Situated on the University of Michigan’s central campus, Nichols Arboretum is a stunning scenic greenspace spread over 123 acres with 3.5 miles of picturesque trails, gardens and sprawling grassy fields.
For the second year in a row, University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA), will host a unique event for children of all ages: Big Play Day. This year’s event sponsor is Destination Ann Arbor.
Big Play Day offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for children to explore the environment and engage in active play within nature. Designed to be a self-guided experience, the goal is to inspire nature-based play and outdoor exploration. Participants can meet new friends, discover fresh ways to move, build and imagine outdoors. Big Play Day was launched last year with the vision of celebrating nature, community and play.
Karen Sprague, marketing and communications manager at MBGNA hopes that “participants leave [the event] with a renewed sense of play.”
Big Play Day will take place on Saturday June 21st, 2025 from 10am-2pm.
RELATED: The First ‘Big Play Day’ at the Arb June 23rd
Nature-based activities
Nature-based activities offered range from wonder walks and nature art to community drumming and wildlife exploration:
- Wonder Walks: Guided strolls through the arboretum and gardens hosted by staff of MBGNA.
- Nature art: Learn new art techniques using natural supplies
- Nature play pop-ups: Nature-playgrounds where kids can engage in active play and climbing.
- Go wild!: Opportunities to learn about wildlife.
- Community drumming: Chance to try guided high-energy community drumming
- Camping-themed activities: Chance to learn about camping, tent demos and other outdoor activities.
- Community games: Jenga and other oversized classic games will be available
- Community sculpture: WholeMind Design will offer the chance to build a sculpture with natural loose parts.
- Nature mark-making play: Crafts and other hands-on activities at Towsley Childcare Center’s Forest Classroom in the Arb.
- Bird nest weaving: Learn more about how birds build nests and weave a robin’s nest.
- Adventure leadership: Parachute Games will offer children the chance to join in group play with a big colorful parachute.
- Nature play: Mary A Rackham Institute will present activities that combine nature play and well-being.
Sprague also shared that the “activities are designed to be engaging for a wide range of ages and abilities,” and that they are self-paced to allow for participants to engage at their own pace.
Weather policy
Weather Policy: Per the event website, Big Play Day will occur rain or shine, with the following exceptions:
- Presence of thunder, lightning or a tornado
- Air quality alert with a high-risk level
- Extremely heavy rain downpours that prevents setup and safe walking conditions
- Extreme heat
See the event page for updates.
Nichols Arboretum is located at 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. There is a free shuttle available that will pick up at 1900 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI and drop off at the entrance to Nichols Arboretum. There will also be limited on-site street parking.
For more information, contact MBGNA at 734-647-7600 or visit the event website at myumi.ch/egA7w.
