Family Itinerary: Five Budget-Friendly Adventures In Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI is a family friendly, affordable destination filled with educational museums, exciting events, and plenty of restaurants. In fact, Ann Arbor was recently named in the Most Charming Small Cities in the USA by TravelMag, and we couldn’t agree more! Planning to visit soon? Check out these ideas for a low-cost, fulfilling family trip to A2.
What to Eat
Area restaurants offer flavorful menus with something for everyone. Browse restaurants here and check out these family favorites providing a unique Ann Arbor experience:
Classic
Visit the iconic Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger, an affordable eatery featured on Food Network’s Diners Drive-Ins and Dives and the Travel Channel. Krazy Jim’s has been in business since 1953. Try for yourself and find out why! Double Cheeseburger w/ fries: $6.50; Veggie Burger Blimpy Style: $6.29
Specialty
For a taste of Korean food with a twist, order from Miss Kim. Renowned Chef Ji Hye Kim recently joined the list of Food & Wine’s Best Chefs of 2021! Miss Kim has been highlighted in national publications including Thrillist and EATER. Kimchi Pork Fried Rice $21; Kids Bibimbob $7
Variety
If your family likes options, head to Amer’s Deli for breakfast or lunch and choose from soups, chicken tenders, and deli sandwiches including Mediterranean and vegetarian specialties. Find something for everyone at this quality deli. Brooklyn Reuben Sandwich: $14; Grilled Cheese: $7
MUSEUMS FAMILIES LOVE
Add the exciting and family-friendly museums in Ann Arbor to your must-visit list. Get up close and personal at these beloved attractions:
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Discover the scientist within at the Hands-On Museum through experiments, exploration, and education! Wander through exhibits including the new STEAM Park, a collaboration with Toyota to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and artists. Advance tickets required: $16; 0-23 months: Free
U-M Museum of Natural History
Spark your curiosity at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. Discover prehistoric dinosaur exhibits, visit the planetarium, watch science demonstrations, and learn about amazing life-size fossils around the museum. Free. Donations accepted
Michigan Firehouse Museum
Nearby in Ypsilanti, the Michigan Firehouse Museum shares an impressive collection of 25 changing exhibits of antique fire trucks, historic artifacts, memorabilia, and is home to the largest collection of fire truck bells in the country! Tour the original 1898 firehouse, part of this multi-level museum. Ages 12+: $10; Kids 5-11: $5; Ages 0-4: Free
Browse Galleries & Museums HERE.
THINGS TO DO
There’s always something to do in Ann Arbor for any interest. Browse things to do here, and get started with these family fun ideas:
Pinball Pete’s
The Pinball Pete’s classic arcade is fun for all ages with hundreds of retro and modern games ranging from pinball and skee ball, to racing games, claw machines, pool, and air hockey. Turn your tickets into big winnings at the prize counter! Cost of games: $0.25-$2.00 per play
Magical Fairy Doors
Enjoy family fun at your own pace while searching for the Fairy Doors of Ann Arbor. Start by finding the Michigan Theater magical door, then follow the map to famous attractions like The Ark and Found. Rumor has it, if you leave a penny for the fairies, they will bring you good luck! Free
Domino’s Petting Farm
The Domino’s Petting Farm offers an up-close experience with animals including alpaca, chickens, horses, and more furry and feathery friends. Bags of feed and tractor rides are available for an additional charge. Admission $6; Seniors $5.50; 0-23 months: Free
Browse more Things to do HERE.
SWEETS & TREATS
Before leaving Ann Arbor, surprise your little ones with a tasty cup of hot chocolate at Sweetwaters, or fresh donuts and cupcakes at Bakehouse 46. Love ice cream? Visit the family-owned Blank Slate Creamery, recently nationally recognized by the North American Ice Cream Association for having some of the best flavors in the U.S.!
WHERE TO STAY
Many of the area’s top-rated hotels include comfortable amenities fit for your family’s needs. Browse all hotels here and check out these recommendations:
Downtown Ann Arbor
The Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown was rated #1 Best Value of Family Hotels in Ann Arbor by TripAdvisor, and is just a five minute walk from the nearby Hands-On Museum and the Kerrytown Shops, home of the award-winning toy store, Mudpuddles.
Highway Access I-94
Hotels including the Holiday Inn & Suites provide highway access convenient for road-trippers and Midwest explorers. Just a short 3 miles to Main Street, these hotels are less than a mile away from I-94, the Briarwood Mall, and a variety of dining options.
Highway Access US-23
The DoubleTree by Hilton allows quick access to US-23 and sits close to the Matthai Botanical Gardens, where families can explore the Gaffield Children’s Garden designed from a kids’-eye view. This hotel is also minutes away from the University of Michigan Museums.
There are plenty of family-friendly activities all around Ann Arbor. Searching for even more fun? Click here for 20 Free Things To Do Around A2!
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