Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
A vibrant, four-story museum packed with over 250 interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and learning through play.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, four-story museum packed with over 250 interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and learning through play.
"It’s 10x the fun for the kids & for the adults! Such a great time EVERY visit. 
Bring a change of clothes! 👕
Water exhibits can get kids (and adults!) soaked. Essential for a comfortable visit.
Parking can be pricey 🅿️
Downtown Ann Arbor parking costs can add up, especially during events. Factor this into your budget.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Preschool Gallery
Second Floor
A dedicated space for younger children with pretend play, building, and a fire engine. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
H2O Exhibit
First Floor
Dive into water play with balls, channels, and interactive elements. A guaranteed hit for kids of all ages.
STEAM Park
Fourth Floor
Inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers with hands-on activities focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
All About You Exhibit
Third Floor
Explore the human body and health through interactive displays. Fun and educational for curious minds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Parking & Crowds
Pack for Play & Potential Wetness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a change of clothes! 👕
Water exhibits can get kids (and adults!) soaked. Essential for a comfortable visit.
Parking can be pricey 🅿️
Downtown Ann Arbor parking costs can add up, especially during events. Factor this into your budget.
Explore all 4 floors! ⬆️
Each level offers unique exhibits for different age groups. Don't miss any!
Check for discounts 💰
Look into WIC discounts or reciprocity programs if you have memberships elsewhere.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a change of clothes! 👕
Water exhibits can get kids (and adults!) soaked. Essential for a comfortable visit.
Parking can be pricey 🅿️
Downtown Ann Arbor parking costs can add up, especially during events. Factor this into your budget.
Explore all 4 floors! ⬆️
Each level offers unique exhibits for different age groups. Don't miss any!
Check for discounts 💰
Look into WIC discounts or reciprocity programs if you have memberships elsewhere.
Great for all ages! 👶👴
From toddlers to adults, there's something to spark curiosity and fun for everyone.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum for its engaging, interactive exhibits that make learning fun for children of all ages. The clean environment and friendly staff are frequently highlighted positives. Some minor drawbacks include the potential for crowds and the cost of parking in downtown Ann Arbor.
"This is such an innovative way of having a museum. My husband and I wanted to bring the kids here for the first time. The bad news is there was an art fair and no parking only $20 parking. That did not kill our vibe. Tickets are $16 a person and under 2 is free. We purchased the tickets and we parked our stroller.
The kids walked up the stairs and went into this water room. My son loved it so much. He was squealing and running around. My daughter loved played with the balls and throwing them in the water. Once we were done with this floor, we decided to go up the stairs.
We were shocked to see a massive preschool room suitable for ages 4 and under. They have tons of toys for the kids. They had another water station. My kids were dry at first. However, a little boy sprayed water at my son and soaked him as his mom watched and said nothing. This didnt make our experience bad because luckily we had a change of clothes. I only say this to warn you to bring a change of clothes just in case they get wet.
We didn't really go to the third floor. My husband said it was more for older kids when he went to check. The kids were having too much fun inside the playroom. We will definitely be back and hopefully not on a day where an event is taking place."
Suzy J
"Visted here with the family during the week. Lots of learning experiences with interactive excercises. Kids loved running around trying everything out. Clean and organized for a place that children have their hands on everything. Little shop at the entrance. Vending machines with small sitting area availiable. Staff were super friendly. Will return."
Ryan M
"Great interactive museum for young and preteen children - great visuals with the exhibits and a good variety of topics. Visited on a Friday afternoon over spring break with a 5 & 7 year old. When you enter to the left is the welcome counter with a small gift shop and on the right lockers/coatracks and restrooms. 1st floor near the back is a vending machine and small eating area.
Loved the musical steps, the water room on the 1st floor and displays of discovered firehouse items. Lots of activity on the 1st and 2nd floors with the 3rd floor only having a small room focused in light, and 4th floor 2 smaller spaces with a few displays. Very cool overall and would recommend."
