Have the day off work? Bored with the movie theater or spending nights at the same bowling alley? Tired of classes?

Take a step outside East Lansing and see just what lies within the city limits of our neighbor to the west - Lansing. Whether by yourself, with friends or with the family, all of the places listed are inexpensive and within 15 minutes driving distance from campus.

Fenner Nature Center

Open since 1959, Fenner Nature Center bridges the gap between city life and the great outdoors.

The 130 acres that make up the center and park area is a completely natural setting. It contains a number of habitats including woodlands, marsh, fields and ponds.

Throughout the habitats are approximately four miles of trails. Of the four miles, roughly three-fourths of it are paved to accommodate people with disabilities who might not be able to explore the dirt trails. Visitors are welcome to walk or run, but the park does not allow dogs or bicycles.

Clara Bratton, a naturalist at Fenner Nature Center, says the center is a way to experience a change of scenery.

"This is a park where people can come and walk into a different world," she said.

The park puts on camps for kids in preschool to seventh grade during the summer. The park also has picnic areas and grills for families and other groups.

Fenner Nature Center is on the south side of Lansing at 2020 E. Mount Hope Road. The center is open to the public from 8 a.m. to dusk every day of the year and is free. For more information call (517) 483-4224.

Michigan Historical Museum

For a walk through time, the Michigan Historical Museum is the best alternative in Lansing short of time travel.

The museum traces the state's history from the Ice Age to Michigan's statehood in 1837 to the 1970s.

"Seeing how Michigan has evolved is interesting," said Ilene Dack, an Albion resident who was visiting the museum with her husband.

Part of the Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Libraries, the museum showcases two full floors, two mezzanine levels and a one- room special exhibit. The second floor starts in the Ice Age and ends in 1900. Continuing the trip through time onto the third floor, visitors can see how Michigan changed between 1900 and the 1970s.

"You'll find something here about Michigan history that you didn't know before," said Maria Quinlan Leiby, curator of exhibits.

The special exhibits, which only show for a six to eight month period, are placed in the museum to highlight a specific part of Michigan's history. "Hometown Hoops: High School Basketball in Michigan," will be up until Oct. 12. The display encompasses the entire history of Michigan's high school basketball.

The Michigan Historical Museum at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sun. It is closed on all state holidays. For more information call (517) 373-3559.

Impression 5 Science Center

Science and technology are combined with a hands-on atmosphere at the Impression 5 Science Center.

Founded in 1972, Impression 5 was named for its appeal to the five senses - hearing, sight, smell, touch and taste.

"This is a place to experience science hands-on, but in an unintimidating atmosphere," said Micaela Beltran, programs officer. "This is a key part of Lansing, but it's sort of a hidden treasure that everyone should come and experience."

With a focus on education, the exhibits range from the human heart to how to create slime.

Val Sloan of Grayling said she enjoyed her visit to the science center with her daughters, Carlie and Emily.

"This is a wonderful place to go for a day of fun and education," Sloan said. "It is a great opportunity to try out some scientific concepts."

Impression 5 is at 200 Museum Drive in Lansing and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. It's $5 for adults and $3.50 for senior citizens and students. For more information call (517) 485-8116.

Potter Park Zoo

Endangered animals, camel rides, and a focus on education help to make Potter Park Zoo a refuge from the urban jungle to a real one.

The oldest zoo in Michigan, the park has been in the Lansing for more than 80 years. Located along the Red Cedar River, part of the experience of the zoo comes in its setting.

Surrounded by 100 acres, the zoo is densely populated with trees and lined with numerous pathways.

"This is one of the best zoos in Michigan," said Gerry Brady, zoo director. "There are plenty of luxuries for visitors. For example, not a lot of walking, economical cost and a diverse collection of animals."

The zoo is home to more than 400 animals - all sizes, shapes and species. Of those animals, there are 16 endangered species, including the East African black rhino, the Siberian tiger and the snow leopard.

Other features of the park include a barnyard petting zoo, an educational center and the bird and reptile house.

"The best part about the zoo is that it's open 365 days a year," said Carol Webster, zoo executive director. "People can come out and enjoy it in any one of the four seasons."

Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Lansing, is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day until Sept. 6. It's $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 3-15. Parking is $1.50. For more information call (517) 483-4221.