Summer Events at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA)
Featuring vibrant blooms, verdant plains and miles of scenic trails, Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a beloved Ann Arbor gem with a host of summer events. Matthaei Botanical Gardens encompasses 11 outdoor gardens, an indoor conservatory, nature trails and picnic areas.
This year’s roster of events lists several exciting family-friendly choices, from nature play pop-ups at the Gaffield Children’s Garden, to guided wonder walks where participants can make nature come alive through watercolor painting.
Things with Wings: July 27
Following a tradition of several years, MBGNA will host Things with Wings, a FREE outdoor educational event for all ages. MBGNA partners with several local groups and organizations to showcase nature’s flying creatures. The theme of this event is aerial creatures. Attendees will get the chance to learn about a variety of winged creatures, from insects, butterflies and bees to birds of prey, through several exciting educational and experiential activities:
- Bug Safari: Participants can identify insects in the outdoor environment
- Wing-Making Paper Craft: Participants can get their creative juices flowing and create their own wings
- Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers Living Hive: Participants can learn more about the world of honeybees and beekeeping
- Birds of Prey with Leslie Science and Nature Center: Participants will learn about raptors and their role in nature
- Hidden Timber Books: Readings of children’s stories
- Author Visit from Erin Leary. Nenookaasi Mawadishime: Hummingbird Visits
- Author Visit from Stacie Sheldon. Bebikaan-ezhiwebiziwinan Nimkii: The Adventures of Nimkii
Things with Wings will take place on Sunday July 27, 2025 1-4pm.
Note: The gardens and conservatory offer free admission, but on-site parking is paid ($2.50/hour / $6/ daily maximum)
Outdoor Gardens at MBGNA
After checking out Things With Wings, families can wander through one or more of MBGNA’s outdoor gardens. MBGNA’s beautiful gardens encompass everything from herbs and bonsai plants to ornamental plants, perennials and other blooming floral varieties to explore:
Other Upcoming Events at MBGNA
- Snake Week Wonder Walk: Hidden Habitat: Sunday July 13 1pm
- Snake Week Nature Play Pop-Up- Snake Clay Play: Tuesday July 15 10am
- Snake Week Wonder Walk: Lives of Local Snakes: Wednesday July 16 5:30pm
- Nature’s Secret Conversations Wonder Walk: Sunday July 20 1pm
Note: MBGNA hosts FREE guided nature walks during the summer on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm and Sundays at 1 pm…