Is the weather telling you to stay inside? Are the kids telling you they need some active play time? Here are ten great indoor options to keep everyone happy and satisfied right in the heart of Michigan.

 

1. Michigan History Museum

The Michigan History Museum provides an enjoyable experience for all ages. Grandparents can reminisce, while children discover how the state evolved by exploring eras and decades of Michigan history. Walk through a UP copper mine, stand next to the giant logging wheels, sit down at a desk in the one-room schoolhouse or learn about the role Michigan played (a giant one) in automobile manufacturing. 

 

2. Impression 5 Science Center

This hands-on center has multiple spaces and exhibits for everyone in the family to play, create, and challenge their understanding of science. Our favorites are the First Impression Room for the littlest explorers (age 0-4) and the two-story water room, making bubbles in the bubble room and launching tennis balls. And the giant light wall and making shadows. And the physics room. And building things. There are so many favorites to explore here.

*Note: Impression 5 has all kinds of special events and camps over school breaks.

 

3. Spare Time Entertainment

Sure, there’s great fun bowling here at Spare Time, but there’s actually way more to do. Find an arcade, bumper cars, and virtual reality. There’s also a great escape room experience – Escapology – with multiple rooms. There’s also an adjoining restaurant, Grand River Bar & Grill, to keep your appetite satisfied and your thirst quenched.

 

4. Zap Zone

With its new and improved space inside the Lansing Mall in Delta Township, Zap Zone is the place to be for a day of fun! Find multi-level laser tag, go-kart racing, trampolines, a ninja course, glo golf, a bounce house, an arcade, a full restaurant, and more. This will keep the whole crew busy and active for hours.

 

5. City Limits Bowling Center

A great activity for the whole family, whether you need the bumpers up or not. City Limits has locations in Mason and East Lansing with all you need for a family outing, including food and drinks from the award winning City Limits Sports Grill.

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Find family-friendly events in Greater Lansing

Eastside Easter Egg Roll

Come on down for ANC's Eastside Easter Egg Roll! We will have fun activities for families, including: An Easter Egg Hunt A real bunny! Egg dyeing…

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Bunny Hop on the Square

Bunny Hop on the Square is a free event inviting residents in the Greater Lansing region to bring their baskets downtown to collect eggs and…

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6. Launch Trampoline Park

This trampoline park located in the Meridian Mall features trampolines, dodge ball, basketball, battle beams, a ninja obstacle course, laser tag arena and a fun arcade. Snack at Launch's restaurant, Krave, for great food, desserts and beverages.

 

7. High Caliber Karting

Find a plethora of entertainment at High Caliber Karting, with two indoor racing tracks, racing simulators, an arcade, pocket soccer, axe throwing, throw bowling, and more. High Caliber also offers "Handicapable Go-kart Racing" via go-karts equipped with leg rests, a loading swing, and hand controls. 

*Note: Axe throwers must be at least 13 years old, karting drivers must be at least 54″ tall and 8 years old to race.

 

8. EDRU Skating

Memories will come rushing back to the parents as you roller skate on the wooden floor with the disco lights on. EDRU also offers laser tag, an arcade, and a snack bar.

 

9. Preuss Pets

Preuss Pets is a family-owned and operated destination in Old Town Lansing. Find walls and walls of tropical fish, on-premises propagated coral, small animals, and a fabulous (and loud) area of tropical birds.

For a small donation, kids will love feeding the koi in the river that runs through the interior of the store! The pet store also offers a birthday party room, where kids get the opportunity to interact with and learn about some of the animals. 

 

10. East Lansing Ice Cube

While the East Lansing Ice Cube is home to figure skaters, hockey players, and ice dancers, it also opens at specific times for public skating. Check the times before you head out.

Photography: Tom Genarra and Our #lovelansing community—a special thanks for their awesome imagery and social media posts. 

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10 Kid Friendly Restaurants

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company serves fresh Asian, European and American cuisine, sautéed and grilled to order. From healthy to indulgent and spicy to…

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Fleetwood Diner

We are an upbeat, casual diner. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Full menu available during all times of operation. Open 24 hours per day…

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Crunchy's

Crunchy’s, an East Lansing tradition, is a casual restaurant adjacent to the MSU campus. We feature the “Best Burger in Town,” and one of the…

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Pizza House

Family owned and operated for over 20 years. Pizza House stays true to one philosophy, "great food, great service, your place or ours." Famous…

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Sidecar Slider Bar

Handcrafted goodness. Gourmet sliders, barrel-aged cocktails, and craft beers, all in Downtown Lansing. Bar & Kitchen is open daily from 11…

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Veg Head

Veg Head is a plant-based restaurant located in the downtown capital city of Lansing, Michigan, at 208 S. Washington Sq. We offer a variety of…

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Asian Buffet

A Family owned and operated buffet located in Okemos since 1998. Offering a large selection of authentic Asian cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner…

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Joe's On Jolly

Familiar faces. Innovative flavors. Enjoy an elevated spin on the classic bar menu with local ingredients and new-age plates. Come as you are in…

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Lansing Shuffle

Seven restaurants. Five shuffleboard courts. Two full-service bars. A lounge. And a riverfront patio. Introducing riverfront's newest addition, a…

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