outdoor

Ann Arbor Fourth of July Parade - parade starts on State Street with people holding sign that says Ann Arbor Jaycees Annual Fourth of July Parade

Ann Arbor 4th of July Parade Celebrates 35th Anniversary

The Ann Arbor 4th of July Parade is back for 2026. As is traditional, the parade is at 10a on July 4th in Downtown Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor July 4 Parade 2026 The Ann Arbor Jaycees 4th of July Parade will follow its mostly traditional route. It will start on State St at William and […]

Ann Arbor 4th of July Parade Celebrates 35th Anniversary Read More »

Ann Arbor Outdoor Movies - People sit on blankets in the grass watching a movie on an inflatable screen

Cinema Under the Stars: Outdoor Movies Near Ann Arbor

I’ve loved seeing outdoor movies since my first trip to the drive-in. There are lots of options for outdoor movies near Ann Arbor. Michigan summer nights are often cool making for great movie watching weather. However, being on the western edge of the time zone, darkness starts late. Check out our list of outdoor movies

Cinema Under the Stars: Outdoor Movies Near Ann Arbor Read More »

Peony Garden at the Arb - Photo of pink and white peonies at University of Michigan's Nichols Aboretum

Peony Paradise: Exploring Peony Garden at Nichols Arboretum

Visiting the Peony Garden at University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum has been an Ann Arbor spring tradition for nearly 100 years. The Arb Peony Garden was on my to-do list for several years before finally visiting in 2019. We’ve visited a few more times since then. Peak Bloom Season Watch – 2026 The Nichols Arboretum

Peony Paradise: Exploring Peony Garden at Nichols Arboretum Read More »

Ann Arbor Fireworks Display

Sparkling Spectacles: Ann Arbor Fireworks in 2026

Are you looking for Ann Arbor Fireworks Displays in 2026? We are still gathering information as displays are announced for 2026. When I moved to Ann Arbor I was surprised to learn that Ann Arbor doesn’t have its own Fireworks display. Plus, many local displays are spread throughout the week before Fourth of July instead

Sparkling Spectacles: Ann Arbor Fireworks in 2026 Read More »

Ann Arbor Top of the Park Family Guide - Images clockwise from top left - Inflatable movie screen showing Minions, , Kids Zone tent, Instrument Petting Zoo, Culinary Row Food Tents, Tent setup on Ingalls Mall, Girl eating ice cream in front of Culinary Row

Summer Spectacular: Family Guide to Top of the Park

Get details on all of the great activities happening. as part of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s Top of the Park in our Family Guide. Ann Arbor Top of the Park 2026 includes movies, music, kids zone tents, food, Annex activities, retreat fitness classes, and more. Top of the Park 2026 starts on June 12,

Summer Spectacular: Family Guide to Top of the Park Read More »

Unlock Adventures: The Secret to Tubing at Argo Cascades

For years I heard about the Argo Cascades for tubing or kayaking but I have to admit I didn’t even know where along the Huron River they were. In 2017, friends took us on our first trip and taught us their secrets to a fun outing. Since then we’ve returned many times. I’ve had other

Unlock Adventures: The Secret to Tubing at Argo Cascades Read More »

Ann Arbor Water Parks - Slides coming out of rock formation at Rolling Hills Water Park - with a girl riding down the slide on the right in a tube

Splash the Day Away at an Ann Arbor Water Park

Your water-loving, adventure seeking kids will have a blast at these Ann Arbor Water Parks. These parks feature large water slides, spray playgrounds, lazy rivers, wave pools, and so much more. Outdoor Water Parks Outdoor water parks operate seasonally – typically Memorial Day to Labor Day. These are a great way to spend a summer

Splash the Day Away at an Ann Arbor Water Park Read More »

Ann Arbor Swimming Lakes - A boy swims in a lake with the distant shoreline visitble

Lake Swimming Unleashed: The Best Ann Arbor Beaches

Are you looking for swimming lakes near Ann Arbor? Check out these beaches in Ann Arbor area! Our list of lakes near Ann Arbor Michigan are all within an hour. The list of Ann Arbor lakes includes a Great Lake and a variety of inland lakes. Swimming Lakes at Michigan State Parks Near Me Michigan

Lake Swimming Unleashed: The Best Ann Arbor Beaches Read More »

Places to Get Wet Near Ann Arbor

Places to Get Wet Near Ann Arbor

One of my daughter’s favorite parts of summer is the water – whether it’s swimming, water slides, splash parks, or just getting wet. Check out these Ann Arbor area Pools, Water Parks, and Splash Pads. Fortunately, there are a number of Ann Arbor Swimming Pools and more for kids to get wet and cool off

Places to Get Wet Near Ann Arbor Read More »

Scroll to Top