Leslie Science and Nature Center in Ann Arbor

This 50-acre preserve offers everything from hiking trails and a sensory trail to fun programs for the whole family.

Free for Everyone to Enjoy
The best part? It won’t cost you a dime to visit the main attractions.
All trails and grounds are completely free, along with the innovative Nature Playscape and the fascinating Raptor Loop. Even the Critter House is free to enter, though they do appreciate a suggested donation of $5 per person or $20 per family to help care for the animals.

Nature Playscape
Forget typical slides and swings! This innovative outdoor play space features a hill with boulders and logs for climbing, tunnels perfect for hide-and-seek adventures, and stainless steel slides that are especially great for visitors with cochlear implants. Kids love the “Messy & Loose Parts” area where they can build forts and structures with natural materials. During warmer months, check out the seasonal Waterplay zone where you can create streams, waterfalls, and dams using hand-powered pumps (closed November-Spring).

Wildlife Up Close
Raptor Loop
Walk the loop to see magnificent birds of prey in naturalistic enclosures. You’ll encounter various species of owls, hawks, falcons, and even bald eagles. All these majestic residents are non-releasable due to injuries and serve as powerful wildlife ambassadors, giving visitors a rare chance to observe these creatures up close.

Critter House
Open Sundays from 12-3pm, this indoor space lets you meet Michigan’s native wildlife. Get acquainted with frogs and other amphibians, turtles and reptiles, fascinating small mammals, and snakes of various species. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer questions and sometimes offer special handling demonstrations.

Trails and Natural Areas
Here’s the scoop: You can explore the outdoors with fields, woods, and prairie, all right in the heart of the city. The trail system includes Black Pond Woods nature trails, a sensory trail designed for all abilities, and plenty of opportunities to spot seasonal wildflowers and wildlife. The changing seasons bring new discoveries, from spring ephemerals to summer birdsong to autumn colors and winter animal tracks.

Is doesn’t matter if you’re into hiking, learning about wildlife, or just looking for a laid-back outing, Leslie Science & Nature Center is a great spot for all ages. The whole place is wheelchair accessible, so it’s easy for everyone to enjoy.

When: Grounds and trails open daily, dawn to dusk