The Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve is one of the coolest places to visit in metro Detroit. Get a Rocky Mountain experience close to home and let the kids climb on rocky terrain, hills and pathways. Afterwards, take a stroll through the nature trail (it’s stroller friendly) and make your way to the overlook onto five-acre Carpenter Lake.

The Children’s Department at the Southfield Library is one of the best in metro Detroit. Enter through the life-size ‘book door’ and be transported to a fantasyland featuring a book throne, dragon hideaway (complete with a sleeping…and SNORING DRAGON), a magic treehouse puppet stage and more. Kids can explore and parents can watch from the fireside.

Built right in the middle of the woods. This park features two play structures for both big and little kids! The big one is excellent for the child who loves to climb! Both structures are fairly close to each other, which gives parents with multiple kids a slight break. Pack your hiking boots and take a shaded trail walk while you are there!

Your littles will love spying their favorite farm animals throughout the farm themed play structure. Ingenook Park is not only designed to look like a barn but there’s one on site that will especially excite the kids. The accessible playground has something for everyone. There are bathrooms (during spring/summer season) and picnic areas too.

Freeway Park is a hidden pocket park tucked between 696 and Greenfield Road. There is a parking lot located off Lincoln Drive and the playground is a few steps away but well enclosed for kids who like to run around and play. There is a tot lot for littles with swings and a larger playground that is accessible for those who need it but also great for climbers. Kids of all ages will enjoy the space and you can bring your bikes, scooters and strollers to enjoy around the paved walking path.

Start your day with a sweet treat from Donut Bar + Coffee. The elaborate donuts are irresistable and they have great coffee to keep you going through the day.