Leslie Science & Nature Center — Attraction in Ann Arbor

First time visiting, last time visiting. Three parents and 6 kids- not much to see. Chaos of other kids attending camps (cute to see), pretty much there’s only birds, owls, etc to see. The only nature center I’ve been to in the metro Detroit area that doesn’t have an indoor educational building. I asked to use a restroom and they wanted me to use a porta potty when they have clearly labeled bathrooms. I was able to get an employee to use an indoor bathroom. This is Ann Arbor not the middle of nowhere! Their cute play area that was advertised on Little Guide Detroit was closed due to spraying for bees (no mention of this on social medias or website). We walked the never ending and poorly labeled nature trail. About 30 minutes in, we came across a huge tree that was down and blocking the entire way. Wow, just a huge fail overall. Besides seeing the birds, legit just a space to walk around. Far better nature centers to learn from and explore...

I visited Leslie Science & Nature Center for the first time today to check out the raptors and the trails. I really love raptors and have visited other nature centers providing rehab or respite for injured birds and have enjoyed my time. This center was honestly heartbreaking. I will give benefit of the doubt that the enclosures meet minimum requirements, but they don't seem to provide much more than that. Plastic green turf, pea gravel, and maybe a couple of dog toys - nothing natural or enriching. The peregrine falcon, one of the hawks, and the eagle were flying into the sides and tops of their enclosures repeatedly while I was there. Although there is information about each species, there is not any information on the individual birds and why they are in captivity. I cried the whole time I was walking through. I understand funding often being an issue, but there has to be a cost-effective way to honor these beautiful...

We visited on a Friday evening & participated in a new moon night hike, it was a very fun experience!

The trails are not paved and can be a little thin (strollers not recommended) but are not difficult to walk and the longest trail is only 1 mile, so they are not too long for short nature walks.

The raptor enclosure is also a must-see! Some of the birds are nocturnal, so they don't wake up until it gets dark, but the eagle, hawks, kestrel and vultures are friendly and awake during the day. There is also a reptile & amphibian enclosure that we were not able to see, but will definitely check out the next time we visit!

Great location to bring kids, cute little playground and special activities/camps for children.

Only restroom is a port'o'pot near the discovery garden/parking lot, but it is large enough for parents to assist kids & for wheelchairs, and it was very...