The MSU Children’s Gardens are a beautiful place to spend time in, especially during the summer when everything is in bloom! Our family loves spending an entire day on the campus of Michigan State University — there is so much to do, and a lot of it is free or low-cost.
I came across a listing of all the events in the MSU Children’s Garden summer series and wanted to share. These all sound fantastic and like a great excuse to visit East Lansing.
MSU Children’s Gardens Summer 2023 Events
Event costs vary. Parking isn’t included, but runs about $1.70/hour.
June 3 | Garden Geocache Event
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cache veterans and newbies are welcome at this geocaching adventure. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day of caching in the gardens. There will be new caches, travel bugs and more. FREE.
June 15 | Pirate and Pixie Garden Party
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Visit the gardens for a morning of swashbuckling fun! There will be a treasure hunt, a pixie dust and eyepatch craft and more. $5/child.
June 29 | Digger Day
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Visit the garden and explore the world of diggers. Front end loaders, dump trucks and back hoes will be there for kids to explore. Activities and crafts too! $5/child.
July 20 | Water Day
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cool off from the summer heat in the garden. There will be water games, art and more. Be prepared to get wet! $5/child.
July 27 | Bug Day
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Collect, observe and learn about bugs on this day. The MSU Bug House will be onsite with their amazing collection of insects from around the world. $5/child.
August 8 | Bubble Day
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Celebrate the end of summer with bubbles! There will be bubbles to paint, eat and even make music with! $5/child.
August 11 | Garden’s 30th Birthday Party
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Celebrate the garden’s pearl birthday with activities, games and cake. A time capsule will be opened on this day as well! FREE.
Stories for Sprouts and Seedlings
This program is designed for young children, ages 0-4, to experience the wonders of gardening through stories and projects.
FREE to attend.
All story times are from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- June 7: How I Became A Pirate by Melinda Long
- June 21: Where Do Diggers Sleep At Night? by Brianna Caplan Sayres
- July 12: The Great Big Water Cycle Adventure by Kay Barnham
- July 26: Houdini the Amazing Caterpillar by Janet Pederson
- August 16: You Can’t Kiss A Bubble by Karen Wyle
- August 30: Mr. Carey’s Garden by Janer Cutler
Stories in the Garden
Teens will be reading stories to younger children during this time. Great for kids 0-100!
FREE to attend.
- June 14: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- July 19: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- August 9: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
While on campus, check out the Dairy Store for some ice cream, the Broad Art Museum {FREE} for some art inspiration or go visit dinosaur bones and more at the MSU Museum {FREE}. There’s lots to do!
What else do you enjoy doing with kids on MSU’s campus?
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