Even though Lansing can get cold in the winter, when the frost melts there are several places little kids can watch animals and explore the outdoors. The Potter Park Zoo (potterparkzoo.org) sits on 20 acres and features over 500 animals. Little kids can view the zoo's lions, tigers, dozens of exotic birds, snakes and lizards and monkeys. The zoo also offers pony and camel rides, an aquarium and a petting zoo.
The Woldumar Nature Center (woldumar.org) is located along the Grand River on 178 acres. Parents can take their kids on a bird watching expedition, view the wildlife that lives in the woods, river and prairie of the park, bike or hike on miles of trails and visit the interpretive center and creature displays. During the summer, Woldumar Nature Center hosts a summer camp for children ages 4 and up.
Lansing has several locations that not only entertain but educate little kids at the same time. Impression 5 Science Center (impression5.org) features hands-on science exhibits that are geared towards children. Impression 5 has a bubble room, a giant eyeball, water room, machines and a light and color exhibit. Impression 5 also offers birthday parties, which include a private party room, admission to the science center and a workshop where guests make slime, explore magnets and experiment with static electricity.
The East Lansing Public Library (elpl.org) has a wide selection of kid-friendly books and also offers activities and programs that cater to kids. Parents can bring their babies in for the library's BabyTime, where they and an instructor sing songs and rhymes. For kids ages 2 to 5, the library offers regular story time, which includes a story-related craft.
Parents of little kids with tons of energy can take them on a roller skating adventure at one of Lansing's roller skating rinks. EDRU Skat-A-Rama (skatarama.com) is open seven days a week and lets skaters rent in-line or traditional roller skates, depending on skill level. On Thursday mornings, Skat-A-Rama offers a preschool skate session that includes a snack and drink. If parents want a roller skate-themed party, Skat-A-Rama offers birthday parties that include roller skates, pizza and drinks and a party host.
Rollhaven Family Fun Center (rollhaven.com) offers roller skating for kids and adults. For new skaters, Rollhaven offers skating lessons. In addition to skating, Rollhaven has laser tag and arcade games with ticket redemption and holds birthday parties for kids.
Lansing has several venues that offer purely fun entertainment for little kids. The Chelsea TreeHouse (thechelseatreehouse.com) is an indoor playground that features a 1,200-square-foot climbing structure, five slides, a toddler play area and an area for parents to relax while they watch their children play. If kids get hungry, they can get a snack and a drink at the TreeHouse's cafe and sit down in the dining area for a break.
Castaway Play (castawayplay.com) claims to be Michigan's largest indoor play center. Parents can climb through the play structures with their children or watch and relax. The play area features a webbed elevator, slides and a suspension bridge. Castaway Play has a separate play area for kids 3 and under. Parents can book a birthday party at the play center or sign up for a character lunch. At a character lunch, kids eat pizza and meet with characters including Snow White, Mickey Mouse and Tinkerbell.
