Keeping kids entertained doesn't have to cost a fortune. Discover 25 free things to do with kids in Greater Lansing, Michigan, from dinosaur skeletons and nature trails to splash pads, playgrounds, and festivals. Whether you're planning an after-school adventure or entertaining visiting grandkids, you'll find plenty of family-friendly fun. Your kids (and wallet) will thank you.

Admission: Every attraction on this list offers free admission opportunities, either year-round, on designated days, or for special events. For example, the Michigan History Museum offers free admission on Sundays.

Accessibility: Many of these attractions feature paved paths, accessible play equipment, or stroller-friendly routes.

Parking: Some locations may charge for parking. Be sure to check individual attraction websites for the most up-to-date parking information before your visit.

Explore & Learn

1. MSU Bug House

Curious kids will love getting up close to insects and other fascinating creatures at the MSU Bug House. Free public open houses are held throughout the year, offering a unique opportunity to learn about bugs from around the world. Check their event calendar for upcoming evening and weekend open houses.

2. MSU Museum

Reopened in 2026, the MSU Museum features interactive exhibits, immersive experiences, and hands-on activities designed to inspire curiosity in visitors of all ages. Kids especially love seeing the dinosaur and mammoth skeletons, while rotating exhibits explore science, culture, art, and innovation.

3. Michigan History Museum

Step back in time and explore Michigan's story through three floors of interactive exhibits at the Michigan History Museum. Kids can walk through a replica copper mine, visit a one-room schoolhouse, and discover what life was like for lumber barons and early settlers. Admission and parking are free on Sundays from 1–5 p.m.

4. Michigan State Capitol Building

Explore Michigan's government and history at the Michigan State Capitol. Families can admire over five acres of hand painted surfaces, learn about the legislative process, and discover stories from Michigan's past while touring one of the state's most iconic buildings. Free guided tours begin at the top of every hour Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, and first Saturday of every month.

5. Supreme Court Learning Center

Located inside the Hall of Justice, the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center uses exhibits, interactive activities, and technology to help visitors understand Michigan's judicial system. Best suited for older children and tweens. Reservations are required for free tours.

6. Meridian Historical Village

Explore historic buildings, open green spaces, and walking trails at Meridian Historical Village in Okemos. Historic buildings are open free to the public on Saturdays from May through October, offering families a glimpse into life in early Michigan.

Get Outside & Burn Energy

7. Play Michigan! Accessible Playground

Designed for children of all abilities, Play Michigan! Accessible Playground is the region's first universally accessible playground. Kids can climb, swing, spin, and explore together in an inclusive environment built for everyone.

8. Jaycee Park Accessible Playground

The new Jaycee Park Playground in Grand Ledge is packed with adventure. Kids can race down hillside slides, ride a zip-line track, climb towers and rock walls, and explore an accessible play environment designed for children of all abilities.

9. Beacon Soccer Fields

Kick off a pickup game at the Beacon Soccer Fields, free-play mini turf fields open to players of all ages. With LED lighting and kick boards, they're designed for spontaneous family fun and friendly competition.

10. John Smoltz Strikeout Baseball Stadium

Grab a glove and play ball at the John Smoltz Strikeout Baseball Stadium, a free miniature stadium inspired by the Hall of Fame pitcher. It's perfect for pickup games, practice, and family challenges.

11. Capital City Family BMX

Riders of all ages and skill levels can test their abilities at Capital City Family BMX. The facility includes a full-size BMX track, a pump track, and weekly races throughout the summer season.

12. Ranney Skate Park

Whether your kids are learning their first tricks or already comfortable on a board, Ranney Skate Park offers 20,000 square feet of free skateboarding, scooter, and BMX fun. Located near Frandor, the park is open daily from dawn to dusk. While you're there, check out the nearby Water Quality Wall, a unique cascading water feature that helps filter stormwater before it enters local waterways.

13. Hunter Park

Hunter Park is a 14-acre urban park on Lansing's Eastside with plenty of free ways for kids to play and explore. Families will find a playground, basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, walking trails, and the Hunter Park Garden House, a community gardening and urban agriculture space. From June through August, visitors can cool off at the park's free outdoor pool and splash pad. Admission is free, but visitors must register and have a photo taken upon arrival. Find registration details here.

