20 Things To Do With Kids In Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is one of the largest and most popular cities in Michigan. The Tree City has plenty of outdoor activities for families, educational museums and delicious food for a full day (or days) of activity.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Explore the trails (open daily and year round) or spend an afternoon in the Children’s Garden. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens are free to explore and lots of fun.

University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History

The recently renovated museum offers three stories of breath-taking exhibits featuring life-size dinosaur fossils, natural life and a planetarium. Bonus: Admission is FREE.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has over 250+ interactive activities for kids. Kids can experiment with simple machines, water, lights and optics. You learn by playing, kids can use their imagination exploring miniaturized worlds of medicine, commerce and community – your littles will love the child-sized fire engine.

Leslie Science and Nature Center

The Leslie Science and Nature Center is a great place for a hilly hike. Visit the rescued animals and keep an eye out for the brand new Nature Playscape that’s in the works.

The Creature Conservancy

The Creature Conservancy is an up close and personal “hands-on zoo” that is home to rescued exotic “pets” or injured/non-releasable wildlife.

Gallup Park

All kids love the universal access playground at Gallop Park Rotary Playground. The naturescape is located along the Huron River and offers a beautiful oasis for any playdate.

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 Nature Preserve

Step into the West at 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 Michigan Theater

Watch a movie on a big screen or attend a special family performance. Whatever brings you to the Michigan Theater, you’re sure to leave with good memories.

Domino’s Farms

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.

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.

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 Kelsey Museum of Archaeology 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.

Kerrytown

Just a few blocks from the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, Kerrytown offers specialty shops and year long events for visitors of all ages.

Fuller Pool + Buhr Park Ice Arena

Pick your seasonally appropriate activity. Swim laps, relax in the tot area and take a ride down the slide at Fuller Pool in the summer. During winter months, hit the ice at an outdoor arena. The public rink has open hours and skate rental available too.

Zingerman’s Delicatessen

No trip to A2 is complete with out a trip to Z-ingerman’s. The nationally renown deli has delicious food and the best sweets that everyone will enjoy.