Nothing brightens my days quicker than beautiful flowers and public gardens are one of my favorite places to visit. Here are my local favorites and a couple places that are worth the drive.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens (Ann Arbor)

Location: 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105

The picture gardens aren’t open to the public yet but the nature trails are! Put on your walking shoes and explore nature – cross bridges, walk boardwalks and play I-Spy. The trail isn’t paved but you can navigate with a stroller.

Cranbrook Gardens (Bloomfield Hills)

Location: 380 Lone Pine Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

The gardens at Cranbrook are free to explore this summer. Visit the pond and reflecting pool, Japanese and Herb Gardens and sneak inside the giant Willow tree.

Detroit Abloom (Detroit)

Location: 248 Manistique, Detroit, MI 48215

A hidden gem, this non-profit cut flower farm is open to the public and free to explore. Created from abandoned space in a Detroit neighborhood, it’s proof that beauty is all around us. Have fun exploring the grounds, scoping out the vegetable gardens and chasing butterflies.

Fair Lane (Dearborn)

Location: 1 Fair Lane Drive, Dearborn, MI 48128

Fair Lane was home to Clara and Henry Ford and the gardens and grounds are open to the public for free. This is a great space to let kids run around in open fields and garden coves. You’ll feel like you’re in the 100 Acre Woods or when you’re next to the Rouge River a Tom Sawyer adventure.

Make it a road trip – these gardens are worth the drive!

4-H Children’s Garden (East Lansing)

Location: 1066 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824

Let your imagination run wild as you explore the story book themed gardens at Michigan State University. Admission is free but coins are needed to pay for metered parking.

Dow Gardens (Midland)

Location: 2203 Eastman Avenue, Midland, MI 48640

The grounds of Dow Gardens features a multitude of gardens the entire family will enjoy – including the nation’s longest canopy walk, 1,400 feet long, soaring up to 40 feet above the ground. There’s a creative playground and a newly renovated cafe with a play area and affordable snacks!

Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (Grand Rapids)

Location: 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

The Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park is beautiful and expansive – wear walking shoes because there’s plenty to see. The Children’s Garden features a Great Lakes water table and tree fortress the littles will love.

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