Lansing Family Fun is where the fun's at! We're your local guide to family adventures, and cool events, with a mix of travel information, guides, and helpful content galore.
Useful Lansing area tidbits for families
Maybe you’ve been to Lansing’s parks, maybe you’ve explored downtown, and if you have kids, maybe you’ve played at Impression 5. But have you explored campus yet?
It’s time to put Visit MSU on your list of Lansing things to do with kids. And don’t worry – it’s way more than just the children’s garden and dairy store (though both are top of our list!).
Everyone will love visiting iconic stops like The Rock and the Sparty Statue while art lovers have two museums to visit. There’s also bugs, planets, horses and hiking trails.
So go have fun adventuring – Spartan style.
Whether you have all day to explore or just a couple hours, we have a stop for you. Visit them all in one day or come back again and again. No matter what you do, you’ll have a great time.
Wander the Children’s Garden, where accessible paths lead you past blooming flowers and kid-friendly structures.
Swing by in the spring and visit the magical indoor butterfly garden, free every weekend in April. (Note this is similar to, but the same as the former MSU Butterfly House.)
Check out the MSU Dairy Store for the ultimate ice cream treat.
They make delicious, award-winning flavors fresh right on campus—the perfect for a tasty stop with the kids.
Stop into the Natural Science Building on the second Monday of the month to explore all of nature’s creepy crawlies.
Explore the Arabian horse barns at MSU with a free self-guided tour.
It’s a fun, hands-on experience where kids of all ages can pet the horses and discover the story behind the horse program.
Barn Note: Please remember to avoid the animal feed areas and wash your hands after visiting the horses.
Enjoy family-friendly, free theatre shows at the Summer Circle Theatre.
Performances are on select days at the circle in the courtyard between the MSU Auditorium & the Kresge Art Building.
Skate at the home of the Spartan Hockey Team, Munn Ice Arena.
The arena is open to the community, offering public skating, open hockey and freestyle sessions—so everyone, whether newbie or pro, can jump on the ice and have a blast!
Take a mini trip to outer space without leaving town at the Abrams Planetarium.
Discover the secrets of the stars, planets & galaxies through family-friendly shows and visual displays.
It’s a perfect place to spark kids curiosity and enjoy the afternoon.
Discover hidden gems at the MSU Surplus Store – where you’ll find usable items for amazing deals.
Bonus: you’re helping support campus sustainability, too.
For indoor art fun, be sure to swing by the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.
It’s free, open year-round from Wednesday – Sunday, and a great spot to enjoy local art—and maybe even create a little of your own.
Drop by the Kresge Art Center—there’s always new exhibitions showing off the creative work of local artists, students, and pros.
It’s a fun, artistic spot that’s great for all ages and keeps changing throughout the year.
Experience amazing shows and most epic performances at the Wharton Center.
From Broadway musicals to laugh-out-loud plays and concerts, there’s always something new to see.
It’s the perfect night out for the family, full of memories and fun.
Looking for lunch or dinner? Swing by Brody Square on MSU’s campus.
It’s all-you-can-eat and open to everyone in the community, every day during the school year.
Dining Hours:
Visit the Spartan Statue – the superstar of MSU.
This impressive statue is the go-to spot for photos and a huge part of campus traditions.
Head to the intersection of Kalamazoo St, Red Cedar Rd & Chestnut–You can’t miss it!
Swing by The Rock—an ever-changing canvas where students paint new designs.
It’s a fun, creative way to experience MSU’s spirit and traditions.
To find The Rock, head down Farm Lane toward the MSU Auditorium, and you’ll see it in the clearing, just past the Red Cedar River.
Explore MSU on wheels as you take the MSU River Trail.
This bicycle-only expressway crosses campus, passing along the Red Cedar River.
It is part of the Lansing River Trails, taking you past MSU highlights including the Spartan Stadium, the Spartan Statue & more.
If your family enjoys trails and hiking, be sure to check out the Baker Woodlot.
This beautiful 78-acre forest has wide, clear trails for an easy walk through the maple and beech trees.
It’s a great nature escape for the whole family.
Don the green and white and have a great time on the MSU Campus! Let us know what else we should add to our list!
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Writer. Traveler. Mom of 2. Danielle loves to visit and write about fun experiences in and around Michigan.
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