Before you know it, the summer will be over and the school year will be here. And for some children, it'll be here sooner rather than later...I mean, have you seen the back-to-school items on store shelves yet? Because I have.

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Sorry, I know that summer coming to an end is a touchy and sad subject for some. Kids and their families spend so much time taking part in fun activities and vacation plans that it's hard to think about all that ending. But with summer coming to a close, you probably want to squeeze out as much fun as possible and really make the most of the time that's left. Don't worry, I've got your back.

Family Friendly Activities in Lansing and Beyond

I went in search of plenty of kid and family activities that you can take part in. And I kept lots of things in mind; location, type of activity, cost, and appropriateness for different ages. With those parameters in mind, I found 25 places in mid-Michigan and nearby that are perfect to take the kids before summer is over.

If you want to take advantage of going swimming before the weather prevents it, I've got you covered with multiple options. If your kids are into bugs, animals, and nature, there are plenty of zoo and garden options. Or maybe your kids really enjoy arts and crafts and learning, there are multiple museums that have hands-on activities for the kids. Take a look through the gallery below and see what activities you might want to put on the calendar before school starts.

25 Great Places to Take the Kids Before Summer Ends

The school year will be here before you know it. Before it is, take the kids someplace fun. No matter the age of your kids, how much time you have, what your budget is, or where you want to go, there are plenty of places to go to take the kids and enjoy activities. Here are 25 places you can take the kids before the summer is up.

Where to Find Fantastic U-Pick Sunflower Farms Across Michigan

When people think of "u-pick" farms, they tend to think of strawberries, blueberries cherries, and other fruits. But don't forget, there are pick-your-own flower farms across Michigan as well. We told you where you could find pick your own lavender farms at the start of the lavender season. Now, it's sunflower season! If you'd like to pick your own sunflowers, or at least take some Instagram-worthy pictures, here's where you can find some wonderful sunflower farms across Michigan.

A Sneak Peek at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

I had the pleasure of going to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience when it came to Detroit. Now, it's available to experience in Grand Rapids, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. It was an experience like no other. It allowed you to feel as if you were in Van Gogh's paintings. You're surrounded by them on such a large scale. And if you haven't seen a lot of his works before, this is an excellent opportunity to do so. Check out a little bit about what you can expect from this experience in the gallery below.

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