Ann Arbor is more than a college-town it’s great for families. Find neat libraries, fun playgrounds, kid-friendly museums and other top attractions in and around downtown.
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.
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, waterfeatures and small slide plus two larger slides that are little kid friendly (i.e. you don’t land in a pool of water)!
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’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.
Rolling Hills County Park
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!
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.
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 Gallup 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.
