Fun in Ann Arbor! Where to Go & What’s Good in 2025
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It’s Playtime in Ann Arbor
Hey Michigan, yeah, it’s that time of year!
If the usual cold-weather routine isn’t cutting it and you’re searching for a change of scenery, Ann Arbor’s got options. From getting close to animals to sledding hills to trails that aren’t a muddy mess, let’s get into the outdoor stops – and Metro Parks – worth bundling up for.
where to go in Ann Arbor
Fresh Air and Wildlife at Leslie Science & Nature Center
If you’re itching to swap screen time for green time, this 50-acre nature wonderland tucked on the north side of Ann Arbor is a sure bet.
Walk right up to the owls, hawks, and even bald eagles that are housed outdoors. And, if you time it right, stop by the Critter House—it’s filled with frogs, turtles, snakes, and small mammals. It’s open Sundays from 12-3 PM.
While you’re there, take advantage of the sensory hiking trail.
And if you’ve got kids with you, there’s a sweet Nature Playscape complete with hill with boulders and logs for climbing, tunnels for hide-and-seek, and plenty of picnic spots to make a day of it. Plus, they host cool community events like “Animal Haunts,” where you can hike, see animals, and do some fun seasonal crafts.
See Snakes and Gators at Creature Conservatory
We made a stop on our way to Saline, and wow, are we glad we did! This place is an amazing hands-on petting and learning zoo.
There were live demos happening all day, and we got to pet a possum, a turtle, and even see a kangaroo up close. The animal demos rotate every month, so there’s always something new to check out. But let me tell you, the sloths stole the show for me. They were climbing all over the ceiling, which was seriously the coolest thing. I don’t think I have ever seen a sloth so this checked a bucket list item for me!
Spring and summer will be perfect for a Creature Conservancy visit too, with large outdoor enclosures to explore.
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from noon – 5:00 PM.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a must-visit spot in Ann Arbor, especially in the winter. Inside the conservatory, you’ll find a tropical house, temperate house, and arid house, offering a peaceful, warm escape from the cold. It’s so calm and relaxing—there are even portable stools to grab so you can sit, read, and enjoy the plants.
Outdoors, the trails are perfect for a winter stroll, and the children’s garden and campus farm add even more to explore. In the summer, visit the bonsai collection, where you can admire these miniature masterpieces that showcase the art of pruning and shaping.
Admission is free, though you’ll need to pay for parking.
Stop by the Famous Zingerman’s Deli
At some point, you’re going to need to thaw out and refuel. When that time comes, Zingerman’s Delicatessen is worth the stop.
This Ann Arbor icon draws people from all over for its ridiculously stacked sandwiches—over 50 to choose from. Ordering happens at kiosks. The prices lean high, but these things are huge. Their Reuben is the headliner, but everything is made fresh, with high-quality ingredients.
Beyond sandwiches, there’s a full market where you can grab meats, cheeses, and fresh-baked bread.
If you’re looking for a place to sit down, the upstairs seating area has plenty of space.
Bonus: Unlike summer, when the lines are out the door, winter gives you a fighting chance at getting in without such a long wait.
Barton Viewing Area
Head to Barton Viewing Area if you want a peaceful spot to hang out by the water. This park right along the Huron River is built around a cool old dam from 1912 that’s still working. You can walk right out on this pedestrian bridge over the dam and get a neat view of the water rushing below – just watch your step in winter when things get icy.
In warmer weather, if you’re into kayaking or canoeing, you can rent boats here and put in above or below the dam. Plus, there is a nature playground and several walking trails if you feel like exploring on foot.
The park is easy to find – just head to 1010 W. Huron River Drive. There’s plenty of parking and it’s open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily.
Rolling Hills County Park
This Washtenaw County park has a sledding hill, cross-country ski trails, and a warm lodge to thaw out in. It’s one of the few places around that rents out cross-country skis. So if you don’t have your own gear, this is where to go.
Sledding & Tubing
The sledding hill is a beast – 275 feet of pure speed. And they actually thought this through: there’s a paved path next to it, so you’re not playing dodge-em with people trudging back up the slope.
Bring your own sled or rent their tubes for $10 an hour.
Parents, they’ve got you in mind too – picnic tables at the top let you watch (or drink coffee in peace).
Cross-Country Skiing
For the ski crowd, three miles of groomed trails wind through the park. They even light sections after dark, which makes for a pretty cool evening ski experience you won’t find at many other nearby places.
Don’t own skis? Rentals are $10 an hour.
Warm up in the Lodge
The lodge itself is a heated indoor space where you can sit and watch the sledding hill. It has vending machines, bathrooms, and a fireplace to get you toasty warm.
It’s $6 to park, but honestly, for a full day out, it’s worth it.
Pro tip: visit on a weekday morning if you can – you might have the trails almost to yourself.
💰 $6 parking
📍7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti Township, MI 48197
Chelsea: Small Town, Big Energy
Just a short drive from Ann Arbor, Chelsea has the mix of winter nature and small-town charm that makes for a solid day trip.
Here’s what you’ll find when you visit:
Waterloo Recreation Area – Michigan’s Largest State Park
- Massive park, endless trails. Bring your own cross-country skis or snowshoes—there’s no rental, but the space is worth it.
- 20 miles of horseback riding trails, plus ice fishing and snowmobiling as weather permits.
- Mill Lake Observation Deck has free telescopes. You can look through the telescopes for free on the Mill Lake Observation Deck to zoom in on the trees and lake. We had fun searching for animals and birds. It was also cool to see people ice fishing on the lake from super far away.
- Discovery Center is currently closed for renovations, but the trails around it are still great for exploring.
📍16345 McClure Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118
🔗 Website
Downtown Chelsea
Downtown Chelsea itself is tiny but packs a punch. A couple blocks hold some genuinely good food spots – Smokehouse 52 BBQ’s Main Street Mac ranks among Michigan’s best, and their smoked meats warm you right up after a cold morning outdoors.
Chelsea Outfitters sits right downtown if you need gear or local trail advice.
Kids will dig Timbertown (Sibley Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118) – this massive wooden play structure is built to look like Chelsea landmarks.
The Chelsea Sculpture Walk adds an artsy twist – 15 sculptures scattered around downtown that rotate yearly.
Keep an eye out for “Chasing Fireflies” by Justin La Doux – it’s this cool little robot statue that’s become a local favorite.
Border-to-Border Trail – No Muddy Mess Here
Here’s something most people don’t realize – the Border-to-Border Trail (B2B) stays plowed all winter and will keep your feet dry when the snow melts. While most trails turn into an icy mess from December through March, this 35-mile paved path remains usable year-round.
It’s wide enough (10 feet) to handle walkers, runners, and strollers, plus it links three metro parks: Hudson Mills, Mill Creek, and Dexter-Huron.
With nine trailheads, you can easily pick a section and explore without dealing with slush-covered sidewalks. The section near Gallup Park offers some particularly nice river views, and you’ll often spot winter wildlife along the way.
Plan the Perfect Day in Ann Arbor: Winter Edition
Want to piece together a great plan for a fun winter day? Here’s a route that works and it’s all close enough that you can mix and match based on your mood or the weather:
- Morning: Start with coffee in Ann Arbor at one of the cozy downtown cafes
- Late Morning: Head to Rolling Hills for sledding and skiing
- Lunch: Grab something to eat at Salt Springs Brewery in Saline (they nail comfort food, especially their beer cheese soup)
- Afternoon: Catch some Huron River views at Barton Viewing Area
- Next: Swing by the Matthaei Botanical Gardens
- Evening: Cap off your day with ice skating at Buhr Park before heading back to Ann Arbor for dinner
