13 Fun Activities to Experience in Ann Arbor in 2025

When we started planning our family trip, Ann Arbor wasn’t at the top of our list. I knew it was a college town and had heard it was nice, but we weren’t expecting much beyond that.

It ended up being one of the best surprises of the year.

Ann Arbor is a great mix of things to do and places to explore. It’s relaxed but never dull. One day we were walking peaceful trails along the river, and the next we were exploring hands-on exhibits in a science museum.

There are high-quality museums (many with free admission), great food, and plenty of activities for kids and adults.

We spent three full days there and easily could’ve stayed longer. From sledding and kayaking to visiting animals and trying new foods, we found more to enjoy than we expected. It turned out to be a really fun and easy place to travel with kids.

1. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

This was our very first stop, and let me just say—it set the tone perfectly. My kids were bouncing from exhibit to exhibit like ping-pong balls.

There was a bubble station where we made giant bubbles big enough to stand in, a laser harp (which I may have played longer than I should), and even a little mini fire engine for preschoolers to “drive.”

It’s also got elevators, stroller access, and plenty of rest spots for snack breaks. (Yes, they have vending machines too.)

2. Leslie Science & Nature Center

Tucked into the northeast part of town, this one felt like a peaceful little oasis. We visited on a Sunday—the day to go—because that’s when the Critter House is open.

My daughter got to pet a real snake and observe tree frogs and turtles up close.

The real jaw-drop moment? Seeing a bald eagle in the raptor enclosure. Up close. Majestic isn’t even the word.

3. The Creature Conservancy

This place had sloths. That’s really all my kids needed to hear. But once we were there? We discovered way more: kangaroos, pythons, a reindeer (seriously), and an enormous alligator named Al.

We caught one of their weekend live shows where they introduce you to a few animals and share quirky facts. Highly recommend.

It’s an up-close experience, more intimate than a typical zoo. Great for animal-loving families.

4. Matthaei Botanical Gardens

I didn’t expect the kids to like it—but they loved the cactus room and the bonsai trees that looked like tiny enchanted forests.

Inside the conservatory, you wander through tropical and arid ecosystems. Outside, it’s trails and themed gardens, with plenty of space to just… wander.

5. Rolling Hills County Park

Winter really showed up for us this year, and we took full advantage of it at Rolling Hills County Park. This place felt like our own little snowy escape.

The highlight? A 275-foot sledding hill that was fast enough to get your heart racing, but gentle enough that even our youngest could fly down without fear (and with a huge grin).

Renting sleds was super easy—just head to the rental shed near the parking lot. The park staff were friendly and quick to help us gear up. After a few epic runs, we took breaks at one of the warming stations, sipping hot cocoa with red cheeks and frozen fingers.

It honestly felt like we’d stumbled into a tiny snow resort without the big crowds or price tags.

There’s also a network of cross-country ski trails, which looked amazing, but we stuck to sledding since it had everyone laughing nonstop.

Families were everywhere, from toddlers bundled up like marshmallows to teens racing each other down the hill.

6. Barton Nature Area

Looking for a “low effort, high reward” walk? Barton Nature Area is perfect.

We parked, walked along the Huron River, crossed a gorgeous old dam bridge, and took about 300 photos in 20 minutes.

There’s something about the quiet hum of the water and the towering trees that just resets your mood. It’s like nature therapy.

7. County Farm Park

After a busy morning, the kids still had the energy to spare (where do they store it, seriously?), so we made our way to County Farm Park—and it turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly perfect spots of the trip.

The park has this peaceful, wide-open feel with paved and dirt trails, fitness loops, and grassy fields that just invite you to spread out and breathe a little deeper. The playground? Honestly one of the coolest we’ve seen—it has climbing structures, rope bridges, swings, and even musical elements. Total hit with the kids.

As we wandered the trails, we passed joggers, parents with strollers, and even a small group doing tai chi under the trees. It was this lovely mix of activity and calm. 

8. Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF)

We’re thrilled to announce four ✨FREE✨ attractions designed to surprise and delight this summer!☀️ From giant interactive squeeze boxes to endearing twin clowns, playful shadow puppets, and the whimsical chalk creations of David Zinn. Learn more: https://t.co/lewhILgO5G pic.twitter.com/DjOmsB6Cy6

— Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF) (@AASummerFest) April 11, 2025

We timed our trip perfectly—the Summer Festival was in full swing. Think: live music, food trucks, a movie projected under the stars, and people just chilling everywhere on picnic blankets.

We watched a live jazz set while eating churros and dancing barefoot on the grass. It felt like something out of a coming-of-age movie.

This is one of those events that makes you fall in love with a city.

9. Ann Arbor Art Fair

@destinationannarbor Can you watch the @Ann Arbor Art Fair for a minute? Thanks! #annarbor #annarborartfair ♬ original sound – Ann Arbor

Let me say this: even if you’re not into “art,” you’ll still love this. Streets lined with booths featuring handmade jewelry, abstract paintings, woodwork, live murals, and a ton of food.

There’s live music, a beer tent (for the grown-ups), and chalk art competitions for kids. We ended up spending three hours longer here than planned… zero regrets.

10. U-M Museums (Art + Archaeology)

On a rainy morning, we ducked into the University of Michigan Museum of Art, and it turned out to be a major highlight. It’s spacious, modern, and totally free.

Next door-ish is the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, where we saw real Egyptian mummies. The kids were fascinated (and mildly spooked).

Quiet, clean, and surprisingly fun for a museum day.

11. Gallup & Argo Canoe Liveries

On our last sunny day, we rented a tandem kayak and floated down the Huron River. It was calm, gorgeous, and very beginner-friendly. No one tipped over!

You can pick from various routes depending on how long you want to be on the water. The staff is helpful and gets you fitted quickly with life jackets.

12. Zingerman’s Delicatessen – A Sandwich Worth Traveling For

I had heard the name “Zingerman’s” tossed around so many times that I almost rolled my eyes when someone said, “You have to go.” I mean, how good can a sandwich really be?

Turns out? Life-changing.

We rolled into Zingerman’s on a slightly chilly afternoon with empty stomachs and high hopes. The place was buzzing, full of students, foodies, and tourists like us. The vibe is cozy and vintage, with a charming corner shop feel that makes you want to stay a while.

We ordered the famous #2 Reuben—corned beef, Swiss, kraut, and Russian dressing on grilled rye—and I can honestly say I’ve never had a better one. Every bite was salty, tangy, warm perfection.

My daughter went for the mac & cheese (off the kids’ menu) and was unusually quiet while eating—always a good sign. Oh, and don’t miss their house-made root beer. Sweet, spicy, fizzy heaven.

Here’s the breakdown:

After lunch, we popped next door to Zingerman’s Next Door Café and split a chocolate brownie and a cinnamon roll the size of my head. If you’re a food-lover, it’s easy to get stuck here for hours.

13. Pinball Pete’s – Retro Vibes & Arcade Chaos

After dinner one evening, we wanted to wind down—but not in a “let’s stare at our phones” kind of way. So we headed to Pinball Pete’s, a staple arcade right off South University.

I hadn’t been inside a place like this in years, and the moment we walked in, it was like teleporting into the ’90s: dark lighting, neon signs, the faint smell of popcorn and excitement.

The kids ran straight to the claw machines. My husband made a beeline to play Galaga, while I found myself caught in an intense game of air hockey with my son (I lost 7–6; very controversial finish).

The arcade has everything from retro pinball machines to newer racing games and plenty of ticket-redemption classics like skeeball and coin pushers. You load up a game card with credits and off you go—easy to lose track of time in the best way.

Wrap-Up

Ann Arbor totally over-delivered. I went in expecting a quiet, artsy town and left feeling like I’d uncovered this perfect balance of outdoor adventure, kid-friendly learning, amazing food, and vibrant culture.

If you’re thinking of visiting, just do it. And maybe stay a few days longer than you think. You’ll need it.