Fun & (Mostly) Free Things to Do on Campus This Summer

If you're spending summer in Ann Arbor, or planning a visit soon, look no further for a list of comprehensive free and fun-filled activities to fill your day.

By Maryam Masood May 19, 2022
Fun & (Mostly) Free Things to Do on Campus this Summer Blog Post

Updated: 05/19/2022

1. Play tennis or basketball by Palmer Field - If you don’t happen to own a basketball or tennis gear, you can rent out basketballs and other equipment from Recreational Sports facilities like the Central Campus Recreation Center for around $3. Grab a friend or two and split the cost for a couple hours of basketball/tennis for under two dollars.

Palmer Field
Palmer Field

2. Stop by the UMMA for a tour of the gallery.

UMMA
UMMA

3. Chill by the Diag - If you can get your hands on a hammock, I highly recommend spending an hour or so just hammocking in the Diag. If not, plenty of people find a nice patch of grass or ledge and manage to enjoy the classic college atmosphere of the Diag.

The Diag
The Diag

4. Take a walk/run through the Arb - The Nichols Arboretum is a must-see any time you come to campus in the summer. Take advantage of its many walking paths, or even just find an empty bench and bask in the green oasis that is the Arb.

The Arb
The Arb

5. Picnic in the Law Quad - The Law Quad has the green space of the Diag, but it’s slightly less packed (by both humans and squirrels) and the perfect spot for a lunch break.

The Law Quad
The Law Quad

6. Explore Downtown Ann Arbor’s many restaurants, book stores, and shops - Downtown Ann Arbor has it all — from clothes to antiquities to books to food. You can kill a good hour or two just browsing around. If you are willing to spend some money, I highly recommend picking up tacos from Tios and/or fudge from Kilwins.

Downtown
Downtown Ann Arbor

7. Snap a pic in this iconic U-M photo location - On Maynard Street outside of Chatime, The Michigan Wings is a basic-yet-essential spot to take a photo sometime before you graduate.

The Michigan Wings
The Michigan Wings
Maryam Masood

Maryam Masood (she/her) is a senior in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts majoring in Organizational Studies. During the year, she keeps busy managing the Michigan Refugee Assistance Program and working as a trainer at Rec Sports. Outside of class and work, she can most likely be found making another cup of coffee, procrastinating at the CCRB, or rewatching Kim's Convenience on Netflix.