# Matthaei Botanical Gardens: Tropical Conservatory & Winter Nature Trails > Place to go for families in the Detroit–Warren–Dearborn area (MI). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Tue, Thu–Sun 10:00 AM–4:30 PM, Wed 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Closed Mondays; Outdoor trails open… - Where: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 - Ages: All ages; wide paved pathways fully stroller and wheelchair accessible; warm 75°–80° tropical biome with kid-friendly koi ponds - Price: Free admission to conservatory and outdoor trails (donations appreciated); hourly parking fee ($2.20/hr, max $5/day) - Schedule: Tue, Thu–Sun 10:00 AM–4:30 PM, Wed 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Closed Mondays; Outdoor trails open daily sunrise to sunset - Organizer: University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum - Official page: https://mbgna.umich.edu - Last checked: Wed, Nov 4 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/detroit/activities/matthaei-botanical-gardens-tropical-conservatory-and-winter-nature-tra--listing-2f66eab3dbb7ab6a28eb315a ## About Escape freezing Michigan temperatures inside the soaring, glass-enclosed indoor conservatory at the University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor. Spanning 10,000 square feet under glass, the multi-climate conservatory maintains tropical temperatures of 75° to 80°F year-round, featuring giant traveler's palms, bromeliads, lush banana trees, and tranquil streams teeming with large koi fish that delight young children. Admission to both the indoor conservatory and the surrounding 300 acres of outdoor nature trails is completely free. Children love exploring the desert house with its exotic cacti and the temperate room filled with Mediterranean flora. Outside, wide, well-maintained boardwalk trails weave through snowy wetlands and oak woodlands along Fleming Creek. ## Similar picks in Detroit - [Veterans Day Free Admission at Wild Wonders Wildlife Park — Howell Nature Center](https://grassyknees.com/detroit/activities/veterans-day-free-admission-at-wild-wonders-wildlife-park-howell-natur--listing-9e8ccef4f7865a76ce96c173) — Wed, Nov 11 · 10:00 AM · Howell Nature Center — Wild Wonders Wildlife Park · All ages · With admission · checked Oct 20. On Veterans Day, all veterans and their families get free admission to the Wild Wonders Wildlife Park at Howell Nature Center in Livingston County. 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