This list of Ann Arbor-area hikes and walks skips the playgrounds, so your little explorers can focus on the trail ahead (and you can skip the “just five more minutes” negotiation at the slide). Whether you’re after shaded woods, scenic rivers, or peaceful prairies, these kid-friendly paths make it easy to enjoy the outdoors together.
City of Ann Arbor Parks & Nature Areas
Bandemer Park, Argo Nature Area, and Barton Hills
Ann Arbor’s Bandemer Park and Argo Nature Area are on opposite sides of the Huron River with Barton Hills upriver. Bandemer has two parking areas, one on Lake Shore Dr accessible from Main St and one accessible from Whitmore Lake Rd. Argo has a parking area near the Livery. Barton Nature Area has a small parking area off Huron River Drive near Bird Hills Nature Area. These are not the best option with strollers or wheelchairs since many of the paths are unpaved.
Be sure to check the status of the Border2Border construction and any path closures in the area.
Furstenberg Nature Area
Next to Gallup Park is Furstenberg Nature Area. You can walk and explore the area.
Other Nature Areas
Ann Arbor Parks has lots of other Nature Areas that are perfect for walks. Check out the list of Nature Areas on their website and make a plan to visit one. Or let us know on Facebook which is your favorite.
University of Michigan Walks
Note: University of Michigan now requires masks throughout campus including outside. There are exceptions if you are actively exercising and are socially distanced. If walking on campus, make sure you have your mask.
Nichols Arboretum or Matthaei Botanical Gardens
The trails at Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens are a great option for exploring nature without a playground. The
While Matthaei Botanical Gardens has the Gaffield Children’s Garden, it is easy to avoid the garden while on the walk. Be sure to check our calendar for their Wonder Walks.
Central Campus
Summer is the perfect time to explore UM’s central campus when there are less students around. Check out some of the sculptures, the Diag, and be sure to stop and spin the cube next to the Michigan Union.
North Campus
UM’s North Campus offers plenty of options for walking. Make sure you have a UM parking pass, are parking in off hours, or feed a meter as needed. Check out The Wave Field where the kids can have fun running up and down the hills. Stop by the Lurie Bell Tower which has no right angles. With the swings in The Grove, it isn’t quite a playground free zone.
Washtenaw County Parks
Parker Mill County Park
Washtenaw County’s Parker Mill County Park offers various walking trails and even a connection to Gallup Park if you are up for a longer walk. The park is accessible with parking lots on both Geddes Rd and Old Dixboro Rd. The park has paved paths, boardwalks, and gravel paths. Be sure to check the trail types if you have a stroller, wheel chair, or limited mobility before selecting which trail to take.
There is a water feature where the kids can play near the mill – so maybe it doesn’t quite meet the no-argument purpose of the no playground list.
County Farm Park
Did you know there’s a second entrance to County Farm Park? Skip the main entrance near the playground on Platt Rd and park at the Medford Rd entrance.
If you take the Nature Trail through Britton Woods you will steer clear of the playground. You can also use portions of the other trails. Be sure to check out the trail map if you want to steer clear of the playground area.
Rolling Hills County Park & Independence Lake County Park
Rolling Hills and Independence Lake both offer extensive walking trails. They do both have playgrounds in spots, so check out a park map before deciding where to park and which path to take.
Pittsfield Township Parks
Lillie Park North
Pittsfield Township’s Lillie Park is located at the southeast corner of Ellsworth and Platt Rd. It is split into North and South. Lillie Park North has a small parking lot accessible from Platt Rd and a 0.8 mile trail, and no playground. There are even more great paths at Lillie Park South. However, the parking area is near the playground. and the paths are not accessible from the trail at Lillie Park North.
Pittsfield Preserve
Pittsfield Preserve has several sections which have their own parking lots. We have walked several of these paths and avoided the Marsh View Meadows playground. There are lots on Textile Rd (east of Marshview Meadows which has a playground), Morton Road, and Thomas Road.
Note: Marsh View Meadows playground is being replaced in spring/summer 2025.
Scio Township Parks & Preserves
Scio Township has several parks and preserves that have had trails added in recent years.
- Liberty Pond Nature Area has a parking lot and 3/4 miles of mowed trails.
- Marshall Park features a short 1/3 mile trail and boardwalk. The park has a parking lot and a couple of picnic tables available.
- Sloan Preserve off of Baker Road has a small parking lot. Walk through woods and along Mill Creek on 1.5 miles of trails
- Township Hall Park features a 1/2 mile loop trail and 60 car lot. The Scio Flyers radio control airplane club can often be found flying their planes
- Van Curler Preserve includes 2 miles of rustic trails and a parking lot
- West Scio Preserve is the township’s largest park with several marked trails and parking.
Dexter
Mill Creek Park North has a playground behind the library and the fire house. However, if you stay on the south side of the park you will avoid the playground area.
Other Ann Arbor Area Walks
Do you have other ideas of great playground-free walks in the Ann Arbor area?
