If you are looking for fun activities in the Ann Arbor area that the whole family can enjoy this winter, we showcase a group of places in Washtenaw County that offer a variety of different and exciting pastimes that will appeal to both young and old alike.
Whether you want to bundle up from the cold and stay inside, or venture out into the great outdoors, we have got you covered with fun adventures right at your doorstep.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
The Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum is an indoor museum specifically designed for kids to explore elements of the natural world in a safe place. They hold several exhibits throughout the year, as well as regular events that both adults and children can attend. One such event is called “Critters Up Close” and features different types of animals each month brought in from the Ann Arbor Leslie Science and Nature Center. Kids can learn and listen to the science center guides discuss each of the animals and the audience then has the chance to pet them as well. This particular event occurs on the last Saturday of each month. The next one will be held on February 22 from 12-3pm. Members can attend the museum for free, as well as babies aged 0-23 months. Adults and children are required to pay a $16 fee for admission.
Matthei Botanical Gardens
The Matthei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor is owned and operated by the University of Michigan. It features an indoor conservatory garden, several outdoor gardens as well as biking, running and walking trails. One of these is designed for children and is called the Gaffield Children’s Garden. This outdoor space has a multitude of different flora and fauna, as well as carefully curated outdoor stations with different objects, like branches, twigs, magnifying glasses and shovels amongst other things. Kids are also able to take these objects and use them to explore the space around them further. There is also maze that can be travelled through and a sand play area with other toys available for exploration. Admission is free.
Ice Carving Festival
This free event hosted by the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission will be held at the County Farm Park at 2230 Platt Road in Ann Arbor on February 22 from 12-4pm. The festival showcases various local artists that will be carving sculptures out of blocks of ice throughout the day. There will be local craft vendors in attendance, petting farms for kids, warming stations, as well as food trucks. It is free to attend, but all guests are required to pay for any food and drinks purchased. Some of the restaurants that will be on site include Detroit’s Mini Donuts and Little Caesar’s Pizza.
Emagine Kids Winter Movie Series
Emagine movie theatres is hosting a winter festival of movies, including older family favorites like “Babe in the City” and “Beethoven.” Starting on January 31 and concluding on March 7, kids can attend screenings with parents, siblings and caregivers for $3 each. If you would like to purchase popcorn or soda products, these will be at an additional price.
For a movie schedule and locations near you, please visit emagine-entertainment.com/winter-kids-series
Buhr Pool and Outdoor Ice Arena
The Buhr Pool and Ice-Skating Rink is managed by the city of Ann Arbor and is located on Packard Road. For skating entrance ticket prices range from $5-6. Children under the age of 3 can attend for free. Ice skates can be rented at a price of $3 per pair. The rink offers an open skating and drop-in skating time during the winter season, as well as a drop-in hockey schedule for those who want to participate and practice in a real hockey game. They also offer themed skating nights on Friday nights, with a Rock of Ages theme scheduled for February 21 and an Oscars Night theme on February 28. The arena will close for the season on March 23.
