The Nature Playscape

at the Leslie Science & Nature Center

The Nature Playscape is a free outdoor play space built with accessibility and longevity in mind. 

Composed of materials like wood, stone, and earth, the Playscape encourages visitors to explore their environment and form meaningful relationships with the natural world.

Open for Play

  • Activity Zone

    Our Activity Zone features a hill with boulders and logs for climbing, a tunnel for playing hide-and-seek, and two slides for zooming down.

    Our slides are made of stainless steel—a material that prevents static electricity, making it ideal for visitors who use cochlear implants.

  • Messy & Loose Parts

    In the Messy & Loose Parts area, build structures and let your imagination soar. Create a hut out of sticks and picture yourself in another world!

    Our shelter-building area has existed for years, and was first started by our young visitors themselves!

  • Waterplay

    *Closed for the Winter*

    In Waterplay, use pumps to control a flow of water running downhill to feed a rain garden. Make waterfalls, streams, and dams!

    Our pumps are designed for ease of use so that visitors of various physical abilities and ages can all enjoy the feature.

    This is a seasonal feature, closed Nov-Spring annually.

What’s Next?

With plans to break ground in the fall of 2024, we’re excited to announce our Outdoor Teaching Space. This sheltered amphitheater, located just beyond the Nature Playscape, will enable us to expand our wildlife programming, host community events with local partners, and so much more.

We can’t do it without you. By supporting the Outdoor Teaching Space at the Leslie Science & Nature Center, you are creating a lasting educational and social resource for your community. Join us as we bring moments of discovery to everyone!

Sponsorship and naming opportunities are available! Please contact development@aahom.org for more information.

Our Generous Partners

The Song Family Fund
at the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation

FAQ

  • Yes—the Nature Playscape is free and open to the public 365 days/year, 7 days/week!

  • The Leslie Science & Nature Center has a parking lot that is free to use for visitors. In the event that overflow parking is needed, visitors can park at the base of the hill in the big field.

  • The Leslie Science & Nature Center has two porta-potties available for public use: one beside the parking lot and one in the big field to the left of the driveway. Indoor restrooms are reserved for program participants.