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Useful Lansing area tidbits for families
Have you visited Lansing’s favorite park lately?
From baby swings and a splash pad for toddlers to swimming, boat rentals, fishing, sand volleyball and biking for the older kids, this park seriously has it ALL for the best day outdoors with the family.
Hawk Island Park isn’t just great for all ages, it’s also great for all seasons too!
In the winter, Hawk Island Park has downhill tubing, a warming shack and cross country skiing trails. Tubing is a big hit for families of all ages so be sure to book your slot before it fills up for the season.
Newly built, the Hawk Island floating walkways and T-shaped fishing dock on the east side of the lake are a fishing dream. Enjoy the peaceful views and clear water as you fish away your day.
One of the best parts of Hawk Island Park is the location.
Hawk Island Park is in south Lansing, at 1601 E Cavanaugh Rd, between Pennsylvania Ave and Aurelius Rd. It’s an easy drive from any side of Lansing (or suburb).
This makes it a great regular meeting spot for making memories with everyone you love, no matter what side of town you’re from!
The park’s hours are from sunrise to sunset. Winter hours depend on conditions—you can check by calling 517-676-2233.
In the hotter summer months, the splash pad is a blast with everything from small, gentle fountains for the little ones to exciting pour-over buckets for the older kids.
The Hawk Island Park splash pad is located directly next to one of the parking lots, the snack bar, and bathrooms, making this portion of the park an easy walk-up and cool-off destination convenient for an afternoon snack or ice cream treat!
There are lounge chairs available around the splash pad area. Most days, they seem packed, but spots open fairly regularly.
Water safety is so important.
The beach is a quick walk across the lawn and offers another fun place to swim and cool off. During off hours and when there are no available lifeguards to staff, the beach/swimming area is swim at your own risk.
Hawk Island prohibits the following in all swimming areas: footballs, Frisbees, inflatable toys, tubes, life jackets*, noodles, or any other inflatable/flotation device. *Coast Guard-approved life jackets are allowed and encouraged.
The vast grounds make it easy to find a spot perfect for your family. A portion of the beach area is a well-maintained grassy area.
Pro tip: Head to the beach first and then to the splash pad last to wash away all of the sand before jumping back in the car.
Families visit from around the state to experience the tubing hill at Hawk Island Park! Once you go for the first time, you’ll want to make it a yearly tradition.
Here’s why:
You can warm up in the lodge, where concessions are available, or at the fire pit located at the bottom of the tubing hill.
BONUS: The tubing hill can be rented out exclusively for a group. Great for a family reunion, birthday party, or field trip group.
Find this year’s rates and details by calling the park office at 517-676-2233.
Pavilions and grills are located around the park and can be reserved for events up to a year in advance by calling the park office at 517-676-2233.
Along with the pavilions and grills, there’s also a special covered area with picnic tables located by the splash pad and beach.
There is an entrance fee of $3 for Ingham County residents or $5 for non-residents.
Instead, you can pay a $35 annual fee if you live in Ingham County ($45 non-resident). This gets you not only into Hawk Island Park for a year, but also into the Lake Lansing parks, Burchfield Park, and parking at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. If you visit these throughout the summer, the pass is well worth it.
For parents of fur babies:
Dogs are allowed at Hawk Island Park with the exception of the area between the playground and the concession stand (the beach and splash pad area). All dogs must be on a 6-foot or less leash.
The Soldan Dog Park, adjacent to Hawk Island Park, is a City of Lansing facility managed in cooperation with the Ingham County Parks Department. Access requires an electronic pass card.
Spanning over 15 acres, it offers diverse natural surroundings, trails, a pond, an open field, pet/human drinking fountains, and a dog washing station.
Some want to play, but others want to bike? If you have no kids for the day, take the loop!
The Hawk Island Park paved walking/biking path circles right by the playground and is a beautiful 1.5. mile loop taking you around the entire grounds, some of which twist through the woods.
The path is easy with a stroller or great for little bike riders (or your newest two-wheel learner!) to practice and ride safely.
BONUS: The park’s hiking trails connect to the Lansing River City Trail, so the park is a great start and endpoint for a longer run or bike.
You can head south on the Lansing River Trail to several other parks or north connecting you to the MSU Campus or to Downtown Lansing.
There are also off-shoot trails throughout the woods along the water that you’ll love as well.
The community-built playground is one of the best in the area.
The wooden play structure has two sections for different ages—perfect for those wrangling babies, toddlers, and elementary-aged children simultaneously.
We will warn you though, kids do not like to leave this playground! The best part of that is just when they seem to be getting overheated, it’s perfect timing to run over to the water attractions.
Pack lots of water – they’re going to need it.
There are a few geocaches located along the trails. Kids love to search and find treasures here.
If it’s your first time geocaching, try an app on your phone or Geocaching 101.
Floating on the “swan” (swan paddle boats) is a highlight during the warmer months. You can rent these paddle boats as well as kayaks at Hawk Island Park. The rental building is located by the south parking lot and trailhead.
You are also welcome to bring your own boat.
Boating is so much fun at Hawk Island because you get to see the actual island up close in the center of the lake, catch wildlife at a close distance, and see the park in a new way.
There is an entrance fee of $3 for Ingham County residents or $5 for non-residents. Annual passes are also available for $35 for Ingham County residents ($45 non-resident).
Bathrooms are located on each side of the park – one next to the splash pad and the other across the park toward the tubing hill.
Yes! We recommend bringing a stroller or cart to navigate the grounds.
Ingham County Parks’ website includes a Hawk Island map as a PDF.
The park’s hours are from sunrise to sunset. Winter hours depend on conditions—you can check by calling 517-676-2233.
Yes! Dogs are allowed at Hawk Island Park with the exception of the beach and splash pad. All dogs must be on a 6-foot leash. There’s also a dog park nearby.
Want more? Explore other phenomenal parks using the Best Lansing Parks Guide.
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Melissa is a wife and mother of three who loves to explore - and then write to tell about it! Melissa has lived in several areas of the US, and every move back to Michigan only increases her love and appreciation for the people, culture, and beauty of the mitten. When she’s not outside exploring or writing, you can find her trying to fit in a run before preschool pickup, teaching classes at her church, or filling up her phone’s camera roll with way too many pictures to ever print.
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