Location: Ann Arbor
Top Things to do in Ann Arbor
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Ann Arbor, Michigan (MI)
Backpack-strapped students permeate the streets of Ann Arbor, home to The University Of Michigan. But there's more to the city than academia. A popular destination for families, Ann Arbor boasts child-friendly museums with exciting hands-on exhibits and art museums with prestigious collections. Couples and single travelers enjoy the eclectic shops, ethnic restaurants and hip night clubs, while book lovers are wowed by the more than 30 independent bookstores. From mysteries and crime to holistic healing and yoga, each store has a unique personality and area of expertise. Most of the major attractions are located in the same area, making it easy to hop from one to the next and enjoy all this vibrant city has to offer.
Restaurants in Ann Arbor
1. The Creature Conservancy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
This is a wonderful up-close and personal wild animal conservancy with over 80 species of mostly exotic animals, many of whom are rescued former pets. Open to the public weekend afternoons 1-2:30pm and 3-4:30pm with featured presentations at 1:30 and 3. Tickets must be purchased in advance from the website in order to limit audience size due to COVID-19 concerns - $8 kids (age 2-12), $10 adults (age 13+), infants under 2 are free. Weekdays times are available by appointment for private tours, private group events, school field trips, summer camps. Birthday parties and other private events can be arranged for weekends or weekdays. Most of the animal display enclosures are under cover so this is a great afternoon event for both hot and cold weather! Handicap and stroller accessible. Free parking in main, paved parking lot.
Reviewed By sarahlK6095WX - Naples, United States
This a great opportunity to see and learn about some exotic animals while supporting a conservancy that works hard to educate the public on the perils of exotic pet ownership. The majority of the animals are surrendered and rescued former pets that do not qualify for release back into the wild. Walking though the tour with Alexander you can get a feel for how well cared for and loved these animals are. A great local experience. The private tour (great during these strange Covid times) can be booked for fair price and lasts about 90 minutes.
2. Skip's Huron Canoe Livery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Skip's is a full-service canoe and kayak rental facility providing access to the most scenic stretch of the Huron River. Since 1973, we have been offering a family-friendly adventure down the Huron without the hassle of dams, lakes or portages. With trips launching each hour, morning and afternoon, you can catch a ride on our bus and then canoe, kayak, or tube back to your car, at your own pace.
3. University of Michigan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
The University's beautiful campus includes many fine museums and facilities for its enrollment of 36,000.
Reviewed By BillN540 - Ann Arbor, United States
From the beauty of the views in the quad to the hushed calm of the law school to the chaos of south (athletic) campus during a sporting event and you have everything you could want in a college town. Highlights to visit on campus include: - The natural history museum - The grad library reading room - The law library reading room - The "Big House" - Listen to the carillon outside of Rackham school or grad studies - catch a performance at Hill Auditorium or the Power Center for performing arts. - A stroll through the Arboretum (The Arb). So much to do. GO BLUE!
4. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
Everyone gets creative in this interactive science and technology museum, featuring engaging exhibits in subjects like psychology, the media and health.
Reviewed By lynndR8889CZ
Bought a membership for my kids so I could take my granddaughter here when she has overnights at our place. Grandparents are an included perk of that membership and well worth it. My granddaughter and I love our visits here... so much for kids/adults all over the place. A pure place of joy and awe and so much fun. I highly recommend a visit here if you haven't been and explore the membership offers to find the one that best suits your needs because it will save you lots of $$ and make it easy to keep going back for more fun!
5. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is temporarily closed due to the global pandemic. The museum doesn't just preserve the past; it also shows off the latest in scientific research with interactive exhibits, new programming spaces, and a state-of-the-art Planetarium & Dome Theater! New exhibits include: On the Trail of Mastodons; Evolution: Life through Time; Under the Microscope; Exploring Michigan; and People and the Planet.
Reviewed By sisterida - Onsted, United States
Many times taking kids to a museum is overwhelming because there is too much to do. The University of MIchigan Museum of Natural History has great exhibits with great information posted and a good variety to help everyone enjoy the experience. This was a great Sunday afternoon trip.
6. Kerrytown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Ann Arbor's best shopping area is full of small boutiques and restaurants, and features a Farmers' Market on weekends.
Reviewed By debbiemE1094FZ - Windsor, Canada
Wednesday’s and Saturday’s have farmers market selling home made leather goods, home grown fruits and vegetables, organic meats, art and flowers. The people are so open and friendly it’s as though you’re in the middle of a small town rather than a major metropolis.
7. Cobblestone Farm
8. Leslie Science Center
9. Hudson Mills Metropark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
1,549-acre Park Has An 18-hole Golf Course.
Reviewed By kathyD2274 - Ann Arbor, United States
Or run or bike or roller blade. The loop is 3 miles and there are interior paths to go off on. They have cross country skiing trails also in the winter.
10. Law Quadrangle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By gregorym215 - Oxford, United States
After touring the U of M campus, our guide left this for last. Well, there is that old saying about saving the best for last. This area not only feels isolated from the rest of campus, it feels isolated from everything else everywhere! Entering the Quadrangle, it's as if there's an immediate hush. And then you enter the Law Library. Almost more of a church, the artwork on the ceilings, the chandeliers, and the stained glass windows are spectacular. Just look it up for yourself, but pictures don't really do it justice. I was told, unverified, that this Library inspired the buildings of Hogwarts. I guess we can believe that, if we like. Impressive is an understatement.
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