Things to do in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is a college town with a lot going on beyond campus.
Ann Arbor is a college town with a lot going on beyond campus. You can spend a day exploring museums, catching live music, or just walking along the river. Food is a big draw here, from famous delis to casual Cuban spots, and there are plenty of parks and trails to balance out the eating.
Start at Gallup Park for a stroll or kayak, then head to the University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum for quiet gardens. Families often end up at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum or Pinball Pete's arcade. For music, The Ark and Kerrytown Concert House host intimate shows, while Michigan Theater screens indie films in a historic setting. Zingerman's Delicatessen is a local institution for sandwiches, and Frita Batidos serves Cuban street food with outdoor seating. Shopping ranges from Briarwood Mall to the smaller Kerrytown district.
Frequently asked questions about Ann Arbor
What are the best outdoor spots in Ann Arbor?▾
Gallup Park has walkways, bridges, playgrounds, and canoeing along the river. The Nichols Arboretum is good for quiet walks and spring flowers. County Farm Park and Argo Nature Area also offer trails and river access, with canoe and kayak rentals at Argo.
Where can families take kids in Ann Arbor?▾
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has over 250 science exhibits across four floors. Pinball Pete's is an old-school arcade with pinball and video games. Lucky Strike offers bowling, and Launch Family Entertainment has more active options. Several parks, including Gallup and Island Park, have playgrounds.
What live music venues are worth checking out?▾
The Ark is a nonprofit venue focused on folk and roots music. Kerrytown Concert House hosts emerging and established artists in a 19th-century house. Hill Auditorium and Rackham Auditorium on campus also put on performances, and North Star Lounge has a more casual vibe.
Where can I get a good meal in Ann Arbor?▾
Zingerman's Delicatessen is famous for its sandwiches and specialty groceries. Frita Batidos serves Cuban street food like fritas and batidos. Zingerman's Roadhouse does American comfort food, and HopCat has a huge beer list with pub fare. Gandy Dancer is a more upscale seafood option in a restored 1886 building.
What are some good rainy-day activities?▾
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art both have exhibits that appeal to different ages. The Michigan Theater and State Theatre show films in historic buildings. Escape rooms like Breakout and Decode Ann Arbor offer indoor challenges, and Blue Karaoke has private rooms.
Upcoming events
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights
Laith Al-Saadi’s Birthday Bash
The Bros. Landreth: Tumbling Wild Tour 2026
Add Your
Event
Share your event with the community.
Never Miss Out
Get the best events and local picks straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Things to do in Ann Arbor
Promote your
Business
Get featured and grow your business.
Add your
Event
Share your event with the community.
Café Zola
Eclectic fare & global wines are served amid a rustic space with high ceilings & exposed brick.
via Google MapsRoosRoast Coffee
Artisanal java, tea & pastries in a chill, art-filled cafe with outdoor tables & a delivery bike.
via Google MapsKerrytown Market & Shops
via Google MapsAnna's House - Ann Arbor
Pinball Pete's
Enduring arcade with pinball machines & video games, plus pool tables, skee-ball, air hockey & more.
via Google MapsTomukun Korean BBQ
Open dining space featuring Korean BBQ & a ramen noodle menu, plus Asian draft beers & spirits.
Washtenaw Dairy
Longtime ice cream specialist with a variety of flavors, plus coffee, milkshakes & housemade donuts.
via Google MapsWeber's Restaurant
via Google MapsBigalora Wood Fired Cucina
Contemporary Italian eatery providing Neapolitan, wood-fired pizzas, plus small plates & gelato.
The Dixboro Project
Roomy restaurant & bar in an 1800s barn featuring creative mains, wood-fired pizza & a terrace.
via Google MapsNorthside Grill
Informal American diner serving breakfast & lunch plus baked goods till 3 PM daily.
via Google MapsRuth's Chris Steak House
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting
The Chop House Ann Arbor
Chophouse decorated with elegant gas lamps offers premium steak, wine & interactive tablet menus.
via Google MapsMani Osteria and Bar
Wood-oven pizza & Italian small plates plus bar with old-world wines & local beer in an open setup.
via Google MapsPlum Market
Pretzel Bell
Spacious, bi-level haunt offering updated American comfort food & drinks amid Michigan memorabilia.
Zap Zone Glo-Golf - Canton
Indoor amusement center with laser tag & arcade games; some branches have mini-golf & bumper cars.
via Google MapsWestgate Shopping Center
Palio Ann Arbor
Country Italian fare served in an eclectic space along with a rooftop patio with its own kitchen.
University of Michigan Museum of Art
Spacious galleries house a sizable collection of rotating artworks that span centuries & the globe.