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Ultimate Winter Break Activity Guide for Lansing Families
Staying home for winter break? Try these activity ideas to keep you busy.
Spring Break 2025 in Lansing: Staycation Fun & Easy One-Tank Adventures
Your Ultimate Guide to Spring Break in Lansing
Are you sticking around the Lansing area this spring break?
Staying close to home doesn’t mean you can’t do something exciting. There are so many fun ideas your kids will love in the Lansing area that we don’t always have time to do in our daily routines.
Spring break in Lansing is the perfect time to plan a visit to someplace new.
We polled our readers and were informed that area schools are off for spring break over the course of three separate weeks between March 21 – April 13, 2025.
Spring Break in Lansing
Best Ways to Spend Spring Break in Lansing
We’ve got a list of ideas for the week along with short trip destinations worth the drive and packed with fun for your entire family.
BONUS: If you decide to take a last-minute trip, we have some great suggestions that will ensure you have a fantastic spring break.
And be sure to check out our calendar of events at the end of this article.
Visit the Campus of Michigan State University
The MSU Horticultural Gardens are a must visit each year as our city starts blooming back to life. It’s absolutely breathtaking!
There are gardens galore hemmed throughout MSU’s campus. Each one is unique enough on its own to warrant a trip to each. As you play, be sure to make time for the MSU Children’s Garden as it’s geared toward interaction and free play.
From the outdoor gardens and arboretum, the walking trails and architectural design of the buildings, to the bustle of downtown East Lansing, the MSU Campus is the perfect start to your spring break Itinerary.
- MSU Horticulture Gardens & Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden
1066 Bogue St, East Lansing, MI 48824 - Lewis Landscape Arboretum
Northeast corner of Bogue Street & Service Road, East Lansing, MI 48824 - W.J. Beal Botanical Garden
Behind the IM Circle Building – 308 W Circle Dr, East Lansing, MI 48824 - Baker Woodlot and Rajendra Neotropical Migrant Bird Sanctuary
Farm Lane between Mt. Hope Ave & Service Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
Visit the MSU Horse Barn
Hanging out with the horses is so peaceful. No matter how many bags of carrots and apples we bring it seems like never enough. The horses just love it!
Take a self-guided tour 8 AM – 4:30 PM Monday through Friday and 8 AM – 12 PM Saturday and Sunday.
MSU Horse Barns
3327 Collins Rd, Lansing, MI 48910
Plan to Attend the MSU Science Festival
The MSU Science Festival runs April 1-30, 2025.
There is so much to do at this festival so using the calendar to plan is key. Choose from hands-on activities, lectures, demonstrations, special events, and more.
Visit the MSU Broad Art Center
The MSU Broad Art Museum offers free admission year-round. Tickets can be reserved online. Bonus: The first Saturday of the month is Family Day, offering a hands-on art project for everyone.
Tip: Parking is free on campus on the weekends. *Some restrictions apply.
Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum
547 E Circle Dr, East Lansing, MI 48824
Tour Beaumont Tower
Prepare for a lot of steps! Tours are free, but require advanced reservations. Also, there is no elevator or restroom facility in the structure, so plan ahead. Contact MSU to schedule.
Carillonists play the MSU carillon at noon on Wednesdays during the school year, Wednesday evenings during the Muelder Summer Carillon Series, and for special tours and events.
Beaumont Tower
547 E Circle Dr, East Lansing, MI 48824
Stop by the MSU Dairy Store
No trip to MSU’s campus is complete without a stop at the Dairy Store!
Serving up 13 weekly rotating flavors of ice cream in cups and cones, plus shakes, coffee, and other hot drinks, soups, and chili, grilled cheese, and more. Open Tuesday – Sunday 12 PM – 8 PM.
TIP: The Dairy Store is cashless.
Dairy Store
474 South Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824
Explore the Outdoors
Pick the best Lansing parks to visit on the big list of playgrounds in our area or plan a day at a local nature center.
Parks may be a little slushy at this point in the year, but still so much fun if you wear the right footwear. So, grab some rain or winter boots, layer up in case you get hot, and make a bucket list of parks to visit during spring break!
