Snowy trails, sunny parks & everything in between—discover fun ways to stay active in Ann Arbor, no matter the season!
Ann Arbor turns every season into an opportunity for activity. No matter if you’re dodging snowflakes or chasing sunshine, this town keeps you moving. Here’s your guide to staying active through Michigan’s ever-changing weather.
Summer, Winter and Fall Activities
1. Go Hiking or Biking on the City’s Vast Trails
Ann Arbor has a network of trails that makes it easy to get outside and stay active. Here are a few of the best trails to explore, no matter the time of year:
- Border-to-Border Trail: This 35-mile path connects the best of Washtenaw County and stretches from Dexter to Ypsilanti. The paved sections welcome cyclists and runners year-round, while natural stretches offer quiet escapes. The Gallup Park section provides perfect sunset views.
- Nichols Arboretum Trails: The Arb’s varied terrain challenges both casual walkers and serious runners. Valley trails offer shelter from winter winds, while ridge paths deliver river views. Spring brings wildflowers, fall shows off colors.
- The Huron River Trail: Urban adventure meets natural beauty along this riverside route. Perfect for quick walks or long weekend rides. The path connects multiple parks, letting you customize your distance.
Pro Tip: Bring your dog for a walk or bike ride! These trails are dog-friendly, and it’s a great way to stay active with your furry friend.
2. Kayaking and Canoeing
Nothing gets you moving quite like paddling through one of Ann Arbor’s beautiful waterways. Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or a newbie, the city offers several spots for water adventures:
- Huron River: The river offers different personalities depending on your launch point. Argo Livery provides rentals and local knowledge. Weekday mornings bring peaceful paddling, while weekends buzz with energy.
- Argo Cascades: These engineered rapids create perfect practice grounds for developing skills. The series of drops provides just enough excitement without serious risk. Rental packages include basic instruction.
- Island Park Peaceful waters circle this hidden gem. Perfect for beginners or those seeking quiet paddle sessions. The shoreline offers multiple easy access points.
Pro Tip: For beginners, start early in the morning to avoid crowds, and check water conditions to make sure they’re safe for your skills.
3. Catch a Sports Match
Ann Arbor is a sports town, and there’s no shortage of events to get involved in. Here’s where to catch a live game:
- The Big House: Home of the University of Michigan’s football team, it’s a must-visit for football fans. Michigan Stadium’s energy could power a small city on game days. The largest stadium in North America hosts more than football – it’s a community gathering space.
- Yost Ice Arena: Hockey season transforms this historic venue into Michigan’s loudest ice rink. Public skate sessions let you glide where champions trained. The wooden benches hold decades of victory cheers.
- Crisler Center & Cliff Keen Arena: Basketball and wrestling showcase different sides of Michigan athletics. The arenas’ intimate settings put you close to the action. Winter weekends bring double-headers and tournament excitement.
- Thunder Sports Complex and Ann Arbor Ice Cube: Local leagues and figure skaters call these venues home. Weekend tournaments welcome all skill levels. The practice ice sees early morning figure eights and late-night hockey drills.
Pro Tip: Grab stadium snacks early – certain items sell out by halftime. Check venue websites for public skate times and league sign-ups.
4. Sign-Up at Sports Service Establishments
Want to keep up with your fitness goals? There are plenty of ways to stay active indoors, too:
- Wide World Sports Center: Recreational leagues here welcome everyone from former athletes to first-timers. Soccer, basketball, and pickleball courts stay busy year-round. The atmosphere keeps competition friendly. Register for any of the adult leagues.
- Intramural Sports Building: Nearly every sport finds a home here. Volleyball nets, basketball courts, and dodgeball zones fill quickly. The facility’s central location makes lunchtime games convenient.
Pro Tip: Join beginner leagues to learn new sports. Many teams welcome solo players looking to fill rosters.
5. Go Arcading
Let’s face it, sometimes you want to stay active and have fun indoors. Ann Arbor has a few spots where you can burn some calories while challenging your friends to arcade games:
- Pete’s Pinball: Flippers and bumpers provide surprising workouts. Classic machines line the walls, each offering different challenges. Regular tournaments build community among players.
- Revel and Roll: Bowling, arcade games, and billiards under one roof. The modern scoring system adds fun twists to traditional bowling. Late nights bring cosmic bowling and special events.
- Room Breakout & Decode Ann Arbor: Puzzle-solving meets physical activity in these escape rooms. Teams race against time while exploring themed spaces. Success requires both mental and physical engagement.
Pro Tip: Group rates make these venues perfect for team building. Evening hours often include special deals and themed events.
6. Explore the Culinary Scene
Staying active doesn’t just mean exercise—it can mean fueling up with the best that Ann Arbor’s culinary scene has to offer. You can try new places and still maintain your fitness goals:
- Try Local Dishes: Head to iconic spots like Frita Batidos for a Cuban-inspired meal or Jerusalem Garden for healthy Mediterranean options. Both locations source ingredients locally and offer protein-rich meals perfect for post-workout refueling.
- Coffee Shops & Craft Beer: From Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea to The Beer Grotto, grab a cup of locally brewed coffee or a refreshing craft beer. Many spots offer both local brews and great snack options. These venues regularly update their menus with seasonal offerings that complement active lifestyles.
- Visit the Ann Arbor Farmers Market: Pick up fresh produce and support local farmers. Walk around the market to enjoy the sights and sounds while picking out healthy, locally-sourced ingredients. The weekend markets often feature cooking demonstrations and nutrition tips from local chefs.
