If you’re planning a family trip to Ann Arbor, make sure to carve out time to explore the national parks and fun play areas nearby. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to unwind in nature or let the kids blow off steam, these parks provide a perfect complement to your visit.
Buhr Park, a 39-acre park in southeastern Ann Arbor, offers a wide range of recreational amenities for visitors of all ages.
The park features softball diamonds, tennis courts, a playground, an outdoor Gaga Ball pit, rolling open fields, a sledding hill and picnic areas equipped with grills. Buhr Park is also home to the Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena and Pool, offering year-round recreational opportunities. Parking is available near most of the park’s activity areas.
- What families are saying: “Just took a stroll through here with my kiddos yesterday to enjoy the sun. I love that this park has so much fun for the family. There is a small all ages playground, a historic farmhouse and barn with animals for the kids to look at, an ice rink in the winter (for when mine get older), a pool in the summer, a tennis court, softball fields and a soccer field in the summer. Plus they have a seasonally open farmers market. I really am impressed by how this park has grown over the years. It’s our go to outing to get out of the house.” – Jjessyy
Universal Access Playground, located within Gallup Park, offers an accessible and inclusive environment where children of all ages and abilities can play together.
The playground features activities designed to enhance skills such as coordination, balance and strength, while also providing positive sensory experiences.
The design centers around a fairy-tale theme and is divided into three distinct areas, each representing a different natural environment found in the region. The play areas are connected by a combination of accessible sidewalks, gently sloping topography, and ramps, ensuring that everyone can easily access and enjoy all parts of the playground.
- What families are saying: “This is a place for couples, families, or if you jog by yourself. There are a series of parking lots that start just off the main road (and before the wooden bridge) and extend all along the river to the end, where the new playground is. In the summer it will be difficult finding parking in the more proximal spots because of the amount of people that park just to tube or canoe down the river. The new playground is just awesome…” – bielinki
Bird Hills Nature Area, spanning 146 acres, is the largest natural area within the city and offers a peaceful retreat for hikers with a network of trails that invites visitors to explore its hilly woods and diverse ecosystems. The unpaved trails move through hills and ravines, with towering trees such as beech, sugar maple, flowering dogwood, oaks and hickory. In the spring, colorful wildflowers bloom along the trails.
As an undeveloped natural space, no facilities are available here.
- What families are saying: “Love coming to this park for a nice stroll, run, or long hike. There are many interconnected trails and bridges that give you an awesome variety of different types of terrains and environments to enjoy. Would recommend.” – Nabeel Kasim
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
For nature-loving families, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, also known as “The Arb,” offers over 120 acres of blooming landscapes to explore.
With trails winding through woodlands, meadows and along the Huron River, it’s an ideal spot for a family hike or picnic. The Arb also features natural play areas where younger children can engage with nature and let their curiosity run wild.
- What families are saying: “Went for a walk with my family near the river. Later took my nephew to the gardens (very kid friendly) with a kids section showing them how to plant tomatoes, etc. Also got to walk through the Japanese mini tree/flower section, which was spectacular. Would definitely recommend.” – rk210000
Argo Park & Nature Area, located on the east side of the Huron River, spans 22 acres and offers a mix of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. This park features a network of trails and paths that connect to other riverfront parks, and is home to the Argo Canoe Livery. The Canoe Livery is a popular spot, drawing visitors who want to rent canoes, kayaks or rafts to paddle down the Huron River. It operates from May to October.
For a leisurely walk, the Argo Pond Walk is a 2.2-mile loop around Argo Pond, which lies between Argo Park and Bandemer Park. This trail connects both parks and offers views of the river and surrounding nature. The Border-to-Border Trail runs through Bandemer Park, crosses the Argo Dam, and provides a connection to other parks along the river, including Riverside, Fuller and Gallup Parks. Thanks to the Allen Creek Berm Tunnel, the B2B Trail also links Argo Park to Wheeler Park and downtown Ann Arbor.
- What families are saying: “Great little hidden gem, Ann Arbor did a great job. Very clean! Safe to swim, float and play.” – Scott Greene
Be sure to check out our full City Guide to Ann Arbor and get details for:
- A Family-Friendly Guide to Visiting Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Must-see family-friendly attractions on the University of Michigan campus
- Top family-friendly attractions in Ann Arbor
Content sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.
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