Tip: Bring a water bottle and a snack for each member of your party and pack an extra outfit including socks in the event it is rainy or muddy,
| Nature Centers | |
|---|---|
| Fenner Nature Center 2020 E Mt Hope Ave, Lansing, MI 48910 | Natural wonderland play area Hiking trails Bird watching Interactive playscape Welcome Center with learning opportunities |
| Harris Nature Center 3998 Van Atta Rd, Okemos, MI 48864 | Treehouse playground Hiking trails Welcome Center with learning opportunities |
| Howell Nature Center 1005 Triangle Lake Rd, Howell, MI 48843 | Wading creek Treehouse playground Meet the nature center’s animals Welcome Center with learning opportunities |
| Woldumar Nature Center 5739 Old Lansing Rd, Lansing, MI 48917 | Hiking trails Welcome Center with learning opportunities |
Walk, Hike, and Bike
When people think of Lansing, they usually focus on the Capitol, and that’s wonderful. But Lansing is so much more, one being the Lansing River Trail.
You could potentially plan a special bike ride around the entire Greater Lansing area just by the paved paths!
You can make a hiking/biking/or walk plan with this guide.
Play Disc Golf
An inexpensive, yet enjoyable activity that your whole family can play. Disc golf is a lot like miniature golf.
You throw your disc and play from where it lands until you make it into the basket.
This sport is gaining popularity in the Lansing area and there are many courses to choose from.
Take a Tour
Embark on a journey through Michigan’s history, where each tour unveils captivating tales of the past, providing a glimpse into the state’s rich heritage.
Michigan Hall of Justice
925 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48915
Reservations must be made in advance. Tours are held Monday – Friday 9 AM – 4 PM except for court holidays.
Michigan State Capitol Building
100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Visitors can explore the Michigan Capitol and take a guided tour year-round Monday through Friday between 9 AM – 4 PM and the first Saturday of the month between 10 AM – 3 PM. The Capitol is closed on state holidays in Michigan, except for election day.
Self-guided tour books are available at the information desks in Heritage Hall and in the Capitol. These books are also available in Español (Spanish), Français (French), Deutsch (German), Pусский (Russian), 日本語 (Japanese), 中文 (Chinese/Mandarin), and العربية (Arabic).
Michigan History Museum & Archive
702 W Kalamazoo Ave, Lansing, MI 48915
This five-story building narrates Michigan’s history from its earliest inhabitants to the mid-20th century, featuring interactive exhibits that engage children in active learning.
Tip: Admission to the Michigan History Museum is free on Sundays.
Downtown Sculpture Walk
600 N Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Lansing Community College’s walking tour offers not just a visual feast of art but also an immersive taste of the vibrant ambiance of Downtown Lansing.
All sculptures on campus, including the 30-foot Red Ribbon in the Sky and the towering Elementary display, were created by LCC faculty, alumni, or students, making the Downtown Sculpture Walk a captivating showcase of diverse talent and craftsmanship
Shigematsu Japanese Garden
598 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
The garden offers a serene setting to explore Japanese culture, featuring carefully chosen plantings like pines, Japanese maples, and cherry trees for year-round beauty. Traditional elements such as a dry gravel garden and a water garden with walking paths enhance the tranquil ambiance.
Stop to feed the ducks on the river and feed the fish in the Japanese Gardens. This trip is packed full of adventure and a sure-shot fun time out and about.
Get Up Close and Personal with Animals
Potter Park Zoo
1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
Potter Park Zoo is open 364 days a year giving you plenty of time to plan a trip. Ingham County residents can enjoy free admission on non-holiday Mondays between 9 AM – 12 PM.
Preuss Pets
1127 N Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48906
Preuss Pets is a local gem! This is a guaranteed spring break highlight right here. Where else can you see a large variety of fish, snakes, reptiles, small animals, spiders, and other creepy crawlies?
Anderson & Girls Orchard
2985 N Sheridan Rd, Stanton, MI 48888
Anderson & Girls is an easy drive from the Lansing area. Located just north of Ionia, this farm offers a zoo with over 140 animals, several playgrounds with wooden structures, a bakery and café, a farm store, and ice cream.
Constellation Cat Café
3320 E Lake Lansing Rd, Suite F, East Lansing, MI 48823
Schedule a cat room visit. Explore the cat lounge featuring 6-20 lovable cats ready for adoption. Feel free to drop by the cat room, whether or not you are seeking a lifelong companion. The cat room area allows you to interact with the cats while enjoying your delightful café beverage.
NOTE: Constellation Cat Café is making strides to move to its new location at 1041 N Cedar St in Old Town Lansing in 2025.
Indoor Play Options
Use our Indoor Play Guide to find options like trampoline parks, gymnastics, roller skating, library events, and more.
