The Huron-Clinton Metroparks has everything you need for summer fun. For $40 a year you gain family access to dozens of playgrounds, beaches, trails, and more. Here’s a run down of every day activities and special events. 

Make A Splash

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is the perfect place to spend your summer. Whether you like soaking up the sun with your feet in the sand along the shore, jumping into the pool and riding the lazy river at the pool or sitting back while the kids cool down at the splash pad. There are great options at multiple:

If you want to go on the water instead of in it, try the Friday Night Canoe trip at Stony Creek Metropark on June 3rd.

Playdate Wins

One of metro Detroit’s newest, largest (and best) playgrounds is located at Lower Huron Metropark and reminds us of Paw Patrol with the signature slide requires kids to climb into a tower. Lake St. Clair, Stony Creek, Kensington, Indian Springs and Willow Metroparks have winning playgrounds too.

Playdate Wins

One of metro Detroit’s newest, largest (and best) playgrounds is located at Lower Huron Metropark and reminds us of Paw Patrol with the signature slide requires kids to climb into a tower. Lake St. Clair, Stony Creek, Kensington, Indian Springs and Willow Metroparks have winning playgrounds too.

Children Classes

  • Toddler Outdoor Play is designed to give your two to three – year- old a sensory – exploration of nature. The June session is at Hudson Mills Metropark and August is at Huron Meadows Metropark.
  • Tadpoles is a monthly program designed for toddlers (ages 2 to 5) and their parent(s) to spend time together with us to develop a love of nature and learning. Visit Oakwoods Metropark on the first Saturday of the month from 10am to 11am for a story, a short lesson, music/movement and a craft based on a specific theme or topic each month. The cost is $4 per child.
  • Let’s Go Outside Pre-K at Stony Creek metropark gives littles a chance to explore with their senses and imagination outdoors. Walk along reflection trail by the nature center while searching for signs of animals, playing games, and doing fun activities along the way.
  • Little Critters classes are outdoors and let parents and kids (ages 3 to 6) engage in activities with movement and sensory play on the third Tuesday of each month at Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center.
  • Stories In The Shade is an outdoor program, where children (ages 3 to 6) will explore nature through a book, activities and a craft. Bring a blanket to Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center and enjoy the cool shade of a tree as your child discovers the worlds of caterpillars, frogs, fireflies and more.
  • Wild Child  is a monthly program for children ages 6 to 8. Explore different areas of Lake Erie Metropark and get up-close with nature through hands-on activities and experiences. The program topics will vary each month based on the season.
  • Youth Gone Wild is a monthly program for children ages 9 to 12. Each month we will explore different areas of Lake Erie Metropark and get up-close with nature through hands-on activities and experiences.

Fun On The Farm

Huron-Clinton Metroparks is home to two working farm centers at Kensington Metropark and Wolcott Mills Metroparks. For no additional admission you can meet cows, horses, pigs, chickens and more more. Both locations also host regular family-friendly events.

Disc Golf Clinic & Tournament

Hone your skills and enjoy a family-friendly game of disc golf at Kensington, Hudson Mills, Willow or Stony Creek Metroparks. Learn how to improve your game and participate in a mini tournament at the  Summer Solstice Disc Golf Clinic on June 18th.

Take A Hike

All 13 Metroparks offer nature trails to explore but if you want to go with a group, here are a few special events:

Plan A Picnic

There are countless spots to have a picture perfect picnic or BBQ for the 4th of July. Celebrate American independence with your family, lawn games and outdoor fun. If you’re looking for a special event, join the Red, White and Blue Nature Hike at Indian Springs Metropark on July 2nd.

Join the Big Fat Family Reunion at Willow Metropark on July 9th. There will be live animals, workshops, dance lessons and games.

Fireworks

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks fireworks displays, bring together so much fun and excitement. Tens of thousands of our neighbors gather together – over picnics and under the stars – to enjoy this celebration of our American Independence.

Stay Up With The Stars

Push back bedtime and enjoy family night under the stars at a special event.

Movies In the Park

Grab your family and friends for a movie night under the stars. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and find a spot on the grass to view the show at Kensington and Willow Metroparks. At Stony Creek Metropark enjoy a drive-in style movie.

Learn Something New

Celebrate Father’s Day at Kensington Metropark and let the kids learn Fire-Making with Dad on June 18th.  Learn some fire-starting techniques such as flint and steel and fire-by-friction, as well as a few more modern techniques that would make MacGuyver proud.

On National Ice Cream Day (July 17th) head to Hudson Millls Metropark and learn the history of ice cream and how to make your own!

There are many amazing animals and plants alive today, but they are just a tiny fraction of the incredible variety that have existed in the past. Head to Indian Springs Metropark for a journey through time where your kids will learn about the fossilization process and how it relates to which kinds of fossils can be found here in Michigan at an Indoor Fossil Hunt.

Get Artsy

Huron-Clinton Metropark hosts two summer Art Fairs. Kick off summer and celebrate Memorial Day at Kensington’s Art Fair. The Stony Creek Art Fair is July 23 & 24. Both feature juried artist, food trucks and hands-on activities. If you want to make art and admire it, sign up for the Art In Nature Series at Lake St. Clair Metropark on July 10th and August 14th.

Summer Music Series

Spend your summer enjoying music from different local bands. From rock to country to R&B and oldies, there is a concert for everyone. Lounge in a lawn chair or get on your feet and dance. Concerts will be held on select Friday evenings at Stony Creek Metroparks and on select Sunday evenings at Lake St. Clair Metropark. The Summer Concert Series is fun for all ages.

Relax and listen to the Macomb Symphony Ensembles on Tuesday evenings during Symphony by the Shores. Bring your blanket and chairs and even a picnic to enjoy while listening to music.

Colonial Kensington

Experience the sights and sounds of history during this Kensington Metropark tradition on Saturday, August 13th. Visit with historically-dressed reenactors portraying civilian and military life of the Colonial era. Be entertained with music and dramatizations, witness the firing of muskets and canons, and shop the booths of merchants where you may purchase hand crafted items made like they were in the 18th century. Walk or take a horse-drawn hayride back in time and to the Kensington Living History Village, right in the middle of the action (standard hayride rates apply).

Harvest Festival

Spend the afternoon at Wolcott Mill Farm Center at the Harvest Festival. Take part in corn shucking contests and taste the fruits of your labor at the corn roast. Browse the farmers market for some fresh produce to take home and visit with our vendors to pick up some unique handmade crafts and art. Make a harvest themed craft and enjoy a wagon ride around our farm fields.

The Metroparks have created a summer guide that lists all of these plus more great summer programs. You can request a digital version of that guide or a printed version be mailed to you by clicking here to use their request form. Keep your family outside and active all summer long with great programs and events

13 Huron-Clinton Metropark Locations

Photo credit: Indian Springs Metropark