When you need a reason to head Downriver, here are the best parks and playgrounds to visit south of Detroit.
Lower Huron Metropark (Belleville)
We call this the Paw Patrol park because the $1.3M rocket themed playground has a climbing tower that looks just like the popular pup’s HQ. Perfect for all ages, the Lower Huron Metropark playground is challenging for bigs, has dedicated space for littles AND is accessible to all. Plan your visit during the summer months and bring a swimsuit for a splace at Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center. A vehicle Huron-Clinton Metropark pass is required to enter the park. An annual pass is $40 and a day pass is $10. You can also gain FREE access to 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks with your library card, learn how here.
Crosswinds Marsh Nature Preserve (New Boston)
One of the most picturestque parks in metro Detroit, Wayne County Park’s Crosswinds Marsh doesn’t have a play structure but nature is enjoy. Explore the diverse wetlands by crossing multiple long wood bridges connecting mini islands in the marsh. Follow the trails across the marsh and into the woods for more wilderness to explore. During warm months, stop by the flower gardens and get your picture taken in the butterfly chairs.
Kiwanis Park (Southgate)
If you have a train lover at home make the trip to Kiwanis Park for a life size train your kids will love climbing on and sliding down. Not only that, they can run around two play structures with rock and log walls, sensory elements and slides. Take a spin on giant acorns, race through a log tunnel and test your balance on wobbly, wooden leaves. On the third Saturday and Sunday of each month (May – October) Great Lakes Live Steamers offers FREE mini train rides at the park from 12pm to 4pm (although donations are appreciated).
Thorn Park (Brownstown)
Thorn Park is a massive park with has something for everyone. An old school, minature town for littles to play pretend. Dedicated forest themed playgrounds for toddlers and big kids, a massive sand pit, swings and during the summer months a splash pad that opens annually during Memorial Weekend!
Civic Center Park (Woodhaven)
Civic Center Park has a playground with three large structures and smaller objects for kids to climb on. Plenty of swings and Safety Town with mini houses and FREE splash pad during the summer months. In the winter you can ice skate and go sledding. If you want to play a game there is bocce ball, horseshoes, tennis and pickle courts, a football field, and baseball diamonds. Walk along the paved trail or drive to the southern end of the park for a disc golf course, sand volleyball court and skate park.
