Finding Your Family Fun

FOR FUN ALL! FINDING YOUR FAMILY FUN IN GREATER LANSING

By Amy Romback, local Macaroni Kid Publisher

As a mom of two active little ones, nding ways to entertain and exhaust them is one of my top priorities. It’s also kind of my job. I’m your local Macaroni Kid Publisher. I nd your family fun! Thankfully, it’s not hard to do in the Lansing area. Our Capital City and surrounding areas are full of family-friendly activities for all ages. No matter the weather, you are sure to nd something fun to do both indoors and out. Here are my 5 top “must-explores” in Greater Lansing.

BeLocal 2020 16 DOWNTOWN LANSING: Take a trip to Impression 5 Science Center. My husband and I have as much fun as the kids do with the many exhibits and activities that they have to experience. Take a guided tour of the Capitol. They are available every half hour beginning at 9 AM, Monday-Saturday. A€er, hit up Lansing Brewing Company for a meal. It’s one of our go-to places to eat when we are with our kiddos. Sweet tooth? Strange Matter Co…ee has some of the most delicious and fancy donuts you’ll †nd in the area. On a nice day you’ll want to catch a Lugnuts baseball game or Lansing Ignite Soccer Game. These are a…ordable and fun for the whole family! Old Town, the original Downtown Lansing, is not to be missed either. With the many boutiques, galleries and restaurants you could spend all day there. Show your kids how to play some old school video games at The Grid, visit the animals at the famous Preuss Pets or take a short walk down to the Brenke Fish Ladder. MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY: Being so close to a huge university has major perks. MSU o…ers so many family-friendly events and activities. Explore the 4-H Children’s Garden. It’s quite literally one of the most magical places on campus. Visit the MSU Museum to learn about fossils, artifacts, and more. See a performance at Wharton Center. We are so lucky to have this incredible performing arts theatre right in our backyard! Check out a planetarium show at Abram’s Planetarium. They o…er public shows speci†cally for children. If you appreciate art go visit the MSU Broad, our contemporary art museum. They host a free Family Day once a month and it’s sure to get your kids creative juices flowing. Local Tip: The cafeterias on campus are open to the public. Eat at Brody Cafeteria (a personal fave). No one †ghts over what’s for dinner because the kids can pick out whatever they want. Of course, we can’t forget the MSU Dairy Store. Go there. Now. They serve up the area’s most delicious, creamy ice cream. It’s de†nitely a Lansing area favorite!

PARKS, TRAILS AND NATURE: The Lansing area boasts some of the best walking/ hiking trails around. One of our favorite things to do as a family is hiking the trails. Meridian Township has numerous wooded and paved trails as do our nature centers, Harris, Fenner and Woldumar. The longest trail in the area by far is the Lansing River Trail. This paved trail stretches over 20 miles through parks, natural areas and Downtown Lansing. You can catch it from Potter Park Zoo all the way into MSU. Speaking of Potter Park Zoo, plan a trip to see our animal friends! Local Tip: Ingham County Residents get in free on Mondays before noon. You just pay for parking! Some of our favorites are Patriarche Park in East Lansing, Lake Lansing South in Haslett, Hawk Island in Lansing and Wiswasser in Bath.

THE LIBRARIES: We are huge fans of the libraries in our area! They do such an incredible job o…ering activitiesand events for every age and interest. Some of our personal favorites are their story-times, visits from the reindeer during the holidays, cooking classes for kids, family movie times, Storywalks and their Summer Reading Programs. Did you know that you can check out more than just books? They have launchpads, movies, toys, games and even zoo passes! The Capital Area District Libraries have 13 branches throughout Ingham County and you only need one card to get into them all! We also have the East Lansing Public Library, Dewitt District Library and the Bath Township Public Library. Our libraries o…er a little something for everyone and are such a wonderful, free resource to our communities. Make sure you utilize them!

MACARONI KID WEBSITES: If you want to stay up to date on the events and activities in the area you are de†nitely going to want to subscribe to Macaroni Kid. Macaroni Kid is a free weekly e-newsletter and website highlighting all the family fun in our communities. My goal is to bring you all of the best family-friendly events, activities, and businesses in our area. MacKid also provides articles of interest to parents on everything from local business reviews, cra€s, recipes, and much more. Oh, and giveaways. We have lots of great giveaways! There are two editions in our area. One for East Lansing, Okemos and Haslett (www.okemos.macaronikid.com) and one for Lansing (www.lansing.macaronikid.com). Check them out, you won’t regret it!

