10 Things To Do in Ann Arbor With Kids

The post below is sponsored by Goldfish Swim School – Ann Arbor. All opinions expressed belong to me.

Ann Arbor, A2, Tree Town…Whatever you call it, there is no denying Ann Arbor is a fantastic city. With tons of restaurants, plenty of parks, and lots of FREE fun, if your adventures haven’t brought you to this gorgeous SE Michigan city, you are missing out!

Here are 10 things to do in Ann Arbor with kids next time your family is looking for a spot to play.

Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School 

Cold community pools, be gone! Goldfish and it’s beautiful warm pool is our home spot for swimming. The amazing environment and instructors make it a no-brainer for lessons, but what you may not know is that they also have family swims where the public is welcome to visit. Explore and get a glimpse of what Goldfish is about.

Ann Arbor Family Swim is $5/swimmer {with a $15/family max} and available at the following times, but always check the website to confirm!

• Monday-Thursday: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
• Friday: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sunday: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The Petting Farm at Domino Farms

If farm life is something your children enjoy, then a stop by Domino’s is a must. Kids will have the chance to see ducks, goats, pigs, cows, llamas and more. Join on a regular day, or check the calendar for extra fun like storytime and crafts. Entry is $6 and $5.50 for seniors. Children 23 months and younger are free. There also is animal feed and tractor rides {weather permitting} available for an additional $2.

Gaffield’s Children’s Gardens {Inside Matthaei Botanical Gardens}

Hike through the gardens with your kids alllll the way to the back to find a magical area just for pint-size patrons! This FREE spot {just pay a small amount for parking} is a cool spot to spend some time. After strolling the gardens, check out the amazing Matthaei Botanical Gardens and conservatory, which is open year-round.

Ann Arbor Hands On Museum

Visit AAHOM for plenty of fun for a multitude of ages. 250+ exhibits inspire people to think deeper about different topics, from honeybees to the Internet, and allows everyone to play with and learn about science. TIP: To save money, visit after 5 p.m. on Thursdays for just $5. Babies 0-23 months are free!

County Farm Park

County Farm Park is a 141-acre public park with plenty of nature-filled fun. Kids will love the farm-themed playground complete with a tractor to climb, a barn to play in, and more. Families can also hike on a variety of trails.

Hunt for Fairy Doors

If you have kids that love all things mythical and magical, explore Ann Arbor and hunt for fairy doors — there are plenty to find throughout the city. This activity is free, too!

Gallup Park

Gallup Park is a 69-acre park and is Ann Arbor’s most popular recreation area. It is located along the Huron River and Geddes Pond with scenic walkways, a canoe livery, picnic areas and grills. Best part for kids though? The amazing Centennial Park located at the back. We love that this playground is accessible for children of all abilities!

Leslie Science & Nature Center

At LSNC, the goal is to provide environmental education and experiences to foster respect for nature. The grounds, trails, & raptor enclosures are open daily, and are FREE! Stroll along the trails, meander past our Birds of Prey, visit the animals in the Critter House on Sundays from 12-3 p.m., or visit for an education program.

Scrap Box

Get your art on with a visit to the Scrap Box. This non-profit sells items that would otherwise be tossed, and encourages your creativity with them! My kids loving and filling a bag with supplies to get creative with.

Raft down the Argo Cascades

The Argo Cascades provide a series of nine drops and pools for the public to enjoy using tubes, rafts, and kayaks. The Cascades are located in the Huron River below the Argo Canoe Livery and near the Broadway Bridges overpass. You can either bring your own tube or rent one. Life jackets are recommended for children who aren’t strong swimmers. For rental, riders must be age 8 and up. Rental is $10 for two hours.

I’m only scratching the surface of fun things to do while in Ann Arbor. Where are your favorite spots?