Despite being the home of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is much more than your typical college town. This city is home to renowned galleries, museums, and natural areas that will keep the kids occupied for days on end. Before a big game, take the kids to eat at some of the flavorful local diners or browse through the quirky specialty shops. Don’t miss any of the following memorable and exciting things to do in Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor is full of fun places for kids to explore. take the kids to splash in the Huron River or explore the university campus. Here are some of the best things to do in Tree Town:
Lace up your bowling shoes at Bel-Mark Lanes
Practice your backflips at Airtime Trampoline
Look for the fairy doors throughout Downtown Ann Arbor
Try a bowl of tasty mac n’ cheese at Zingerman’s Roadhouse
Kids aren’t the only ones who can have fun in Ann Arbor. Parents enjoy hiking through the hills and valleys surrounding town and dining at some of the many late-night food spots. Some of the most popular activities to do with kids include:
Gazing at the flowers at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Admiring art from around the world at the University of Michigan Museum of Art
Ann Arbor is the home to a number of long time residential artists. Take the kids to check out some of the many local galleries and art installations in town and on campus. Other interesting sights to see in Ann Arbor:
Have a lazy lunch at Liberty Plaza
See a small-scale grist mill at Parker Mill County Park
Learn about the life of the First Lady at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Witness Michigan’s agricultural heritage at Historic Cobblestone Farm
Are the kids ready for some fun? Ann Arbor has tons of great ways to spend a day, including playgrounds, hands-on learning, and outdoor excursions. Try some of these top-rated kid activities:
Try not to fall while ice skating at Veterans Memorial Park
Pet an alpaca at The Petting Farms at Domino’s Farms
Go canoeing in Gallup Park
Buy a new toy at Mudpuddles
Learn about biology at the Leslie Science & Nature Center
When you’re looking for something to do with the whole crew, check out some of Ann Arbor’s many annual festivals. The Ann Arbor Art Festival has street performers and sidewalk sales that both kids and adults appreciate. Other group activities with kids include:
Climbing the walls at Planet Rock
Hitting the trails at Rolling Hills Park
Seeing a performance or movie at Michigan Theater
Tasting unique pastry flavors at The Cupcake Station
Sometimes the most fun can be had while learning something new. Take the kids to one of the many museums, libraries, and galleries that make Ann Arbor a top-tier learning hub. Some great things to check out in Ann Arbor include:
The exotic trees and shrubs at Nichols Arboretum
The Exploration Station at Yankee Air Museum
Ancient artifacts at the Kelsey Museum of Archeology
Exhibits on teeth at the Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry
Science experiments at the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum
Nothing is more inspiring than nature. The majestic scenery surrounding Ann Arbor is perfect for kindling your child’s inner creativity. Make sure to sign your young ones up at one of these top classes to do with kids:
Kids can have a blast in Ann Arbor even on rainy days. If you’re looking for somewhere inside to pass the time, consider visiting some of the indoor sports complexes or community centers throughout town. Some of the best indoor activities for kids include:
Cheering for the Wolverines at The Big House
Getting the highest score at Pinball Pete’s
Spotting stars and planets at the Detroit Observatory in Ann Arbor