Lansing’s Best Parks and Playgrounds: 47 Hidden Gems, Most Popular + Use our Map!

47 of the Best Parks that Will Make You Fall in Love with Lansing!

We’ve picked 47 must-visit epic parks in our area that we know your family will love.

They’ve been tested and proved, then visited over and over again by popular demand. You know the type – where the minute your kids get in the car to leave they are knocked or worn out from all the playing.

These parks have met the standard of fun. Not just for babies, not just for big kids or adults, but these are parks the whole family will love!

Places like Frances Park, where a rose garden is tucked away in trails overlooking the Grand River or Burchfield Park in the winter, where tubing not only gives us a workout from climbing up the hill, but has us all grinning ear to ear over hot cocoa at the end.

Lansing Summer Things to Do »

Best Parks in Greater Lansing by Location

Create a parks bucket list or try something new with the LFF team’s top pick list of 47 parks!

Location: City of Lansing Best Parks

Frances Park 2600 Moores River Dr, Lansing, Michigan 48911 This park is both a favorite and a hidden gem – the best-kept secret of our city! It has a rose garden, lookout point onto the Grand River water, two playgrounds, and a one-mile paved walking trail around the perimeter. Bring some bread along to feed the ducks if you’ve got extra time.

Granger Meadows Park  1745 Granger Meadows Ln, Lansing, MI 48906 Do you remember the Granger Meadows area before it was a park? This is one of the coolest things a company could do with its available space. Its paved trails and huge hill to climb are great for all seasons – sledding in the winter and city gazing in the summer. If you time it right, you might see airplanes taking off or landing while on our city’s mini “butte.” Disk golf with your older kiddos or play on the large and beautiful playground area.

Valley Farms Park/Community Center 16199 Brook Rd, Lansing, MI 48906 Home to a recently renovated baseball diamond plus a great playground and climbing structure. My kids adoringly call this the “Spider Park” because of the rope climbing piece. Bonus – it’s connected to the Granger Meadows park trail and the hill mentioned above. Year-round you’ll find a story walk in the trails of these two parks.

Grand Woods 4500 Willow Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917 A hop, skip, and a jump from the Lansing Mall nests this woodsy park along the Grand River. It is home to a disk golf course, rolling trails, RC Track, and multiple playgrounds.

Delta Mills 7001 Old River Trail, Lansing, MI 48917 This park is crazy – in a good way. The playground is massive and the kids literally jump for joy when they see us pulling up to this parking lot. Pro Tip: You may want to go with a friend if you have a new baby in tow as this place is large and it can be hard to hunker down in one spot. Kids love to go up and down the hills to the top of the play structure. This playground connects to two adjoining parks.

Hawk Island Park 1601 E. Cavanaugh Rd. Lansing MI, 48910 This amazing location is not just a playground. It is home to the Dragon Boat Races in the fall, one of the best places to cool off in the summer, and a hot spot for sledding/tubing in the winter.  Their splash pad is fully fenced, the lake and sandy beach are a blast to play in. Lifeguards are on duty to keep you feeling safe. The Lansing River Trail runs right through Hawk Island’s grounds.

Potter Park Zoo 1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912 Located just outside of the zoo entrance, there’s an amazing playground with several play structures. The Lansing River Trail runs through this area and makes a great pit stop on a bike ride. Play here before or after a zoo trip or just stop by for the playground.

Moores Park 400 Moores River Drive Lansing, MI 48910 You’ll LOVE this park! It has a huge round public swimming pool that is one of the last of its kind! I love this place just as much as my kids. Run around, play on multiple playgrounds, hop on the Lansing Riverfront Trail, launch your kayak, or go fishing all in one place.

Sharp Park 1401 Elmwood Rd, Lansing, MI 48917 Sharp has two fun playgrounds with a maze and a gorgeous pond where you can feed fish and ducks. Paved trails start across the street at the Delta District Library, run through Sharp Park, and lead all the way to the Lansing Mall, on to Kroger, and to Horrocks Farmers Market!

Crego Park 1600 Fidelity Road, Lansing, MI 48910 Crego is a relaxing and peaceful park with kayak and fishing pond/lake with beautiful paved trails feeding into the Lansing River Trail. The lake has a kayak launch and many sitting areas along with a large deck overlooking the water. FUN FACT: This area is a nesting site for Bald Eagles.

Rotary Park Downtown Lansing 305 City Market Dr, Lansing, MI 48912 Play in the sand in the middle of the city or just gaze at the beauty of downtown Lansing. Go at night and you’ll love the dreamy vibe of the lighted forest over the Lansing River Trail. This area is monitored by Lansing Parks and Rec who keep it clean and safe for families.