NOW, GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN!

TRAILS PARKS &

LOCAL TIP

Hawk Island is a Great Lake experience without having to drive for the “Great Lake” experience. And Dusty’s! Go to Dusty’s! Regina C., Okemos, 19 years

Central Park 5151 Marsh Rd. Okemos, MI 48864 Phone: (517) 853-4600 www.meridian.mi.us Central Park is a diverse area oering many recreation opportunities. The Municipal Complex is the southeast quarter of Central Park. This area contains the Township Municipal buildings (including the Township oces, Public Safety Building, entrance drives and parking lots), Farmers’ Market pavilion, soccer €eld, Historical Village, Nokomis Learning Center and a pond. This park includes play equipment, restrooms, interpretive facilities, sidewalks, pavilion, picnic areas, and parking that are accessible to individuals with a disability. The Historical Village is an 1800’s grouping of six restored buildings located in Central Park. The Village has open hours for walkthrough visits and can be reserved by school groups for classes, presentations and/or special activities. Flowers, herbs, and vegetable gardens are planted in the Historical Village and maintained by the Meridian Garden Club. The facilities, sidewalks, and parking are accessible to individuals with a disability. The Farmers’ Market operates in the Central Park pavilion at the Meridian Municipal Complex from May-October on Wednesdays and Saturdays with vendors selling a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and home-made products.

Fenner Nature Center 2020 E. Mt. Hope Ave. Lansing, MI 48910 Phone: (517) 483-4224 mynaturecenter.org This interactive learning center appeals to both children and adults, making it ideal for families. It features a system of self-guided nature trails through woods and €elds and around ponds, a visitor center with exhibits, gi’ shop and natural history library. Year-round sta-led tours and programs are oered, plus Summer Nature Camp, October Apple Butter Festival and March Maple Syrup Festival. The gi’ shop stocks a variety of nature and environmental items.

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Granger Meadows Park/Valley Farms Park 1275 Granger Meadows Ln. Lansing, MI 48906 Phone: (517) 668-0270 www.dewitttownship.org Granger Meadows Park is unlike any other recreational facility in the area. Designed to provide year-round use, the park oers winter activities such as cross country skiing and sledding, as well as the traditional summer uses. The park has been designed to reflect the agrarian roots of DeWitt Charter Township. Rolling berms covered in natural meadow grasses, a small orchard, and the earth tone colors of the buildings all suggest you’re still on the farm. The park is located near State and Wood Roads with access from Granger Meadows Lane. Granger Meadows Park is connected to Valley Farms Park by a lighted and paved trail. The 76-acre park includes recreational opportunities for everyone, including an adult so„ball diamond; an inline skating rink; 4,500’ of mulched trails; a playground; lighted, paved barrier-free parking; a warming room; a natural ice skating pond; a basketball court; 9,300’ of paved and lighted trails; three picnic pavilions with grills; barrier-free restroom facilities; a 70’ high sledding hill with three slopes; and a koi pond. As the primary active recreation facility in the Township, the 25-acre Valley Farms Park includes both the Kramer-Ruthru Area and the Township Community Center. Having undergone major renovations in the last few years, the complex boasts many recreational opportunities, including an adult so„ball diamond; two youth baseball diamonds; a basketball court; a sand volleyball court; two picnic pavilions; restroom facilities; horseshoe pits; a play structure; slides, swings & merry-go-rounds; lighted, paved barrier-free parking; picnic tables and grills; paved barrier-free pathways; and two multi-purpose •elds (soccer or football). The Kramer-Ruthru Area is a heavily wooded area, which includes a nine-hole disc golf course. The Township Community Center oers a facility for indoor recreation and meeting room accessibility. Valley Farms Park is located at the intersection of Brook Road and Wieland Road.

