Are you a parent to a University of Michigan student and wondering about how to navigate Ann Arbor? Are you wondering:
- Where to shop for dorm supplies?
- Where to stay for Parents Weekend?
- Where to eat while in town?
- What is going on in Ann Arbor while you are here?
We’ll be adding all the resources you need right here.
Who is Ann Arbor with Kids?
The website Ann Arbor with Kids is a local parents go-to for family fun and information for families. The site dates back to 2009 with a focus on toddlers and preschoolers and expanded to include older kids as my daughter – and my readers children – grew older. My daughter starts at UM as a freshman this year, so including parents of UM students seems like the logical next step.
In Facebook groups for UM parents, I saw numerous questions that could best be answered by a local and was adding detailed answers in the group. Then several other local parents who saw my answers and know my site, suggested I add the content.
I am not affiliated with UM – other than a daughter attending the university and a spouse who works for Michigan Medicine. But I’ve lived in Ann Arbor for 21 years and have been writing about Ann Arbor for 15 years.
I may not have any extra insight into how move-in works, but I can point you to Target, Costco, or a hotel. Or recommend some fun activities while you are in town.
Move-In & Dorm Tips
Heat Wave Hacks: 10 Ways UM Students Can Keep Cool
The first couple of days at UMich is forecast to have a heat wave with temperatures into the 90s. It is quite a change from move-in last week with highs in the low 70s and overnight temperatures dropping into the 40s. Last year as my daughter was getting ready to apply to college there was […]
Tips for Dorm Move-In at University of Michigan
Moving into a dorm at the University of Michigan is an exciting milestone, but it is definitely overwhelming. I moved my daughter in on Tuesday and was also overwhelmed. But, the process ran smoothly and she is mostly setup in her room. I am actually writing this from campus as I wait for her to […]
Where to Stay
Hotels & More – Coming Soon
Where to Shop
Where to Shop for Dorm Supplies Near University of Michigan
Are you wondering the best places for dorm shopping near University of Michigan? I’ve got the scoop on all the Big Box Stores near Ann Arbor – Target, Meijer, and more. Map of Big Box Stores near Ann Arbor Target Near University of Michigan In UM Parents group, I frequently saw people posting that they […]
Shop Local – Coming Soon
What to Take Home – Coming Soon
Where to Eat
Casual Dining Near University of Michigan
Finding the right place to eat near University of Michigan is an important part of a visit to University of Michigan. Whether you are visiting for move-in, orientation, parents weekend, or a prospective student tour, this guide will help you find the right place to take your college student. Ann Arbor is renowned for its […]
Get in the Car – Coming Soon
What to Do In Ann Arbor
Be sure to check our event calendar for the latest activities!
Michigan Football
Are you going to be in town for a Football Game, but weren’t able to get tickets. Or maybe your student is missing not having a full season of tickets.
Score Big on Michigan Football Game Day: Ideas 7, Tickets 0
Even if you don’t have tickets there are plenty of fun ways to get the Michigan football gameday experience. Check out our ways to experience football Saturdays in Ann Arbor without tickets while celebrating the mazie and blue. If you are going to the game at the Big House, be sure to check out our […]
Events
Here are a few big events to consider if you are here over the summer for orientation
- Top of the Park – June 13-30
- Rolling Sculpture Car Show – July 12
- Michigan Celtic Festival – July 12 & 13
- Ann Arbor Art Fair – July 18-20, Paint the Town July 16
- Ann Arbor Pride – August 3
- Sonic Lunch – Thursdays through Labor Day
During the year there are also a number of events that you may want to visit for.
- Artoberfest – October 12 & 13 – This is during Fall Break
- Kindlefest & Midnight Madness – Holiday Shopping – typically first Friday night in December
- Dance for Mother Earth PowWow – Likely March 22-23
- Hash Bash – First Saturday of April
- FoolMoon & Festifools – Typically Friday Night & Sunday afternoon in early April
- Michigan Football Spring Game – Typically in April
Local Museums
- On Campus
- Ann Arbor
- Ypsilanti
- Michigan Firehouse Museum
- Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
- Michigan Flight Museum
- Beyond
- Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village – Dearborn
- Detroit Institute of Arts – Detroit
- Michigan Science Center – Detroit
Get Outdoors
- Go Kayaking or Tubing – This is at the top of my freshman’s list to do with her roommate & floormates.
- Visit Gallup Park
- Visit Nichols Arboretum – nicknamed The Arb and is a short walk from the Hill Dorms.
- Visit Matthaei Botanical Gardens