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Useful Lansing area tidbits for families
When you think of history museums, you may be thinking they’re mostly for adults. The Michigan History Museum in downtown Lansing is not that place. Many of the exhibits are geared toward children, making it an ideal destination for family fun.
This five-story building tells the history of Michigan starting with the very earliest people and goes all the way through the middle of the 20th century.
Most exhibits are hands-on and allow kids to actively participate while they learn.
We can say without hesitation – a great day of fun awaits at the Michigan History Center in Lansing!
The Michigan History Museum is fun for everyone, not just families. Whether or not you visit with kids, you’ll have a great time.
Level up your weekend with a visit to the Michigan History Museum on Sundays when admission is free for all. Free admission and free weekend parking make this trip both inexpensive and worthwhile.
The big tree growing in the middle of the History Center grounds is reason enough to love this downtown gem.
Carl The Tree is named after Lansing native and landscape architect Carl D. Johnson, who designed the landscape outside the Michigan Library and Historical Center.
Hot tip: Kids can write letters to Carl! That’s right, you and your kids are welcome to drop Carl The Tree some snail mail.
Write to him at:
Carl The Tree
c/o Michigan Library and Historical Center
702 W Kalamazoo St
Lansing, MI 48915
Tag #CarlTheTree
One of your kids’ favorite things to do at the Michigan History Museum will be to run (though we recommend they walk!) around the corridor outside by the big pine tree. You’ll find access to this area on level 2.
This beautiful and informative museum is set up to allow you to move along like a river flowing through each floor.
There is only one way in and one way out on each exhibit floor, with elevator access near the middle.
This makes trips to the museum with toddlers doable and fun – especially if your little sweetie is a runner. It also ensures you get to see every inch of the museum and not miss a thing.
Most of the exhibits in the Michigan History Museum are made for kids and adults to interact and participate with in a hands-on way.
Some of these exhibits include:
– furs from Native American history
– a tunnel to walk through, feeling the depth of a mine
– a miniature lumber wheel to pull under the life-sized wheel
– a dinner bell to ring
– an old schoolroom for pretending
These, among others, are great ways for kids and families to tangibly learn and bond together.
The trifecta of adventures is when kids are getting burning energy, learning, and having fun.
Adults will like to explore just as much as kids.
The Michigan History Museum has some staple exhibits that have not changed in over 30 years.
The first floor exhibit area, however, rotates throughout the year. Find out what’s happening now and what is to come.
Extend your visit to last the entire afternoon.
Visit the Michigan History Museum, then walk across the parking lot to the path between the Justice Building and the Michigan State Capitol, and follow Michigan Ave to the Lansing River Trail.
From that point, there are lots of options for a great day in downtown Lansing.
The Michigan History Museum’s special events range from arts and crafts to riding in a vintage Model T.
Most of these events are free of charge or a nominal fee and are jam-packed with fun children’s activities.
Visitor parking is located south of the building with a $5 daily rate on weekdays. Payment can be made using the automated parking system (credit card only). Weekend parking is FREE. Visitors should use the Kalamazoo Street entrance, turning onto the circle drive to enter the visitor parking lot.
Additional public parking is available north of the building across Allegan Street (east of the Hall of Justice and Vietnam Memorial). However, the north entrance of the Michigan Library and Historical Center building is not accessible to people who cannot use stairs.
Designated accessible parking is available at the barrier-free south entrance of the building.
If you’re visiting the Michigan History Museum with kids, we’ve got the scoop on how to make the most of your time – and avoid meltdowns.
Eat before you come and bring snacks. This place is massive, so if your goal is to make it through the entire building, you’ll want to hydrate and pack snacks. If you forget, don’t worry – there’s a snack area located in the front entrance across from the gift shop.
Let the kids guide you to what they are most interested in during your day’s visit. This could end up being key because the stations they miss on one trip become a great “new” experience on their next trip to the Michigan History Museum.
The fun is never-ending when the kids pick and choose what they’d like to learn about each time or revisit the places they love so much.
There are helpful volunteers along the way that will engage with the kids and explain exhibits.
Be sure to stop and chat with them. The information and history they share is always insightful and fascinating.
Bringing a buddy can make for a more enjoyable day for everyone. Adventures are almost always better in a group!
Michigan History Museum
702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing, MI 48915
517-335-2573
Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Sunday: 1 – 5 PM
The museum is closed on state holidays and other select days throughout the year.
| Adults | $8 |
| Seniors (65+) | $6 |
| Youth (ages 6 – 17) | $4 |
| Children (age 5 and under) | FREE |
| Sundays | FREE for all ages! |
Monday – Friday: 1 – 5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Sunday: Closed
The Archives of Michigan is closed on official state holidays and other days throughout the year.
Memberships are often a cost-effective way to get discounted visits to museums and zoos. In addition to free admission, they usually have other benefits as well.
A general membership to the Michigan History Museum includes:
Visit their membership page to find out their membership levels, benefits, and how to sign up.
Enjoy making memories on your visit to the Michigan History Museum while you explore Michigan’s history with interesting exhibits the whole family will love.
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Carla is Oregon born, Michigan raised, so it comes as no surprise she's an avid adventurer in all things nature and water fun. She's passionate about storytelling and the power it has to engage the community, give voice to the teller, and invoke a call to action. She is a proud Mexican-American woman who loves to travel (while eating and cooking delicious foods from around the globe), is grateful for her daily yoga practice, and garners much joy from spending time with friends and family. Life is ripe with story and she is always working to capture the magic wherever she goes, so don’t be surprised if you catch her jotting notes with a camera in hand.
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