Harris Nature Center 3998 Van Atta Rd. Okemos, MI 48864 Phone: (517) 349-3866 www.meridian.mi.us Surrounded by forests, meadows, over •ve miles of nature trails and a .75-mile paved loop, this nature center is set on the banks of the Red Cedar River. View the river from an overlook deck or watch the hawk exhibit and play in the Nature Exploration Area. Inside the building are displays and live turtles. Programs for adults, children and families are available year-round. There is access to the river via a canoe dock and the walking trails are open daily dawn to dusk. Hawk Island Park 1601 E. Cavanaugh Rd. Lansing, MI 48910 Phone: (517) 676-2233 pk.ingham.org/Parks/HawkIsland.aspx A 100-acre park nestled in South Lansing; Hawk Island Park features year-round outdoor fun. In warm weather months, visitors can enjoy pedal boat rentals, a swimming beach and beach house, concession stand, Splash Pad®, picnicking, a playground, sand volleyball and horseshoes. The 1.5 mile paved loop trail connects to the Lansing River Trail and is debris and snow-free, year-round for walkers, runners and bicyclists. Anglers can choose from several •shing docks or rent a rowboat. In the winter, the park oers a snow-tubing hill complete with a magic carpet and snow machines, ice •shing and warming building.

HIDDEN GEMS

South Lake Lansing Park - The best full waterfront in the region. Beach, boat & kayak rentals, grass park for footballs and frisbees and locally-owned watering holes next door. Chris B., Okemos 11 years

Lake Lansing Park - North 6260 E. Lake Dr. Haslett, MI 48840 Phone: (517) 676-2233 pk.ingham.org/Parks/LakeLansingParkNorth.aspx Once a popular amusement park, Lake Lansing ParkSouth is located on Lake Lansing, the largest body of water within 30 miles of Lansing. The 30-acre site includes a sandy beach bordered by four acres of lush green grass. The park oers a lifeguarded swimming beach, snack bar, community band shell, picnicking, volleyball, a community-built playground, a tricycle track, •shing, and pedal and rowboat rental. With over 400 acres of natural recreation area, woods and trails, Lake Lansing Park-North is a bounty of year-round outdoor activity.

Lake Lansing Park-North oers picnicking areas, playgrounds, •shing (at the boat launch), hiking trails, a so„ball diamond, a basketball court, sand volleyball courts, a nature study area, and a boat launch on Lake Lansing. In the winter enjoy the snow-covered forest. Bring your cross-country ski and enjoy the trails.

Lake Lansing Park - South 1621 Pike St. Haslett, MI 48840 Phone: (517) 676-2233 pk.ingham.org/Parks/LakeLansingParkSouth.aspx Once a popular amusement park, Lake Lansing Park South is located on Lake Lansing, the largest body of water within 30 miles of Lansing. The 30-acre site includes a sandy beach bordered by four acres of lush green grass. The park features a community playground, band shell, sand volleyball, horseshoe pits, picnic areas and three picnic shelters.

Lansing River Trail Grand & Red Cedar Rivers Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: (517) 483-4277 www.lansingrivertrail.org Among the largest in the country, Lansing’s River Trail traces the banks of the Grand and Red Cedar rivers connecting comfortable parks, historic sites and urban activity centers for over 13 miles through Lansing and East Lansing. Things to see along the way include Brenke Fish Ladder, where spawning salmon and steelhead •ght their way upstream during September; the Turner-Dodge House to the northwest; Potter Park Zoo to the southeast; and Louis F. Adado Riverfront Park- the home of Lansing’s major festivals. Public parking is available at regular intervals along the trail.

Louis F. Adado Riverfront Park 201 E. Shiawassee St. Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: (517) 483-4277 lansingrivertrail.org Designed as a downtown festival park, its wide-open spaces provide plenty of room to roam. The River Trail system is a scenic walkway that connects comfortable parks, historic sites and urban activity centers for over thirteen miles.

Michigan Wildlife Conservancy/Bengel Wildlife Center 6380 Drumheller Rd. Bath, MI 48808 Phone: (517) 641-7677 www.miwildlife.org We are the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, a non-pro•t organization that pursues several dierent revenue channels to fund our important mission work dedicated to preserving wildlife and habitat throughout the great state of Michigan. With that being said, we invite you to come visit the location where our 10,000 sq. „. cedar log building rests, on 259 acres of beautiful pristine Michigan wilderness. Come enjoy miles of all-purpose trails to: to walk, hunt morels, bird watch, hike, bike and so much more. Looking for something a little more challenging? Hit up our disc golf course for a quick nine and then relax at the Wildlife Pub on our new 3,600 sq. „. waterfront patio covered entirely via glass roof. Within the next year, we will be implementing a 3D archery course and miles of mountain bike trails. Interested in exclusive access to dierent areas and activities? Ask about the bene•ts of joining The Club a private social sports club unlike any other!

