Ann Arbor has a variety of outdoor activities for all ages, abilities and interests. Here are five places you can go to enjoy the outdoors in Tree Town.
Argo & Gallup Parks
Ann Arbor has two canoe liveries located on the beautiful Huron River. Each livery offers different river trip and boat rental options; including boats, paddles, life jackets, van shuttles, river orientation and much more. Argo Livery opens May 3 weekends only from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Gallup Livery is open 7 days/week beginning April 19. Starting May 24 Argo will be open weekends 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. These two parks offer a river experience for everyone from first timers to professionals. Visit www.a2gov.org/Parks for more information.
Leslie Science and Nature Center
Situated on 50 acres of fields, woods, prairies, and ponds the Leslie Science and Nature Center has both indoor and outdoor activities. Most well-known for its live birds of prey in outdoor enclosures, it also has animals in the Critter House. This is a wonderful place to explore and get a close-up look at plants, flowers, trees, and birds in their natural habitat. There are programs for people of all ages, nature-themed birthday parties, weekend and special events, and nature day camps during the summer and school breaks. It is free and open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset. Visit www.lesliesnc.org for more information.
Fuller Park Outdoor Pool & Waterslide
Open daily May 24 through Labor Day, the Fuller Pool has something for everyone to enjoy. It includes a waterslide; 7-lane, 50 meter lap pool; shallow area w/ramp access; 12’ deep diving well and plenty of open space and lounge chairs to relax. The pool offers wonderful activities including public swim, lap swim, log rolling classes, water aerobics, tot splashes, summer splash days, and swim classes. Located just minutes from downtown Ann Arbor and the North campus of the University of Michigan, Fuller Pool is directly across the street from the university hospitals. Visit www.a2gov.org/Parks for more information.
Ann Arbor Farmers Market
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is located in the historic Kerrytown neighborhood of Ann Arbor. With over 160 vendors, shoppers can find a wide assortment of local produce, artisans, and prepared food vendors. In operation for more than 90 years, the Wednesday and Saturday market takes pride in reaching customers both during the week and on the weekend, as well as during day and in the evening. Visit www.a2gov.org/Parks for more information.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are two garden properties in different locations operating as one unit within the University of Michigan.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens provide a hands-on community for conserving, restoring, and celebrating the environment. You’ll find the conservatory; gift shop; classroom and meeting spaces; display gardens such as the Gaffield Children’s Garden, Bonsai & Penjing Garden, Great Lakes Gardens, and others; and many trails and natural areas. The Botanical Gardens are free and open 7 days a week.
Nichols Arboretum has extensive collections of native and exotic trees and shrubs. As you explore you’ll find one of the richest landscapes in the region. The Arborteum is a haven for students, hospital staff, and visitors year-round. It’s also home to the Peony Garden and several collections of historic or native plants such as the Julie Norris Post Collection of Ericaceous and Appalachian Plants, Centennial Shrub Collection, prairie, and others. The Arb is free and open 7 days a week sunrise to sunset.
Visit http://www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg for more information.
Photo Credit: City of Ann Arbor
What outdoor activities do you like to do in Ann Arbor? Please leave us a comment below to add to this list.
This beautiful house features an open floor plan, large living room with brick fireplace and updated bathrooms.
This move-in ready home backs to Esch Park, which has a playground and baseball diamond.
