Ann Arbor is for All Ages

Bring the kids, invite the grandparents, and spend a weekend in Ann Arbor! Come for the interactive museums, dine at family-friendly restaurants, take a break for fresh air on outdoor trails, and visit local shops filled with gifts and sweet treats to take home.   

The Ann Arbor area invites all ages and abilities to explore the city’s accessible downtown. As a Wheel the World verified destination, Ann Arbor makes it easier to plan a visit with everyone in mind. Discover attractions, activities, and restaurants you’ll want to visit together. 

→ Plan your multigenerational trip to Ann Arbor

Museum Discovery

Start at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, loved by little ones and will bring out your inner child at heart. Expect more of an experience than a traditional museum. At the Leslie Science & Nature Center, animal lovers will enjoy wandering the outdoor trails and visiting the Critter House. The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History displays two mastodons, along with prehistoric fossils and rare skeletons.

Shopping in Kerrytown

The Kerrytown Market and Shops is an ideal shopping destination for every generation. Add Mudpuddles Toy Store to the must-visit list for the little ones, found for creative gifts, or Malofta Vintage for the mid-century modern enthusiasts. Visit on Saturday mornings for the fresh farmer’s market. While you’re here, play the Kerrytown Chime, a hidden gem within the market where visitors can create music together.

Across the street, Catching Fireflies is the place to stock up on fairy garden supplies, whimsical gifts, and small keepsakes. You’re also near the famous Zingerman’s Deli, serving sandwiches so big, you’ll probably want to split them. Stop here for lunch, then head to Zingerman’s Next Door Café for a coffee or a sweet treat, like their signature chocolate delicacies. 

→ Browse the 2026  Ann Arbor Area Holiday Gift Guide

Nature Breaks 

Bundle up and take a scenic stroll along the Huron River on the Border to Border Trail, passing through charming downtowns in Dexter, Ann Arbor, and Ypsilanti. Explore the miles-long pathway by biking, walking, rollerblading, or using a wheelchair. Nearby, Gallup Park makes a picture-perfect sidewalk stroll, while Furstenberg Nature Area is home to woodsy trails.

Local Food Favorites

When the group is hungry, Union Rec is a great spot for fusion food and a cozy ambience. Warm up by the fire and order from their unique menu mixing tacos with Texas swagger. Sam Hill is another top choice and family favorite, offering casual American comfort food and a kids’ menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner.  

Try the traditional Ethiopian feast, served family-style at Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant. Everyone is encouraged to eat with their hands from a shared platter, making this dinner an experience to remember. 

With so many ways to spend time together, make Ann Arbor your next getaway. 

Plan your visit at AnnArbor.org.