Nature & Wildlife

14. MSU 4-H Children's Garden

Explore one of the most magical gardens for kids at the MSU 4-H Children's Garden. Koi ponds, themed gardens, footbridges, colorful flowers, and hands-on spaces make it a favorite for young explorers. Be sure to check out the Summer Fun Series for themed days and special events throughout the season.

15. Fenner Nature Center

Discover four miles of trails, wildlife habitats, a natural playscape, and interactive exhibits at Fenner Nature Center. This urban nature preserve gives families plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors without leaving Lansing. Keep an eye out for the stick teepees hidden throughout the woods, a favorite stop for young explorers.

16. Harris Nature Center

Located along the Red Cedar River, Harris Nature Center offers wooded trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and a paved loop that's perfect for younger walkers and strollers. Inside, families can explore educational exhibits and see live animals. Outside, kids will love the natural playground with tunnels and a slide.

17. Woldumar Nature Center

Explore forests, wetlands, prairie landscapes, and Grand River views at Woldumar Nature Center. Five miles of scenic trails make it an ideal destination for hiking, wildlife spotting, and outdoor adventures.

18. Preuss Pets

Animal lovers won't want to miss Preuss Pets, one of Michigan's most unique pet stores. Feed the fish in the indoor koi pond, explore colorful aquariums, and meet reptiles, birds, and other fascinating creatures.

Art, Music & Creativity

19. Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

Explore contemporary art inside the striking MSU Broad Art Museum on Michigan State University's campus. Families can also visit during monthly Family Day events featuring free hands-on art activities.

20. Beaumont Tower

Located on Michigan State University campus near the MSU Museum, Beaumont Tower is a hit with kids because it feels like a real-life castle. Families can listen to the 49 ringing bells during free summer carillon concerts and bring a picnic to enjoy on the spacious lawns surrounding one of MSU's most iconic landmarks.

21. Elderly Instruments

Inspire a love of music with a visit to Elderly Instruments, one of the world's most respected instrument stores. Browse guitars, banjos, violins, ukuleles, and other instruments from around the globe. Families can also enjoy free monthly open jams, including Old Time Jam, Open Jam!, and Irish Jam sessions, along with performances by visiting musicians and bands throughout the year. Visit the Elderly Instruments events page for upcoming dates and details.

22. Lansing Community College Sculpture Walk

More than 600 pieces of public art can be found throughout the Lansing Community College Sculpture Walk. Wide paved pathways make it easy for strollers, bikes, and little legs to explore while discovering colorful sculptures and public art throughout the campus. Don't miss Shigematsu Memorial Garden, a peaceful spot on campus with Japanese-inspired gardens, walking paths, and beautiful trees that change with the seasons.

Family Adventures

23. Lansing River Trail

Stretching more than 20 miles through Greater Lansing, the Lansing River Trail connects parks, playgrounds, public art, and family-friendly attractions. Walk, bike, or scooter your way through some of the region's most scenic areas, including Fish Ladder Music Park in Old Town Lansing and Rotary Park in downtown Lansing. Along the route, families can discover Potter Park Zoo, Impression 5 Science Center, and other attractions which offer additional experiences with paid admission.

24. Planet Walk

One of the most unique stops along the Lansing River Trail, the Planet Walk lets families travel through the solar system without leaving Greater Lansing. This 5.5-mile outdoor scale model stretches from Impression 5 Science Center in downtown Lansing to Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, with every step representing one million miles in space. Keep an eye out for the planetary markers as you explore the trail.

25. Festivals

Known as Michigan's Festival Capital, Greater Lansing hosts more than 60 festivals each year, many with free admission and activities for all ages. Families can enjoy community celebrations, live music, art festivals, cultural events, and seasonal favorites throughout the region. From Yankee Doodle Days in Grand Ledge and the Sun Dried Music Festival in Mason to the Turner-Dodge Fairytale Festival in Old Town Lansing, and Silver Bells in the City in downtown Lansing, there's always something happening. Browse our annual festivals calendar for upcoming family-friendly fun.

Photography: Valeri Gill (header image at MSU Museum), and our wonderful members and #lovelansing community—a special thanks for their awesome imagery and social media posts.