Beyond the Bus

One of the best ways to fight the winter blues? Explore local activities with family and friends! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Greater Lansing in the colder months:

1. Get up close to the biggest Christmas tree and ornaments in Lansing

People come from all over the state to see the 58-foot tree displayed in front of the Michigan Capitol building. It’s become a clear icon to the city, standing tall and proud. And for the first year ever, the state Christmas tree comes right from Lansing, thanks to two generous donors.

The red holiday ornaments are another crowd favorite. These giant picturesque sculptures are in the roundabout at Michigan Avenue and Washington Square, within walking distance from the Capitol. 

Save on parking and take the bus to these gorgeous decorations! Check out our trip planner to find the best route for you.

2. Experience the Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo.

Holiday lights, music, animal encounters and goodie bags make this event a real treat. Catch the Wonderland of Lights from Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 27.

Click here for details.

3. Support local artists at the REO Town Marketplace Holiday Bazaar.

Still have a few people on your holiday shopping list? The REO Town Marketplace presents a chance to shop for Michigan artisan-made goods. This fun new way to shop local is open now until December 24.

Click here to learn more.

4. Hit the snow-covered slopes at Hawk Island.

As Hawk Island is less than a mile from CATA headquarters, this is one of our favorite wintertime activities. Bring your family, grab a few friends or go it alone on one of Hawk Island’s tube runs, ranging from 500-600 feet long. Then warm up at the snack bar with a cup of hot chocolate and s’mores.

Click here for snow tubing hours and pricing.

5. Challenge your inner learner at Impression 5 Science Center.

Impression 5 is an awesome place for kids of all ages to explore, learn and have fun! It was one of the first hands-on science museums in the country when it opened in 1972. Forty-eight years later, it remains a spot for the entire family to enjoy.

For hours and pricing, please visit impression5.org.

6. Shop small at the East Lansing Small Business Crawl.

Support local small businesses and earn points to win prizes during this year’s football-themed East Lansing Small Business Crawl! Players receive points by saving their receipts and submitting them on the Lansing Regional Chamber website. The more points earned, the more chances to win the grand prize of $1,000. The event is running from December 7-12. 

Learn more about the event here.

7. Treat yourself every Tuesday in Old Town Lansing.

Treat Tuesdays in Old Town are the perfect way to add some fun to your week. Each Tuesday, a different Old Town business will feature a “treat” which could be a sale, a giveaway, or other perks that make shopping local even greater. Treat Tuesdays will be going into 2021, so there are plenty of chances to explore local businesses in Old Town. 

See the full schedule for Treat Tuesdays here.

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1. Safely trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood.

After a bit of a scare, trick-or-treating is officially a go in Lansing and East Lansing! Here are a few tips on how to keep yourself and your kids safe and healthy.

2. Make like Lightning McQueen, and drive through trick-or-treating.

The Lansing Parks and Recreation Department is holding a drive-thru trick-or-treat event on Halloween from 1-3 p.m. at Frances Park. Enjoy all the thrills of trick-or-treating with over 40 local vendors, all from the safety of your own car! Blue Cross Blue Shield will also be on site providing free flu shots. For more information, click here. 

3. Ghosts, ghouls and souls will be at the polls.

Enjoy your favorite activities while also exercising your right to vote! The Lansing City Clerk’s office is hosting a Halloween drive-thru trick-or-treat event complete with music, prizes, onsite voter registration and ballot drop off. You won’t want to miss this awesome event! Click here for details.

2. Cheer the Spartans to victory against the Wolverines.

Whether you’ll be in a costume this Halloween or in your jersey cheering on the Spartans, Ellison Brewery and Spirits is the perfect Halloween spot for the whole family. Their family-friendly Halloween party will include a costume contest, live music and prizes. Learn more here. 

3. You have the right to remain trunk-or-treating.

Is it possible to have too much candy? We don’t think so! The Lansing Police Department’s Community Service Unit is hosting a drive-thru trunk-or-treat event on Halloween. Say hi to McGruff the Crime Dog while you're there! Click here to learn more. 

4. Suit up for a spooktacular photo.

Looking for a way to get in the Halloween spirit from home? Check out East Lansing’s inaugural Great Pumpkin Photo Contest! Submit a photo in costume by November 1 for a chance to win amazing prizes. Click here for contest rules and information.

5. Enjoy Halloween specials at your favorite local haunts.

Many places around Lansing will be treating you to specilty drinks and snacks that are sure to spook even the bravest of foodies. Test your sleuthing skills at a Socially Distanced Murder Mystery at The Bistro in Williamston, carve your imagination with Midtown Brewing's pumpkin carving nights, or delight your pallate with apple streudel bites and a sweet potato harvest bowl from Hopcat. 

While this fall may look different than in years past, there are still plenty of great things to do in the Lansing area while following COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.. From farmers markets to corn mazes, there is something for the whole family. Check out this list of our top places to explore in Lansing this fall.

1. Uncle John’s Cider Mill

Uncle John’s Cider Mill is a must-have on your fall bucket list. With delicious cider and donuts, local food trucks, games and activities, this spot is perfect for all ages. Click here to see all of Uncle John’s upcoming events as well as their updated health and safety regulations. 

2. Potter Park Zoo

Calling all animal lovers! Potter Park Zoo has reopened with new safety and sanitation standards. The Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo and Wonderland of Lights events are perfect for a night out this fall. Check out Potter Park Zoo’s full list of upcoming events  here.

3. Fenner Nature Center

Nothing says fall like taking in the sights and smells of nature. Fenner Nature Center is the perfect place to escape for the day and enjoy the beauty of fall in Michigan. For rainy days, check out their fall coloring pages to print off and color at home! Click here to see the full list of Fenner Nature Center’s Events, including the Annual Apple Butter Festival in October.

4. Farmers Markets

Fresh produce, homemade goods and supporting local businesses – what more could you ask for? Head to one of the many farmers markets around Lansing this fall to create the farm-to-table experience in your own home. You can even explore your adventurous side with cuisines from all over the world! Check out this list of Farmers Markets to see which is closest to you. 

5. Local Restaurants

Looking for a new go-to dinner spot? Many of our favorite local restaurants are open for business again with new health and safety standards. Take a look at some of the local spots we’ve highlighted on our social media. Or view a full list of Greater Lansing Restaurants here.