Pro Tip: If you’re trying to stay active, focus on meals that incorporate fresh veggies and lean proteins to keep your energy up throughout the day.
7. Participate in Festivities
There’s always something happening in Ann Arbor, and participating in these community events is a great way to stay engaged and active:
- Ann Arbor Art Fair: Walk through over 1,000 booths featuring artists from around the country. The event is not just about the art; it’s a great way to explore the streets of downtown while enjoying some outdoor walking. The fair spans multiple districts.
- Festifools: A fun parade filled with amazing puppets and costumes. It’s a lively event that encourages you to get up and get moving. The community workshops leading up to the event offer chances to help create the giant puppets, adding more active participation opportunities.
- Ann Arbor Summer Festival: Enjoy outdoor concerts, movies, and family-friendly activities that get you out and about during the warm months. The festival’s multiple locations throughout downtown encourage exploration and walking between venues.
Pro Tip: Connect with new people. Festivals are a great way to build your network.
8. Join Student Groups, Clubs, and Volunteer
Stay active in the community by joining student organizations or volunteering. These groups offer great opportunities to meet like-minded people and stay active:
- Maize Pages: Browse U-M’s directory of active student groups and find your perfect fit. These organizations welcome community members too, creating bridges between campus and city life. Local hiking clubs often coordinate weekend trips to nearby state parks and trails.
- Volunteer Events: Local organizations always need helping hands for physical tasks like trail maintenance and garden work. The Huron River Watershed Council hosts regular cleanups that combine environmental care with outdoor exercise. Natural Area Preservation offers opportunities to work in different parks each weekend.
Pro Tip: Volunteering or joining a club not only helps you stay active but also introduces you to new activities and events you might not have considered.
9. Experience the Nightlife
Ann Arbor’s nightlife isn’t just about hitting the bars—it’s about staying active and enjoying fun evenings out:
- Live Music: The Blind Pig‘s intimate space turns every show into a dance party, while The Ark‘s folk concerts get feet tapping. Both venues host weekly special events that encourage audience participation. Local bands often coordinate with dance instructors for pre-show lessons.
- Late-Night Bowling: Revel and Roll transforms after dark with cosmic bowling and energetic music. Their Thursday night leagues welcome casual players, and the arcade section adds variety to your movement. The facility’s recent renovations added more active gaming options.
Pro Tip: Don’t go to these venues with too much in your pockets so you don’t lose them while having fun.
10. Take Periodic Walks and Shop for Best Deals
Sometimes, staying active doesn’t require a gym or sport—it can be as simple as taking a walk through town and finding the best deals:
- Walk Around Kerrytown: Browse through local stores while getting some light exercise. Stroll through the shops at Kerrytown Market & Shops or explore new items at your favorite store.
- Ann Arbor Farmers Market: Wednesday and Saturday markets transform grocery shopping into a social workout. Vendors change locations seasonally, ensuring different walking patterns each visit. The market’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for downtown exploration.
Pro Tip: Bring a friend for a little retail therapy, but don’t forget to take your time walking and enjoy the outdoor sights.
Winter-Specific Activities
1. Ice Skating
You’ll find local flavor and winter magic at Buhr Park Ice Arena, where the outdoor rink buzzes with energy all season. Beginners wobble alongside seasoned skaters, creating a welcoming vibe that’ll make you forget about the cold. The rental shop stocks surprisingly good skates, saving you from lugging your own gear across town. Night sessions under the lights turn basic skating into something special.
Pro Tip: Bring thick socks – rental skates can be stiff. Check the schedule for special events like themed skate nights or holiday music for an added festive touch.
2. Skiing and Snowboarding
Mount Brighton sits just 30 minutes away, offering slopes that’ll satisfy both first-timers and black diamond chasers. If you’re craving a bit more adventure, Mount Brighton is a fantastic option for skiing and snowboarding. Your lift ticket buys access to terrain parks, gentle learning areas, and everything in between. The rental shop staff actually knows their stuff, helping you find gear that fits right the first time. Night skiing here beats Netflix any day.
Pro Tip: Look for early season or weekday discounts for lift tickets to save on your adventure. It’s quieter during these times, too!
3. Do Some Cross-Country Skiing
Gallup Park transforms into a cross-country paradise after fresh snow. The riverside trails offer flat runs for beginners and hidden hills for thrill-seekers. You might spot winter birds or brave river otters while gliding along. The warming hut near the main entrance provides perfect mid-ski breaks.
Pro Tip: Pack a thermos with a warm drink to enjoy after your ski through the park. It’s the perfect way to refuel and enjoy the winter air.
4. Snowshoe at Dedicated Winter Paths
The Nichols Arboretum shows its quiet side under snow cover. Valley trails protect you from winter winds while ridge paths reward with river views. However, Gallup Park or the Border-to-Border Trail might offer better maintained winter paths. The natural terrain creates perfect snowshoe conditions without need for grooming. Morning trips often mean having whole sections to yourself.
Pro Tip: Enter through the Washington Heights entrance for quickest access to the best winter trails. The valley route offers wind protection on blustery days.
Time to Get Moving!
Ann Arbor hands you a new playground every season – from winter ice skating at Buhr Park to summer paddling on the Huron. Switch up your routine by combining activities: maybe a farmers market walk followed by evening bowling, or a morning run before live music at The Ark. Most activities won’t break the bank, and many are free. The next season’s always bringing something new to try.
