Whether you are a long-time resident of Ann Arbor or here for the weekend, this Michigan city is full of family fun from morning until night. From kid-friendly museums to petting zoos to a glimpse into the Australian Outback, we’ve got it all! Scroll down for some of our favorite Motor City spots for families and check out the Ann Arbor calendar to pack your days full of adventure!

photo: iStock

Ann Arbor Hands on Museum
Offering more than 250 interactive exhibits, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum attracts over 280,000 visitors of all ages annually who discover the wonder of science, technology, engineering, art and math. In addition to exhibits and public programming, the Museum offers award-winning distance learning and outreach programming to schools, libraries, and community centers statewide and around the world.

220 E. Ann St.
Ann Arbor, MI
Online: aahom.org

Motor City Youth Theatre
At Motor City Youth Theatre the goal is to enrich the lives of youth and facilitate their development of life skills such as problem solving, decision-making and team work through theatre arts. Their programs emphasize team work, respect for differences and a love for theatre.

27555 Grantland
Livonia, MI
Online: mcyt.org

Young People’s Theatre
YPT puts young people center stage in breathtaking performances filled with Broadway-style magic. During the school year, YPT’s three musical productions delight audiences of all ages, and in the summer, they offer a variety of camps and classes for budding performers.

331 Metty Dr #3
Ann Arbor, MI
Online: youngpeoplestheater.com

Airtime Trampolines
Over 31,000 square feet of wall-to-wall trampolines, trampoline dodgeball and foam pits for maximum airtime are offered here. Powered by great music, DJ and band performances, AirTime is your destination to get amped up.

800 W Eisenhower Pkwy,
Ann Arbor, MI
Online: airtimetrampoline.com

photo: Abdul Hamid Malik via flickr

The Petting Farm
The Petting Farm is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about a farm and interact with the animals that live here. Our mission is to serve our community by being a fun and educational place to visit.

3001 Earhart Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI
Online: pettingfarm.com

Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoo has amazing habitats to get up close to the animals including the new Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the Arctic Ring of Life, the Australian Outback and the Butterfly House. There are also weeknight concerts throughout the summer, a carousel for kids to ride on and a number of family friendly events offered throughout the year.

8450 W. 10 Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI
Online: detroitzoo.org

Heritage Park Framington Hills
This 211-acre park includes 4.5 miles of trails for hiking and nature study. Other amenities include picnic shelters, a youth playground, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and in-ground grills. Also located in Heritage Park are the Visitor Center, Day Camp and Nature Center, Stables Art Studio, Amphitheatre, History Center, Splash Pad and Riley Archery Range.

24915 Farmington Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI
Online: ci.farmington-hills.mi.us

photo: Deb Nystrom via flickr

University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum
The Gaffield Children’s Garden, located within the Mattaei Botanical Gardens, is a wonderful place for families to have fun in a natural setting. Kids may climb inside a giant bird’s nest, get down and dirty in a digging pit and wind their way through a maze. Locals call Nichols Arboretum the Arb. It is much loved for its landscaped collection of tress and shrubs. The 123 bucolic acres are tucked along the Huron River.

1610 Washington Heights
Ann Arbor, MI
Online: mbgna.umich.edu

Planet Rock
Head to this indoor climbing gym to let the kids climb the walls, literally. They offer instruction for newbies and full for all ages.

82 Aprill Dr
Ann Arbor, MI
Online: planet-rock.com

Teddy Bear Factory
Hang out with the plush and cuddly creatures at this stuffed animal factory and toy museum. Learn how teddy bears are made as well as their history. It is located in downtown Chelsea, which is filled with art galleries, restaurants and shops.

110 Parkland Plaza Suite B
Ann Arbor, MI
Online: mcmbrands.com

The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Ann Arbor
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Ann Arbor events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms.

—Kate Loweth

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