Ann Arbor Summer Weekend Family Fun

Ann Arbor, MI, USA · Ages 7-10 · 2 days

We're taking the kids to Ann Arbor for a summer weekend, hitting the arboretum, Zingerman's, kayaking, and the natural history museum.

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Argo Canoe Livery

1055 Longshore Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA

Argo Canoe Livery is another excellent Ann Arbor option, especially known for its calm, lake-like paddling on Argo Pond. They have a large fleet of canoes and kayaks for rent, and no reservations are typically needed for stillwater paddling. The adjacent Argo Park offers natural areas and trails for exploring before or after your time on the water, making it a well-rounded family outing.

You can paddle on a super calm pond, and maybe even watch people go down the exciting Argo Cascades!

Part of "Ann Arbor Summer Weekend Family Fun", a family adventure in Ann Arbor, MI, USA, for kids ages 7-10.

Gallup Park

3000 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA

Gallup Park is Ann Arbor's iconic park, offering three playgrounds, including an accessible one, right beside the Huron River. Families can enjoy smooth, paved trails perfect for strollers, picnic areas, and even rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboats for a unique river experience. Heated restrooms are available for comfort year-round.

Kids love the multiple playgrounds, watching ducks, and getting on the water in a canoe or kayak!

Part of "Ann Arbor Summer Weekend Family Fun", a family adventure in Ann Arbor, MI, USA, for kids ages 7-10.

Gallup Park Rotary Playground

3175 Gallup Park Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

Gallup Park is Ann Arbor's most iconic park, and its Rotary Centennial Playground is a highlight, featuring nature-inspired unique structures such as a bird's nest tower and interactive panels. Kids will also find a rock wall to climb. The park offers three playgrounds in total, catering to various ages and abilities, and is wheelchair accessible. Its riverside location allows for beautiful views, and families can enjoy additional activities like canoe and kayak rentals, making it a perfect spot for a full day out.

They'll love the nature-inspired structures like the bird's nest tower, interactive panels, and the rock wall for climbing fun!

Part of "Ann Arbor Summer Weekend Family Fun", a family adventure in Ann Arbor, MI, USA, for kids ages 7-10.

County Farm Park

2230 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

County Farm Park boasts a truly impressive playground that feels like a mini adventure park, making it a top choice for families with elementary and tween children. Beyond the massive play structure with its tall towers, twisty slides, and exciting zipline, kids will find various climbing elements including rope and web climbers. The park also offers adaptive swings, sandboxes, and plenty of open space, alongside walking trails and picnic areas, making it easy to spend hours here.

They'll love the huge play structure with tall towers, a zipline, and tons of climbing challenges like rope and web climbers!

Part of "Ann Arbor Summer Weekend Family Fun", a family adventure in Ann Arbor, MI, USA, for kids ages 7-10.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

220 E Ann St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is a fantastic destination for families, sparking curiosity and learning through over 250 interactive STEAM exhibits across four floors. Kids can dive into the popular H2Oh! water gallery, where they can crank, spin, and pour water, so consider packing a change of clothes for splashy fun! Younger children (infants to four-year-olds) will adore the dedicated Preschool Gallery, complete with a child-sized fire engine for dress-up play, water tables, and ball transporters. Families can also challenge themselves with building rockets and bridges in the STEAM Park or step back in time at the 1930s-themed Lyons' Country Store. With exhibits designed for toddlers through middle schoolers, parents will appreciate the active learning environment that encourages doing rather than just observing. Plan for 2.5 to 3.5 hours of engaging play, and remember that weekday afternoons are often quieter if you want to avoid school groups. Lockers are available for 50 cents, and while there's no cafe, many nearby restaurants offer lunch options. You can purchase tickets online in advance, and they're good all day for re-entry.

I get to splash in the H2Oh! water exhibit, launch rockets, and even drive a fire engine!

Part of "Ann Arbor Summer Weekend Family Fun", a family adventure in Ann Arbor, MI, USA, for kids ages 7-10.

Zingerman's Delicatessen

422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

Zingerman's Delicatessen offers a delightful culinary adventure for families, brimming with a vibrant atmosphere that excites all ages. Kids will be captivated by the sheer variety, especially the opportunity to customize their own towering sandwiches with an array of fresh ingredients, ensuring even the pickiest eaters find something they'll devour. The confectionery and dessert shop sections are a major highlight, overflowing with tempting pastries, cookies, and unique sweets that promise to bring smiles to little faces. Parents will appreciate the extensive menu, which caters to diverse tastes, and the convenience of meal takeaway and food delivery for busy days. It’s a place where every visit feels like a delicious exploration, creating cherished family memories around great food.

Kids love picking their own giant sandwich fillings and discovering a treasure trove of amazing sugary treats!

Part of "Ann Arbor Summer Weekend Family Fun", a family adventure in Ann Arbor, MI, USA, for kids ages 7-10.

Rocket Fizz - Ann Arbor

306 S Main St Suite 1A, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

Rocket Fizz in Ann Arbor is a vibrant, whimsical wonderland perfect for families seeking a sweet adventure on Main Street. Kids will be wide-eyed at the dazzling array of colorful candies, from classic favorites and nostalgic treats to international delights and unique, wacky flavors. Parents will love sharing a trip down memory lane, pointing out candies from their own childhoods while discovering new and exciting sodas with unusual flavors alongside their children. The store's lively atmosphere, filled with quirky decor and endless shelves of sugary treasures, makes every visit an exciting treasure hunt, ensuring everyone in the family finds a special treat to take home. It's an ideal spot for a fun outing after dinner or a show, offering a memorable experience that goes beyond just buying candy.

I can pick out the wildest, most colorful candies and try so many crazy soda flavors!

Part of "Ann Arbor Summer Weekend Family Fun", a family adventure in Ann Arbor, MI, USA, for kids ages 7-10.

Michigan Stadium

1201 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

Nicknamed 'The Big House,' this legendary venue delivers an unforgettable outing for fans of all ages. Kids marvel at the sheer scale of the largest stadium in the country, soaking in the thunderous marching band drumlines, high-flying cheerleaders, and massive replay video boards. Beyond game days, families can book behind-the-scenes guided tours to run through the iconic players' tunnel, test their footwork right on the turf, and peek inside the Michigan locker room without the roar of the crowds. During events, wide concourses feature family staples like soft pretzels, kettle corn, and hot dogs, while accessible family restrooms and quiet nursing spaces help parents manage logistics smoothly. It is an electric Ann Arbor tradition that immerses kids right into the heart of college sports history.

Running out through the actual players' tunnel onto the field and shouting along with over 100,000 cheering fans!

Part of "Ann Arbor Summer Weekend Family Fun", a family adventure in Ann Arbor, MI, USA, for kids ages 7-10.

Hewens Creek Park

6547 Bemis Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA

Hewens Creek Park is a hidden gem located roughly 15 minutes south of Ann Arbor. Situated on an ancient glacial lakebed, the terrain here is remarkably flat, removing the frustration of steep climbs for younger riders while still delivering an authentic singletrack experience. The 5-mile trail system consists of nested loops that wind past a quiet fishing pond, through aspen groves, and along marshlands. The trail twists and turns gently, encouraging kids to practice cornering and bike handling in a low-stakes natural setting. It is rarely crowded, making it a peaceful and stress-free environment for families taking their time on the trail.

Darting through shady pine woods and wooden boardwalks on super flat dirt paths with zero scary hills.

Part of "Ann Arbor Summer Weekend Family Fun", a family adventure in Ann Arbor, MI, USA, for kids ages 7-10.