Adventure meets education at this nature-lover’s paradise. Walk scenic trails, attend engaging day camps, and visit Wild Wonders Wildlife Park, home to bobcats, owls, foxes, and more. Little ones can unleash their imaginations at Alexandria’s NatureScape and The Tree House, a natural playground open year-round (weather permitting). For thrill-seekers, the Sky Tykes zip lines and ropes courses offer high-flying fun.
10 Family Friendly Things to Do in the Brighton Howell Area
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Looking for your next family adventure without straying too far from home? Just 40 minutes outside Detroit, the Brighton Howell Area in southeast Michigan offers a treasure trove of kid-approved activities, outdoor fun, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, this charming destination is packed with options for families of all ages.
Howell Nature Center – Howell
Kensington Metroparks Splash ‘N Blast – Milford
When the summer sun shines, head to Splash ‘N Blast for water-soaked fun. Kids will love the two 240-foot waterslides and the massive splash pad where water sprays from palm trees, cannons, whales, and serpents. It’s conveniently located next to Martindale Beach, so pack the swimsuits!
Hours of operation: Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day: Open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily, weather permitting
Regular Rates: 42″ and taller – $7 / Under 42″ – $6 / Under 30″ – Free
Twilight Rates (after 5pm): 42″ and taller – $6 / Under 42″ – $5 / Under 30″ – Free
Genoa Township Park – Brighton
This park is a haven for active kids. With two playgrounds, basketball courts, a sledding hill, a walking trail, and even a misting feature to cool off in summer, there’s plenty to explore. The park also offers a heated pavilion with accessible restrooms, making it easy for families to spend the whole day here.
Historic Howell Theatre
For a cozy night in, catch a movie at the Historic Howell Theatre, the area’s oldest cinema, where you can enjoy dairy-free popcorn and vintage vibes.
Escape Room Brighton
Perfect for families with older kids and tweens, the Escape Room Brighton provides exciting, themed puzzle rooms that challenge everyone to work together. It’s a great bonding activity with just the right amount of suspense and fun.
Kensington Farm Center – Milford
Meet farm animals and get a glimpse of rural life at Kensington Metropark’s Farm Center. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of life on the farm and see live farm animals like chickens, sheep, cattle and draft horses. Take a short walk to the riverside where a one-of-a kind “green” building (made exclusively of natural materials), a stone labyrinth, a grass maze and the new early skills area including a blacksmith shop and brick oven can all be found. Special programs on the animals, historic techniques, and other farm-related topics are held throughout the year. The Farm Center is free but you need a daily or annual Metopark pass to enter the park.
- Address: 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI, 48380
- Phone: 248.684.8632
- Hours: Open daily 9am to 6pm
Imagination Station – Brighton
While this park isn’t super shaded, it makes the list because it’s right on the water! You can almost always feel a nice cool breeze here. This huge wooden park has always been one of my favorites. Nestled right in downtown Brighton it makes a perfect day trip! Pair with a nice trail walk along the water and you are sure to have a fun time!
SPICER ORCHARDS FARM MARKET AND CIDER MILL
No matter the season, Spicer Orchards is a must-stop. In summer, enjoy a petting zoo, tractor rides, and a playground. Don’t forget to pick up fresh cider and donuts at the farm’s year-round market!
Scofield Park – Howell
Whether you want to take a walk, play on the swings, picnic with family and friends, or enjoy some fun in the sun at the beach, Howell City Park is the place to be. Thompson Lake beach is the perfect place to enjoy the sun or go swimming. A valid seasonal or daily pass is needed from the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day.
Brighton State Recreation Area – Howell
Located in southeast Michigan (west of U.S. 23 and south of I-96), the 4,947-acre Brighton Recreation Area is home to nine lakes, five campgrounds, a designated swim beach, boating access sites, picnic areas and a disc golf course, as well as fishing, boating and paddling amenities. The park boasts a 35-mile trail system open to horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and more.
The park features high, irregular ranges of hills, an oak forest, open spaces, grassy fens and shrub marshes, among other highland and lowland natural communities.
The park is also home to an equestrian-only campground, a staging area, the Brighton Recreation Area Riding Stables and 35 miles of trails. The trails and staging area are maintained with the help of the Brighton Trail Riders Association.
