Sharon Mills Park in Manchester, MI

Sharon Mills County Park In Manchester, MI

Address:  5701 Sharon Hollow Rd, Manchester, MI 48158

Ages- 2 and up

Cost- Free (funded by Washtenaw County Taxes)

Other Attractions Nearby:  Chelsea Teddy Bear Company, Chelsea Tree House, Chelsea Timber Town, Carr Park and Chi Bro Parks in Manchester.

Places to eat: Linda’s Diner(my favorite),  Stockwell’s Homecookin,  The Village Tap, and Pleasant Lake Inn.

Why go there? When we arrived, my kids said, “where is the stuff to play on?”  Uh-oh.  In the end, no slides, no swings, and no play equipment, the kids began looking at the river, asking questions about the plant-life, and asking what a mill was.  The mill was originally constructed in 1835. It was purchased and then restored by Henry Ford in the 1930's. Sharon Mills is listed on the State of Michigan Register of Historic Places.  Along with the Mill structure, the site includes extensive interpretive signage, as well as fishing, picnicking and canoeing opportunities. Interpretive programs are conducted at the park, discussing both the history and ecology of the site.  It would be a perfect place for a picnic and just running around, feeling footloose and fancy free.

What to do beforehand?   Read up on the park and its history.  Read up on the Raisin River and its River Raisin Watershed Council.

Be careful: The building and bathrooms often are closed on weekends.

Summary- Tired of the playground scene? Try out a more nature-based park for exploring, soaking up nature, and having fun.

County Farm Park (Ann Arbor)

County Farm Park- http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/parks_recreation/forms%20and%20publications/brochure/brochure_cfp.pdf

Ages- 4 to 10

Cost- FREE

Location-  2230 Platt Road, Ann Arbor, MI

Phone-  (734) 971-6337

Parking- Free on site

Other attractions nearby- Whole Foods (East Ann Arbor)- 5 mins, Barnes and Noble- Ann Arbor- 5 mins, Ann Arbor Thrift Store- 7 mins, Toys R Us- 7 mins, Dominos Petting Farm (opens in late May)- 15 mins

Places to eat nearby- Siam Square (Thai)- 7 mins, Paesano (Italian)- 5 mins, Pita Pita (Mediterranean)- 10 mins, Pho House- 10 mins..They also have chains like Noodles and Company, Chilis, and Dennys

Why to go there: First, it’s centrally located in Ann Arbor.  The new play structure, redone in the last few years, is great.  It has fun things for 4 year olds and can entertain up to at least ten.  Our 4 year old played for about one hour on all of the different areas.  The farm motif is interesting.  The park in which the playground is located also features trails and a community garden (which our son found pretty neat).  If you go in the summer, you can pair it with a trip to the Domino’s Petting Farm, another agricultural themed spot.

What to do before hand: Read and discuss farming.

Be careful:  Arrive early, it fills up on weekend.

Summary:  One of the top playgrounds in the area.