Planes, trucks, trains, and cars…most kids are fascinated by them at some point. The good news is there are so many options for kids to get up close with vehicles near Ann Arbor.
In the immediate area there are three great museums that feature vehicles.
The Michigan Firehouse Museum is a great place for kids to look at firetrucks as much as they want. Note: Most of these firetrucks cannot be climbed on.
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has a real ambulance in its All About You exhibit. Kids can climb in and drive, or be the patient or paramedic in the back.
Beyond Ann Arbor, both The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village are great choices to see vehicles. The Henry Ford features all kinds of vehicles – cars over the years, presidential limos, giant trains, and planes. At Greenfield Village, you can take a ride on a Model T or the train, or explore trains at the Roundhouse. My daughter has even got to help spin the turntable (without a train).
Playgrounds
There are a couple of playgrounds that are perfect for seeing vehicles. Pittsfield Township Park is next to the Ann Arbor Airport and allows you to watch planes land and take off. Wheeler Park is near the Ann Arbor Train Station and you may see the trains go by (plus has some vehicle theming).
Park Owner: Ann Arbor Location: Wheeler Park, 200 Depot Street, Ann Arbor, MI, USA Playground Features: Slides, Swings,Monkey Bars,Climbing Apparatus,Ground Activities, Train for Playing, Parallel Bars, Asphalt Track Park Features:Shade,Pavilion(s),Trails,Events,Street Parking
Park Owner: Pittsfield Township Location: Pittsfield Township Park, 1083 Airport Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, USA Playground Features: Slides, Swings,Monkey Bars, Watching planes Park Features:Pavilion(s),Events,Parking Lot
Are your kids more into boats? We’ve got a few ideas there as well.
Head to Argo or Gallup for still-water paddles, or a river trip and get out on the river in a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat. If they are more interested in speedboats, you can take a drive to Great Lakes Crossing and visit Bass Pro Shops. (Cabela’s is closer but doesn’t have as many display boats as Bass Pro Shop – especially in winter.
Can’t Miss Events Featuring Vehicles Near Ann Arbor
Every year there are a few marquis events that feature Vehicles.
Day Out with Thomas
In Ann Arbor, we were lucky to have two options for Day Out with Thomas. Unfortunately The Henry Ford announced that Thomas will no longer be able to visit Greenfield Village. However, he will still be visiting Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad in Flint. When my daughter was younger we enjoyed both events. Greenfield Village has announced a new train themed weekend (and even better at no extra cost)!
Greenfield Village has added a new All Aboard Adventure weekend to make up for losing the Thomas weekend.
Greenfield Village is debuting a new weekend event in 2026 – All Aboard Adventure. This event is a replacement for their traditional Day Out with Thomas Weekends held in May. In March we were disappointed to hear that Thomas the Tank Engine can no longer visit Greenfield Village due to a mechanical issue with the […]
Ann Arbor Airport Pancake Breakfast
The Ann Arbor Airport Pancake Breakfast is a great opportunity to see planes up close. It is typically held the first or second Sunday in June.
We love the Rolling Sculpture Car Show typically held in mid-July – before the Ann Arbor Art Show. Main Street is closed and all kinds of cars are parked there. Some of the owners will let you sit in the vehicle. At 3, my daughter was thrilled to sit in a Ferrari – although she didn’t really understand what a Ferrari is. Then, she was excited to see where the origin of a trunk – an actual trunk attached to the back of an old car.
Michigan Firehouse Museum Firetruck Muster
Each summer the Michigan Firehouse Museum has a Firetruck Muster at Riverside Park where they bring out historic firetrucks.
