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Are you going to be near Ann Arbor and have a dino-obsessed kid (or you’re the dino fan)? If so, you’ve got to check out the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. It’s home to the largest collection of dinosaurs in Michigan, and the best part? It’s free!
Tour the exhibits, learn about history and then blast off into the cosmos with a visit to the planetarium—it’s an epic mix of dinosaurs, below the sea and outer space all in one day.
While you’re in Ann Arbor, be sure you make time for a stop at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, for colorful, interactive exhibits that beg to be touched, pushed, splashed and explored.
So, grab the family and get ready for an adventure!
Located on the first floor of the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, the Exploring Michigan exhibit shows all different wildlife, geological formations and life sized habitats.
Kids of all ages can dive in with hands-on activities that make learning about Michigan’s natural world fun.
If dinosaurs are the big draw, you may want to head right to the second floor.
You will feel like you went back in time and even get to see one of the oldest rocks on earth.
It’s a total wow moment as you walk past all of the huge skeletons—mastodons, whales and dinosaurs galore.
While you’re on the second floor, see science come to life in the Under the Microscope exhibit.
Zoom in on the tiny world of cells through cool displays and interactive exhibits that show how everything works together.
Step back in time in the Prehistoric Whales exhibit, where enormous skeletons tell the story of these gigantic creatures that may have once roamed on land.
Then head to the atrium to meet the star of the show—a jaw-dropping, 45-foot-long Basilosaurus!
While you’re there, don’t miss the other ancient giants waiting to greet you, including mastodons and a soaring pterosaur.
When you visit, make sure to head up to the top floor for an out-of-this-world experience at the Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Three exciting shows run Friday – Sunday:
Tickets are available the day of the show, children 2 & under are free.
The museum is home to two active research labs—the Fossil Prep Lab and the Biodiversity Lab—where real science happens right before your eyes.
Watch researchers clean and study fossils, examine different species and uncover new discoveries about life on Earth.
It’s a cool way to see science at work!
The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM, from September – May and everyday, 10 AM – 5 PM, from June – August.
Park at the Palmer Parking Structure on Palmer Drive. There is a fee to park Monday – Saturday, 7 AM – 9 PM. Parking is free on Sundays.
Yes. Throughout the year, the museum has other exhibits that will be available for a short time. Be sure to check out the newest exhibits on your next trip!
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Biological Sciences Building
1105 North University Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
September – May
Mondays: Closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 – 4 PM
June – August
Everyday: 10 – 5 PM
Free
From towering dinosaurs to deep-sea discoveries and journeys through outer space, the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History turns curiosity into an unforgettable adventure.
Pair it with hands-on fun nearby, and you’ve got the perfect Ann Arbor outing for families ready to explore, learn and make memories together—all without breaking the budget.
Writer. Traveler. Mom of 2. Danielle loves to visit and write about fun experiences in and around Michigan.
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