Brenke Fish Ladder and Park 216 E Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906 This downtown Lansing park shares a parking lot with Old Town and is a great place to start a nice walk or bike ride. Keep strolling down the trail and you’ll run into a playground. Take a few more steps and grab a bite to eat at the Waterfront Bar and Grill or MP Social.

River Point Park See the map below for the exact location. This hidden gem is located on the Lansing River Trail between downtown Lansing and Reo Town. The lookout point sets you where two streams collide and the little park makes for a fun pit stop on a walk or bike ride.

Westside/Dunnebacke Park 1001 Stanley Street, Lansing, MI 48915 Another hidden gem – the cutest little park with a sandpit and stationary digging tools. It is home to a lovely community garden and is located down the street from Biggby at the point. We love to grab a quick coffee and head to this serene and quiet destination. There’s lots of space for kids to run around and a fun area where folks gather for horseshoe tournaments.

Woldumar Nature Center 5739 Old Lansing Rd, Lansing, MI 48917 Woldumar has a nature playground. You wouldn’t believe how much kids love this playground – almost more than most regular play structures. It’s so fun to play in the dirt and run around with logs and obstacle courses that it’s almost always hard to pull them away. But don’t worry – it’s worth it! The welcome center has fun scientific information to study and learn about + story times. Bonus: Woldumar has my favorite spot in the city located right in the middle of their trails. The large pines smell takes me to another world.

Hunter Park 1400 E Kalamazoo St, Lansing, MI 48912 This park’s pool and playground make the list of go-to places in the summer. The community garden and greenhouse project is amazing and the pool is a dream (sometimes cold but a great way to cool down on really hot summer days). There is a splash pad and a large wade-in pool with a climbing wall.

Beacon Field at Ferris Park 417 N Walnut St, Lansing, MI 4893 This park has a free-to-the-public community-enclosed outdoor soccer field. This large park area is right in the heart of downtown and a great place to run around with the kiddos as well as play on their playground and have a picnic.

Location: Greater Lansing – EAST Best Parks

Below is a list of parks for kids and parents to enjoy in East Lansing, Haslett, Williamston, Howell, etc.

Patriarche Park 960 Alton Street, East Lansing, MI 4882 Patriarche has been a go-to spot for many years and their recent updated epic playground built by the community is so much fun. Kids of all ages love this spacious park, and bonus: it’s totally fenced in.

Lake Lansing South Park 6260 East Lake Drive Haslett, MI 48840 If you’re looking for a place that has it all, this is it! Spend the day on the beach and in the lake swimming, boating, kayaking, paddle boating, and more! Among its many charms and amenities include two huge wood structure playgrounds and a FREE big wheel track (big wheels available). This year, they’ve added a lovely pier for fishing and park benches for gazing at the water. Plus, there are even summer evening concerts in the park.

McCormick Park 128 E Riverside St, Williamston, MI 48895 McCormick Park boasts a huge wooden play structure that’s fun for all ages. Bring your bike or walking stick and take a little jaunt on their paved trail. Also, enjoy live performances in their amphitheater.

Kensington Metropark 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI 48380 This cool park has so much to offer, you’ll want to plan a full day of it. Some of the many amenities include a water park, swimming, playgrounds, hayrides, camping, plus much more!

Location: Greater Lansing – WEST Best Parks

Parks both kids and parents adore in Grand Ledge, Portland, Charlotte, etc.

Fitzgerald Park 100 Fitzgerald Park Dr, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 Home of The Ledges! Can you believe we have this in our own backyard? Don’t forget to stop by the fish ladder as well. This place is beautiful in every season and a real adventure for the kids. Play on the playground or hike through the trails.

Wacousta Dream Depot 2.0 9135 Herbison Rd, Eagle, MI 48822 This park was recently rebuilt by the community and is now a destination spot again for all families. This outrageously cool 6,000-square-foot park was created with kids in mind. Definitely a must-visit playground.

MOO-Ville Creamery 162 E. Tuttle Rd, Ionia, MI 48846 They have a FREE playground! Playing outside + MOO-Ville ice cream. Need I say more?

Island Park 206 W River St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 You’ll love this unique park literally on an island right in the middle of downtown Grand Ledge. It’s a nice place to walk and rest.

Jaycee Park 525 E River St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 Home to a splash pad on the riverfront! Head over to cool off and play with other kids. This park and playground sit in downtown Grand Ledge and are within walking distance to the library and Island Park.

Joe Tichvon Park Carl St, Portland, MI 48875, see the map below for the exact location. A small-town park set in a quiet neighborhood. Be sure to pack your basketball and picnic lunch.

Alton Park See the map below for the exact location. A nice sun-shade park and perfect for little ones that love to swing!

Location: Greater Lansing – NORTH Best Parks

Fun parks families play at for hours in DeWitt, Bath, Laingsburg, St. Johns, Owosso, etc.