Howell Nature Center – Howell
Howell Nature Center, Triangle Lake Road, Howell, MI, USA
Adventure meets education at this nature-lover’s paradise. Walk scenic trails, attend engaging day camps, and visit Wild Wonders Wildlife Park, home to bobcats, owls, foxes, and more. Little ones can unleash their imaginations at Alexandria’s NatureScape and The Tree House, a natural playground open year-round (weather permitting). For thrill-seekers, the Sky Tykes zip lines and ropes courses offer high-flying fun.
Kensington Metroparks Splash ‘N Blast – Milford
4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI 48380, USA
When the summer sun shines, head to Splash ‘N Blast for water-soaked fun. Kids will love the two 240-foot waterslides and the massive splash pad where water sprays from palm trees, cannons, whales, and serpents. It’s conveniently located next to Martindale Beach, so pack the swimsuits!
Hours of operation: Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day: Open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily, weather permitting
Regular Rates: 42″ and taller – $7 / Under 42″ – $6 / Under 30″ – Free
Twilight Rates (after 5pm): 42″ and taller – $6 / Under 42″ – $5 / Under 30″ – Free
Genoa Township Park – Brighton
100 Dorr Rd, Brighton, MI 48114, USA
This park is a haven for active kids. With two playgrounds, basketball courts, a sledding hill, a walking trail, and even a misting feature to cool off in summer, there’s plenty to explore. The park also offers a heated pavilion with accessible restrooms, making it easy for families to spend the whole day here.
Historic Howell Theatre
315 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI, USA
For a cozy night in, catch a movie at the Historic Howell Theatre, the area’s oldest cinema, where you can enjoy dairy-free popcorn and vintage vibes.
Escape Room Brighton
Perfect for families with older kids and tweens, the Escape Room Brighton provides exciting, themed puzzle rooms that challenge everyone to work together. It’s a great bonding activity with just the right amount of suspense and fun.
Kensington Farm Center – Milford
4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, United States
Meet farm animals and get a glimpse of rural life at Kensington Metropark’s Farm Center. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of life on the farm and see live farm animals like chickens, sheep, cattle and draft horses. Take a short walk to the riverside where a one-of-a kind “green” building (made exclusively of natural materials), a stone labyrinth, a grass maze and the new early skills area including a blacksmith shop and brick oven can all be found. Special programs on the animals, historic techniques, and other farm-related topics are held throughout the year. The Farm Center is free but you need a daily or annual Metopark pass to enter the park.
- Address: 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI, 48380
- Phone: 248.684.8632
- Hours: Open daily 9am to 6pm
Imagination Station – Brighton
Brighton Imagination Station, Mill Pond Lane, Brighton, MI, USA
While this park isn’t super shaded, it makes the list because it’s right on the water! You can almost always feel a nice cool breeze here. This huge wooden park has always been one of my favorites. Nestled right in downtown Brighton it makes a perfect day trip! Pair with a nice trail walk along the water and you are sure to have a fun time!
SPICER ORCHARDS FARM MARKET AND CIDER MILL
10411 Clyde Rd, Fenton, MI 48430, United States
No matter the season, Spicer Orchards is a must-stop. In summer, enjoy a petting zoo, tractor rides, and a playground. Don’t forget to pick up fresh cider and donuts at the farm’s year-round market!
Scofield Park – Howell
Scofield park, City park, Howell, MI, USA
Whether you want to take a walk, play on the swings, picnic with family and friends, or enjoy some fun in the sun at the beach, Howell City Park is the place to be. Thompson Lake beach is the perfect place to enjoy the sun or go swimming. A valid seasonal or daily pass is needed from the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day.
Brighton State Recreation Area – Howell
6360 Chilson Rd, Howell, MI 48843, USA
Located in southeast Michigan (west of U.S. 23 and south of I-96), the 4,947-acre Brighton Recreation Area is home to nine lakes, five campgrounds, a designated swim beach, boating access sites, picnic areas and a disc golf course, as well as fishing, boating and paddling amenities. The park boasts a 35-mile trail system open to horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and more.
The park features high, irregular ranges of hills, an oak forest, open spaces, grassy fens and shrub marshes, among other highland and lowland natural communities.
The park is also home to an equestrian-only campground, a staging area, the Brighton Recreation Area Riding Stables and 35 miles of trails. The trails and staging area are maintained with the help of the Brighton Trail Riders Association.
