Indoor · Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Four floors of hands-on science, with a dedicated preschool gallery and water play.
Best for ages 2–10
Plan your visit to Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum →Explore Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor Things to Do With Kids
Find a family outing that fits your day, from hands-on museums and indoor play to gardens, parks, and library visits. Browse Ann Arbor places below, then open a listing for age recommendations, visit details, and its official website.
29 places to explore · Age guidance and practical visit details
Plan your day in Ann Arbor
For a rainy day, compare indoor play and museum options; for time outside, look through gardens, trails, and playgrounds. Free admission can still mean parking or activity fees. Match the outing to your children’s ages and confirm seasonal availability before leaving.
Confirm current hours, reservations, and any seasonal closures on the venue’s official website before leaving.
Museums & Attractions
Indoor · Ann Arbor
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
A free archaeology museum with ancient objects, themed scavenger hunts, and sensory-friendly resources for families.
Best for ages 5–12+
Plan your visit to Kelsey Museum of Archaeology →Indoor · Ann Arbor
University of Michigan Museum of Art
A free art museum with family resources, roomy galleries, and changing exhibitions downtown.
Best for ages 4–12+
Plan your visit to University of Michigan Museum of Art →Indoor · Ann Arbor
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Mastodons, prehistoric whales, Michigan wildlife, geology, and visible research labs make this the best free indoor outing for curious kids.
Best for ages 4–12+
Plan your visit to University of Michigan Museum of Natural History →Nature
Outdoor · Ann Arbor
Leslie Science & Nature Center
Woodland trails, rescued birds of prey, and a natural play area—all free to explore.
Best for ages 2–10
Plan your visit to Leslie Science & Nature Center →Both · Ann Arbor
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Free conservatories, trails, and a children’s garden made for digging, building, and nature play.
All ages; best for ages 2–10
Plan your visit to Matthaei Botanical Gardens →Outdoor · Ann Arbor
Nichols Arboretum
A free 123-acre riverfront landscape with nearly 3.5 miles of trails, open valleys, woods, prairie, and a historic peony garden.
All ages
Plan your visit to Nichols Arboretum →Parks & Playgrounds
Outdoor · Ann Arbor
Gallup Park
Riverfront paths, accessible playgrounds, picnic spots, and seasonal paddleboat rentals.
All ages
Plan your visit to Gallup Park →Outdoor · Ann Arbor
County Farm Park
A free east-side park with a large playground, nature-play space, gardens, and easy walking trails.
Best for ages 1–10
Plan your visit to County Farm Park →Both · Ann Arbor
Buhr Park
A neighborhood park with a playground, seasonal pool and tot area, outdoor ice rink, and sledding hill.
Best for ages 1–12
Plan your visit to Buhr Park →Both · Ann Arbor
Veterans Memorial Park
A west-side park with a playground, seasonal pool, indoor ice arena, skatepark, and sledding hill.
Best for ages 2–12+
Plan your visit to Veterans Memorial Park →Farms & Animals
Both · Ann Arbor
The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms
Meet and feed goats, sheep, alpacas, ponies, and other farm animals, with seasonal hayrides and family events.
Best for ages 1–10
Plan your visit to The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms →Both · Ann Arbor
Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
A large fairground and agricultural event venue south of Ann Arbor.
All ages; depends on event
Plan your visit to Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds →Outdoor · Ann Arbor
Staebler Farm County Park
A developing historic farm park with natural trails and scheduled educational events.
Best for ages 4 and up
Plan your visit to Staebler Farm County Park →Indoor · Ann Arbor
Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center
A quiet hour with adoptable cats can be just right for animal-loving kids who do not need a giant play structure.
Best for gentle kids 5+
Plan your visit to Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center →Indoor · Ann Arbor
The Creature Conservancy
Weekend open hours turn rescued and ambassador animals into a memorable close-up outing.
Best for ages 4–12
Plan your visit to The Creature Conservancy →Water Fun
Outdoor · Ann Arbor
Argo Park & Canoe Livery
River trails and seasonal canoe, kayak, tube, and paddleboard rentals beside the Argo Cascades.
Best for ages 4–12+
Plan your visit to Argo Park & Canoe Livery →Indoor · Ann Arbor
Mack Indoor Pool
A warm-water tot pool and lap pool make this a practical option when kids want water play but Michigan weather says no.
Best for toddlers–10
Plan your visit to Mack Indoor Pool →Libraries
Indoor · Ann Arbor
AADL Downtown Library
A welcoming Ann Arbor library branch with children’s books, play areas, and free family programs.
All ages
Plan your visit to AADL Downtown Library →Indoor · Ann Arbor
AADL Westgate Branch
A welcoming Ann Arbor library branch with children’s books, play areas, and free family programs.
All ages
Plan your visit to AADL Westgate Branch →Indoor · Ann Arbor
AADL Pittsfield Branch
A welcoming Ann Arbor library branch with children’s books, play areas, and free family programs.
All ages
Plan your visit to AADL Pittsfield Branch →Indoor · Ann Arbor
AADL Traverwood Branch
A welcoming Ann Arbor library branch with children’s books, play areas, and free family programs.
All ages
Plan your visit to AADL Traverwood Branch →Indoor · Ann Arbor
AADL Malletts Creek Branch
A welcoming Ann Arbor library branch with children’s books, play areas, and free family programs.
All ages
Plan your visit to AADL Malletts Creek Branch →Indoor Play
Indoor · Ann Arbor
Recess Café
A polished downtown play café where the play space is visible from comfortable caregiver seating.
Best for ages 1–7
Plan your visit to Recess Café →Indoor · Ann Arbor
Dinoland
A dinosaur-themed, screen-free play space with pretend-play rooms, a café, and a softer toddler area.
Best for ages 1–8
Plan your visit to Dinoland →Indoor · Ann Arbor
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym
An inclusive sensory gym designed for children of all abilities, with swings, climbing equipment, crash pillows, and calmer activities.
Best for ages 1–10
Plan your visit to We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym →Indoor · Ann Arbor
Launch Ann Arbor
Trampolines, a ninja course, climbing, dodgeball, and arcade games make Launch the clearest choice for children who need to move hard.
Best for ages 4–12+
Plan your visit to Launch Ann Arbor →Indoor · Ann Arbor
Planet Rock Ann Arbor
A real climbing gym rather than a soft-play center, best for school-age children ready to learn skills and follow instructions.
Best for ages 5–teens
Plan your visit to Planet Rock Ann Arbor →Indoor · Ann Arbor
Pinball Pete’s
A classic basement arcade packed with pinball, video games, and redemption games.
Best for ages 8–teens
Plan your visit to Pinball Pete’s →More ideas for your family
These guides also include nearby communities. Check each destination’s address when combining stops.
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