Riverside Park 405 S Bridge St, DeWitt, MI 48820 An “All Play” (handicap accessible) playground. Walking distance to downtown DeWitt makes Riverside’s three playgrounds a perfect stop on any given day. Don’t miss stopping into Sweetie-licious, a short walk from the park, while you’re there.

Wiswasser Park 6499 Park Lake Rd, Bath, MI 48808-9718 This park is one of the BEST PARKS IN OUR AREA. It has a tall three-story playground and is right across the street from the swimming area on Park Lake, and is a short walk to the delicious Park Lake Creamery.

Sleepy Hollow 7835 E Price Rd, Laingsburg, MI 48848 The perfect place to get away for a day or overnight. Campgrounds, cabins, playgrounds, and all kinds of ways to explore await you and your family!

Uncle Johns Cider Mill 8614 North US 127, St. Johns, MI 48879 This is a family-favorite loved by all. They are open as soon as May and shut down very late in the fall. Pumpkins and cider are not even the main attraction for our kids; They LOVE the play structures, bounce houses, maze, games, huge bouncing pillow, hayrides, and snack shop.

St. Johns City Park/Spray Park 805 W Park St, St Johns, MI 48879 This park’s splash pad is a fantastic way to cool off in the summer, and their hill is great for sledding in the winter! Their classic wooden playground is nestled in the trees in the middle of a walking path. Fun Fact: this area is home to the annual St. Johns Mint Festival.

West Park 11877 E Carson City Rd, Carson City, MI 48811 (M-57 at the Western Edge of Carson City, MI) Their paved walking trails and sweet wooden play structure are a blast! After you play, jump in the water for a swim or play all the other fun games and activities that surround the park, like disc golf and more.

McClintock Park See the map below for the exact location. This park has one small play structure, one large play structure + a skate park. It has plenty of green space for running around and is located in downtown Laingsburg. You’ll love this park!

Bentley Park Playscape See the map below for the exact location. Bentley Park has something for everyone from the “train” play structure for your littlest engineers to the large play structure for your more adventurous kiddos. Enjoy the swings + much more!

Motz County Park 4630 N Dewitt Rd, St Johns, MI 48879 The sandy beach on a sun-shining day makes this FREE swimming spot a must-stop during the summer.

Location: Greater Lansing – SOUTH Best Parks

Go-to parks families frequent in Holt, Eaton Rapids, Mason, Leslie, Jackson, etc.

Burchfield Park 881 Grovenburg Road Holt, MI 48842 This park is an absolute blast any time you go, but tubing in the winter months is what sets it over the top. You can rent tubes for $2 and run up and down those hills as many times as your feet can carry you. There’s a warming fire pit at each hill and indoor concessions. Summer is epic here at the beach as well.

Valhalla Park 2287 Pine Tree Rd, Holt, MI 48842 Delhi Township’s largest and most developed park, families adore this park for its huge playground, swimming lake, open fields, wooded area, and access to nature trails that hook up with the Lansing River Trail.

Island Park See the map below for the exact location This park can be reached by a bridge in downtown Eaton Rapids. The old play structures and canon make this park a unique hidden gem. The oldness of the park is new fun to kiddos.

Russel Park See the map below for the exact location. Set in downtown Leslie, this place is another throwback to the wooden play structure days.

Rayner Park 738 E Ash St, Mason, MI 48854 There’s an extensive wooden play structure here plus CADL does story times there occasionally. Yummy bonus: there is an old-school ice cream spot across the street.

Vevay Township Hall 780 Eden Rd, Mason, MI 48854 A nice play structure and swings are located across the street from Mason Jewett Airfield. If you have an airplane lover in the family, you can see tons of cool planes taking off and landing!

Hayes Park See the map below for the exact location. Mason’s largest city park, Hayes Park includes a huge play structure, lots of swings, tennis and basketball courts, plus much more.

Loomis Park 210 Gilbert Street, Jackson 49201 (Between Edgewood & Gilbert Sts) Charles A. Boos Recreation Center Enjoy the large community-built wooden play structure/playground.

Ella W. Sharp Park 3225 Fourth Street, Jackson, MI 49203 Home to Carter’s Corner Play Structure. Also, check out their Olympic size swimming pool, an eighteen-hole miniature golf course, and rose gardens.

Nixon Park 400 E North St, Jackson, MI 49202 (Corner of North & Cooper Streets) This park is so cool! Their waterpark and skate park make it fun for both young and older kids. Also make sure to check out the swimming pool, skateboard, and rollerblade areas.

Cascades Falls and Splash Pad 1401 S Brown St, Jackson, MI 49203 This is such a beautiful spot to hang because of the gorgeous tranquil grounds where you can watch the falls and play in the splash pad.

Lansing’s Best Parks Map

Fun awaits at 47 fantastic parks in Lansing!

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