A trip to Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor is the perfect way to enjoy a family day surrounded by nature, vibrant plants and fresh air. With free admission for all ages, it’s an affordable option for family fun that everyone can enjoy.
Explore tropical rainforests, arid deserts and more biomes housed in a glass-roof conservatory. The botanical garden — which is owned and operated by the University of Michigan — also boasts 10 beautifully manicured outdoor gardens, nearly three miles of nature trails and a hands-on play garden for children.
Quick details about Matthaei Botanical Gardens
- Address: 1800 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor
- Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Metered parking is $2.20 an hour, with a $6 maximum charge.
One of our favorite things to do with kids at the Matthaei Botanic Gardens is to play in the Gaffield Children’s Garden. Designed just for littles, the outdoor space is filled with opportunities for hands-on fun. Kids can build fairy and troll gardens, read nature and gardening books, play by the pond and much more while enjoying themselves in the outdoors.
The children’s garden is just one of the many highlights for families. Here are more of our favorite activities to enjoy at Matthaei Botanic Gardens.
Things to do at Matthaei Botanical Gardens with kids
- Stop and smell the flowers at 10 outdoor gardens.
- Walk nearly three miles of nature trails. There are four routes that wind through wetlands, prairie and tree-lined scenery. Kids will love the multisensory nature experiences on the Sue Reichert Discovery Trail.
- Explore tropical, temperate and arid biomes at the indoor conservatory.
- Learn about the care and appreciation of bonsai trees in the walled Bonsai Garden. Bonsai are also displayed year-round in the conservatory.
Tips for visiting with kids
- Before your visit, check out the What’s in Bloom? page to discover which plants will be blooming during your visit.
- Plan your visit around a fun event, like the upcoming Gaffield Children’s Garden Celebration. Check their event calendar to find more family programming.
- Get your child excited for a trip to the botanical garden with Matthaei’s at-home nature activities for kids. Some of these activities, like Spring Nature Trail Bingo and the Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt, can be played at home and on the trails of the botanical gardens.
- Leave the family pet at home; dogs are not permitted on the nature trails.
Other things to do nearby
- For more botanical adventures, visit the Nichols Arboretum, also operated by the University of Michigan.
- Keep playing all day at one of these exciting indoor play places in Ann Arbor.
- Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to one of these yummy kid-friendly restaurants in Ann Arbor.
- Looking for more places to eat, shop and explore? Check out our Ann Arbor Family Guide.
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