Around Ann Arbor:
Favorite Family Fieldtrips

Ann Arbor abounds with concerts, programs, art, sports opportunities, and more for children. The following are family-friendly places highly recommended by library patrons.

Ann Arbor Art Association

117 W. Liberty AA 48104. Phone: 994-8004
Offers art opportunities for preschool and up. Fee.

Ann Arbor City Parks.

Phone: 769-9140 or 994-2780
Some favorites:

Allmendinger Park

At Pauline and Hutchins in S.W. Ann Arbor, a nice neighborhood park.

Gallup Park

Along the Huron River, with room for bicycling, skating, boating, and duck feeding

Ann Arbor District Library.

Ann Arbor's public library, in our opinion the best place in town! Offers storytimes, special programs, books, music, videos, and more. Programs are free.

Main Youth Department

343 S. Fifth Ave. AA 48104. Phone: 327-8301.

Nellie S. Loving Branch

3042 Creek Drive AA. Phone: 994-2353.

Northeast Branch

2713 Plymouth Rd. AA. Phone: 996-3180.

West Branch

Westgate Shopping Center. Phone: 994-1674.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.

219 E. Huron AA 48104. Phone: 995-5437.
Wonderful introductions to scientific principles; lots of special activities. Fee.

Ann Arbor Public Schools Community Education & Rec Dept.

2765 Boardwalk, AA 48104. Phone: 994-2300.
Sports, arts, and more. Fee.

Ann Arbor "Y".

350 S. Fifth Ave., AA 48104. Phone: 663-0536.
Activities for the entire family. Fee.

Briarwood Mall.

Corner of State Road and Eisenhower
Room to roam and run with a large fountain and seasonal displays. Stroller-friendly.

Cobblestone Farm and Museum.

2781 Packard Rd. AA 48108. Phone: 971-8789.
Year-round exhibits; special events. Fee.

Farmers Market.

Kerrytown, 315 Detroit Street, AA. Phone:761-1078
Open every Wednesday, May to December and Saturdays throughout the year. Admire it first, then treat yourself to fruit, vegetables, flowers, food.

Leslie Science Center.

1831 Traver Rd., AA 48105. Phone: 662-7802.
Year-round exhibits; special programs; terrific birthday parties. Fee.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens

1800 North Dixboro Road, AA 48105. Phone: 998-7060 or 998-7061.
Open daily. The greenhouses are great in winter; the trails are nice year-round. Fee for greenhouses (preschoolers and members free). Also free Monday and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Scrap Box "Where Discards Become Discoveries"

581 State Circle, AA 48108. A MAP is available. Info: 994-4420; Phone: 994-4412.
Lots of scrap materials for sale cheap, just waiting to become wonderful art projects. Every visit is a treasure-hunting adventure. Hours: Tu 10am-6pm; We-Fr 2pm-6pm; Sa 10am-2pm; Su-Mo closed.

U of M Exhibit Museum of Natural History.

1109 Geddes Ave., AA 48104. Phone: 764-0478.
"The dinosaur museum"--need we say more? Free.

U of M Museum of Art.

525 S. State St., AA 48104. Phone: 764-0395.
Year-round exhibits; special programs. Free.

Low-stress Toystores.

You can visit these and stay sane.

Generations for Children.

337 South Main, AA 48104. Phone: 662-6615.

White Rabbit Toys.

2611 Plymouth Rd., AA 48105. Phone: 665-1555.
2222 South Main St., AA (in mall with Busch's). 669-8999.

Bookstores with child appeal.

Children are welcome and have their own space.

Barnes & Noble.

3245 Washtenaw, AA 48104. Phone: 677-6475.

Borders Books and Music.

612 E. Liberty, AA 48104. Phone: 668-7652.

Little Professor Book Company.

2513 Jackson Rd., AA 48103. Phone: 662-4110.

Webster's Books.

2607 Plymouth Rd., AA 48105. Phone: 662-6150.

What?! Your family's favorite haunt is not included? Tell us about it at the

Youth Department,
Ann Arbor District Library,
343 S. Fifth Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

or by e-mail to schaffnerp@aadl.annarbor.lib.mi.us.