Tag: summer fun

Staycation Activities

Published on by Peggy SmithLeave a comment

Are you looking for some fun activities for the family this summer, but want to stay local? Check out these East Lansing gems for family fun or date nights.

The Graduate

The Graduate Hotel in East Lansing features the Graduate Rock Bar. This rooftop restaurant is perfect for the whole family or date night. Enjoy their incredible view of MSU campus. The Graduate Rock Bar is open seven days a week and 21+ only after 8 p.m. For more information, click here.

East Lansing Family Aquatic Center

Now open! The East Lansing Family Aquatic Center is the perfect place to soak in the sun with the whole family. The Aquatic Center has a variety of features including a sunbathing deck, drop slide, splash park and more. The Aquatic Center is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. For more information on rates and passes, click here.

East Lansing Farmers Market

This growers-only market is the perfect place for a Sunday getaway. The market features Michigan products and produce like fruit, cheese, flowers and more. The market is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Valley Court Park. For more information, click here.

U Pick Fruit

Fresh Michigan fruit is always a highlight but picking it yourself makes it even sweeter! U Pick farms in-and-around Lansing have a wide selection of blueberries, strawberries, peaches and apples. U Pick Fruit is the perfect excuse to get outside and support Michigan farmers. For more information on U Pick Fruit near you, click here. 

ArtPath Lansing

Lansing Art Gallery and Exhibition is partnering with the City of Lansing for their 6th annual ArtPath. Find sculptures, murals and natural materials along two and half miles of the Lansing River Trail. ArtPath is the perfect interactive and creative summer activity for families. To view the locations for ArtPath 2023, click here. 

River Town Adventures

Looking for a way to cool off without heading to Lake Michigan? River Town Adventures is located in Downtown Lansing and accepts walk-ups/appointments for kayak/canoe rentals. River Town Adventures showcases the beauty of the Grand River and other local waterways. For more information on rentals and their environmental mission, click here. 

Potter Park Zoo

Potter Park Zoo is open 364 days a year and always welcomes visitors to see their wide variety of wildlife. Tickets can be purchased online or in-person, however, members & Ingham County Residents must login prior to making selections to receive discounted rates. For ticket pricing and a list of attractions, click here. 

Fitzgerald Park Disc Golf 
Looking for a new favorite outdoor sport? Fitzgerald Park in Eaton County has its own free disc golf course. If you are in need of equipment, starter set rentals are available with the park’s gate attendant. For more information and a map of the course, click here.

What’s your favorite local activity or destination? Share with us in the comments!

July Events Round-up

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Are you looking to find events for you and your family this summer? There are activities (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community that are perfect for the summer. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Events on Campus

Starts July 6 – 25th Annual Muelder Summer Carillon Concert Series: Enjoy the bells of Beaumont Tower, for free, every Wednesday.

July 10 – Architecture Tour: Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the MSU Broad Art Museum by learning more about the building’s unique architecture.

July 14 – Beal Botanical Garden Tour: Toxic Plants That ‘Fly Under the Radar’: Learn from garden curator, Peter Carrington about what plants may be more dangerous than you think.

July 17 – Soft and Sharp Jazz: 2022 Music and the Garden Series: Bring the whole family for art and science activities, followed by a concert featuring the MSU College of Music chamber music and jazz. 

July 30 – Public Making Hours: Join fellow community members in working on creative projects.

Lansing Events

July 8 – Comedy Murder Mystery Cruise aboard the Michigan Princess: Let the detective in you come to life with a buffet and a trip down the river. 

July 8 – Live Music with Darin Larner Band: Enjoy a wide range of music from Lansing’s own Darin Langer Band. 

July 9 – REO Town Marketplace Celebrates Mardi Gras: Enjoy all the festivities of Mardi Gras  right in Lansing. 

July 14 –  Michigan Princess Lunchtime Cruise: Enjoy lunch and music from Dixieland Jazz Band on a cruise down the river. 

July 21 – Zoo Night: Come see the Potter Park Zoo after hours with drinks and food. For 21+ guests only.

