Beyond the Bus

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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.