Find the best nature trails, a nature center with animals, a fun new natural playscape all for FREE at the Leslie Science & Nature Center.

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, waterfeatures and small slide plus two larger slides that are little kid friendly (i.e. you don’t land in a pool of water)!

The Michigan Firehouse Museum is a three level, hands-on museum for firetruck admirers of all ages. On the ground floor guests can hop on a vintage truck and admire many more. Both kids and adults can sit in the body of a firetruck and use lights and sirens while pretending to drive. On the second floor you’ll find fire prevention memorbilia, vintage firetruck toys, a short video and explore the living quarters of the former fire station. In the basement, there is a children’s play area with puzzles, books, dress up clothes and a Bert & Ernie ride.

The three story museum of the University of Michgian campus features exhibits with life-size dinosaur fossils, natural life and a planetarium. All of the exhibits have hands-on components featuring textures or touch-screens, making it a fun experience for kids and a less stressful experience for parents. The drop-in Nature Labs offer kids the opportunity to step into the role of scientist and follow step-by-step instructions for experiments that feel like a craft but are very educational. The projects are compelling for all ages but simple enough for toddlers to participate. Best of all it’s all FREE!

Rolling Hills Water Park is your ticket to wet and wild summer fun! 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!

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.

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

Tucked away in the shade, this nature themed play structure offers places to climb, slide and ‘hide’. There’s a sandbox and entry point to the Huron River that kids can splash in on sunny days. You can also fish off the docks. Please note, the park does take effort to access. You have to cross a one car bridge, navigate your way between potholes – but it’s all worth it to visit the beautiful playground oasis at Gallup 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.

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.

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.

The Petting Farm opened its doors in 1984 at Domino’s Farms. In addition to petting animals, riding ponies and on a hayride, kids can also explore a stationary train car. Cost $8 per person, children under 2 are free.

• Hours: Monday, Friday & Saturday: 10am to 4pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm

If you can convince the kids to leave the farm themed play structure that includes a massive butterfly and windmill, make your way through the community gardens and explore the 3 miles of paved and natural trails. There are public restrooms too.

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.

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.

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

Ready for summer fun? Fuller Park Pool has it all! Take a thrilling ride down our waterslide, swim laps in our spacious 50-meter pool, or ease into the water using our gentle ramp in the shallow area. Love diving? Our 12-foot diving well awaits your biggest splashes! Not in the mood for swimming? No problem! Grab a lounge chair in our open spaces and soak up the sun while you relax.

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.