highland Park. The 18-hole course plays around a deep brook with a man-made waterfall. There’s a variety of difficult shots to keep players engaged.
Cost: Free
When: During daylight hours
Where: Highland Park, 1402 W. Defenbaugh St., Kokomo
More info: 765-456-7275, www.cityofkokomo.org
Crown Haven Center
From a petting zoo to pony rides to archery tag, Crown Haven Center packs in the fun. Many of the activities are available both indoors and outdoors, including horseback riding. For the thrill seeker, check out the off-road military vehicle rides!
Cost: Varies by activity
Where: 5282 W. 250 South, Russiaville
When: Call ahead or visit website to book your visit in advance
More info: 765-480-3930, www.crownhavencenter.com
Old Ben
You don’t have to travel Route 66 to find large-scaled oddities to snap a selfie with — the World’s Largest Steer can be found in Highland Park! Weighing in at 4,000 at the time of his death in 1920, Old Ben stands more than 6.5 feet tall, 14 feet around and more than 16 feet long. And Ben is pretty famous, too. He was featured on the “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” in 1968. He shares a pavilion in the park with the Giant Sycamore Stump, which is another sight to behold.
Cost: Free
Where: Highland Park, 900 W. Defenbaugh St., Kokomo
When: Open during daylight hours
More info: www.cityofkokomo.org/
Unique Shops You’ll Only Find in Kokomo
Black Wax Cafe
Check out Indiana’s largest record store – right here in Kokomo! You’ll find the state’s largest selection of new and used records (all under one roof), plus turntables, merchandise, and a coffee shop.
Where: 910 N. Washington St., Kokomo
When: Open Tuesday-Thursday 12-6 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sunday 12-5 p.m.
More info: www.blackwaxcafe.com
Olde Thyme Mercantile
Where can you find the largest variety of old-fashioned candy in the state? Right here in Kokomo! From taffy and bulk candy to old-fashioned favorites, you’ll feel like you have stepped into Willy Wonka’s factory. They also carry antiques, crafts and unique gifts.
Where: 2905 S. Washington St., Kokomo
When: Open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
More info: Visit their Facebook page
Kokomo Toys & Collectibles
Recently featured on Amazon Prime’s “A Toy Store Near You”, you’ll find a huge selection of vintage toys (and even some new releases.) From He-Man, ThunderCats, G.I. Joe, Marvel, Star Wars, Ghostbusters, Funko Pops, and everything in between. You have to check this place out!
Where: 111 E. Sycamore St., Kokomo
When: Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-5 p.m.
More info: Check out their Facebook page
Dr. Ashburn’s Pepper Emporium
Shop here to get your hot pepper and spice fix! Find a large assortment of BBQ sauces, jams & jellies, hot sauces, spice rubs, steak sauces, and much more along with unique gifts and gift sets.
Where: 3841 S. Lafountain St., Kokomo
When: Open Monday-Thursday 1-5 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
More info: www.drashburns.com
This list just scratches the surface! To find more things to do in Kokomo, visit our website at www.VisitKokomo.org. Have fun exploring and share your experiences with us on social media with #VisitKokomo.
