During the winter months, we love to play outside. But it is nice to stay cozy and play inside too! There are so many wonderful place spaces in the Greater Lansing area. I prefer spaces that are quiet, cozy, and less stimulating in the winter. Here is a round up of some of our favorite quiet and cozy local play spaces.
In + Around Lansing
Eli Broad Art Museum: Located right on Michigan State University’s campus, this is a a true “gem” for the whole family. This museum houses lovely art exhibits as well as an education wing with open-ended art supplies. The education wing is open during museum hours and always a fun place to stop. Check out the art museum’s Family Day events and other scheduled events here. Don’t forget to check out the basement while you are at the museum. It is a quiet and cozy local play space for creative and artsy children!
Hooked Coffee Shop: Located in Lansing, this is the perfect local coffee shop for adults and kids. They have a quiet and cozy play space in the back for children, so it’s easy to sip your drink or look at books while the children are entertained. We like to bring our own play items like coloring materials, puzzles, stickers, and books to enjoy.
Taste Coffee Company: This beautifully designed coffee shop in Mason is one of our favorite quiet and cozy play spaces to go to. It has a warm inviting environment and is very kid friendly. If you are searching for a place to get some work done with your kids in tow or to simply pit stop for a snack and quiet play, this is it!
The Emerging Parent: The Emerging Parent is a warm and inviting play space in Lansing that is inclusive for all children and families. We love spending time at the Emerging Parent because of its low stimulation environment and intentional play opportunities provided. Furthermore, this play space is owned and operated by an early childhood educator with years of experiences in early childhood development!
Capital Area District Libraries
During the winter season, our most visited location is the library. The Capital Area District Libraries (CADL) are the best quiet and cozy places to play and learn. Each CADL is so unique and has something different to offer the community. Here are a few of our favorites and why:
- Haslett CADL: I love the children’s play area here. They have a train table, kitchen, fine motor magnets, felt animal board, and not to be missed, their scavenger hunts!
- Webberville CADL: I love the selection of play materials provided at this library – it has a beautifully crafted kitchen set with fun pretend food and always something new. This library is great at providing a fun craft for all ages on Wednesdays during their discovery time.
- Downtown CADL: The downtown CADL is such a fun place to explore. It has a vast selection of books and a fun baby/toddler play space in the back.
Check out this post if you want to read further about the amazing resources our local libraries provide.
If you are interested in monthly read aloud recommendations, check out A Mother’s Bookshelf where I share monthly themed literacy and play ideas for children!
