Summer Activities in West Michigan and the Greater Lansing Area

Sunshine and warm summer days are right around the corner! As the days grow longer, West Michigan and Lansing offer plenty of activities to fill the hours with fun and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly outings in the city, local music festivals, or just a lazy day at the beach, there’s something for everyone in Michigan. Eastbrook Homes has curated a list of some of our favorite local attractions to help you plan the perfect summer for you and your family!

Summer Activities in Greater Lansing

Lansing is an ideal place to enjoy the best of Michigan’s urban and rural settings. Whether you want to hang out downtown or get a taste of the great outdoors, there’s a host of diverse activities for summer lovers of all kinds in this great city!

• Visit the Zoo: Founded in 1920 Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo, mere minutes from College Fields, showcases the wonders of exotic wildlife while also supporting global conservation efforts.
• U Pick Fruit: Nothing beats an attraction you can eat! Farms around Lansing, like Felzke Farms, offer strawberry and blueberry picking for individuals and families all summer long.
• Live Music: Catch local musicians and nationally renowned artists at the Summer Solstice Jazz Festival in East Lansing on June 23rd & 24th.
• Take a Hike: Just down the road from Wind Trace and Village Place, The Ledges Trail offers scenic hiking for a relaxing stroll outdoors.
• Kayak and Canoe: The Grand River running through downtown Lansing is perfect for renting a kayak and spending a casual day floating on the water.

Summer Activities Around Grand Rapids

A hotspot for sports, the arts, and the great outdoors, Grand Rapids has it all. No matter where you are in the city, you’re never more than a few minutes from a full day of summer fun. Relax with a round of golf, or spend an afternoon strolling around a state park. Whatever your preference, here are some Grand Rapids attractions that will make for an exciting and memorable summer.

• Watch Local Sports: Home of the West Michigan Whitecaps, LMCU Ballpark hosts games all summer and is located just minutes from the Riverbend community.
• Go Golfing: Spend the day outside by playing through 18 holes at Boulder Creek Golf Club or one of Grand Rapids’ many other local golf courses.
• Tour a Brewery: Built inside a former funeral home, the stained glass of Vivant Brewery is a colorful contrast to the steel fermentation tanks. This LEED-certified microbrewery offers weekly tours!
• Visit a State Park: Walking distance from Lowing Woods is Grand River State Park where you can fish, hike, or have a picnic with the whole family!
• Visit a Local Market: To escape the summer heat and shop from local vendors, visit the Grand Rapids Downtown Market for exquisite West Michigan dining.

More West Michigan Activities

Looking to get away from the city? West Michigan is full of opportunities for summer fun that don’t involve venturing into an urban jungle. Hike, camp, or lounge by one of Michigan’s lakes for an outdoors-themed summer adventure. We’ve compiled a few activities that you can enjoy outside of Grand Rapids and Lansing. 

• Take a Beach Day: Get two lakes in one at Sylvan Beach, located between Indian Bay and Lake Michigan and just 10 minutes from Tannery Bay.
• Visit an Amusement Park: Roller coasters, water slides, and bumper cars, Michigan Adventure provides a rush of adrenaline all summer long!
• Go Camping: Get away from the city and camp along the Grand River at Conestoga Campground, near Lincoln Pines and Hathaway Lakes
• Stroll the Botanical Gardens: The Tulip Festival may be over, but Windmill Island Gardens will be in peak bloom this summer from July 23rd – 29th. 
• Catch a Live Band: Music on Main features a different live act on select Thursdays in Zeeland, just down the road from Prairie Winds, throughout the summer! 

No matter your favorite summer pastime, the best that West Michigan has to offer is never more than a few minutes from one of our Eastbrook communities. Make the most of the summer, spring, winter, and fall by settling into one of our move-in-ready homes or letting us build your dream home. Connect with us to find the perfect Eastbrook Homes community and schedule a home tour today!