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home | life in ann arbor | recreation for adults & children

Recreation for Adults and Children

• Fitness/Health Facilities
• Team Sports
• Nature Area and Parks

For a brochure containing information on Ann Arbor parks and recreation facilities and classes, contact the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department or visit their web site below. This contains information about parks and recreational facilities that are open to the general public:

Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department
100 N. Fifth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI
734.994.2780

Fitness/Health Facilities

A good way to relieve the stress of work and school and to remain physically active during the winter months is to join a gym or health club! The Ann Arbor area has many gyms and other work-out facilities both on and off campus.

University of Michigan Recreational Facilities

U-M offers a wide range of recreational activities for students, faculty and staff. U-M facilities offer weights, cardiovascular training machines, racquetball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, swimming pools, running tracks, fitness classes and much more.

Membership at the facilities listed below is free for enrolled students. Faculty and staff can purchase a membership for a discounted price. For more detailed information about locations, hours and fees, and other services offered please contact the U-M Department of Recreational Sports at 734.763.0050. Or, contact a specific location below:

Other Not-For-Profit Facilities in Ann Arbor

Private Facilities

For a full listing of recreational activities and facilities in the Ann Arbor area, please visit Arborweb.

Team Sports

For additional information about clubs, programs and centers, visit Arborweb.

Nature Areas and Parks

In Ann Arbor

Enjoy the many neighborhood, city, and riverfront parks in Ann Arbor. Entry to Ann Arbor parks is free. Parks that are specially recommended are:

Gallup Park

On the Huron River, which runs through Ann Arbor. City's most popular park. Rent canoes, paddleboats, kayaks and bikes there. Great for picnics by the river.

Island Park

On the Huron River, across from Maiden Lane. Footbridges and a Greek Revival picnic shelter.

Fuller Recreation Area

Across from Island Park and north of the U-M Medical Center. Outdoor swimming pool. Play areas for children.

Nichols Arboretum

Large U-M-owned nature area next to the river and just east of the U-M.

Medical Center

Beautiful peony garden in June. Great for walks year-round. Free.

Mattaei Botanical Gardens (U-M)
1800 North Dixboro Road
Ann Arbor, MI
734.998.7061

300-acre site that includes a variety of outdoor display gardens, a conservatory, and miles of nature trails. Admission to the outdoor gardens and nature trails is free; there is a fee for admission to the conservatory (free to enrolled students).

Beyond Ann Arbor

Michigan offers a large number of parks and natural scenery. For just some of the sites Michigan has to offer, see below:

Last reviewed: 5/08