Big Play Day

Date(s): Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Venue: Nichols Arboretum
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Spend a free, fun-filled day where play takes center stage!

Join the fun at Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor on Saturday, June 21 from 10am–2pm for Big Play Day—a family-friendly, kid-focused celebration of creativity and connection in nature. Explore the Arb through open-ended play and hands-on activities designed for all ages. Whether you’re building, imagining, moving, or making, there’s something for everyone.

This event is free and open to the public—come play with them!

Featured Activities include:

• Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum: Discover the wonder of nature with “Wonder Walks,” get creative with “Nature Art,” and enjoy spontaneous play at “Nature Play Pop-Ups.”
• Leslie Science & Nature Center / Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum: Go Wild!
• Drummunity: Tap into communal beats at our drum circle and join in the fun with hands-on percussion activities, suitable for all ages and musical abilities.
• Shades of the Outdoors: Enjoy campsite classics and tent demos that are fun for all ages and skill levels.
• City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation: Weave a Robin’s Nest!  Gather, twist, and tuck natural materials as you learn how birds build their homes.
• Ann Arbor District Library (AADL): Challenge yourself and others with oversized versions of classic games like Giant Jenga, perfect for building skills and friendships.
• WholeMind Design/Playmaking Now: Let’s Build a Sculpture Together

    Find similar events by clicking on these category tags.

• Arbor Annie's Highlights
• Crafts
• Display Image
• Elementary
• Environmental
• Free
• Games
• High Schoolers
• Hikes/Walks
• Middle Schoolers
• Nature
• Outdoor
• Parents
• Plus
• Preschoolers
• Sponsoring Event
• Toddler

Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be cancelled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, or we can make mistakes.