Start your morning by walking through the peony gardens of Nichols Arboretum, which has one of the largest collections of heirloom peonies in the country. Some of them are heritage varieties and no longer grow anywhere else in the world.
If you can make it, catch the garden at peak season, which lasts for a short period of time between late May and mid-June. If you miss the gardens in bloom, don't fret. Nichols Arboretum boasts plenty of walking trails lined with many collections of historic and native flora.

Park your car at a parking lot in the town center. You can leave it there for the entire day, as the rest of your trip will be on foot.

Make your way east by going down Liberty Street, one of the most iconic streets in downtown Ann Arbor. It is filled with wall art and the famous iconography of the Michigan Theater and State Theater. Turn right on State Street, a street packed with university buildings, museums, and popular shops. Walk until you reach the Law Quad and turn left into its neo-Gothic arches and paved paths. Enter the Law Quad and marvel at the castle-like grounds, which are reminiscent of children's fantasy novels.
Take in the architecture and pay close attention to the iconography within the arches of the rectangular building. Can you spot the hand-carved faces? Use this time as a scavenger hunt to find them all!
Dating back to the 1920s, there are multiple gargoyle-like figurines within the arches. Each passageway represents different ideals, such as the four seasons in harvests, the four seasons in sports, and the first six university presidents.

The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is one of the oldest and largest university art museums in the country with over 150 years of collecting works of art to showcase. It also hosts a variety of events, such as art-making classes for children and rotating, interactive exhibitions.
Outside, there are multiple public art pieces to find and take photos with, including a red Mark di Suvero piece, or tree-like faceless figurines placed in the back of the building. Pop in for a bit or take your time exploring the grounds. Check out the event schedule on their website for upcoming children's classes, activities, and general events.

For lunch, grab a bite at Ann Arbor's famous Zingerman's Delicatessen, renowned for its thick deli sandwiches with quirky names. Even the former President Barack Obama has stepped in for a bite. There are kids' meals and sandwiches available for the whole family to enjoy. Pop into the cafe next door, which sells pastries, coffee, and house-made gelato.
After lunch, head over to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center for an afternoon where both children and adults can immerse themselves in hands-on scientific discovery.

At Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center, there are four floors and over 250 exhibits intended for children to experiment and learn.
If you and your kids are more into nature discovery, venture on a quest with Leslie Science & Nature Center guides. Please note that the quests and classes are not held daily, so check the schedule on the official website well in advance.

After exploring the museum, stroll through Main Street, which is bursting with restaurants, shops, and galleries. You can go down the street and stop at any shops that catch your eye.

After exploring downtown, find your way to Frita Batidos, an award-winning restaurant serving Cuban-inspired dishes, such as chorizo or black bean "frita," their Cuban burgers, and a tropical "batido," their fresh-fruit milkshakes. The restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for the delicate dance between protein and sweetness offered on the menu.

Wrap up the day at Blank Slate Creamery, a local favorite, for homemade ice cream flavors, such as lavender lemon honey, fresh basil, and blueberry pancake. There's something for everyone to try. However, be warned, you might be left craving it for weeks to come!