It's officially summertime. And now that summer is here, that means that the kids are out of school.

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No school for the kiddos means that they have a lot of extra time on their hands. But just because there's a lot more time in the day to fill, that doesn't mean you're made of money to do a bunch of stuff.

You're on a budget, I totally get it, because same!

Inexpensive Activities for Kids in Lansing

If you're looking to have fun with your kids and do it on the cheap, there are plenty of activities throughout the greater Lansing area that are either free or inexpensive.

So the next time that the kids say they're bored, pull out this list and take them to do one of these activities.

1. Tour the Michigan State Capitol

Photo courtesy McConnell Adams/TSM Lansing
Photo courtesy McConnell Adams/TSM Lansing
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Touring the Capitol is absolutely free. You even have someone to guide you along.

2. Walk the Trails at Fenner Nature Center

Photo Courtesy of Google Streetview
Photo Courtesy of Google Streetview
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This is another free activity for the little ones. You can even design a little scavenger hunt for the kids to do while you walk the trails.

3. Take the kids for a swim at Hawk Island 

Photo Courtesy of Google Streetview
Photo Courtesy of Google Streetview
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Pack a lunch and take the kids to cool off at the splash pad or the lake at Hawk Island. It's free to swim, but you do have to pay to park. But it's only $3 for Ingham County residents and $5 for non-residents.

4. See the animals at Potter Park Zoo

McConnell Adams, Townsquare Media Lansing
McConnell Adams, Townsquare Media Lansing
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Potter Park Zoo ranges from a free to inexpensive excursion. If you're a resident and you can make it Monday mornings until noon, it's free (barring holidays). Otherwise, you have to pay for parking (ranging from $3-5 for cars) and tickets (which range from free to $15 at the most, and that's for a non-resident).

5. Explore and learn at Impression 5 Science Center

Photo Courtesy of Google Streetview
Photo Courtesy of Google Streetview
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This is a fun place for the little ones to get hands-on and learn. Tickets range from free to $12.

6. Check out the art at the MSU Broad Art Museum

Photo Courtesy of Jessica GibbonsTSM Lansing
Photo Courtesy of Jessica GibbonsTSM Lansing
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The Broad Art Museum has free admission. Plus, the first Saturday of the month is Family Day, where the museum has hands-on, interactive exhibits.

7. Take in a movie on a Tuesday at NCG Eastwood Cinema

McConnell Adams TSM Lansing
McConnell Adams TSM Lansing
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On Tuesdays, movie tickets are just $6.

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