5 Super Fun Family Places to Visit in Ann Arbor, Michigan!

Ann Arbor, Michigan, is perhaps best known for being home to the legendary University of Michigan, home to 30 independent bookstores, and an office of a little ole online company you may have heard of: Google.

But Ann Arbor is so much more!  Thanks to an overflow of creative businesses, Ann Arbor is a super fun vacation spot for families on the go.

You can eat.  LOTS!  And shop ‘til you drop.  Or take a class to decorate a cake that others will say is too pretty to eat. (Sadly, I’ve yet to attain that goal.)

You can visit the Yankee Air Museum in nearby Ypsilanti, the Chelsea Teddy Bear Factory in nearby Chelsea, or nibble yummies as you stroll the tables, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.

And dads, if you pack your clubs, while mom and the kids are making new friends at Domino’s Petting Farm or searching for fairy doors (see below), you can get your golf on at one of Ann Arbor’s numerous golf courses!

C’mon. Let’s get your fun on.  Here are five Super Fun Family Places to Visit in Ann Arbor, Michigan!

1.  Ann Arbor Hands On Museum

The place “Where families and science mix,” features 250 interactive exhibits. You can feel the brain cells start firing the minute you enter. If your kid’s a sponge, this is a great place to let them soak up – especially during the down summer months. Tip: from June 23 to August 25, admission is only $5, if you go in the evening hours of 5-8 p.m.

2.  Planet Rock

One of the world’s largest indoor rock climbing gyms, with five stories of climbing fun (or terror, if heights make you go green, like me!). Still, even climbing 25 feet in the air will make you feel like a winner. Think of it this way: your only competition is yourself. Tips from Planet Rock on being a first-time climber.

3.  Hollander’s School of Book and Paper Arts

What a yummy, yummy store! So many luscious decorative papers to salivate over. If you have the time, definitely take one of the scheduled bookmaking classes. I learned to make a simple little book that I’m darned proud of! Tip: Hollander’s also offers cooking classes in its new upstairs kitchen store!

4.  Zingerman’s Deli

A visit to Ann Arbor just isn’t complete without munching in this world-famous landmark that opened in 1982. The vibe is funky, the employees cool. (And just so you know, one of the owners, Ari Weinzweig, calls himself a “lapsed anarchist.” Ask him about that.) As Zingerman’s makes its own bread, chocolate bars, “magic brownies,” and other goodies, it’s the kind of corner deli you wish you had in your hometown neighborhood! Don’t miss the yummy deli sandwiches. And buy at least two Reuben #2 T-shirts (send me one!), ‘cuz Zingerman’s graphics are just too fun.  Tip: Zingerman’s Deli is open daily, 7am to 10 pm. And sampling is encouraged!

5.  Cake Nouveau

Adorable owner Courtney Clark has participated in numerous Food Network cake challenges. And why not? She’s one of the most gifted cake decorators on the planet. Though incredibly busy in her equally adorable shop, Courtney still loves to teach others her skills. Best bet: Plan your visit around one of her classes – or schedule a private one for your family!

Let’s see, was that everything?  Oh, right, I promised you fairy doors!

Ann Arbor claims an abundance, which just goes to show what a magical place it is. Here’s a fairy door map to get you started. Two of my favorites: the teal doorway in the Ann Arbor Library (look for it, of course, in the Folklore and Fairytales section), and the tiny red door outside the Red Shoes shop. Tip: Just don’t try knocking. Fairies don’t answer to us pesky humans!

Get your fun on in Ann Arbor! I’m jealous if you get there before I do!

July 14th, 2011 | by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt 2 comments