The sun is out, the days are getting longer and we’re ready for outdoor adventures. From playgrounds and farms to unique hiking trails and splash pads. Here are the best places to spend family time around town.
Playgrounds
- Top Picks: Soak up the sun and let the littles wear themselves out before bedtime at Innovation Hills (Rochester Hills), Booth Park (Birmingham), Lower Huron Metrpark (Belleville), Plymouth Township Park (Plymouth) and Thorn Park (Brownstown).
- Fun For EVERYONE: There are more all-inclusive, barrier free playgrounds around metro Detroit. A few the the newest and most popular are Scarlet’s Playground (Commerce), River Bends Park (Shelby Township), McKinley Park (Fraser), Ella Mae Power Park (Novi) and Friendship Park (Orion Township).
- Tot Lots For Little Ones: When your little one is ready for the playground but not ready to climb or do down big slides, take a trip to one of these parks with dedicated space for toddlers: Rotary Tot Lot (Grosse Pointe), Franklin Community Park (Franklin), Sullivan Park (Royal Oak) and Kopper Park (Canton)
Nature Trails
- Children Activity Trails: Keep busy on your walk with natural play areas and engaging interpretive signs at Heritage Park (Farmington), West Bloomfield Nature Preserve, Leslie Science & Nature Center (Ann Arbor) and Howell Nature Center.
- When You Want A Rockin Good Time: Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve (Southfield) is a favorite for families with climbers. Let your littles explore the rock quarry and then stroll through the trees to find Carpenter Lake. Enjoy a similar feeling of being out west and stroll the rocky terrain of the former gravel pit at Fox Science Preserve (Ann Arbor).
- Walk Along Water In The Wild: See how may ducks and even boats you can spot when you take one of these peaceful waterfront walks at Crosswinds Marsh (New Boston), Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (Trenton), Stepping Stones Falls (Flint) or Graham Lakes Trailhead (Oakland Township).
Say ‘Hi’ To Animals
- Visit A Farm: Old McDonald’s is always a hit and if you’re looking for easy access petting farms here are our favorites: Kensington Farm Center (Milford), Wolcott Mill Farm Center (Ray), MSU Tollgate Farm (Novi), Bowers School Farm (Bloomfield Hills), Domino Farms (Ann Arbor), Heritage Park Petting Farm (Taylor) and Maybury Farm (Northville).
- Go Wild At The Zoo: Take a stroll through the Detroit Zoo – plan a visit during the summer and experience Dinosauria or take a day exploring the habitats, activities and aquarium at the Toledo Zoo.
- Try Something New: Change up the standard routine and visit rescued animals at Howell Nature Center, exotic animals at The Reptarium (Utica) or Creature Conservatory (Ann Arbor) or aquatic favorites at SEALIFE Michigan (Auburn Hills) – be sure to use this link and get 20% off your visit.
Make A Splash
Most becahes, pools and splash pads open Memorial Weekend but we’re keeping track and will share early announcements as we wait for the holiday weekend.
Photo: Brookland Plaza
