Age group

Internet Access

Art Studio

Laboratory

Animal Sanctuary

Parents in the Ann Arbor area now have a great opportunity to foster a love and respect for nature in their children. Leslie Science & Nature Center is a 50-acre facility located within the city, providing environmental education and experiences to inspire a connection with nature. Through outdoor explorations, hands-on activities, and interactive experiences, children and adults can discover the wonders of the natural world. 

Although the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order has limited outdoor activities to those that do not involve contact with others, Leslie Science & Nature Center provides a unique opportunity for children to explore the outdoors and develop a deeper appreciation of the natural environment. From hikes and walks to interactive activities, there are a variety of ways to explore the nature center’s 50-acre space and experience the wonders of nature. 

Leslie Science & Nature Center is a great way for parents to teach their children to respect the environment and connect with the outdoors. With the variety of educational and interactive activities, children and adults are sure to find something that makes them fall in love with nature.

STEM/STEAM

Nature

Hiking

Story Telling

Experiment

Exploration

Inexpensive

Our Pre-K programs are designed to bring out the explorer in everyone.
This recurring six-week series takes place at both Leslie Science & Nature Center and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.
This unique series offers a hand-picked blend of preschool philosophies so we can support learners of all kinds. Designed and taught by a team of educators with over 30 years of Pre-K experience, our Littles programs encompass the belief that every child is a scientist by nature, driven by curiosity to explore and observe our world.

Little Scientists & Little Naturalists Clubs

The Nature Playscape at Leslie Science & Nature Center is an outdoor space designed for play made of natural components such as plants, logs, water, sand, mud, boulders, hills, and trees. These components represent the larger wild environment in a way that feels safe and manageable to young visitors. Construction of the Nature Playscape is a multi-year process that began in 2019.

The Nature Playscape

Enjoy a night hike under the stars while the moon and the sun are aligned. Do some simple science experiments out on the trail to understand how different animals' eyes see in the dark, learn about night hike safety, and visit some of LSNC's nocturnal animals to learn about how they survive. After the hike, we'll hear stories and poems inspired by the moon and enjoy a campfire. Masks are optional and pre-registration is required.

New Moon Night Hike

Coed

Toddlers

Kids

Tweens

Leslie Science and Nature Center

You can take the kids there to see raptors up close, which is a great place to do!

Rhoda E

The very best!  The staff is pleasant, the grounds are lovely, and the birds are spectacular.

Oscar N

Well-kept facilities, a wide range of activities, helpful staff, wildlife, and a great deal of interest for young children

Gina L

I went with my two children (3 and 1) yesterday. They enjoyed the activity at the start of the session, seeing the birds up close, learning about migration, and, most importantly, hearing the story! The staff members were also wonderful; they were patient and seemed to enjoy what they were teaching. A hidden treasure to be discovered! We will definitely return!