Greater Lansing 21 MSU Bug House 288 Farm Ln., Room 147 Natural Science Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Phone: (517) 355-4662 www.canr.msu.edu/bughouse Did you know that a cricket’s ears are on its knees? Or that a fly has taste buds on its feet? A visit to the Bug House will explain these fascinating facts and more. In addition to viewing the amazing pinned displays, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a whole room of creepy crawlers.

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Northern Tier Trail East Lansing, MI Phone: (517) 319-6809 www.cityofeastlansing.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/NorthernTier-Trail-27 The Northern Tier Trail takes center stage along 4.5 miles of beautiful, winding, paved pathways through East Lansing. The trail connects ten community parks and recreation facilities and is a natural showcase for a variety of wildlife, plants, flowers, trees and wetlands. Access the trail at the soccer complex o‹ Coleman Rd., the Aquatic Center and the East Lansing Fire Station.

Patriarche Park 960 Alton Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 www.cityofeastlansing.com/parks Patriarche Park o‹ers a new, 1.2-acre playground features a modern, eco-friendly design that is fully accessible and supports youth štness. The playgrounds includes a wide variety of colorful play equipment, a poured-in-place playground surface, a rain garden, a brick entry plaza, walkways and much more. The park also features so’ball, tennis, basketball, baseball, volleyball, benches, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and a covered pavilion.

MSU Horticulture Gardens 1066 Bogue St. A288 Plant & Soil Sciences Bldg. Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Phone: (517) 355-5191 Ext. 1328 www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/our_gardens The MSU Horticulture Gardens are actually a family of three gardens: The 4-H Children’s Garden is designed especially for children, and is completely handicap accessible. This delightful garden features over 55 themed gardens including the Pizza Garden, Peter Rabbit Herb Garden, Butterfly Garden and ABC Garden. You can also enjoy the Tree House, Creation Station, Amphitheater, Monet Bridge, and the Dance Chimes. There is also an Indoor 4-H Children’s Garden with an additional 20 theme gardens where during March and April we host “Butterflies in the Garden.” School programs are o‹ered all year long and there is a full schedule of family programs during the summer. CONTINUED >

Northern Tail Dog Park 6400 Abbot Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (517) 319-6809 www.cityofeastlansing.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/ Northern-Tail-Dog-Park-16 A two-acre, fenced, o‹-leash dog park featuring a doggy station, shade trees and more. Located just north of the East Lansing So’ball Complex along the Northern Tier Trail. Potter Park Zoo 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Lansing, MI 48912 Phone: (517) 483-4222 potterparkzoo.org The beautifully landscaped 100-acre park, gardens and zoo are situated in an old oak forest along the Red Cedar River. Located in the heart of the Capital City, Potter Park Zoo exhibits more than 400 animals from around the world. A zoo for all seasons, Potter Park is open all year. The Exploration and Discovery Center for Education provides classes and hands-on learning as well as a Safari Room available to rent for parties, meetings and receptions. The park surrounds the zoo, o‹ering picnicking, exercise area and a playground. Camel and pony rides, a petting zoo, food concessions and a unique Zoovenir Gi’ Shop are open seasonally.

Woldumar Nature Center 5739 Old Lansing Rd. Lansing, MI 48917 Phone: (517) 322-0030 www.woldumar.org Conveniently located with easy access to major highways the quiet solitude of Woldumar Nature Center. Nestled along the Grand River, Woldumar o‹ers visitors šve miles of natural trails running through forest and prairies, with easy access from both I-96 and I-496. Educating people about the natural environment, Woldumar provides various nature-related programs for schools, Camp Discovery each summer for children and teens and great events for the whole family throughout the year. Also, the renovated RE Olds Anderson Rotary Barn is available for event rentals, while the WolduMarket Gi’ Shop is loaded with nature-related items and interpretive displays including live animals and geology. The best part of Woldumar awaits the hiker or cross-country skier who can enjoy the feel of the Great North Country right here in Lansing. New accessible trail with a half-mile loop through a beautiful forest with a Grand River overlook.