High Caliber Karting and Entertainment
1982 W Grand River Ave #800, Okemos, MI 48864
Experience high-speed kart racing, competitive combat karting, inclusive go-karting for all abilities, axe throwing, rage rooms, games, delicious food, and much more. *Age restrictions apply.
Zap Zone XL
5520 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
If you haven’t been to Zap Zone XL since they moved into the Lansing Mall, stop what you are doing and go, now! The all new Zap Zone XL offers a TON of activities including indoor go karts, arcade games, laser tag, mini-golf, bull riding, Springz Thrill Park, rage room, cornhole, bowling, smash room, axe throwing, and much, much more. There is even an indoor carousel!
Fun City Adventure Park
5801 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
Experience the endless fun at Fun City Adventure Park, where gravity takes a break and excitement has no boundaries. The trampoline wonderland is the perfect place to rediscover the joy of movement, laughter, and adventure. All ages are welcome to jump into the fun.
Castaway Play Café
1800 N Burkhardt Rd, Howell, MI 48855
The 5-story indoor play structure is seriously fun. Castaway Play Café also has bounce houses, laser tag, arcade, toddler play area, “Create-a-Pal” stuffed animal maker, and The Challenge Zone (a ninja-style warrior course).
SkyZone
820 S Waverly Rd, Lansing, MI 48917
SkyZone offers an exhilarating experience where you can jump, soar, and have unforgettable parties. It’s fun like you’ve never experienced at a trampoline park before!
Go on a Taste Test Around The World – Locally
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey right in the heart of mid-Michigan.
Brody Square
Michigan State University, 241 Brody W, East Lansing, MI 48825
Brody Square is a dining hall on the campus of Michigan State University that offers many different types of food from around the world all in one location. Pay a flat rate per person and dine to your stomach’s content. Bonus: This is a great way to introduce new foods to your kids.
- BOILING POINT – A daily selection of pasta, scratch-made sauces and fresh-baked breadsticks.
- BRIMSTONE – Indulge in timeless classics like grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers, and crispy golden French fries.
- CAYENNE’S – Southwestern fare prepared to your liking such as tacos, burritos, and nacho toppings over warm, fresh-made chips.
- CIAO! – Warm, classic pizza slices, unique pie flavors, and delicious cheese bread.
- DOLCE – Assortment of desserts made on campus by MSU Bakers and Michigan-made Hudsonville premium ice cream.
- HOMESTYLE – Comfort foods that’ll make you warm up to college and feel right at home. Features contemporary entrées, carved meats and fresh rotisserie chicken.
- PANGEA – Featuring Pan-Asian favorites, like shrimp, pork, chicken and beef options as well as rice, noodles, vegetables and a variety of sauces.
- S2 – Soup selections and a variety of crisp greens with an assortment of accompaniments to help build your perfect salad. In addition, hand-rolled sushi is offered on select days.
- SOUP – Daily soup selections vary.
- STACKS – Hot or cold deli sandwich selections.
- VEG OUT – Daily offerings include plant-forward vegan and vegetarian entrees and sides as well as hummus, tabbouleh and more!
Lansing Shuffle
325 Riverfront Dr, Lansing, MI 48912
From burgers and fries to butter chicken, there’s something for everyone at Lansing Shuffle.
- TAKITOS AF – Mexican cuisine featuring crispy, rolled tortillas filled with beef, chicken, or vegetables + aguas frescas, and a selection of traditional Mexican sweets (churros!)
- YETI KITCHEN – Inspired by Kathmandu’s street food, Yeti Kitchen offers shareable Nepali dishes that are fun, ,easy to enjoy and shareable.
- KIN THAI – Southeast Asian-inspired eatery reminiscent of the spirit of street vendors tossing up fresh noodle and rice dishes in fiery woks!
- BROWNDOG @ THE SHUFFLE – An abbreviated version of their Barlor concept includes craft burgers, traditional American comfort food, and the finest Browndog small batch ice cream.
- BEIRUT KITCHEN – Sandwiches and veggie plates made fresh with chicken shawarma, Beirut kabab / Beirut kafta or gyro meat or veggies.
Spring Break Fun – Explore Greater Lansing
Exploring nearby towns can reveal hidden gems and local cultures, transforming ordinary days into extraordinary adventures. Below you’ll find suggestions for something to do, a place to eat, a place to get a sweet treat and, for those who need it, a place to get a hot beverage!
