Fall brings cooler temperatures and leaves starting to turn. It is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the season’s beauty with your family.
Ann Arbor lives up to its Tree Town nickname as it comes alive with vibrant colors every autumn. and there are some great spots nearby where the whole family can experience fall colors together. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a hike, or just a place where the kids can run around, these spots near Ann Arbor offer the perfect backdrop for making fall memories with your little ones.
2025 Peak Fall Color in Ann Arbor
When is the Peak of Fall Color for 2025 in Michigan? Well it will vary by region. Since Ann Arbor is in the southern part of the state, our fall color is on the later end of Michigan’s Peak Fall Color.
The Ultimate Immersion in Fall Color
We have a three for one listing! A Drive, a hike, and an activity!
Drive out Huron River Drive from Ann Arbor to Dexter. Stop for hikes at any of the Metroparks for a walk… Delhi, Dexter-Huron, or Hudson Mills. Finish your hike with a stop at Dexter Cider Mill and enjoy cider, donuts, and other treats.
Delhi Metropark has a pirate ship themed playground. It is one of the few with a fence.
Delhi Metropark
Park Owner: Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Location: Delhi Metropark, 3902 East Delhi Road, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Playground Features: Slides, Swings,SeeSaw,Monkey Bars,Bouncers,Ground Activities, Pirate Ship Theming, Partial Fence
Park Features:Shade,Trails,Parking Lot
Dexter-Huron has more tree-lined paths than Delhi Metropark. But it lacks the playground for the kids.
Hudson Mills is a larger metropark which has both a great playground and lots of tree-lined paths along the river to experience the color.
Wrap up your Dexter Leaf adventure by stopping at Dexter Cider Mill. After getting your cider and donuts head out back to the river bank below to enjoy the fall leaves.
Crisp and Juicy Fun: Apple Picking near Ann Arbor
One of my favorite fall activities is picking apples, enjoying cider and donuts, and enjoying a fresh baked apple pie. I’ve compiled a list of Ann Arbor Apple Orchards and Cider Mills. I have split the list into those offering U-Pick Apples and those that do not. Apple Orchards & Cider Mills Near Me The […]
Take a Ride through Fall Color
Hayrides
A hay ride is a traditional way to enjoy fall color.
Blast Corn Maze offers a hay ride through their property. It is included as part of your admission to the corn maze. Arrive before dark to take the hay ride.
The Petting Farm at Domino Farms offers hay rides seasonally. The hay ride is an add-on to admission.
Several local orchards also offer hayrides such as Spicer Orchards, Wiards Orchards, and Plymouth Orchards.
Kayak Through the Fall Colors
Kayaking the Huron River is a great way to see the fall colors! The Gallup Park Canoe Livery is open until October 19 – which is about the time the colors should start to turn. (Argo closes September 21 which is a little early for fall colors).
The Argo to Gallup River Trip will take you past Island Park, along the Arb and past Furstenberg Nature Areas to Gallup Park.
You can also paddle Gallup Pond. We paddled Gallup Pond last summer and we paddled upriver as far as the VA Hospital. This brought us past Furstenberg Nature Area and part of the Arb.
Botanical Garden, Arboretum, Nature Center
Head to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens or Nichols Arboretum for great views of fall color.
Nichols Arboretum sits along the Huron River next to University of Michigan Hospital. Enter from the lower entrance and walk along the river to check out the color above. Or enter from Washington Heights and get a birds eye view before walking down the hill.
UM’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a short drive from campus. Walk the public paths through the various tree lined eco-systems. Don’t forget to take time to spend in the Children’s Garden.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens – Wednesday Activity Review
This review of Matthaei Botanical Gardens is part of our Summer Series: Wednesday Activity Reviews. While visiting this weekend, my mother-in law suggested visiting the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. My daughter had just been on a Girl Scout field trip which she loved. She loved her field trip and couldn’t wait to show us everything that […]
Leslie Science & Nature Center is a great stop for Fall Color walks. Take a walk along the Black Pond Trail. While you’re there, make time to play at the nature playground.
Nature Playscape at Leslie Science & Nature Center – A Sneak Peek
The Leslie Science & Nature Center’s new Nature Playground is nearly complete – at least the first phase. Check out our sneak peek and learn how to help them fund additional nature play elements.
Walk in a Park
The simplest way to enjoy Fall Color is to take a walk in a wooded park! Ann Arbor has no shortage of those.
