We are in the humdrum days of the long, gray winter when kiddos are feeling cooped up and parents are searching for indoor places to visit. Enter: Matthaei Botanical Gardens – the perfect inside destination to visit this winter! Located in Ann Arbor, Matthaei Botanical Gardens offers the perfect setting for wandering, and should the weather cooperate, the perfect outside grounds, too! Keep reading to learn some helpful information to plan your visit to this beautiful destination.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum Details
Location Name: Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
Address: 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Why we love it: a kid-friendly destination with plenty of space to wander both inside and outside!
Features: Indoor botanical garden filled with plants from all over the world, outdoor garden space featuring a children’s garden, three miles of trails, and beautiful grounds for wandering
Elizabeth’s Suggestion: Ann Arbor is a wonderful family-friendly destination. Check out our previous blog post, and turn this into a fun day trip!
Toddler Approved? Yes! Toddlers will love exploring and visiting the fountains
Stroller friendly? Yes – there are areas with stairs inside the indoor conservatory.
Big Kid Approved? Yes
Full Sun or Shade? Matthaei is fully indoors, and Nichols Arboretum has a mix of both.
Restroom? Check the PDF visitor guide for restroom locations
Cost? Free admission daily to trails, gardens, and conservatory
Parking? Parking is available in numbered spaces at the main entrance to the lobby/conservatory and in the west parking lot. Cost is $1.50 per hour, with a $5 maximum per day. Kiosks accept credit cards, bills, and coins
Hours: Botanical Gardens: Tue-Sun 10 am-4:30 pm, Wed 10 am-8:00 pm (closed Mondays), Nichols Arboretum: Daily 8 am-8 pm
Website: The main website can be found here, PDF visitor guide can be found here
Closing Review: During the long winter season, a visit to Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum makes a perfect adventure. This destination is perfect for humans of all ages; however, toddlers will love wandering the paths throughout the conservatory. No matter the season, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are one spot in Michigan that you must visit!
Our Photo Gallery
Special thanks to Wonder and Wander – Jackson’s Guest Photographer Orsi Dezsi.
Looking for more kid-friendly destinations? Check out our master archive here!