Five Free Things to Do in Westland, Michigan

In Westland, Michigan if you're bored you can always go to the eponymous mall or its satellite businesses. In fact, Westland is a very consumer-based city. Westland is packed with businesses. But what if you want to do something other than shop? Is there anything to do in Westland that will not cost you money? The answer is yes, but just BARELY yes. Here are five free things you can do Westland for those times you're low on cash and looking for something to do.

5) Go to the Play Planet at Tattan Park. Have young kids that ceaselessly torment you by asking "What are we going to do today?" ALL DAY LONG? Well here's an answer for them. Play Planet is a massive, rocket/outer space-themed climbing structure and play area. It is located at Tattan Park, which is on the corner of Carlson and Orr Drive in Westland. Here you can sit back, relax, enjoy a book, or chat on your cell phone while your kids pretend to be astronauts, aliens, or perhaps even space tourists.

4) Check out a concert at the Westland Library Performance Pavilion. Easy to miss, as it is tucked back behind the library parking lot, the Performance Pavilion is an intimate venue for concerts. Surrounded by trees, the atmosphere is natural and relaxed. To find out the concert schedule, check out cityofwestland.com and roll your mouse over the parks and recreation tab, which will bring up a sub-menu. On this menu, look for "Special Events". Click on it to bring up the concert schedule. In case you're not aware, the library and its Performance Pavilion is located at 6123 Central City Parkway in Westland.

3) Visit the Nankin Mills Interpretative Center. Prior to 1966, Westland was known as Nankin Township. A trip to the Nankin Mills Interpretative Center gives visitors information on the cultural and societal history of Westland. Formerly a grist mill once owned by Henry Ford, Nankin Mills makes for an interesting and educational diversion. The Nankin Mills Interpretative Center is located at 33175 Ann Arbor Trail in Westland.

2) Check out some animals. Even if you already have pets, it's always nice to see more. Try going to Something Fishy at 945 S. Wayne Road, Petco at 35725 Warren Road, Petland at34610 Warren Road, or Stingers Exotics at 8415 N. Middlebelt Road in Westland. Depending on the store and your taste in pets, you should find everything from the cute to the bizarre. And remember, it doesn't cost anything to look.

1) Do the library. I say do, because at the William P. Faust public library, there are many, many things to do. Obviously, there's books. If that's what you want, then the library is the place to go. But there's far more at the library than books. There are computers, movies, music, and more. Along with the numerous items you will find at the library, there are always events going on. Poetry nights, storytelling, book clubs, instructional classes, and health testing are just some of the numerous events that take place regularly at the library. I absolutely love the library. It is probably my favorite place in all of Westland. If you live in Westland and have never gone to it, I heartily recommend making the time. The library is located at 6123 Central City Parkway in Westland.

If you want things to do in Westland, money helps. It's not a requirement, however. There are a few places you can go that will provide you with some much-needed activity/entertainment without costing you a dime.