This blog post may contain affiliate links, which may reward me in the event of a sale. I use these funds to reinvest in my blog and to create more great content like this article to share with you! My visit to Lansing was sponsored by Choose Lansing, however all thoughts & opinions are my own. Disclaimer here.
Anyone else staying behind in Michigan during Spring Break? While my family is early in our Spring Break years (Winston is only a preschooler), growing up, my family and I never traveled south during Spring Break. With crowds, increased hotel rates, and iffy driving conditions, we always choose other times to explore to get a better deal. I’m still of the same opinion! Plus! There are so many great spots throughout Michigan you can explore with a full week off! We took a Spring Break Staycation to Lansing and had a wonderful time.
When we visited Lansing for our Staycation, unfortunately the weather was chilly and wet. So, we took advantage of all the great indoor activities there are and built those into our itinerary. And with all these indoor attractions open year round, this 3 day – 2 night itinerary to Lansing is fantastic to follow no matter the season. Whether you’re planning a fun getaway for your child’s birthday, a Mid-winter break getaway, or are looking for a fun, less busy town to explore as a family, choose Lansing!
Psst – I also have another fun itinerary for you if the weather is behaving, check that out here!
Summary of our Spring Break Staycation in Lansing
When: A weekend during Spring Break
Why: We wanted to visit somewhere not too far from our home with a variety of activities for us to do as a family. Since the forecast wasn’t looking great for outside activities, we sought a destination with numerous indoor fun and educational activities my son will enjoy.
Time Traveled (one way): 1 hour from Grand Rapids, 1.5 hours from Detroit & Kalamazoo, 2 hours from Toledo, 3 hours from Traverse City & Chicago
Time Spent at Destination: 3 days, 2 nights
Budget: $$$ – hotel stays, attractions (although we found a few that are free!), and dining
Spring Break Staycation in Lansing Details
First Day – Old Cars and High Intensity Fun in West Lansing
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
We started our staycation out by embarking on a journey through automotive history! At the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, we marveled at a stunning collection of cars dating back to 1886, with iconic models from Oldsmobile, the REO Motor Car Company, and Fisher Body.
One of the highlights was encountering unique vehicles like the Darth Vader Car and futuristic Aerotech race car. There was even a car being raffled off, which was none other than a 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass. This car brought me back to elementary school! This was the exact car my dad would drop me off to school in! Oh memories!
Did you know that R.E. Olds, a visionary inventor from Lansing, revolutionized the automobile industry by establishing both the Olds Motor Works and the REO Motor Car Company? His innovative use of assembly lines predates even Henry Ford’s renowned methods, adding a fascinating depth to Lansing’s rich automotive heritage.
Surprisingly, the museum also features an intriguing exhibit dedicated to lawnmowers. Before our visit, we had no idea that Lansing was once the world’s leading manufacturer of powered lawn mowers.
Located in the heart of downtown Lansing’s vibrant Museum District, the museum is within walking distance of attractions like Impression 5, Lansing Shuffle, and Jackson Stadium. Plus, this museum has its own free parking lot next to the building.
Join over 6,000 enthusiasts who explore this museum annually! The museum is open between Tuesday and Sunday. It costs $10 for adults, $7 for teens, and offers free entry for children under 12.
Zap Zone XL
While our son did so well at the R.E. Olds Museum (he did act like a car during part of it), we could just tell he was ready for a place to let loose. And Zap Zone XL in the Lansing Mall provided the endless fun and excitement he was looking forward to!
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for a great family day out, this place has it all. The vibrant interior is illuminated with black lights, giving off a cool glow as you explore the activities. Zap Zone XL is a one-stop destination featuring many entertainment options under one roof. From axe throwing to laser tag, high-speed karting to bumper cars, there’s something for everyone. To navigate the choices, consider a few activities to focus on, which is what we did to not make it so overwhelming. For payment options, you can choose a two hour pass, which gets you unlimited access to all of the standard attractions. Otherwise, you can pay by the attraction per person.
During our visit, we spent most of our time in the jumping area. Included here is an innovative gaming screen at two of the trampolines, offering a unique and immersive adventure. We also took advantage of the bumper cars, which my son loved that he could actually drive himself!
