There’s a reason Ann Arbor is known as the City of Trees. There are countless trails, nature preserves and playgrounds to explore. If you’re looking for kid-friendly outdoor adventure this winter, here are the best places to visit. 

Leslie Science and Nature Center

The Leslie Science and Nature Center is a great place for a hilly hike. Visit the rescued birds and do some winter exploration with a rentable children’s kit available on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Gallop Park

All kids love the universal access playground at Gallop Park Rotary Playground. The naturescape is located along the Huron River and has new interactive educational signs. It’s also a great spot for bird watching.

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.

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.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Flowers may not be in bloom but the trails at Matthaei Botanical Gardens are always fun to explore. Make your way through the four routes across the 90 acre terrain. If you have a stroller, use the Sue Reichert Discovery Trail – it’s universally-accessible.

Buhr Park Ice Arena

Hit the ice at an outdoor arena. The public rink has open hours and skate rental available too.

Photo credit: Flutter & Wow Museum Projects.

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