The sun is here and the cold Michigan winter is starting to wear off. It’s time to celebrate and explore! Whether you’re up for an overnight trip or schedules and budgets make you look closer to home, equally, you’re covered. This year’s staycation guide for Lansing and beyond will help you find the fun you’re looking for.
Staycation in Lansing
Filling Your Days in Lansing
Here in Lansing, Impression 5 Science Center and Potter Park Zoo are perennial favorites. In addition they can be a great way to balance out a week with other activities during a staycation. So if you’re up for something new, try out these ideas:
- Bowling| find some open lanes at Royal Scot, City Limits, and Spare Time .
- Twistars| Summit in Dimondale the open gym is available for all ages. Be sure tocheck for times too.
- Art| If the weather is cold or wet, head into a cozy studio to do some pottery painting. Check out Playing Picasso in Frandor, Art Unlimited in Okemos, or Sunset Clay Studio.
Places To Staycation in Lansing
In addition to the fun if you’d like to make it a quick overnight in Lansing, there are lots of great choices around town.
- Crowne Plaza| on the west side gets high marks from families.
- Fairfield Inn| in Okemos offers a budget-friendly option with amenities like free hot breakfast and an indoor pool.
- Eastwood Towne Center Area| Courtyard by Marriott, Homewood Suites, and Hyatt Place all put you within easy reach of a pool and hot tub. It’s a short drive for a late movie or some after dinner shopping.
Road Trip to Metro Detroit
Filling Your Days in Metro Detroit
Northern Metro Detroit
- Great Lakes Crossing| Auburn Hills. LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium and the new Peppa Pig World of Play are all here. There is also a carousel, bowling, movie theater, and a play area so mom can sneak in a bit of shopping as well.
- Meadow Brook Hall| in Rochester offers historic charm and a variety of tours suited to school-aged children.
Detroit
Other fun and unique spots to check out in the metro Detroit area for a staycation are:
- Belle Isle| This island in the Detroit River is a fun spot to explore by bike, foot, or car. Some of the amenities are currently closed so be sure to check before visiting.
- Michigan Science Center| on Wayne State’s campus, has live stage shows, a 4D Theater, a planetarium, 250+ hands-on exhibits, lab activities, special exhibits, and more.
- Beacon Park| A great open space on the western edge of downtown, this park provides an opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the full service restaurant Lumen.
- Campus Martius Park| With 2.5 acres of comfortable seating, green space, Woodward Fountain, and yes, even a sand beach in the heart of the city. This is another great stop-over to read, relax, or catch a bite. Events change year-round.
- Robert C. Valade Park| Head to the riverfront to enjoy one of Detroit’s newest parks and playground.
Places To Staycation in Metro Detroit
Northern Metro Detroit
If you’re heading up to Great Lakes Crossing for an overnight staycation, check out these two locations. They have special “Shop and Dine” and “Shop and Play” packages with the attractions at the mall.
- Hampton Inn| WiFi, indoor pool, and a free hot breakfast, plus it’s right next to Great Lakes Crossing.
- Holiday Inn Express| Also including WiFi, indoor pool, and a free hot breakfast with a next door location that can’t be beat.
Detroit
Right in the heart of things, these urban options give you a chance to enjoy the history and vibrancy of the Motor City.
- Foundation Hotel| Detroit’s former Fire Department headquarters (built in 1929) has been transformed into a 100-room hotel.
- Holiday Inn Express| Right in the heart of downtown, with the added bonus of mini refrigerators and microwaves in-room.
Road Trip to Western Michigan
Filling Your Days in Western Michigan
Holland
Another fun staycation option off the beaten path for those who are willing to travel is the Holland area.
- Holland Community Aquatic Center| There are tons of indoor water options including a three-story water slide, a splash zone for preschoolers, water basketball, an obstacle course, and more. Be sure to check the schedule to make sure the features you’re interested are open on the days you’ll be in town.
- Holland Oz Project| If the weather is nice, you can also check out the Oz Project. It launched with the installation of the floral living mosaic book, the yellow brick road, and colorful landscaping in Centennial Park. Across the street, seven bronze sculptures were added to the exhibit on the grounds of the Herrick Library, with the Wicked Witch planned for April.
Places to Eat
- Deboer Bakery| If you stay the weekend, be sure to catch the north side location for breakfast, including pastries, coffee, and their specialty waffles that earn rave reviews locally and nationally.
- Captain Sundae| is another local favorite with mini golf nearby. Don’t let the lines deter you, they move fast.
- The downtown area also has a host of great boutiques and the city hosts a number of great thrift stores.
Grand Rapids
Close enough for a day trip but worth an overnight, with lots of great attractions for every age and budget, a trip to Grand Rapids surely won’t disappoint.
- Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park| One of the perennial favorites, the Butterflies are Blooming exhibit, will be available through the end of April. Be forewarned that it’s definitely popular with local families during spring break weeks. With several indoor and outdoor features well-suited to younger children, there’s still plenty of breathing room.
- Grand Rapids Public Museum| Though the carousel is closed for renovation, the historical perspective on the area, planetarium, and the Bodies Revealed exhibit are great for school age and up.
Places To Staycation in Western Michigan
Holland
- City Flats Hotel| In the heart of downtown, the availability of suites can also make this a family win.
- Holiday Inn Express| Proximity to a number of attractions and a flair for the Dutch heritage that’s all around make this a fun family favorite.
Grand Rapids
- Drury Inn| This family-friendly option is packed with extras and is only a short drive to all the highlights.
- Amway Grand| Historic charm within walking distance (even with a stroller) of the Public Museum, the Children’s Museum and tons of other downtown destinations.
Fun can happen in your own backyard or a road trip away– it’s all up to you. No matter where you end up over spring break, enjoy the beauty of pure Michigan. Explore off the beaten path, and make some amazing family memories on your staycation!