Charlotte
- Explore: Eaton Theatre
- Grab a Bite: Sidestreets Deli
- Hot Beverage & a Sweet Treat: Fay’s Evelyn Bay Coffee
DeWitt
- Explore: Riverside Park (405 S Bridge St, DeWitt, MI 48820)
- Grab a Bite: Family Tree Café
- Hot Beverage: Tin Cup Cafe & Creamery
Eaton Rapids
- Explore: Playground of Dreams (100 Howe Dr, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827)
- Sweet Treat: Moo-Ville Creamery
- Grab a Bite: Mark’s Place
Grand Ledge
- Explore: The Ledges at Fitzgerald Park
- Grab a Bite: Cugino’s Italian Restaurant
- Sweet Treat: Flour Child Bakery
- Hot Beverage: Toads
Mason
- Explore: Rayner Park (738 E Ash St, Mason, MI 48854)
- Grab a Bite: The Vault
- Sweet Treat: Risen Breakfast & Bakery
- Hot Beverage: Bestsellers Books & Coffee
Owosso
- Explore: Curwood Castle
- Grab a Bite: Joe-Lee’s Crosswinds Cafe
- Sweet Treat: Itsa Bakery Thing
- Hot Beverage: Foster Coffee
St. Johns
- Explore: Fantasy Forest (801 W Park St, St. Johns, MI 48879)
- Grab a Bite: Main Street Cafe
- Sweet Treat: Oh Mi Organics
- Hot Beverage: Waypoint Coffee Co
Williamston
- Explore: McCormick Park (123 High St, Williamston, MI 48895)
- Grab a Bite: Tavern 109
- Sweet Treat: Honey & Cream
- Hot Beverage: That New Place
Spring Break One-Tank Getaway Trips Close By and Worth the Drive!
Spring Break mini road trips can be really fun, doable, and take minimal planning.
Packing light in few bags makes a day trip with kids pretty smooth. Along with sleeping in the car, being prepared with drawing kits, books, and a couple of small toys can be immensely helpful.
Indoor Water Parks
So, we aren’t at the ocean taking in the heat and sun? No worries, there’s a water park for that. In fact, there are quite a few indoor water parks in Michigan. And a lot of them are pretty amazing. Here are just a few:
- Hilton Garden Inn in Ann Arbor. Good for: Toddlers, Young Children.
- Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City. Good for: Toddlers, Young Children, Kids.
- Soaring Eagle in Mount Pleasant. Good for: Toddlers, Young Children, Tweens
- Zehnder’s Splash Village in Frankenmuth. Good for: All ages.
- Avalanche Bay in Boyne Falls. Good for: All ages.
Grand Rapids
Plan a visit to Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Kids has an amazing spring break guide for families. You’ll find things to do that suit your family’s needs and Grand Rapids is only about an hour from Lansing.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Frederik Meijer Gardens is the perfect day trip getaway option. This garden oasis is about an hour west of Lansing. Their Butterflies are Blooming exhibit will be running until the end of April.
Did you know they have the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation? That’s amazing!!
John Ball Zoo
1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
John Ball Zoo opens back up just in time for spring break. Daily Animal Programs include training sessions, feeding routines, and enriching activities for the animals.
Kalamazoo
We love Kalamazoo and KZOOKIDS has an ultimate spring break planner that will guide your family through great options for an itinerary.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
The KVM is a local favorite for its free admission, children’s area, rotating exhibits, and a planetarium in one magnificent multi-level museum. Families explore hands-on stations, learning geography, mathematics, history, and more.
Detroit
Living just one hour and 30 mins from Detroit is such a gift! It makes visiting easy.
Plan a trip to the Motor City to see murals, visit the Outdoor Adventure Center (a personal fav!), shop the Eastern Market, bike the Dequindre Cut, eat delicious food, and more!
Belle Isle is free to the public and their Conservatory, Aquarium, and Nature Center are a blast for both the kids and parents. *Note: Be sure to check before you visit to make sure your specific choice is open on the day you visit.
Plus, check out other things happening around the waterfront and Campus Martius for guaranteed fun during the week.
Chicago, IL
Yes, a visit to Chicago is a one-tank trip!
Take in the sites, play at Millennium Park, check out Shedd Aquarium and other museums, shop the Magnificent Mile, and visit Navy Pier and more.
If you plan to do it all, the City Pass is a great option to save money and skip having to stand in lines. Also, Chicago KIDS is a great place to start if you’re wanting family tips and ideas.
Spring Break Events Around Lansing (March 21 – April 13, 2025)
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