When temperatures rise in Metro Detroit, there’s no better place to cool off than the Huron-Clinton Metroparks . With 13 parks spanning nearly 25,000 acres across Southeast Michigan, families can spend the summer at sandy beaches, racing down waterslides, swimming in cool pools and running through splash pads.
Whether you’re looking for a full day at a waterpark, a quiet beach for sandcastle building, or a splash pad perfect for toddlers, the Metroparks offer affordable outdoor fun for every age. From Lake St. Clair Metropark scenic views to Kensington Metropark’s family-friendly splash pad and the wave-action pool at Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center, there’s a water adventure waiting in every corner of the region. Use this guide to find the best places to swim, splash, and stay cool all summer long.
Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center – Lower Huron Metropark (Belleville)
One of the region’s most popular water attractions, Turtle Cove features waterslides, a lazy river, a giant dumping bucket, and a zero-depth entry pool that’s perfect for younger swimmers.
2026 Season
- Opens: June 13, 2026
- Closes: September 7, 2026
- Hours: Daily, 11am–7pm
Admission
- Adults (48″ and taller): $11 weekdays, $12 weekends/holidays
- Children under 48″: $9 weekdays, $10 weekends/holidays
- Children under 30″: Free
- Twilight Admission (after 5pm): $8
Splash Pads at the Metroparks
Perfect for toddlers and younger children, Metroparks splash pads offer interactive water features without the need for swimming.
Lake St. Clair Metropark (Harrison Township): Families can run through sprays, fountains, and interactive water features while enjoying nearby playgrounds and picnic areas. FREE
Kensington Metropark (Milford): A favorite summer stop featuring ground sprays and water play structures located near the park’s family-friendly attractions. Splash ‘n’ Blast admission rates are listed below, $1 discount after 5pm
- 42″ and taller – $8
- Under 42″ – $7
- Under 30″ – Free
Indian Springs Metropark (White Lake): This colorful splash area provides a safe and fun place for little ones to cool down during hot summer days. The splash pad is located next to a large modern playground. FREE
Metroparks Beaches
Pack the sand toys and spend the day at one of the Metroparks’ swimming beaches. Beach access is seasonal from Memorial Day to Labor Day and included with daily admission.
Lake St. Clair Metropark (Harrison Township): Located on Lake St. Clair, this family-friendly beach offers shallow water and beautiful views. Feel like you’re at a Great Lake at this great beach lake.
Kensington Metropark (Milford): Take your pick – Maple Beach or Martindale Beach and have fun in the sun. At Martindale Beach there is an All-Terrain Beach Wheelchair (on land) and a Floating Beach Wheelchair (in water) available to rent for free. Maple Beach is next to the paddle boat and kayak rental.
Stony Creek Metropark (Shelby Township): A summer favorite with a large sandy beach, playground, boat rentals, and miles of trails nearby. Note the popular Quadzilla slide is closed for the 2026 season.
Splash More
Lake St. Clair Metropark (Harrison Township): Make a splash in a 50-meter swimming pool, featuring two water slides with 120-foot flumes and 17-foot vertical drop. Swimmers will also enjoy an inflatable obstacle course in 12-foot-deep water. Pool entry is $5 for those 30″ and taller.
Kensington Metropark (Milford): Splash ‘n’ Blast is more than a splash pad; there are also two 240-foot twisted water slides. Admission rates are listed below, $1 discount after 5pm
- 42″ and taller – $8
- Under 42″ – $7
- Under 30″ – Free
Willow Metropark Pool (New Boston): Glide down the waterslide, play a game of water basketball, enjoy the spray featured, or just soak in the zero-depth pool while your kids run through the water. Admission rates are listed below, $1 discount after 5pm.
- Over 30″ – $4
- Under 30″ – Free
Metroparks Admission
A Metroparks vehicle entry pass is required to enter any of the 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks. Annual vehicle passes provide unlimited access to all Metroparks throughout the year and are available for residents and non-residents. Annual passes are often the best value for families planning multiple visits during the summer.
Families can also save on admission through the Michigan Activity Pass (MAP) program. Available through participating Michigan libraries, MAP allows library card holders to reserve a free daily Metroparks vehicle pass, much like checking out a book. Passes can be reserved online through the Michigan Activity Pass website and redeemed at Metropark entrances, making it easy for families to enjoy a day of outdoor adventure at little to no cost.
Keep in mind that while a Metroparks entry pass covers admission to the park, some attractions—including waterparks, pools, boat rentals, and Kensington’s Splash ‘N’ Blast require additional fees.
Daily Vehicle Pass
- $10 per vehicle
Annual Vehicle Pass
- $40 for residents
- Additional rates available for seniors and non-residents
