Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
220 E Ann St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
No matter your age, you can indulge your curiosity and discover the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Exhibits are so entertaining, kids won’t even realize how much they are learning.
The basics
Spread across four floors, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has 10 galleries filled with more than 250 interactive exhibits. Highlights include the STEAM Park gallery, where you’ll find interactive mechanical exhibits designed to inspire future engineers, mechanics, and artists; the All About You gallery, which explores the science of the human body; and the H2OH! gallery where you can experiment with water jets and air propulsion bottle rockets. Younger visitors will enjoy the Preschool gallery, where there’s a kid-sized fire engine, the chance to dress up as a firefighter, and water-play tables.
Things to know before you go
There is an admission fee for adults and children, but kids under 2 years old get in for free.
Admission is good for the day—you can leave and come back as long as you retain your ticket.
Lockers are available for a small fee.
The museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to get there
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is located in Downtown Ann Arbor, within walking distance of several hotels and attractions. The Ann Arbor Amtrak station is a 15-minute walk north, while the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport is 15 minutes by car.
When to get there
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is open daily, except for Mondays, typically from 10am-5pm. The museum is at its busiest on weekends year-round and is a popular destination for school groups, which tend to arrive on weekday mornings in term time, but leave by early afternoon. If crowds are a concern, you can call ahead to find out how many field trip visitors are expected on the day of your trip.
Leslie Science & Nature Center
Located nearby in a public park, the Leslie Science & Nature Center is the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum’s partner organization. The center’s outdoor public areas are free and open every day of the year, with highlights including a playspace and bird enclosures. On Sundays, you can also see frogs, turtles, snakes, and more at the Critter House.
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