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Phone Number +1 517-781-7330
Detail Office Hours Monday: 9:00 AM to - 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM to - 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM to - 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM to - 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM to - 5:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 AM to - 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 AM to - 12:00 AM
  • Monday: 9:00 AM to - 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM to - 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM to - 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM to - 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM to - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
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Things to Do Near Michigan State University

Michigan State University is one of the major landmarks in East Lansing. The region is always teeming with students bustling between classes and hanging out after hours. While the campus itself has many fun features for students and visitors, there are also tons of fun and interesting ways to spend your day nearby.
Whether you are a student, teacher, visiting, or just find yourself in the vicinity, you can find all sorts of entertaining things to do near Michigan State University.
 

Abrahams Planetarium

Right on campus is one of the best Planetariums in Michigan. Abrahams Planetarium is a spectacular experience. Many people visited a planetarium once on a school field trip long ago but now is your chance to immerse yourself in the (much higher tech) domed experience on your own. Lean back in the comfy chairs and let one of the many amazing planned shows take you away into a world of swirling planets and the vastness of space.
Then, tour the cool black-light museum halls and stop for lunch at the tasty space-age food court.
A bright star is the focal point of this deep space image.

Spare Time Entertainment Center

If you want a complete day of fun, check out the Spare Time Entertainment Center (and arcade fun complex). Spare Time has a cool arcade, mini-golf course, escape rooms, axe throwing, and a whole lot of bowling. Come for an afternoon or join one of the bowling leagues if you want to keep coming back to show off your skills in regional tournaments.

The diner is also pretty good with arcade classics like fries, pretzels, burgers, wings, pizzas, hotdogs, and desserts, plus the beer and cocktail menu.

 

Pinball Pete's

If you want a pure arcade experience, head to Pinball Pete's instead. This is a rocking arcade with dozens of pinball machines. You'll find classic arcade games, air hockey, pool tables, foosball, racing games, shooting games, and so much more. Dance Dance Revolution fans who need a new place to throw down will appreciate the full-sized, two-person DDR machine.

There's a classic prize counter to redeem your tickets for cool prizes like bouncy balls, finger traps, and inflatable air guitars. They also do awesome holiday events like their yearly Halloween bash.

A pinball machine with a blue and orange ball in play.

Beal Botanical Garden

If you enjoy a relaxing stroll through beautiful gardens, then you'll love the Beal Botanical Gardens. It's right next to the campus's Main Library and is part of the school. Here, young botanists practice their craft by creating artistic and ecologically balanced natural displays and relaxing paths for everyone to enjoy. 

It's a nice place to relax and restore your energy by connecting with nature. Students can also sign up for gardening projects available to all undergraduates, not just those in botanical degree programs.

Potter Park Zoo

Potter Park Zoo is a small local zoo home to 350 animals from around the world. The animals and visitor areas are all clean and well cared for, providing a beautiful and charming afternoon experience. There are lions and tigers, porcupines, pandas, rhinos, kangaroos, monkeys, and elks. You can ride a camel, tour the reptile house, and say hello to the seals up close through the tank walls.

They host regular special events, tours, and educational programs. You can also join the conversation programs to become an involved part of the animal and wildlife community.

A red panda is sitting on a log.

Impression 5 Science Center

For an interactive museum experience, check out Impression 5 Science Center. Natural science museums are always fun, with attractions designed for all ages. There are dozens of hands-on exhibits, from wind tunnels to the electromagnetic spectrum room. Learning can be an exciting experience whether you traverse the whimsical halls alone or bring a big group to explore the museum together.

Impression 5 has so much to do that you can experience something new with every visit, and you're never too old to play with science. Many of the exhibits are full-sized, and adults are welcome to join in the fun.

 

Adado Riverfront Park

When you're ready to lay back on the cool grass for some outdoor recreation, Adado Riverfront Park is the best among many great parks in the Michigan State University area. Here, you'll find bridges and piers, art installations, and endless year-round events. They hold concerts, festivals, fireworks, and dreamy nights beside the water.

It's connected to the Lansing River Trail and Art Path, where you can bike and rollerblade down the paths, take a stroll, have a picnic, or throw your own outdoor party. There's even free Wi-Fi, so it's easy to listen to music, work outside, or watch movies in the pleasant breeze. If you get hungry, Happy Pizza, Bangkok Thai House, and Lansing Shuffle are all an easy walk from the park.

 

Experiences Begin at Your Apartment

If you're looking for an apartment in East Lansing surrounded by fun things to do near Michigan State University, you've found us. Hidden Tree Apartments and Townhomes are only a few blocks from campus, and you can explore and discover all the interesting things in the area. From the local arcade to the local zoo and everything in between, welcome to your new home base for adventures.


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