There’s also a restaurant on-site, ensuring you can fuel up and keep the fun going. Zap Zone XL is open daily from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, and extending the fun until 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Entry after 6:00 pm requires visitors to be 18 years old or accompanied by a parent.
Dinner at One North
After two hours of vigorous play at Zap Zone XL (you should have seen me on that zip line!), it was time to grab a bite to eat. Only one block away is One North Kitchen & Bar, which is a great combination of classic family dining with a modern, casual vibe to it. On one side is the dining room and on the other side is a bar and stage used for local performers and karaoke nights.
We arrived at 7:15 pm and found a bustling parking lot – a testament to the restaurant’s popularity. After looking over the menu, I ordered a mocktail with puréed strawberries, lemons, and fresh basil, which was super refreshing. For dinner, I ordered a southwest style salad that came with the ideal dressing to ingredient ratio.
Exploring the kid’s menu, I was impressed by the variety and affordability. For just $6, young diners can choose from Italian classics like buttered noodles, Alfredo, or cheese pizza, along with favorites like chicken tenders and cheeseburgers with fries.
During our meal, the manager paid us a visit, expressing genuine hospitality by offering a certificate for a complimentary brunch on our next visit! With such attention to detail and exceptional service, it’s no wonder the parking lot was nearly full—a sign of a truly outstanding dining experience at One North.
Day Two – Hands on Experiences Throughout Lansing
TinkrLab
Our first stop during the second day of our Spring Break Staycation in Lansing was to Tinkrlab 2.0. Here, we immersed our son in a world of fun and learning, where play meets education. This unique toy store and STEAM lab offers a drop-in play area without the hassle of pre-registration, perfect for spontaneous adventures with your little ones. The vibrantly colored space boasts a special play lagoon recommended for kids aged 18 months to 5 years old, with a ball pit, sand box, model boat, and immersive pretend play sets.
During our visit, my son had a blast in the play lagoon, particularly enjoying the sand box and grocery store set. As we explored further, we discovered an array of demo toys categorized by age and type, from marble runs to gravity play toys that captured our attention. One toy, in particular, a yoyo-like gadget, became an instant favorite we just had to purchase!
What sets Tinkrlab 2.0 apart is its inclusive pricing – only $10 per child, while parents can supervise for free. Membership options, such as a $49 package for 10 play sessions or a monthly subscription with additional perks, make for a budget-friendly and enjoyable experience.
Tinkerlab was founded in 2022 by the Rabideau family, known for their commitment to STEAM-focused learning opportunities. This local gem is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Lunch from the Lansing Shuffle
Up next, we indulged in a culinary adventure at the Lansing Shuffle. The Shuffle is a vibrant food court nestled in downtown Lansing along the Grand River. It’s accessible by car, or a walk or bike ride along the Lansing River Trail. Housed within the historic City Market building, Lansing Shuffle is a bustling hub featuring seven restaurants, two bars, and a plethora of entertainment options.
The eclectic mix of eateries at Lansing Shuffle will surely tantalize your taste buds. From Hispanic flavors to Nepali delights and even vegan options, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The casual food truck ambiance adds to the charm. This laid-back dining setting is perfect for families and food enthusiasts alike.
Upon entering Lansing Shuffle, you’ll be greeted by a bustling food court setup with restaurants lining the edges and communal seating at the center. The ordering process is a breeze. You can opt to order directly at the registers or through QR codes at your table.
Browndog has a variety of hot sandwiches and burgers, which is what my husband ordered. Winston had a chicken tenders kids meal with fries. I ordered Nepali steamed chicken momos with sesame gobi, which were delicious and filling. I’m happy I experimented and tried something different!
The Lansing Shuffle is open Tuesday through Sunday, and even hosts events like Karaoke on Wednesday evenings.
To park, there’s free two hour parking in the lot by the Lansing River Trail. Also convenient is the street parking and a paid lot across the street.
Impression 5 Science Center
After enjoying that delicious lunch, my family and I headed a few blocks down to the Impression 5 Science Center, a beloved family-friendly museum in Lansing. Established in 1972, this museum aims to connect families with science through hands-on sensory experiences. It offers a range of engaging science and STEAM exhibits, including special rotating displays.
