Just a few miles west of Ann Arbor, Michigan lies the town of Chelsea — a quintessential small-town with history and charm – and the home of The Astor Academy! Taking pride in its local scene, Chelsea has much to offer families, particularly in the summer months. The following are ten locations unique only to Chelsea, Michigan, that will provide your family with a delightful opportunity to make new memories and enjoy time together.
For the kids….
Chelsea TreeHouse
The Chelsea TreeHouse is a must-see attraction for anyone with young children. Boasting 9,000 square feet of play area, there is something for everyone. Their structure includes a gated section for babies and toddlers, an enclosed area for preschool-aged children, and an enormous treehouse for all ages. The cafe is essential for parents who don’t have the luxury of caffeine-free energy, or a fuel-up to take advantage of the unlimited play time.
TimberTown
TimberTown is located just outside of the main downtown area of Chelsea, MI. Its large wooden structure offers a fun place for children to play and pretend, including a toddler area and a sandbox. TimberTown currently undergoes a “reimagining” with several projects underway, including pickleball courts, a new playground, and a border-to-border trailhead. The park is so well-loved by the community that it will be receiving a makeover in August of 2024. But don’t worry, TimberTown remains open to the public.
For the parents…
The Purple Rose Theatre Company
Founded by acclaimed actor and comedian – and Michigan local, Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a local gem! As a patron, you not only support the arts and local economy, but educational classes as well. The Purple Rose offers a program for burgeoning actors and playwrights to boost their confidence and provide professional feedback. Additionally, they offer readings (free to the public) to gauge whether a considered play would be a good fit for the stage in Chelsea.
Robin Hills Farm
With live music, trivia nights, comedy shows, stand up paddleboard (SUP) yoga classes, and an artisan eatery, Robin Hills Farm is a must-visit for a weekend night out. The Nest is the farm’s craft cocktail bar and kitchen, boasting meals made from scratch with local ingredients. Home to exclusive cocktails and unique locally-sourced meals, The Nest is an ideal line item for your Chelsea bucket list.
For the family…
Barn Sanctuary
Barn Sanctuary exists to rescue and rehabilitate abused animals from farms. From donkeys to turkeys, the non-profit organization is currently home to 140 former farm animals. Barn Sanctuary offers tours on Saturdays throughout the summer, where you may meet and interact with the “residents” and be educated on the species and their history within our agricultural system.
Waterloo Recreation Area
Chelsea’s very own Waterloo State Recreation Area is Michigan’s largest park in the lower peninsula, home to campsites, trails, boat rentals, hunting and fishing opportunities, and 11 inland lakes. Over the summer, professional naturalists host weekly interactive presentations and activities for the whole family. Whether you want to plan a whole weekend, a day trip, or even just a couple hours, Waterloo is a prime local option.
Chelsea Farmers Market
On Saturdays and Wednesdays from May through October, the Chelsea Farmers Market hosts a delightful array of vendors featuring food and drink, crafts, and services. This thriving market has been only growing over the last 25 years and represents Chelsea’s strong local economy.
Zou Zou’s Cafe and Coffee Bar
Zou Zou’s Cafe and Coffee Bar is open every day of the week and prominently resides on a street corner in the heart of downtown. This Chelsea staple offers breakfast, lunch, baked goods, coffee, beer and wine, and Washtenaw Dairy ice cream (to name a few). This location is perfect for lunch to-go, strolling ice cream, any coffee date and has something for every member of the family.
Chelsea Community Fair
From August 20 to August 24, 2024 the Chelsea Community Fair will fill the city with the sound of laughter and the smell of elephant ears. Your family will feel like they’ve stepped into the world of Charlotte’s Webb with classic fair events like animal judging, tractor pulls, parades, and a demolition derby. Additionally, they have rides, fair games, food vendors, and everything you might expect from a small-town fair and more!
Chelsea District Library
The Chelsea District Library offers events for all members of the family: D&D or chess for teens, family concerts, yoga on the lawn, book clubs, workshops, and baby-focused events. The calendar is ever-evolving and appeals to every age group. The events are usually free and accessible to all. You can view their calendar of events here.
The quaint town of Chelsea is one of Michigan’s hidden treasures. The thriving local scene promotes a comfortable family-friendly environment, filled with opportunities to encourage time spent together. Consider this list of businesses as your summer bucket list and experience their charm for yourself.
At the Astor, we fully appreciate the privilege of participating in Chelsea’s economy and investing in the future generations. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our facility to see firsthand if we are a good fit for your family.