Ann Arbor is a vibrant city with plenty of kid-friendly activities that cater to a variety of interests and ages. From hands-on museums to outdoor adventures, families can create memorable experiences year-round. Here are some of the best kid-friendly activities in Ann Arbor:
1. Hands-On Museums & Learning Centers
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum: This popular museum offers over 250 interactive exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. Kids can explore the world through engaging activities, from building structures to playing with water and light exhibits.
- University of Michigan Museum of Natural History: A favorite for curious minds, this museum features fascinating displays of dinosaur skeletons, minerals, and hands-on discovery areas perfect for younger visitors.
2. Parks and Outdoor Play
- Gallup Park: One of Ann Arbor’s largest parks, Gallup offers nature trails, canoe and kayak rentals, picnic areas, and a large playground. It’s a great spot for a day of outdoor fun.
- Buhr Park: This family-friendly park offers a playground, pool, and seasonal ice rink. The nearby Cobblestone Farm also hosts events and gives visitors a peek into 19th-century farm life.
- Leslie Science & Nature Center: Kids can explore nature trails, meet live raptors and reptiles, and enjoy special events like stargazing nights and nature-themed workshops.
3. Animal Encounters
- The Creature Conservancy: Visit this animal sanctuary to see exotic animals like kangaroos, sloths, and alligators. They offer educational programs and up-close encounters with their diverse animal residents.
- Domino’s Petting Farm: Located just outside Ann Arbor, this farm gives kids the chance to interact with farm animals, take hayrides, and learn about farm life.
4. Libraries and Indoor Play Spaces
- Ann Arbor District Library: With engaging children’s programs, storytimes, and play areas, the library is a great place to introduce kids to the joy of reading. Their events calendar is packed with kid-friendly activities year-round.
- Kidopolis: This imaginative play center offers themed rooms for exploration, role-play, and creative activities, perfect for keeping kids entertained on a rainy day.
5. Seasonal Events and Festivals
- Ann Arbor Summer Festival: A family-friendly event featuring outdoor concerts, movies, food, and kid-specific activities and entertainment.
- Top of the Park: Part of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, this outdoor entertainment series offers movies under the stars and family-friendly performances.
- Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes: During the fall, visit nearby farms like Wiard’s Orchards or Wasem Fruit Farm for apple picking, hayrides, and seasonal fun.
6. Arts and Crafts
- The Potters Guild: Kids can take pottery classes and workshops, helping them tap into their creativity and learn a new skill.
- Flipside Art Studio: Offering art classes and workshops, Flipside encourages kids to create and explore different art forms, from painting to sculpture.
7. Sports and Physical Activities
- Veterans Memorial Park Pool and Ice Arena: Open seasonally, this park offers a great place to cool off in the summer and an indoor rink for ice skating and hockey in the winter.
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park: For high-energy kids, this indoor trampoline park is the perfect place to jump, play, and burn off energy.
- WideWorld Sports Center: Offering soccer, basketball, and other activities, WideWorld is great for kids who love sports.
8. Day Trips and Special Adventures
- Huron River Water Trail: Families can rent kayaks or canoes and paddle down the gentle Huron River, enjoying the scenic beauty of Ann Arbor’s waterways.
- Rolling Hills Water Park: Located nearby in Ypsilanti, this outdoor water park offers slides, a lazy river, and splash zones for endless summer fun.
Ann Arbor’s family-friendly activities are diverse and engaging, providing countless opportunities for children to learn, play, and explore. Whether you’re looking for educational adventures, outdoor excursions, or arts and crafts, the city offers something special for every young explorer.