Home to the University of Michigan Wolverines, Ann Arbor offers plenty to do, whether you’re a local, student, or visitor. Many attractions and activities are completely free! Here is a list of free things to do in Ann Arbor.
Free Things to Do with Kids in Ann Arbor Michigan
1. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (UMMNH)
2. U of M Museum of Art (UMMA)
3. University of Michigan Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
4. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
5. Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market
6. Downtown and Kerrytown Shopping Districts
7. Ann Arbor Fairy Doors
8. University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
Located just 43 miles west of Detroit, Ann Arbor is a mix of a Midwestern small town (only the sixth largest city in Michigan) and vibrant, urban community. The university provides opportunities that aren’t available in other cities this size. Whether you’re looking for live music, dining, performing arts, or unique shopping options, this lively location has you covered. Here are eight family-friendly free things to do in Ann Arbor.
1. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (UMMNH)
Although the museum has existed for decades, it just recently opened in its new home in the university’s brand-new Biological Sciences Building. Showcasing the idea that science is never ‘finished’, the new UMMNH offers hands-on experiences, as well as a peek into current work being done by actual researchers. Visiting here is one of my favorite free things to do in Ann Arbor.
A great place to start is the museum’s new, state-of-the-art planetarium. Along with the traditional shows highlighting stars, constellations, and planets, they also offer shows about ocean reefs, geology, and Earth’s weather.
Kids will love seeing life-size skeletons of mastodons and prehistoric whales. And don’t forget to look up so you don’t miss the life-size reconstruction of a Quetzalcoatlus pterosaur! Other exhibits take you on a walk through the evolution of our planet and its life forms and explore earth science, minerals and more.
Visit the Biodiversity Lab
In the Biodiversity Lab, you can watch real researchers and scientists at work. Or peek into the Fossil Prep Lab to see actual fossils as they’re cleaned and prepped. These labs showcase how science is always evolving and new discoveries are out there to be made. It brings home the fact that science is more than pretty displays and fun exhibits. There is exciting work being done behind the scenes as well. These areas are a great way to encourage and show kids that scientists are real people, with a mix of gender and diversity. Seeing a researcher who maybe looks “just like” them is a powerful way to help motivate kids into becoming excited about science.
The UMMNH is one of many free things to do in Ann Arbor, but donations are accepted. Additional UMMNH exhibits will open in November 2019.
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2. University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA)
Located in downtown Ann Arbor at the heart of U of M’s central campus, the UMMA offers a wide variety of different art exhibits. These include everything from African and Asian art to modern and contemporary pieces by artists such as Picasso, Monet, Whistler and more. A beautiful exhibit of Tiffany glass objects from the Havemeyer House in New York is a real showstopper. Another piece that touched me greatly was the Apsara Warrior, created by Ouk Chim Vichet out of decommissioned AK-47s. They also have a vibrant exhibit of Intuit art prints and sculptures, unlike anything you’ll see in a typical art museum exhibit.
The museum has several family activities. They offer storytimes for younger children, as well as hands-on opportunities for parents and children to learn and create together. With so much going on, it’s hard to believe this is one of the free things to do in Ann Arbor!
The UMMA galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free, although donations are accepted.
3. University of Michigan Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
One of the benefits of being part of a world-renowned university is access to many ancient artifacts and antiquities. Most of these were excavated as part of university-sponsored digs in Egypt and Iraq. The Kelsey Museum provides the public a look into just a small portion of these exciting objects, including a mummy coffin and an actual child mummy.
You can browse through the museum at leisure, or if you prefer, check out the ‘Our Favorite Things’ list. Every year or two, the museum asks 10 students what their favorite artifacts are. These are listed and explained on cards available in the museum lobby and offer a fun way to explore the museum collection to find and showcase specific items. The museum also offers family activities such as their Saturday Sampler tours with storytime and scavenger hunts. Families can also check out their Sensory Friendly Kits and Activity Bags, available for anyone who needs one.
4. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
President Ford is the only former American president whose presidential museum and library are in separate locations. You can visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, MI, but the Presidential Library is in Ann Arbor.
The Presidential Library offers a great deal of research opportunity, as it hosts many documents from the Ford presidential era. They also have personal papers of President Ford, Betty Ford and many of the White House staffers. Along with research, there are also several small exhibits and collections of personal items from both Gerald and Betty Ford. One of these includes memorabilia from President Ford’s days playing football for the University of Michigan. You can also view the office where President Ford worked when he was on-site, before his death in 2006.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library is open from weekdays from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
5. Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market
This year-round market brings over 100 local vendors together in one area to provide everything from fresh produce, flowers and baked goods to handmade jewelry and crafts. Whether you’re looking for amazing pies, farm-fresh eggs, or whatever vegetables or fruits are currently in season, you’ll find it all here.
