Looking for a family day trip destination that has it all? Lansing is packed with kid-friendly adventures that make it worth the drive from Metro Detroit. Families can spend the day splashing at a waterpark, exploring hands-on museums, visiting animals, creating art, playing at incredible parks and even touring Michigan’s Capitol Building.
Whether you are planning a summer getaway or a weekend adventure, here are the best things to do in Lansing with kids!
Make a Splash at East Lansing Family Aquatic Center
The East Lansing Family Aquatic Center is the perfect place to cool off with kids of all ages. Little swimmers can explore in shallow water areas while bigger kids can race down giant waterslides, jump from the diving board and run through the splash pad.
The aquatic center is open daily from 11am to 7pm through Saturday, August 22nd. Admission is $14 for guests 3 and up (2 and under are free)
Explore the MSU 4-H Children’s Garden
Get back to nature and explore the MSU 4-H Children’s Garden. It’s a colorful, outdoor space designed just for kids. Search the pond for frogs, go through the tree maze, hide away in the stick huts or ride on the play train. The real train passes by regularly and kids will enjoy seeing that too.
Admission to the gardens is free. Pack a lunch and plan a special picnic.
Burn Off Energy at Fun City Trampoline & Adventure Park
If your kids still have energy to spare, make your next stop Fun City Trampoline & Adventure Park. One of the largest indoor adventure parks in Michigan, Fun City features more than 15 attractions that keep kids moving for hours. Families can jump on wall-to-wall trampolines, tackle ninja warrior courses, climb rock walls, navigate a ropes course, challenge each other to dodgeball and basketball, dive into foam pits, race through the giant indoor playground and finish with games in the arcade. It’s an ideal rainy-day activity or the perfect way to end a day exploring Lansing.
Admission includes access to nearly all attractions, with options for both daily tickets and all-day play. Adults who aren’t participating can watch for free, making it an easy stop for the whole family.
Get Hands-On at Impression 5 Science Center
If your kids love to touch, build, experiment and ask “how does that work?”, Impression 5 Science Center is a must-visit. The hands-on children’s museum lets kids learn through play with interactive exhibits focused on science, creativity and discovery. Families can experiment with water, explore light and shadows, create, build and test ideas throughout the museum.
Impression 5 regularly hosts traveling exhibits, allowing families to experience something new. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sunday. Admission is $15 for guests 2 and older.
Create Art at the MSU Broad Art Museum Family Art Studio
Get creative and checkout rotating exhibits at the MSU Broad Art Museum. The multi-story museum has unique architecture and art exhibitions. On the ground floor there is a permanent children’s area where kids can have hands-on adventures. The museum also hosts drop-in art workshops where families can spend hours getting creative together.
The MSU Broad Art Museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am to 6pm and admission is always free.
Discover Dinosaurs & More at the MSU Museum
Step into the world of science, culture and history at the MSU Museum. Kids will love discovering fossils, seeing dinosaur and elephant skeletons, cultural artifacts and exhibits that bring learning to life. The 3-story museum is one of the three Smithsonian affiliated Museums in Michigan.
The MSU Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free for all visitors.
Play at Adado Riverfront Park
One of Lansing’s newest places to play, Adado Riverfront Park features a colorful, accessible playground where kids can climb, slide, swing and even make music. Located along the river in downtown Lansing, families can also enjoy paved paths perfect for walking, scooters and stroller rides.
Adado Riverfront Park: 201 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing
Visit Potter Park Zoo
Animal lovers will want to add Potter Park Zoo to their Lansing itinerary. Located inside an 80-acre park, this 20-acre zoo is home to more than 160 species, including incredible animals like Amur tigers, red pandas, snow leopards and more. Kids can get an up-close look at wildlife while learning about conservation and animals from around the world.
Potter Park Zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission is $17 for adults, $7 for kids ages 3 to 12, kids 2 and under are free.
Cool Off at Hawk Island Park Beach & Splash Pad
Beat the summer heat at Hawk Island Park. This popular Lansing-area destination features a sandy beach, swimming area and splash pad that are perfect for families. The park also offers plenty of space for picnics and outdoor adventures, making it a great stop for families looking to spend the entire day outside.
The Splash Pad is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day 9:00am to 8:00pm weather permitting and is free of charge.
Step Inside Michigan’s 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.
Explore Michigan History Center
Take a journey through Michigan’s past at the Michigan History Center, where kids can explore three floors of exhibits bringing the state’s history to life.
Beginning with Michigan’s first people, the Anishinaabe, and continuing through the state’s growth and industry, families can travel through interactive exhibits that showcase everything from wilderness exploration and copper mining to classrooms and everyday life.
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!