Explore the Ann Arbor Parks Nature Areas and Parks such as
- Bird Hills Nature Area
- Bandemer Nature Area
- Furstenberg Nature Area
Check out Ypsilanti area parks such as:
- Frog Island & Riverside Park. Walk from Frog Island across the tridge to Riverside Park. Continue south through Riverside Park and across Michigan Avenue. There is a paved walk surrounded by trees near the river
- Rolling Hills County Park – Rolling Hills is more than just a water park & sledding hill! There are tree lined paths throughout the park.
Also check out Independence Lake north of Ann Arbor. They have lots of nature trails around the lake.
Fall Events
There are many fall themed events that will have you enjoying fall colors. Join one of the evening walks, sign up for a Halloween event like Trek or Treat or Trick or Treat on the River.
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
September 20, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Hayrides at Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford MI | |
September 21, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Hayrides at Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford MI | |
| 💙🎟 | September 21, 2025 2:00pm-3:30pm | Fall Mushroom Hunt at Eddy Discovery Center, Chelsea Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | September 24, 2025 5:30pm-6:30pm | Wonder Walks: Autumn Equinox Palette at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | September 25, 2025 10:00am-11:00am | Outdoor Story Hour: Farm Animals at Buhr Park, Ann Arbor MI |
| 💙🆓 | September 27, 2025 9:00am-4:00pm | Gee Farms Fall Fest at Gee Farms, Stockbridge Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | September 27, 2025 10:00am-5:00pm | Webster Fall Festival at Webster Corners, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙 | September 27, 2025 11:00am-7:00pm | 3rd Annual Family Frightfest at Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | September 27, 2025 11:00am-3:00pm | Breaking Ground Together at Many Hands Lifesharing Community, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | September 27, 2025 11:00am-12:00pm | Drop-in Fall Crafts at Dexter District Library, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | September 27, 2025 12:00pm-3:00pm | 8th Annual Harvest Fest at Grace Fellowship Church, Ypsilanti Michigan |
September 27, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Hayrides at Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford MI | |
| 💙🆓 | September 27, 2025 2:00pm-4:00pm | Fall Fest at Ypsilanti District Library – Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti Michigan |
September 28, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Hayrides at Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford MI | |
| 💙🆓 | September 28, 2025 1:00pm-2:00pm | Climate Week Wonder Walk: Co-existence and Reciprocal Relationships at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | September 28, 2025 1:00pm-4:00pm | Harvest Fest at the Campus Farm at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | September 28, 2025 2:00pm-5:00pm | Walk a Mile in My Shoes. at Burns Park School, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | September 29, 2025 1:30pm-3:00pm | Leaf Prints at Burns Park Warming Hut, Ann Arbor MI |
| 💙🎟 | October 3, 2025 4:30pm-6:00pm | Clay Pumpkins at Ann Arbor Art Center, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 3, 2025 7:00pm-9:15pm | Owl Prowl at Independence Lake, Whitmore Lake Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 4, 2025 8:00am-10:00am | Railsprinter Donut Dash 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run at Lincoln Athletic Building, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 4, 2025 9:00am-6:00pm | Dundee's Pumpkin Palooza at Wolverine Park, Dundee Michigan |
| 💙 | October 4, 2025 10:00am-6:00pm | Fairly Odd Finds Festival: Ghosts n Ghouls Edition at Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | October 4, 2025 10:00am-2:00pm | Fall Fun Fest at Northfield Township Area Library, Whitmore Lake Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 4, 2025 11:00am-3:00pm | Fall Fest at Horning Farms, Manchester Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 4, 2025 12:00pm-2:00pm | Gel Plate Leaf Printing at Malletts Creek Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan |
October 4, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Hayrides at Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford MI | |
| 💙 | October 4, 2025 12:00pm-5:00pm | New Harvest Corn Maze at New Harvest, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 4, 2025 1:00pm | Forest Forensics at Cherry Hill Nature Preserve, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 4, 2025 7:00pm-9:00pm | Stories in the Stars Bonfire at Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 5, 2025 9:00am-11:00am | Adult & Child: A Squirrel's Autumn Day Painting at Eberbach Cultural Arts Building, Ann Arbor Michigan |
October 5, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Hayrides at Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford MI | |
| 💙🎟 | October 5, 2025 12:00pm-3:00pm | Trash Talk Tour: Zero Waste Fall Festival at Kiwanis Thrift Sale, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 5, 2025 2:00pm-5:00pm | Fall Festival at North Star Reach, Pinckney Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 5, 2025 2:00pm-4:00pm | Spider Stroll at Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown Michigan |
| 💙 | October 5, 2025 2:30pm-4:00pm | Outdoor Adventures - Guided Nature & Forage Walks at Bird Hills, Ann Arbor MICHIGAN |
| 💙 | October 11, 2025 9:00am-6:00pm | Tecumseh's Appleumpkin Festival at Downtown Tecumseh, Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙 | October 11, 2025 10:00am-4:00pm | 17th Annual Harvest Art Market at Silver Maples, Chelsea Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 11, 2025 10:00am-5:00pm | Great Fall Festival at Maybury Farm, Northville Michigan |
