If you’re looking for things to do in Ann Arbor with kids, there are many family-friendly attractions you and your children can enjoy. Explore the Zoological gardens, Museum of natural history, Leslie Science and Nature Center, Gallup Park, and more! Read on to learn more! And be sure to check out our list of top attractions for kids, which includes our pick for the best museum! And if you’re traveling with young children, there are even more family-friendly attractions than the museums, so that your time in Ann Arbor is not wasted.
Zoological gardens
There are several ways to visit zoological gardens in Ann Arbor with your kids. There are two great options that are less than an hour away and are well worth a day trip. There are also a few closer options that won’t take an entire day. In addition to the two top zoological gardens in Michigan, Ann Arbor also has a large and interesting historical museum. The Michigan Historical Museum has many cool exhibits, including a Michigan wildlife gallery. You can even go inside the Hall of Evolution to see lifelike reproductions of neanderthals.
This zoological garden in Michigan’s capital city has a large variety of animals. The Creature Conservancy, for instance, is famous for rescuing injured and exotic animals. There is also an indoor program for children, as well as a carousel and train ride. Whether you’re visiting with a child or a family group, you’ll have plenty of fun.
If you’re looking for other free family activities, you might want to consider the University of Michigan Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology also offers crafts for kids, and is an excellent choice for fun and educational activities. Finally, don’t forget to visit the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. This museum is located on the University of Michigan Central Campus and has a vast collection of exhibits for all ages. Exhibits range from science to math. The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology is an excellent place to spend an afternoon and educate yourself and your children about Michigan’s rich history.
Museum of natural history
If you’re looking for an educational, fun way to spend an afternoon with your kids, head to the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. The museum recently moved to a new building, so there’s no reason to wait until then to start visiting! The museum is free, and your kids will have a blast exploring its exhibits. There are lots of dinosaurs to view, so your kids will enjoy every minute of their visit!
For an interactive experience, visit the museum’s Nature Labs. You can drop in with toddlers and pretend to be a scientist. The projects feel like crafts, but are still educational. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. If you’re traveling with kids, consider scheduling a visit in advance. Make sure to plan plenty of time to see all the exhibits, which are updated frequently.
While the museum is free to visit, donations are appreciated. The museum is open seven days a week, and admission is free. Parking is easy and available in two nearby garages. Parking costs $1.10 per hour, and the planetarium shows last approximately 45 minutes. If you’re visiting the museum with children, don’t forget to grab some delicious American food at Zingerman’s Roadhouse.
Leslie Science and Nature Center
This Natural space offers a great outdoor environment for exploring and interacting with the animals and plants found on the property. There are trails, raptor enclosures, and a critter house. Public programs are also available for kids of all ages. One of the best things about this place is that it is free to enter! It is a great day out for the whole family, so you can plan a day full of fun.
There are guided nature walks throughout the year, and you can even learn about monarch butterflies during their annual migration. There are also several exhibits for kids to explore and enjoy, including a 32-foot slide. There are also gardens and picnic areas throughout the property. There are special programming events at various times of the year. You can book a tour of the facility for yourself or your family, and your kids will love every minute of it!
The Leslie Science and Nature Center is a natural space that offers trails, bird enclosures, and a critter house. It was donated to the city of Ann Arbor in 1976 by Eugene and Emily Leslie. The museum is a nonprofit, so it is open to everyone and has many events for kids throughout the year. Kids can explore and discover at the center during its programs, including birthday parties, school programs, scout events, and family bonfires. The Leslie Science and Nature Center also offers many summer and school break camps.
Gallup Park
The Gallup Park in Ann Arbor is one of the things to do in the city with kids. The park is situated on the Huron River and Geddes Pond. This park features three distinct playgrounds that are both accessible and fun for children of all ages. There are also several opportunities to enjoy water sports in the summer. For those with small children, there is a canoe livery in Gallup Park that rents paddleboats and rowboats. Kids must be at least three years old to participate in activities in the park, but dogs are allowed.
Another option for outdoor activities in Ann Arbor with kids is visiting the University of Michigan stadium. This is a great place for the kids to enjoy a game, especially if the game is close. Another great place to bring the kids to enjoy the great outdoors is the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, which provides enriching and fun learning experiences for little ones. The museum is located on over 69 acres of land. There are also many public parks in Ann Arbor that are perfect for hiking and biking.
Another great option for outdoor activities in Ann Arbor is the Huron River Park. This 69-acre park is located along the Huron River and Geddes Pond. It has two playgrounds and three miles of asphalt trails. The park also has a field for playing. It has canoe rentals. In addition to the playgrounds, you can also rent canoes and bicycles to enjoy the park.
University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens
There are many fun things to do in Ann Arbor with kids at the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens. This garden is full of trails through decorative gardens and numerous native ecosystems. There is a horticulture center on site as well as restrooms and water fountains. The gardens are also known for their educational and recreational programs.
The university is home to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, which is the largest botanical garden in Michigan. It is composed of two large nature areas, the Nichols Arboretum and the Matthaei Botanical Garden. These areas are free to visit and have exhibits suitable for all ages. If you’re traveling with kids, plan to visit the Botanical Garden in the summer, when temperatures rise.
While you’re at the University of Michigan Matthaei Botancial Garden, don’t forget to take in some live theater. Its Wild Swan Theater is a popular destination for theater enthusiasts. Since it opened in 1980, it has played host to over one million theater fans. There are many things to do in Ann Arbor with kids. The Wild Swan Theater, which was founded in 1980, is a favorite among parents and kids in Michigan.
Aside from the University of Michigan Matthaei Botancial Gardens, there are other attractions for families in the area. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is a fun place for children to play. The University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens are home to tree groves, a bonsai collection, windflower gardens, and a 10,000-foot conservatory.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
A visit to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan, will teach your children about the history of the automobile. This museum complex is the home of the world-renowned Henry Ford. It features the largest collection of Ford cars and is the largest history museum in the United States. It also includes exhibits on automotive design, technology, and the automotive industry. Your kids will learn about the history of American automobiles and be fascinated by the displays of cars, tools, and technology.
As you explore the history of American inventions, you’ll be amazed by the Henry Ford Museum of America Innovation. It’s a place where you can explore the achievements of America’s greatest minds through hands-on exhibits and immersive environments. There are also three must-see attractions at the museum: Greenfield Village, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and the Benson Ford Research Center. The museum offers free admission to children under age 12, and offers free kids’ admission with every adult admission.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is open from 9:30am to 5pm daily. You should allow about 5 hours for a visit, as younger children’s attention spans are shorter. For adults, you’ll have around 7.5 hours to see all the exhibits. It’s recommended that you bring a packed lunch, as kids tend to become bored easily, so plan accordingly. You’ll be happy you did!
