Spring is here, warmer temps are on the way and we’re all overdue for hours and hours outdoors. Soak up the Vitamin D and make the most of your time outside with a trip to one of metro Detroit’s best nature trails with playgrounds. 

Have some fun and join The Y170 Challenge. To celebrate 170 years in metro Detroit The YMCA is asking the community to get up and move for 170 minutes a week. Download the app, track your time and win cool prizes! It’s all FREE and you don’t need to be a member to participate.

Heritage Park (Farmington Hills)

24915 Farmington Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48336

Heritage Park has everything you’re looking for. A massive playground (and splash pad in the summer), Nature Discovery Trail for kids leading to an outdoor play space and Nature Center. There’s lots for the entire family to discover along the 4.5 miles of trails.

Maybury State  Park (Northville)

20145 Beck Rd, Northville, MI 48167

Maybury State Park offers 6 miles of hiking trails with loops of multiple distances. ‘Get lost’ and try to find the interior playground or enjoy the modern structure with zip line chairs, ropes course, fast slides and a firetruck located next to the parking lot and Maybury Farm. The state park also features fishing docks and public restrooms. 

County Farm Park (Ann Arbor)

2230 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

If you can convince the kids to leave the farm themed play structure that includes a massive butterfly and windmill, make your way through the community gardens and explore the 3 miles of paved and natural trails. There are public restrooms too.

Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve (Southfield)

10 Mile Road, East of Inkster, Southfield, MI 48076

Carpenter Lake 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. The stroller friendly nature trail is perfect for little legs and overlooks the 5 acre Carpenter Lake. If you want a traditional playstructure and more trails take a short drive over to Bauervic Woods Park.

Booth Park (Birmingham)

210 Harmon St, Birmingham, MI 48009

Booth Park has a scenic walking trail that follows the Rouge River, a labyrinth and tunnel with beautiful landscaping. The play features include a massive castle-like structure with a water spray feature perfect for hot summer days. There’s a separate toddler area with a large trolley, sandbox, and swings along with a shaded table area with a Little Free Library. The most unique feature is the artificial turf hill that kids love sliding down with cardboard boxes!

Belle Isle (Detroit)

176 Lakeside Drive, Detroit, MI 48207

Not only does Belle Isle offer great views of the city and fun (and FREE) museums, there is a great hiking trail and playgrounds too! Kids Row has multiple play structures with space and areas for kids of all ages, it’s located walking distance from the nature trail the goes along the Nashua Canal and through a forest of trees. Find a newer playground on Oakway Road next to the Belle Isle Nature Center.

Heritage Park (Canton)

1150 S Canton Center Rd, Canton, MI 48188

Heritage Park has it all, a walking path that takes families from the traditional wood play structure next to the splash pad, around the lake and over to a BRAND NEW playground.

Elizabeth Park (Trenton)

4250 Elizabeth Dr, Trenton, MI 48183

Elizabeth Park is metro Detroit’s second island park with over 1,3000 feet of riverfront to explore, interior nature trails and two playground. Kids will have fun playing and sightseeing along the Detroit River.

Mae Stecker Park (Shelby Township)

8600 Twenty Four Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI 48316

Mae Stecker Park features three play structures that are great for kids of all ages. After the kids wear themselves out at the playground take a stroll around the lake and through Heritage Gardens to find fairy gardens.

Innovation Hills (Rochester Hills)

2800 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 

Add Innovation Hills in Rochester Hills to your must-visit list, the 110 acre greenspace is a sight to see in metro Detroit and features one of the largest playgrounds in Michigan. If/when you can get the littles to leave the playground, enjoy a 1 mile walk around the lake or explore the nature trails by the Clinton River.

SHARE THIS: