Family-friendly Activities in Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan, which opened its doors in Ann Arbor in 1837 and now employs more than 300,000 residents, has made a significant economic contribution to the city. Ann Arbor was founded in 1825.
The city is known for having many cultural activities, making it a great place to visit.
Ann Arbor has well-known theaters, museums, and art galleries where artists from all over the world perform.
In addition to its cultural offerings, the city is known for the University of Michigan football team and the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
You can also do physically active and exciting things like hiking, kayaking, and more.
Read on to learn more about fun things to do in Ann Arbor with kids if you’re organizing a family trip to this renowned city.
- Ann Arbor Interactive Museum
Since it opened in 1978, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has become one of the best places for families to visit in Ann Arbor.
Over 250 interactive exhibits, including Media Works, the Preschool Gallery, and others, are spread across the museum’s first through fourth floors.
Why Should You Take Your Family?
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum should be on your list if you’re looking for a fun and instructive destination for the whole family.
Because the museum has many hands-on exhibits, teens, kids, and adults of all ages will enjoy going there.
Activities for kids
Bring your young children to the All About You exhibit to learn what people can do to maintain their health and happiness.
Suitable Ages
All children and adults are welcome to explore and learn inside the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.
- The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan
Newberry Hall, the first structure housing the University of Michigan Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, welcomed visitors in 1891.
The William E. Upjohn Exhibit Wing, their second building, was enlarged and constructed in 2009. Over 100,000 medieval artifacts are housed in both buildings.
Why Should You Take Your Family?
A trip to the University of Michigan Kelsey Museum of Archaeology will be a treat if you enjoy all things medieval.
Find over 100,000 medieval and historical artifacts, including sculptures, mummy coffins, and magical amulets.
Activities for kids
Kids can do a variety of arts and crafts at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan.
They can decorate bones, fashion necklaces, and even make buzzers for toys.
The Kelsey’s Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan is a good option for a day of free family activities in Ann Arbor.
Suitable Ages
The University of Michigan Kelsey Museum of Archaeology is open to anyone interested in the ancient and medieval periods.
- The Natural History Museum at the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is located on the university’s central campus. It features various exhibits, including Under the Microscope, Dynamic Planet, and Prehistoric Whales.
Why Should You Take Your Family?
Visit the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History if you like dinosaurs, science, and history.
Through their Evolution: Life through Time exhibit, you can go back in time and look at dinosaur fossils and other natural specimens.
Activities for kids
Visit the Planetarium and Dome Theater to see the solar system up close.
The view of the planets going around the sun will be interesting to kids.
A trip to the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is one of the best things to do with your family in Ann Arbor because it has so much to learn and enjoy.
Suitable Ages
At the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, anyone can discover and learn about science and history.
- TreeRunner Adventure Park.
People say that TreeRunner Adventure Park in Michigan is the best place to climb and zipline. It has more than 250 fun obstacles, 14 different trails, and 45 zip lines.
Why Should You Take Your Family?
The place to go this weekend if you’re looking for an exciting activity to do with your family is TreeRunner Adventure Park.
Before moving on to the next level, climbers must finish the beginner trails.
Activities for kids
The TreeRunner Adventure Park offers activities for courageous kids as well.
The climbing and zipline obstacles in their Junior Park are scaled down for children.
Suitable Ages
The Junior Park at the TreeRunner Adventure Park is appropriate for kids ages 4 to 7, who can play there with adults while the older age groups try out the more challenging obstacles.
- Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens
The University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, founded in 1907, look after 700 acres of gardens, research spaces, and natural preserves.
Why Should You Take Your Family?
If you want a more relaxing time to spend with your family, plan a day outside and picnic at one of the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens or Nichols Arboretum’s designated spots.
One of the recommended family activities in Ann Arbor has to be a picnic with a gorgeous view of the Peony Garden.
Activities for kids
Don’t forget to take the kids to the Gaffield Children’s Garden before you start your picnic.
You may get your hands dirty in the mud garden or explore the garden’s maze.
Kids will undoubtedly appreciate that.
Suitable Ages
All ages are welcome at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum at the University of Michigan.
- Wild Swan Theater (Permanently Closed)
The Wild Swan Theater has hosted professional actors, dancers, and musicians since it opened its doors in 1980.
Over the years, the location has hosted more than 1 million theatergoers.
Why Should You Take Your Family?
Watch a performance at the Wild Swan Theater if you enjoy seeing classics transformed into theater masterpieces.
Activities for kids
Purchasing tickets to a show at the Wild Swan Theater is a fun option for kids if you live in Michigan and are still unsure of what activities you can do nearby.
Your kids will have a good time at the theater’s grand productions, making it one of the best family attractions.
Suitable Ages
Shows at the Wild Swan Theater are accessible to people of all ages.
- Gallup Park
Gallup Park is the most popular place to play in Ann Arbor, with kayak rentals, three playgrounds, picnic tables, and more.
Why Should You Take Your Family?
Spending the day at Gallup Park is an excellent option if inexpensive family entertainment is what you’re after.
Set a picnic and participate in water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing.
Activities for kids
The playgrounds at Gallup Park are sure to be a hit with your kids.
The three playgrounds in the park are available for them to choose from, or they can use them all.
Suitable Ages
Gallup Park welcomes visitors of all ages, which is ideal if you’re traveling with a young child.
- The Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments at the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments was started in 1898 and has an extensive collection of more than 250,000 modern and old musical instruments worldwide.
Why Should You Take Your Family?
Visit the University of Michigan Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments if you enjoy music or musical instruments in general to see a variety of tools arranged into different groups, including Instruments as Functional Objects, The York Brass Collection, and more.
Activities for kids
Your kids can learn about music by attending the University of Michigan Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments.
Learning about all the unique musical instruments present at the event will astonish them.
Suitable Ages
The University of Michigan Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments is open to people of all ages.
- Domino’s Petting Zoo
The public was allowed access to Domino’s Petting Farm for the first time in 1984.
On 20 acres of land, the farm is home to cows, chickens, pigs, and many other domesticated animals.
Why Should You Take Your Family?
Add Domino’s Petting Farm to your list of family-friendly activities in Ann Arbor if there are still some open slots.
Griffith Station is close to many animals, and you can also get on and tour a real train caboose.
Activities for kids
At Domino’s Petting Farm, your kids will love feeding some of the cutest animals you’ll ever see.
Likewise, they have a great chance to experience farm life at its best.
Suitable Ages
Both children and adults are invited to spend the day at Domino’s Petting Farm.
- University of Michigan Stadium
The University of Michigan Stadium, also referred to as The Big House, is the world’s third-largest and largest stadium in the United States.
It can accommodate 107,601 people.
Why Should You Take Your Family?
Make sure to attend a live game at the storied University of Michigan Stadium if your family enjoys sports and the thrill they bring.
Activities for kids
Your kids will enjoy the intensity of a live game when they experience it at the University of Michigan Stadium.
Additionally, you can share snacks while taking in all the stadium activity.
On your list of family-friendly activities in Ann Arbor, you should include attending a game at the stadium.
Suitable Ages
Interested persons are welcome to join in the fun as long as they’re up for the thrilling experience that takes place in the University of Michigan Stadium.
- Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoo opened its doors in 1928 and is home to over 2,400 animals, including mammals, amphibians, birds, and more.
Today, it is one of Michigan’s top family attractions, drawing more than 1.5 million tourists a year.
Why Should You Take Your Family?
If you like unusual and fascinating animals, visit the Detroit Zoo to see penguins, arctic foxes, and other creatures.
As you stroll through the zoo, you can also stop at some restaurants, like Buddy’s Pizza and American Coney Island, for a quick bite.
Activities for kids
Bring your kids to the SpongeBob SquarePants Ride: The Great Jelly Rescue simulator at the Detroit Zoo!
They’ll love experiencing what it’s like to be a part of the movie.
This simulator ride is undoubtedly one of the best family-friendly things to do in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
All animal lovers can visit the Detroit Zoo.
- Kerrytown
In the late 1960s, Kerrytown began to house some shops and markets that residents and visitors loved.
The Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market, the Ann Arbor Artisans’ Market, and other businesses are featured there.
Why Should You Take Your Family?
Kerrytown is an excellent option to have a relaxing day with the whole family.
Enjoy looking around the shops in the area and consider doing some shopping.
Activities for kids
Your children will enjoy a visit to Mudpuddles Toys, an award-winning toy retailer.
They can choose from some of the store’s best creative toys.
A fantastic choice of entertaining things to do in Ann Arbor with kids is a trip to Kerrytown.
Suitable Ages
Both residents and tourists are welcome to visit the notorious Kerrytown.
