Go Out and Play!
Getting physically active can result in increased overall wellness as well as increased physical fitness. Check out the suggestions below to get you started.
From bicycle trails to canoe liveries, Ann Arbor has plenty of outside activities to keep you interested, including an expansive bike path system and municipal facilities for canoeing, wind-surfing, and year-round ice skating and swimming. You'll find some of the offerings on the Parks and Recreation website.
There are lots of beautiful places nearby if you want to get out and enjoy nature. Nichols Arboretum ("the Arb") is a botanical preserve, with acres of rolling hills and every species of tree native to the state of Michigan. It's a popular walking and playing area in both summer and winter. The grounds are open every day from 8am until dusk. Matthei Botanical Gardens include marked hiking trails of various lengths, landscaped gardens, and an extensive multi-climate conservatory containing plants of botanical interest from all parts of the world. It's a wonderful getaway from the cold winter weather. The outside walkways are open every day from 8:00am to dusk.
Ann Arbor has over 150 parks, which offer everything from tennis courts, swimming pools, and ice rinks, to places to rollerblade or play disc golf. There are also three dog parks where canine pets can play off-leash.
If you want to get away from town, southeastern Michigan has a wealth of recreation areas within a half-hour car ride. You can hike, mountain-bike, kayak, or just enjoy nature at any of the recreation areas listed in this guide. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks provide additional recreational resources, including cross-country skiing and boating.
The Ann Arbor Ice Cube is a unique combination of an ice sports center complete with pro shop, a physical therapy center, and a public fitness center.
Golfers will find over 20 golf courses in the Ann Arbor area. Check some of them out here.
The Ann Arbor YMCA offers many classes and workshops along with a weight room, sauna, gymnasium, Nautilus, swimming pool, and racquetball courts.
The University of Michigan has a variety of self-directed recreational activities, club sports and recreational facilities. Visit the Rec Sports webpages to get started. You can even rent kayaks, canoes, rock-climbing gear, cross-country skis and more at Rec Sports' Outdoor Adventures.
You can find more information on recreational activities by clicking here. If you're in the mood to check out attractions such as farm markets and museums near Ann Arbor, click this link.