With its two levels of interactive exhibits, Impression 5 has a dedicated area for children aged 4 and under, making it welcoming for families with young ones. Although parking can be challenging as the lot fills up quickly, my husband dropped us off to pay for admission while he found a parking spot.
We began our adventure on the ground floor in the “Flow” water play room, a favorite spot of Winston’s. Then we moved upstairs where my little one had a blast at the paper airplane station, toddler play area, bubble station, lightroom, and nuclear science exhibit. Whew! He sure kept us busy!
In total, we spent about two hours exploring Impression 5. Admission is $12 per person for ages 2 and above, with discounted rates available for EBT cardholders. Impression 5 welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday.
After we left the museum, we discovered Lansing’s Planet Walk, which started with the Sun just outside Impression 5. This unique scale representation of the solar system continues along the Lansing River Trail, with each planet accurately positioned. The Planet Walk runs all the way down to Potter Park, which is approximately 3 miles away.
Bricks and Mini Figs
After the museum, Winston was getting tired so we headed back to the hotel to rest. But along the way, we popped into Bricks and MiniFigs, a Lego shop that buys and sells Legos in bulk or sets. There are even rare collections!
We picked out a set for us to put together that evening in the hotel during some downtime. And we picked out another project to keep us busy while we’re at home during part of Spring Break. A great spot to pop into when looking for fun, screen free activities!
Dinner at Bobcat Bonnies
Stepping into Bobcat Bonnie’s in Lansing felt like uncovering a hidden gem with a rich history blending old-world charm and modern flair. Located in the former Union Depot, built in 1901, this Tudor Revival-style building holds a special place in the city’s heart. After its time as a train station, it was converted into a restaurant and became Clara’s Lansing Station with a rail car added to dine in in 1994.
When the restaurant shut down in 2016, many wondered what would happen to it. Eventually it was split into two with a Starbucks opening first on one side that opened up in 2023. And Bobcat Bonnies opened on the other side in February of 2024.
As we ventured inside, the rustic elegance of dining within a renovated rail car intrigued me. The brass finishes offered a nostalgic train-car vibe, which complemented the funky modern art adorning the walls. Historic photos of Clara’s Lansing Station provided a glimpse into the past, adding a touch of nostalgia to our dining experience.
Seated inside the railcar, we explored the seasonal menu. I ordered the tangy and refreshing berry mojito mocktail. And our food choices varied from a spicy chicken bowl to my husband’s classic 24k chicken wings. There’s also a kids menu with a couple of options. The attention to detail in both ambiance and cuisine truly impressed us.
To top it off, the service was impeccable, the free on-site parking a convenience, and the proximity to Courtyard by Marriott across the street made it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors. Definitely set up a reservation and make Bobcat Bonnies one place you get to during your spring break staycation in Lansing.
Final Day – Family Friendly Attractions at Michigan State University
Broad Art Museum
During our last day exploring Lansing on our staycation, we started out at the Broad Art Museum. This stunning architectural masterpiece on Michigan State University’s campus was designed by the award-winning architect Zaha Hadid. Since its inception in 2012, this museum has been a haven for art enthusiasts, featuring a vast collection of over 10,000 permanent pieces that blend modern works with historical perspectives. A fun tidbit about the building? It served as Lex Luthor’s house in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” back in 2014.
Inside the museum, my family and I stumbled upon a hidden gem – the charming children’s play area beneath the stairs. This cozy nook was equipped with an array of hands-on toys, art supplies, and books.
Entrance to the museum is free. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. During our visit, we learned about the Family Day held on the first Saturday of every month from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. These days offer themed art-making sessions for families to enjoy. This is something we noted down for our next visit!
Parking is a breeze with free weekend parking just a short walk from the museum. Explore, create, and immerse yourself in the world of art at the captivating Broad Art Museum – a true cultural gem in Lansing.
Lunch at Crunchy’s
For lunch, we decided to visit a Michigan State University hotspot – Crunchy’s. This restaurant and bar is a favorite among Michigan State fans and students alike, serving up a lively atmosphere that transforms into a bustling bar scene come evening. However, during the day, Crunchy’s offers a diverse menu with plenty of dining options, including a dedicated kids’ menu.
As we settled in, I noticed the row of pinball machines along one wall, providing us some entertainment while we waited for our meals. I opted for a flavorful taco salad, which turned out to be even more satisfying than I had anticipated. Tony enjoyed his burger, while Winston enjoyed a comforting bowl of Kraft mac & cheese – a definite win for my picky eater.
A friendly reminder for first-timers: make sure to park in the lot behind the building to avoid any parking mishaps, as the adjacent lot is owned by someone else. The last thing you want is to have your vehicle towed when all you’re looking forward to is enjoying a fantastic meal at Crunchy’s.
Abrams Planetarium
After a satisfying lunch, our next destination was the Abrams Planetarium, an excellent spot for space enthusiasts like my family. We arrived around 2:00 pm with just enough time to explore before the family-friendly show at 2:30. While you can pre-order tickets online, we opted to purchase them in person to save on processing fees.
As we wandered through the visitor center, I was captivated by the hands-on toys like model rocket ships, books, and fascinating exhibits. One highlight was being able to touch a piece of the moon and Mars, truly a memorable experience that set the stage for the upcoming show.
Once they opened the doors to the planetarium auditorium, we walked through a hallway of outer space murals that glowed under a black light. Seats are not assigned, so once we entered, we made our way to the back for a panoramic view, though any seat offers a fantastic experience. The hour-long show flew by! And if you happen to live nearby, the family friendly show changes every month. Once the show is done, there’s a night sky segment where the constellations and planets that are able to be seen this evening are showcased.
Post-show, we returned to the visitor center where we found it bustling as the next group lined up for the 4:00 show. A tip for future visitors: arrive early to enjoy the exhibit hall fully.
Parking was a breeze with free options available, making our visit convenient and stress-free. Overall, our experience at the Abrams Planetarium was out of this world (ha!)
MSU Dairy Store
Our last pit stop on our Spring break staycation in Lansing before heading home was the iconic MSU Dairy Store. An essential visit whenever I’m on MSU’s campus, this place never fails to delight. Each visit presents an opportunity to savor a new flavor of their innovative ice cream.
Last year, the Sparty Swirl won me over with its perfect blend of flavors and green and white coloring. This time, I tried Beaumont Bliss—a heavenly mix of caramel ice cream, chocolate brownie chunks, and a luscious chocolate fudge swirl. While I indulged every spoonful of my sweet treat, Tony and Winston stuck to classic chocolate.
One minor downside of the MSU Dairy Store, especially during colder months, is the limited seating options. Opting to avoid a potential car cleanup, we settled for standing in the hallway to eat our ice cream. The inconvenience was a small price to pay for the incredible flavor and satisfaction we enjoyed.
Where we Stayed: The Hilton Garden Inn Lansing West
For our Spring Break Staycation in Lansing, we sought out a hotel that had a swimming pool and hot tub. Our main goal was to find a spot where we could go swimming with our son. He’s been into swimming lately, so having a pool at the hotel was a must-have.
Using Choose Lansing’s Spring Break Hotel guide, we quickly found the perfect spot that checked all our boxes – the Hilton Garden Inn Lansing West.
When we arrived, the check-in process was smooth. They even offer a contactless option for those who preferred it, but we went with the good ol’ traditional method and were warmly welcomed at the reception. The staff were friendly and gave us the choice of which floor we wanted to stay on. We opted for the top floor which offered a cool view of… the highway! Which actually ended up being perfect, because my son is a car fanatic. He was in awe just watching all the cars zoom by – it was pure excitement for him.
Hotel and Room Amenities
Our room contained all the usual hotel room perks like a coffee maker, fridge, TV, and comfy bed – plus a modern sleek style we liked. The bathroom’s are modernized with only a shower rather than a tub, but my son is getting used to the shower now.
Down in the lobby, you’ll find a handy kiosk stocked with snacks, quick meals, and toiletries for purchase. And the best part? Free coffee! You can charge to your room or pay on the spot at the reception.
On the main floor, you’ll find the fitness center, swimming pool, and hot tub. Even though it was busy, we still had space to enjoy a swim. Our son Winston had a blast splashing around – although he definitely preferred the hot tub as the pool was a bit cool for him.
