Though the school year has begun, many local parents still have little ones at home, just waiting to be entertained. While local parks and libraries are great go-to activities for everyday fun, sometimes it is nice to explore something new. It can be especially exciting to experience something for the first time through your toddler’s eyes.
Take a field trip to one of the Ann Arbor area’s many exciting attractions for kids. These offer educational and entertaining fun in several areas of interest, including science, art, nature and more.
Barn Sanctuary
20179 McKernan Dr., Chelsea
734-270-6845
Field trips at Barn Sanctuary give students in grades K–8 a unique opportunity to meet rescued farm animals up close, explore the sanctuary grounds and buildings, and learn about rescue, compassion, and what it means to provide animals with a safe, caring home.
Located in Chelsea, Michigan, Barn Sanctuary is home to 140+ rescued animals across nine species, including cows, pigs, donkeys, chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, goats, and potbellied pigs. Every resident has a name and a story to tell. Students will meet gentle rescued cows, watch playful goats, see pigs enjoying the sunshine, and discover what makes each species special.
A field trip to Barn Sanctuary is more than a fun day outdoors—it’s an engaging, hands-on learning experience that encourages curiosity, kindness, and compassion. Students can ask questions, connect with animals, and hear the stories of residents who now have a safe place to call home.
Bring your class for a memorable day filled with curious snouts, wagging tails, and plenty of new animal friends. Every visit supports Barn Sanctuary’s mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care for animals in need.
Email [email protected] for more info.
Domino’s Farms Petting Farm
3001 Earhart Rd., Ann Arbor
(734) 998-0182
Located at 3001 Earhart Road in Ann Arbor, Domino’s Farms Petting Farm offers a hands-on, educational experience where children and families can connect with animals and enjoy the outdoors. The farm is home to cows, horses, pigs, llamas, alpacas, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks, peacocks, bees and more.
Visitors can feed and interact with the animals, explore a playhouse and playground, climb aboard a 1923 Conrail caboose, see an interactive model milking cow and observe a working beehive. Seasonal hayrides and a bunny interaction area add to the fun. Educational signage and QR codes with animal facts make a visit both entertaining and informative.
Field trips are available, giving school groups the opportunity to learn about farm animals through hands-on experiences in an engaging outdoor setting. The farm also offers seasonal activities throughout the year.
Fall is an especially fun time to visit. This year they are introducing Autumn Days, featuring special entertainment each week, food trucks, activities, and crafts. Other seasonal events make the farm a destination worth returning to throughout the year.
Check out out video here!
For current hours, field trip information, events and weather-related updates, visit www.pettingfarm.com.
Please vote for us in the AAF Family Favorites contest for “Animal Encounters” in Places & Spaces. Vote here: Ann Arbor Family Favorites 2026 – Ann Arbor Family.
220 E Ann St, Ann Arbor
(734) 995-5439
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum boasts four floors and over 250 exhibits for all ages to get a full STEaM experience.
University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA)
525 S State St, Ann Arbor
(734) 764-0395
For any art lovers, The UMMA offers a variety of thought-provoking showcases.
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
1109 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor
(734) 763-3312
Exhibits from dinosaurs, a planetarium and STEM demonstrations are sure to entertain and teach all ages who would like to learn about the hard work put in by the University of Michigan’s own scientists.
Leslie Science and Nature Center
1831 Traver Road Ann Arbor
734-997-1553
The Leslie Science and Nature Center offers a variety of events throughout the summer months. Check out their calendar of events to see what fun awaits!
The Creature Conservancy
4950 Ann Arbor Saline Road
(734) 929-9324
Get a chance to see some exotic animals at the Creature Conservancy!
The Michigan Firehouse Museum
110 W Cross St, Ypsilanti
(734) 547-0663
This activity will bring you a blast from the past with an old 1898 firehouse remodeled into a museum with 25 ever-changing exhibits.
Detroit Zoo
8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak
(248) 541-5717
The Detroit Zoo is home to 125 acres of expansive habitats that house more than 2,000 animals of 233 species in the heart of Metro Detroit.
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
(419) 385-5721
The zoo is ~1hour drive from the Ann Arbor area and provides an opportunity to interact with over 10,000 animals!
