In the middle of the mitten, you’ll find Lansing – Michigan’s capital and home to everything from museums, to breath-taking parks that offer family fun all year round.
Adado Riverfront Park
The new, vibrant, accessible playground at Adado Riverfront Park in downtown Lansing is a fun place to play. Kids can climb, slide, swing and dance! There are several musical instrument features at the colorful park. Located next to the river, there is plenty of seating and paved sidewalks for walks or stroller rolls. The parking lot is dedicated to handicap parking but there is free street parking available after 6pm on weekdays and all day on Saturday and Sunday.
201 E. Shiawassee St. Lansing, MI 48933
Michigan History Center
Beginning with Michigan’s first people’s, the Anishinaabe, and ending in the mid-20th century, take a 3-story tour through time at the Michigan History Center in Lansing. The museum’s hands-on exhibits look at the life and industry in interactive ways that give kids a chance to stroll from the wilderness to the copper mines and into the classroom. The Michigan History Center is open on Mondays thru Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for youth ages 6 to 17 and children ages 5 and under are free. The Center is open on Sundays from 1pm to 5pm and admission is FREE!
Impression 5
Impression 5 Science Center is a dynamic, interactive space for families to play, create, and challenge their understanding of science. The museum regularly hosts traveling exhibits and the permanent hands-on activities are always popular with kids and feature water, light, bubbles, music and more! Impressions 5 is open Wednesdays thru Sunday from 9:30am to 4pm and admission is $12 for guests 2 and older. $2 admission is available to guests with a valid ID and EBT/Medicaid or WIC card.
Tour the Capitol Building
No trip to the state capital is complete without a tour of the Capitol Building. See where government functions during a guided tour of public areas including the Rotunda, Gallery of Governors and Senate and House galleries when available. Tours are free and the monthly schedule can be found here.
MSU Children’s Garden
The Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens is a storybook inspired children’s garden on the Michigan State University campus. Let your littles explore and discover new things in each themed garden for FREE! The meters in the Horticulture Gardens parking lot are in effect from 7 am to 10 pm, Monday through Friday.
Potter Park Zoo
Potter Park Zoo is a 20 acre zoo within an 80 acre park located in the capital city of Lansing, Michigan. The Zoo is home to over 160 species of animals, many of which are threatened or endangered, including Amur tigers, red pandas, snow leopards, bongos and more.
Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at MSU
The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is dedicated to exploring contemporary culture and ideas through engaging and interactive art exhibits. The museum is free and located on the campus of Michigan State University – making it the perfect excuse to take a college tour.
Have Fun In Nature
With more than a mile of shoreline, Woldumar maintains over 5 miles of trails on 178 acres of woodland, tall grass prairie, and a pine plantation. Hawk Island offers recreational fun year round. Snowtubing in the winter months and rowboat and pedal boat rental, a swimming beach and splash park in the summer.
Photo: Adado Park