| 🎟 | October 11, 2025 11:00am-2:00pm | Pumpkins & Pictures at Wing Farms, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | October 11, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Fall Festival at Kensington Metropark, Milford Michigan |
October 11, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Hayrides at Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford MI | |
| 💙 | October 11, 2025 12:00pm-5:00pm | New Harvest Corn Maze at New Harvest, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 11, 2025 1:00pm-4:00pm | County Farm Park Fall Fest at County Farm Park, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 11, 2025 2:00pm-4:00pm | Halloween Garlands Crafternoon at SCRAP Creative Reuse, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 🆓🎟 | October 11, 2025 3:00pm-5:00pm | AYM Middle School Fall Festival at Slauson Middle School, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | October 12, 2025 10:00am-5:00pm | Tecumseh's Appleumpkin Festival at Downtown Tecumseh, Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙 | October 12, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Fall Festival at Kensington Metropark, Milford Michigan |
October 12, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Hayrides at Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford MI | |
| 💙 | October 12, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Trick or Treat on the River at Gallup Park, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 12, 2025 1:00pm-4:00pm | Spooktacular Eek-Stravaganza at Hack House, Milan Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 12, 2025 2:00pm-4:00pm | Make it at the Marsh: Spooky Decor at Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 14, 2025 10:00am-10:45am | Fall Foliage Walk at Lillie Park South, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 14, 2025 10:00am-11:00am | Preschool Pumpkin Hunt at Tefft Park, Saline MI |
| 💙🆓 | October 15, 2025 5:30pm-7:00pm | Wonder Walks: Seed Saving at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 17, 2025 3:00pm-7:00pm | Pumpkin Decorating & DIY Crafts at Holmes Rd Network Center, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 17, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | Pumpkins, Lanterns & Leaves at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 18, 2025 10:00am-1:00pm | Baker's Nook Spooktacular Event at Baker\’s Nook, Saline Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 18, 2025 10:00am-6:00pm | Fall Color Train Tours at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Techumseh Michigan |
| 💙 | October 18, 2025 10:00am-5:00pm | Fall Fest at The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms, Ann Arbor MI |
October 18, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Hayrides at Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford MI | |
| 💙 | October 18, 2025 12:00pm-5:00pm | New Harvest Corn Maze at New Harvest, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 18, 2025 1:00pm-2:00pm | Signs of Fall - Mini Naturalist at Independence Lake, Whitmore Lake Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 18, 2025 1:00pm-3:45pm | Spooky Fun or Wednesday Painting PARTy for Kids at Whitepine Studios, Saline Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 18, 2025 2:00pm-4:00pm | Witch's Familiar Crafternoon at SCRAP Creative Reuse, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 18, 2025 3:00pm-7:00pm | 1st Annual Trick or Treat Trail at Storm Breaker Stables, Milan Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 18, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | Pumpkins, Lanterns & Leaves at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 19, 2025 10:00am-6:00pm | Fall Color Train Tours at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Techumseh Michigan |
| 💙 | October 19, 2025 11:00am-6:00pm | Fall Fest at The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms, Ann Arbor MI |
October 19, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm | Hayrides at Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford MI | |
| 💙🆓 | October 19, 2025 12:00pm-1:00pm | Nature Journaling: Fall at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 19, 2025 2:00pm-3:00pm | Fall Painting at Westgate Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 19, 2025 2:00pm-3:30pm | Hike Around Mill Lake at Eddy Discovery Center, Chelsea Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 19, 2025 2:00pm-4:00pm | Pumpkin Palooza at Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 19, 2025 2:00pm-5:00pm | Spook-a-Thon at Michigan Diag, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 24, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | Creatures of the Night at Lillie Park South, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 24, 2025 5:30pm-7:00pm | Dixboro Trunk or Treat & Fall Festival at Dixboro Farmers Market, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 25, 2025 10:00am-6:00pm | Fall Color Train Tours at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Techumseh Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | October 25, 2025 11:00am-3:00pm | All You Can Carry Pumpkins at Blast Corn Maze, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | October 25, 2025 11:00am-2:00pm | Halloween Party at Starry Skies Equine Rescue & Sanctuary, Ann Arbor Michigan |
Enjoy the Fall Color in Ann Arbor
Your busy schedule may mean you’re enjoying the fall colors in the background of a soccer game. But, maybe you can choose a more scenic route to get there. And we always strive to make a couple of trips to the cider mill.
