Enjoy summer fun while traveling with family! Entertain your family with these free or low-cost fun in the Ann Arbor area, fun for all ages.
Find the Fairy Doors
Spark curiosity and wonder by finding the Ann Arbor fairy doors, a fun interactive activity for young ones and kids at heart. Some explorers even bring tiny gifts for the fairies. Spot these at Found Gallery, The Ark, The Michigan Theater and more. Check the website created by local fairyologist, Jonathon B. Wright, for all locations.
Visit a Child-Friendly Museum
While some museums charge a low-cost admission, all University of Michigan museums are free, but donations are accepted. Learn about dinosaurs, fossils and see larger than life exhibits at the U-M Museum of Natural History. If you have extra cash for your visit, we recommend visiting Michigan Firehouse Museum in Ypsilanti.
Explore Ann Arbor Gardens
U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens hosts a children's garden, giant greenhouse, and beautiful nature paths. Entrance is free but there is a small parking fee. Nearby is the U-M Nichols Arboretum, known as "The Arb" by locals, and makes a great spot for families. The park’s main trail is stroller friendly, and older ages can venture off-path with steeper climbs.
Camp and Play at Waterloo Recreation Area
Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest state park in the Lower Peninsula, home to campgrounds and rustic cabins for a small fee, beaches, trails for all abilities, and excellent wildlife viewing. Visit the Eddy Discovery Center to learn about the park's geology and habitats. Bikers love the DTE Energy Foundation Trail’s three distinct single-track biking loops.
Take New Family Photos
Ann Arbor has plenty of scenic spaces to choose from. Take new family photos at the University of Michigan’s Law Quadrangle, one of Ann Arbor’s most-photographed structures because of its beautiful architecture. For an artful backdrop, try graffiti alley or public murals.
First Fridays Ypsilanti
First Friday Ypsilanti is a self-guided monthly tour in Ypsilanti. Participating businesses offer free things to do like live demonstrations from artists, plus music and pop-up markets. This is a great time to visit and experience Ypsi.
Tour the Chelsea Sculpture Walk
The Chelsea Sculpture Walk is an outdoor art exhibit featuring visually striking sculptures. Come enjoy contemporary art and grab a snack or quick lunch on Chelsea’s charming Main Street along the way.
"I Spy" the Barn Quilts of Manchester
Play the ultimate game of “I Spy” with the family! Drive around historic Manchester and spot large scale quilts on barns, known as the Manchester Tour de Barn Quilts. How many colorful quilts can you find in the countryside?
Skate the Ann Arbor Skatepark
Skaters welcome! The Ann Arbor Skatepark is 20,000 square foot skateboarding facility free to use year-round. Located within Veterans Memorial Park, riders of all skill levels can try it out. Safety comes first, so bring your helmet and protective gear.
Play Disc Golf at Lakeshore
Ypsilanti is home to two 18-hole disc golf courses open year-round and completely free to play. Bring your own discs or purchase gear at The Throw Shop, Michigan’s largest disc golf pro shop. Disc golf makes a great outdoor activity to try for all ages.
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