Leiah Shirley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 220 E. Ann St. You can reach it by car, and public transportation options are available. Be prepared for downtown parking, which can be challenging and costly, especially on busy days or during special events.
Parking is available in nearby city garages and street parking. However, parking can be expensive, with rates sometimes reaching $20 or more during events like art fairs. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
Yes, Ann Arbor has a public bus system that can take you to the downtown area. Check the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA) website for routes and schedules that serve the museum's vicinity.
The museum is generally stroller-friendly, with elevators available to access all four floors. However, it can get crowded, so be mindful of space.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the museum. There are vending machines available, and a small sitting area for snacks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is typically $16 per person. Children aged 2 and under are free. Prices can vary, so it's always best to check their official website for the most current information.
Yes, the museum offers discounts for WIC participants and may have reciprocity agreements with other museums. It's advisable to inquire about potential discounts when purchasing tickets or check their website.
Hours can vary by day and season. It's recommended to check the official Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak times like weekends, holidays, or school breaks, to ensure entry and avoid long queues.
Yes, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum offers various membership options that can provide benefits like unlimited visits and discounts. This is a great option for frequent visitors.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
The Preschool Gallery on the second floor is specifically designed for ages 4 and under, featuring pretend play, building stations, and a fire engine. The H2O exhibit on the first floor is also a huge hit with toddlers.
The STEAM Park on the fourth floor offers engaging activities for older children focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Exhibits like 'All About You' and 'Keep Smiling' also cater to a broader age range.
Reviewers consistently praise the museum for being clean and well-maintained, even with a high volume of children interacting with exhibits.
The museum is designed for children from toddlers up to pre-teens, with specific galleries catering to different age groups. Adults often enjoy the interactive nature as well!
The museum occasionally hosts special events and temporary exhibits, such as the Gabby's Dollhouse experience mentioned in one review. It's best to check their website for current offerings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum has vending machines and a small sitting area for snacks. For more substantial meals, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding downtown Ann Arbor area.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum. It's best to consume your snacks before entering or plan to visit a nearby eatery.
Downtown Ann Arbor offers a wide array of family-friendly restaurants, from casual pizza places to cafes with kid-friendly menus. Many are within walking distance of the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. It's a great place to capture your kids' excitement and discoveries!
While personal photography is usually fine, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive flash photography, especially in areas with sensitive displays. Professional photography may require prior permission.
The H2O exhibit with its water play, the colorful Preschool Gallery, and the interactive STEAM exhibits often make for dynamic and fun photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Toddlers & Preschoolers
The H2O exhibit on the first floor is also a major draw, providing endless fun with water play, though it's wise to bring a change of clothes for this area. 🎒 School Groups & Field Trips
+1 Teachers can leverage the museum's hands-on approach to make complex topics engaging and memorable for students. The museum's layout and variety of exhibits cater to different age groups within a school setting, from elementary to middle school. Booking in advance is essential for group visits.💡 Curious Minds (All Ages)
The STEAM Park and exhibits exploring physics, biology, and technology offer intellectually stimulating experiences for all ages. It's a place where curiosity is encouraged, and the 'aha!' moments are frequent, making it a rewarding outing for the entire family. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Four Floors of Fun
The second floor is a haven for the youngest visitors, housing the Preschool Gallery. This area is thoughtfully designed for toddlers and preschoolers, with opportunities for imaginative play, building with magnet tiles, and even riding a miniature fire engine.
Moving up to the third floor, you'll find exhibits like 'All About You,' which delves into the human body and health, and the 'Keep Smiling' exhibit. These areas offer more in-depth learning opportunities for slightly older children.
Finally, the fourth floor is dedicated to the STEAM Park, designed to ignite curiosity in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. This level provides hands-on challenges and experiments that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Hands-On Learning for All Ages
The museum is lauded for its ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and fun for children, fostering a natural curiosity about how the world works. From understanding sound waves and electricity to exploring gears and pulleys, the exhibits are designed to be both educational and entertaining.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Given the nature of the exhibits, particularly the water play areas, it's highly advised to bring a change of clothes for children, as they are likely to get wet.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit