Things to do in Ann Arbor with kids

Ann Arbor Michigan is a great place to raise a family and there are plenty of fun activities to do with kids around the city. Ann Arbor has a variety of attractions like historic buildings, museums, and interesting sightseeing opportunities. From a simple picnic or afternoon retreat to the park to a hiking activity or a round of golf, you can find a variety of things to do in Ann Arbor with kids including a visit to the hands-on museum or strolling through the gallup park.

 Gallup Park
Gallup park is a 69-acre park that streaches along the Huron River with miles of paved walk ways, two playgrounds, fishing benches, canoe livery, and picnic areas with grills. Dixboro Dam, located at the eastern end of the park, creates a long, meandering pond through the park. Gallup park is known for the Geese that reside and leave their evidence at the park. A four-mile trail used by bicyclists, joggers and inline skaters follows the south bank of Geddes Pond all the way to Dixboro Road. Canoes, bikes and paddleboats are available for rent  making it a fun activity to do with kids in Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

A wonderful kids science museum with many special events, activities, and fun interactive exhibits for the whole family. The Mission of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is to inspire people to discover the wonder of science, math and technology. Preschool Gallery is designed especially for children 4 years old and younger. Our youngest visitors can splash in our water tables, dress up like fire fighters and play on the child-size fire engine. A pure Michigan experience of native plants, flowers and animals that includes a soundscape, an interactive nature wall, Michigan lake fish and geology samples.

Island Park in Ann Arbor - fun activity to do with kids!

A park on the Huron River, halfway between downtown and North Campus, Island Park is reached via Island Park Drive, off of Maiden Lane. Island Park occupies the north bank of the river and a large island in the middle of the river; to the south are the soccer fields of Fuller Park. Located across Maiden Lane from Riverside Park, Island Park features footbridges, a Greek Revival style picnic shelter, and beautiful flocks of ducks and geese

This museum is one of the top 10 university art museums in the country. The permanent collection features thousands of works that include art by both old and modern masters such as Rodin, Picasso, Rembrandt, Whistler and Monet. The depth and quality of this world-class collection ranges from Italian Renaissance paintings to African sculpture. You can also view a collection of contemporary photography and a Japanese Gallery.

Botanical Gardens and Arboretum

The University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum connects people with nature with three sections of a variety of nature making it one of the top Things to do in Ann Arbor with kids. We're about sustaining the earth, caring for our natural heritage, sharing knowledge, and promoting learning. Promoting environmental enjoyment, stewardship and sustainability through education, research, and interaction with the natural world. Located on the University of Michigan campus, this spacious indoor conservatory is divided into three sections, each of which represents a different climate. One features tropical plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and birds native to Michigan. Plants from warm-temperate climates grow in a central greenhouse, along with a display of insectivorous plants. Desert plants and cacti occupy the third section. Nature trails, woodlands, wetlands, ponds, prairie grasses, and garden sculptures fill the grounds.