The Farmer’s Market is full of fun things to look at and browse through, and is free to wander. Although if you want to bring a few dollars (or more) to spend, that’s completely up to you. They are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday year-round, and on Wednesdays, May through December. On the first Wednesday of the month in May through October, they host a Food Truck Rally, with food trucks and live music. They also offer hands-on kids and other special events on the first Wednesdays as well.
6. Downtown and Kerrytown Shopping Districts
Downtown Shops
There are three main shopping areas in downtown Ann Arbor, with other stores are sprinkled in between. Even if your budget doesn’t allow much spending money, it’s a lot of fun to window shop and browse. The State Street area is right in the heart of the U of M campus and there you’ll find the M Den, which is your home for anything and everything with a Go Blue or Michigan logo. Book lovers will want to browse through the aisles at the Dawn Treader Used Bookstore. And don’t miss the Michigan Creamery for an ice cream treat!
Across the street from the M Den is Bivouac, which is a unique store containing two sections – one half clothing boutique and the other half outdoor supplies and activewear. What is different here from other retailers is their approach to customer service and the personalized shopping experience they offer. The goal is to match the ‘right’ product to the customer, and they’ll even pre-shop the store to offer a selection of curated products for you to look through when you arrive. Whether you’re outfitting your next vacation or looking for a cute outfit, Bivouac has you covered.
Main Street Shops
Only a short walk down East Liberty Street from State Street is the Main Street area, offering a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options. If you’re a comic book fan, Vault of Midnight is a must to check out. Or if you love art, the WSG Gallery showcases a variety of local artists.
As a bookworm, my favorite in this area is the Literati Bookstore. Each of the three levels has a different vibe and feel. On the top floor are children’s books along with a small coffee shop. Sit and sip while you bury yourself in a new read. On the main level are fiction books, many of which have handwritten reviews by staff, telling you what they loved about the book. The lower level has non-fiction books, but also offers something not found very often nowadays – a public typewriter.
This manual typewriter is there for anyone and everyone to try out. You can leave an anonymous note with your innermost thoughts, or whatever else your fingers desire. Many previously typed notes are displayed and are fun to read. There are plenty of tongue-in-cheek (or not so much) questions like, “where’s the power button?” The typewriter also has its own Instagram account and a published book showcasing messages that customers have left over the years.
Only a block over from Main Street are a couple of vintage boutiques that offer a great variety of clothing, jewelry, home goods and more. Both Muse Atelier and The Red Shoes are a lot of fun to browse.
Kerrytown
A few blocks from downtown Ann Arbor, the Kerrytown Historic Market District showcases specialty shops and eateries. Kids will have a blast looking through Muddpuddles Toys, while knitters and crocheters will be right at home at Spun. 16 Hands offers jewelry, giftware and other items created by local artisans. Sparrow Produce is a small market with fresh produce, nuts, meat, snacks and more. And don’t miss Sweetwaters for your coffee fix – and free wi-fi. Kerrytown is also home to Zingerman’s Deli, an Ann Arbor institution.
I wandered through Kerrytown with my eighteen-year-old, who had a blast checking out the different shops. I thought that Mudpuddles Toys might be a bit young for my adult child. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the variety of games, crafts and specialty toys was a huge hit.
It should be noted that parking in the Kerrytown district is metered, so you will be charged to park during daytime hours on weekdays. Parking is free in these areas after 6 p.m. and on Sundays. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is also located here, so parking is more limited while the market is open on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
7. Ann Arbor Fairy Doors
Fairies live in Ann Arbor! You can see proof by searching out the small fairy doors located around the area. There are seven ‘original’ doors within the downtown area and many more have sprung up in other local areas as well. When you peek through Michigan Theater’s fairy door, you’ll see a small viewing room with screen and chairs. The door at the Red Shoes boutique mimics the stores ‘real’ door, just in miniature. Hunt through downtown and discover as many of these unique Ann Arbor art installations as you can! Many people leave small offerings for the fairies, such as teeny trinkets or candy. There are even a few fairy doors in nearby Ypsilanti and Dexter now as well.
8. University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
The Matthaei Botanical Gardens offers eleven outdoor garden spaces as well as close to three miles of trails, all of which are free to wander and explore. They also have an indoor conservatory and visitor center.
The Nichols Arboretum (nicknamed ‘The Arb’) is located along the Huron River. Here you’ll find their Peony Garden, a visitor center, trails and more. Although entrance to The Arb is free, parking is limited and parking charges may apply, depending when you visit. Check their website for details before you visit.
I was rained out of my attempt to visit Nichols Arboretum, but am looking forward to checking it out soon when I visit Ann Arbor again!
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