Health and Wellness

July 12 – Good Form Walking/Good Form Running Clinic: Learn injury avoidance practices and improve efficiency of movement while running or walking. 

July 23 – Wellness Weekends Series: Meditation Tour: Utilize meditation and mindfulness techniques to deepen your experience of art. 

Family-Friendly Activities

Starts July 1 – Bad Astronomy: Myths and Misconceptions: Come debunk astronomy myths at the Abrams Planetarium every weekend. 

Starts July 1 – A Teenager’s Guide to the Galaxy: Learn about different science topics at the Abrams Planetarium every Sunday. 

Starts July 8 – Summer Concert Series: Enjoy free live performances on Friday nights in the Ann Street Plaza. 

July 10 – Brunch on the Lawn: Bring a blanket and enjoy brunch from Whipped and Tin Cup Cafe & Creamery Trailer. 

Starts July 11 – Eaton County Fair: Enjoy live entertainment, rides, contests and more until July 16. 

July 11 – MSU Bug House Monday Night Open House: View insects from all over the world at the MSU Bug House. 

Starts July 12 – Play in the Park: Bring the family for an interactive children’s entertainment series July 12 and July 26. 

July 17 – Abrams Planetarium Sensory Friendly Shows: Enjoy sensory friendly shows where everyone is welcome. 

July 30 – Michigan’s Bacon Festival: Celebrate bacon with food, games and live music for all ages.  

July 30 – Sensory Friendly Hours: Visit the Impression5 Science Center for their sensory friendly hours. 

Learning Opportunities

July 6 – Building, Accessing, and Using Contemporary Anishinabe Collections of Michigan State University Museum: Join this ZOOM presentation and learn about the traditional arts of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. 

July 12 & 13 – The Office of Employee Relations (OER) and the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) Presentation: Join this interactive presentation regarding employees with disabilities and the process for requesting workplace disability accommodations. This program will build awareness of disability as part of diversity, inclusive language, and disability accommodation resources.

July 13 – The Power of Habit™: Learn how to replace bad habits with good ones in this course. 

Starts July 14 – Science Gallery – Youth Symposium “Hot and Bothered”: Learn about climate issues until July 19.

July 28 – 2022 MSU Autism Conference: Come listen to panel discussions at The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Department of Pediatrics and Human Development annual event. 

Make More Time for Fun with These Summer Health Tips

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

Whether you’re planning a road trip, family picnic, or trip to the lake, there is so much to do in Michigan during the summer months. And while these types of events can provide a ton of fun for your family, there are ways to make Summer safer, too.

Tips for a Healthy Summer

Here are some tips to help keep you safe, stay informed and keep the fun times rolling:

  • Sun Protection: Utilize shade when you can, wear a hat, and don’t forget about the sunscreen (at least SPF 15 is recommended for sun protection).
  • Stay Hydrated: Beat the summer heat and drink a lot of water.
  • Insect Protection: The best way to prevent mosquito bites and ticks is to wear insect repellent and to wear long sleeves or pants. Make sure to check your clothing, body and pets when you go inside!
  • Keep Cool: Take breaks from being in direct sunlight and utilize fans or air conditioning when needed. Take note of weather forecasts and plan events accordingly.

In addition to these tips, if you participate in a flexible spending account (FSA) you can use your funds to help pay for common summer necessities and/or camps for your kids.

Tips for Health Care FSA Funds

Save an average of 30% by using your Health Care FSA funds on the following eligible expenses that double as travel necessities:

  • Allergy medications
  • Blister care kits
  • Bug bite treatments
  • Orthotics/insoles
  • Sun reader eyeglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • SPF lip balm
  • Travel first-aid kits
  • Traveling neck pillows
  • UV detection stickers
  • And more!

Worried about buying something that isn’t considered an eligible expense? Consider shopping at the online FSA Store for worry-free purchases since everything on the FSA Store website is a guaranteed eligible expense. Be sure to check out their monthly coupons and promo codes for additional savings.

If you don’t have an FSA and are wondering if you should participate in one, learn more about the two types of FSAs available to benefit-eligible MSU employees on the HR website and consider enrolling in one or both types during the benefits Open Enrollment period in October this year.

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