Ann Arbor is packed with family-friendly fun, from hands-on museums and nature centers to playgrounds, parks, and creative indoor play spaces. Whether you’re planning a full day adventure or just looking to get out of the house, this vibrant college town offers something for every age and interest. From rainy-day rescues to sunny outdoor exploring, here are some of the best things to do with kids in Ann Arbor (plus a few new must-visit spots you’ll want to add to your list).
Hands-On Museums & Educational Fun
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum: A can’t-miss destination for curious kids, this interactive museum features hands-on exhibits focused on science, motion, water, and more. Little ones love the dedicated preschool area, while older kids can spend hours experimenting and exploring.
- University of Michigan Museum of Natural History: Dinosaurs, wildlife exhibits, and a planetarium make this a favorite for families. It’s both educational and engaging, with plenty of visual displays that capture kids’ attention. Best of all it’s FREE!
- Michigan Firehouse Museum: The 3-level museum offers hands-on fun for kids of all ages. Sit inside the vintage firetrucks, run sirens and lights, explore the living space of the former firehouse, and check out the little kid play area with dress up toys, games and an old-school Bert & Erie ride.
- University of Michigan Museum of Art: There’s no admission to visit the UMMA. In addition to exploring the galleries, families will also enjoy story times, crafts and other special events.
- Kelsey Museum of Archaeology: The ancient history museum showcases Classical, Egyptian, and Near Eastern archaeology. It is home to a collection of more than 100,000 artifacts, of which approximately 1,500 are on permanent display. Admission is free.
- The Creature Conservancy: Getan up close and personal with animals at this “hands-on zoo” that is home to rescued exotic “pets” or injured/non-releasable wildlife.
Outdoor Adventures & Parks
- Leslie Science and Nature Center: Find the best nature trails, a nature center with animals, a fun new natural playscape all for FREE at the Leslie Science & Nature Center.
- Matthaei Botanical Gardens: Explore indoor conservatories filled with tropical plants, then head outside for trails and gardens. It’s a peaceful, educational stop for all ages. Admission is free but you have to pay to park.
- Gallup Park: One of Ann Arbor’s most popular parks, featuring scenic walking paths, canoe rentals, bridges, and wide-open green space. Bring scooters or bikes for extra fun.
- County Farm Park: Farm lovers will also want to visit County Farm Park. The massive barn themed playground will keep the kids occupied for hours and you can burn off all extra energy on the 3 miles of paved and nature trails.
- Parker Mill Park: Put on your walking shoes and stroll the paved trail that connects to Parker Mill to Gallup Park, a short nature trail that loops and a boardwalk that doesn’t loop but is fun to explore. The kids will also have fun climbing on rocks along the water.
- Fox Science Preserve: The Washtenaw County Park is a former gravel pit and has rocky hills your littles will love to climb. Free and open to the public you’ll want to bring good walking/climbing shoes/boots. Walk the half mile trail to read educational markers and keep an eye out for neighboring horses
- The Petting Farm: Take a trip to the farm to visit and feed the animals. From cows and chickens to horses and pigs, find all the barn yard favorites. Train lovers will also want to get a picture with the Griffith Station caboose. Winter hours are Friday – Monday from 10am to 3pm.
Indoor Play & Rainy Day Fun
- Just Play: This massive indoor playground is worth the short drive to Dexter. The 24,000-square-foot space features a three-level climbing structure with slides, tunnels, and soft play areas, plus bounce houses, arcade games, and pretend play zones. It’s designed for all ages with separate toddler and big kid areas—making it a go-to for long play sessions and birthday celebrations.
- Dinoland: A dinosaur-themed indoor play center that’s perfect for younger kids. Dinoland offers a spacious soft play area designed for toddlers and preschoolers, along with party spaces and a playful prehistoric theme that sparks imagination. It’s a fun, contained environment where kids can climb, explore, and burn energy year-round.
- Hide & Seek Play Cafe: Designed with younger children in mind (especially ages 0–6), this cozy play boutique blends imaginative play with a relaxing café atmosphere. Kids can explore pretend play stations while caregivers enjoy coffee nearby.
- Recess Cafe: A newer concept in Ann Arbor, Recess combines a coffee shop and co-working space with a built-in play area for kids. Parents can sip coffee or get work done while little ones stay entertained in a thoughtfully designed play space. It’s ideal for weekday outings or meeting friends with kids.
Summer Fun – Make A Splash
- Bicentennial Park: Ann Arbor’s FIRST splash pad is also FREE! Perfect for an easy summer cool down, there is also a new playground and restrooms.
- Blue Heron Bay Spray Park: Located at Washtenaw County Park’s Independence Lake Park, this is an oasis for families looking to make a splash. There is a large splash pad area with dump bucket, water features and small slide plus two larger slides that are little kid friendly (i.e. you don’t land in a pool of water)!
- Rolling Hills Water Park: Float down the lazy river, catch a wave in the wave pool, or take a trip down one of the awesome water slides! The Activity Pool is great for younger children due to its zero-depth entry, gentle bubbler, geysers, a waterfall and a kiddie slide for children under 45″ tall. When you need a break from the water or sun, let your littles run around the shaded playground!
- Fuller Pool: Swim laps, relax in the tot area and take a ride down the slide at Fuller Pool in the summer. Bonus is it is open for a longer outdoor pool season than most as its hours are early May to late September.