At this Hilton Garden Inn there is a sit-down restaurant called Blume, which offers dinner and breakfast choices. You can opt for a traditional continental breakfast for a fee or choose from the menu. The menu had a variety of delicious options for both breakfast and dinner, including kid-friendly choices upon request.
The hotel’s location near I-96 and on the Saginaw Highway made it convenient for us to hop on and off the highway to explore nearby attractions like Zap Zone XL and Bricks and Minifigs.
Our stay at the Hilton Garden Inn was fantastic – cozy room, great amenities, and a convenient location.
Complete Itinerary for a Spring Break Staycation in Lansing
Day One:
- 3:30 pm – RE Olds Transportation Museum
- 5:00 pm – Zap Zone XL
- 7:15 pm – Dinner: One North
- 8:30 pm – Check into Hotel – Hilton Garden Inn
- 9:00 pm – Swimming & hot tub before bed
Second Day:
- 10:00 am – Start off the day at TinkrLab
- 12:00 pm – Lunch at Lansing Shuffle
- 1:30 pm – Impression 5 Science Center + Planet Walk
- 3:30 pm – Bricks & Minifigs
- 4:00 pm – Hotel for rest time
- 6:00 pm – Bobcat Bonnie’s for dinner
- Swimming & hot tub
Day Three:
- 10am: Broad Art Museum
- 12pm: Lunch: Crunchy’s
- 2pm: Abrams Planetarium, 2:30pm there is a show
- 4pm: MSU Dairy Store
Map of Places to Visit for a Spring Break Staycation in Lansing
Other Helpful Info to Note
Which require reservations?
While it’s possible to show up to any of these attractions without a reservation, the one I highly recommend a reservation at is Bobcat Bonnies. That way you can also set it up with a comment if you prefer to sit in the rail car or in the dining room.
Everywhere else we went, we purchased tickets or were seated right away.
If the weather is nice when we visit, do you have recommendations on outdoor things to do?
Yes! There are so many great places to embrace the outdoors in Lansing. One that connects several sights throughout downtown Lansing is the Lansing River Trail. This trail is massive and runs throughout much of the city’s along the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers. A portion of the Planet Walk is set up along the Lansing River Trail.
Next on our bucket list is the Play Michigan! all inclusive playground that was completed in summer 2023. We’ve yet to visit this one but it’s on our bucket list.
And if you have a kid that fancies some art, you’ll want to walk around Old Town to take in the public sculptures and murals that decorate this side of town.
Is Parking an obstacle at all? Where may I need to pay to park?
We didn’t have trouble finding parking however, the area’s where you might not be as lucky as us are at…
- Lansing Shuffle – We found free parking in the small lot right by the Lansing River Trail. There is a larger paid lot just across from the Shuffle.
- Impression 5 Science Center – They have a free, decent sized lot, however it still gets filled up. If you don’t get lucky or aren’t patient to wait for a spot to open up, you might need to find street parking or park at one of the nearby paid lots. Don’t park next door at R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.
- Bobcat Bonnies – Parking is free in its lot in the front and behind the building, however, it does fill up. There is some nearby street parking if you don’t find a spot.
Do you have any other hotel recommendations?
Choose Lansing has a wonderful website full of hotel recommendations based on where within Lansing you want to stay, budget, and amenities you might be looking for. Check out that guide here.
For my recommendations on hotels to stay at during a Spring Break Staycation in Lansing, we did love our stay at the Hilton Garden Inn. It was clean and appeared fresh and on the newer side. The pool and hot tub were clean and fun for us to play at. The only downside is the continental breakfast here was not free.
During my family’s last visit, we stayed downtown at the Courtyard by Marriott, which we also enjoyed. It was very convenient to Jackson Field where the Lansing Lugnuts play, across the street from a Starbucks and the new Bobcat Bonnie’s and a 5 minute drive to Lansing Shuffle, Impression 5, and the R.E. Olds Museum.
And for additional ideas and inspiration on what to do in the Lansing area, check out the other articles I’ve written. They are packed full of hidden gems, unique attractions, and an itinerary to help you plan your own getaway!
- Lansing Summer Getaway
- Day Trip to Grand Ledge
- And learn about a nearby town that’s located on an island!
Happy adventuring!
From Michigan with Love,
Jackie
Pin this Post for Later: Spring Break Staycation in Lansing
