Bored over holiday break? Visit these Lansing-area museums
Holiday break is on the horizon, which means families with free time on their hands are looking for fun, indoor activities to burn off some energy. It's a bonus if the kids learn a little bit about history, science or art.
Lansing, as the state's capital, has a trove of museums worth checking out. Pick just one or make it a goal to visit them all over the course of the holidays or the coming year. They will not disappoint.
Michigan History Museum
702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing
517-335-2573
Take a historic and fun journey through the museum to learn about all things Michigan, including its first inhabitants, civil war, the mining and lumber industries, the state’s growth, manufacturing and more. Kids will enjoy exploring the tunnels inside the copper mining exhibit.
Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for ages 65 and older, and $4 for children ages 6-17. Kids under 5 are free. Entry on Sundays is free.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sundays.
The museum is closed Dec. 23-26, Dec. 30 and Jan. 1-2.
Heritage Hall-Capitol Visitor Center
323 W. Ottawa St., Lansing
517-373-2348
The new hall on the Capitol grounds in front of the entrance facing Ottawa Street features displays about Michigan governance, Capitol history and a glass-walled room where conservators can be seen restoring and preserving Civil War-era battle flags. Battle flags and a skylight from the original 1879 Capitol building are among the numerous historical artifacts on display.
Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Admission is free.
The hall is closed for the holidays on Dec. 23, Dec. 26, Dec. 30 and Jan. 2.
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
240 Museum Drive, Lansing
517-372-0529
Whether you’re an automotive enthusiast or not, the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is the perfect place to see cool cars and car-related artifacts, learn about the history of the automotive industry and, arguably Lansing’s most famous businessman, R.E. Olds. Be sure to check out the vintage truck covered in multicolored holiday lights.
General admission is $10; it's $7 for ages 65 and older, children ages 12-18, and for veterans or those in the military. Kids under 12 are free. For a group of 10 or more, the cost is $7 per person.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
The museum is closed for the holidays Dec. 23-26, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1.
Impression 5 Science Center
200 Museum Drive, Lansing
517-485-8116
This interactive science museum is just the place for playful, creative and curious kids. Children get to experience hands-on learning about many scientific topics including light, kinetic and potential energy, fluid dynamics, nuclear science and more.
The science center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Impression 5’s hours will be expanding starting Dec. 21, and will be open Wednesdays through Sundays.
The museum is closed for the holidays on Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
Admission is $12 for adults and kids 2 and older; $10.50 for seniors and military members.
Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University
547 E. Circle Drive, East Lansing
517-884-4800
Taking in the unique design of the Broad is a treat on its own, even before seeing the featured exhibits. The museum, celebrating its 10th anniversary, features an exhibit of work from the late Broad designer and architect Zaha Hadid.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Admission is free.
The museum is closed for the holidays on Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: From Michigan History Museum to Broad Art Museum: places to visit
