Looking for a local-ish day trip that will help you travel back in time to imagine dinosaurs roaming the land? Welcome to the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History! The museum was revamped in 2019 and features multiple floors filled with exhibits that explore the story of our world and what we know about it. There are lots of hands-on opportunities and interactive exhibits, and did we mention dinosaur bones? Keep reading for all the information you need to plan a visit to the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History!
The Details
Location Name: University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Address: Biological Sciences Building 1105 North University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1085
Why we love it: Hands-on opportunities and interactive exhibits filled with tons of learning opportunities
Features: Check out all of the exhibits here
Elizabeth’s Suggestion: There is so much to see here. We visited with a time limit in place and could not see everything. Use the link above to view the exhibits ahead of time to plan for what you want to see!
Toddler Approved? This museum is better for bigger kiddos.
Stroller friendly? Yes
Big Kid Approved? Yes
Full Sun or Shade? Indoors (with a short walk outdoors from the parking garage)
Restroom? Yes
Cost? Free (donations are accepted)
Parking? We parked in the Palmer Parking Structure per museum website instructions. For more info on parking, click here.
Hours: Hours change seasonally. View the current hours here.
Website: https://lsa.umich.edu/ummnh
Closing Review: There is so much to see here that we did not see everything during our visit, which just means we will have to make a return trip!. I enjoyed relearning a lot of science information and seeing the dinosaur bones, while Big enjoyed the hands-on explorations at the Nature Lab. The redesigned museum is beautiful, and the exhibits are well laid out so that you can take your time, or flow through a little quicker. A couple of other important things to note: Parking may be more difficult if you plan to visit during the collegiate school year (summer and times when U of M students are on break make a great time to visit!) Visiting in the fall? Check the U of M football schedule before making the trek!
Our Photo Gallery
Looking for more day trips? Click here!
Another stop to make while in AA is the Archaeology Museum on State St It too is free They have great scavenger hunts that help kids interact more with the artifacts our grandkids love it and they learn so much !
This is a fabulous tip – thank you!