A family nature hike is a perfect way for kids to stretch their legs and get some much needed fresh air. Check out these easy Metro Detroit nature trails that are perfect for little ones to walk and explore. With nature all around, there are endless things to discover, talk about or just enjoy some exercise together. Happy trails! 

Nichols Arboretum (0.4 miles +) – Ann Arbor

  • 1610 Washington Heights Ann Arbor, MI 48104
  • Location Notes: Multiple “easy” trails, Stroller friendly

Beverly Park (0.5 miles) – Beverly Hills 

  • 18801 Beverly Rd, Beverly Hills, MI 48025
  • Location Notes: Storybook trail (do not touch the displays!), mulched trail

Booth Trail (1 mile out & back) – Downtown Birmingham

  • 511 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, MI 48009
  • Location Notes: Trail begins near Booth Park entrance, Mulched trail, Jogging stroller friendly, Metered parking near Booth Park/trail (Booth Park playground is currently closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak)

Heritage Park Story Trail (0.5 miles) – Canton

  • 1150 S. Canton Center Rd., Canton, MI 48188
  • Location Notes: Stroller friendly, Path begins just west of the Canton Public Library

Dequindre Cut Art Walk (1.65 miles) – Detroit

  • 1799 Wilkins St, Detroit, MI 48207
  • Location Notes: Paved pathway, Fun collection of urban artwork & graffiti

Prairie Pathway and Butterfly Garden @ Rouge Park (1.7 miles) – Detroit

  • 21860 Joy Rd, Detroit, MI 48228
  • Location Notes: Grassy trail, Multiple other paved trails throughout

Tatigian Park and Nature Preserve (< 1 mile) – Livonia 

  • 34501 Curtis, Livonia, MI 48152
  • Location Notes: Paved nature trail, stroller + bike friendly 

Red Oaks Nature Center (1.3 miles) – Madison Heights

  • 30300 Hales Street, Madison Heights, MI 48071
  • Location Notes: Paved trail 

Rosie’s Park Loop (1 mile) – Madison Heights

  • 1111 E Farnum Avenue, Madison Heights, MI 48071
  • Location Notes: Paved trail 

Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve (0.9 miles) – Rochester

  • 333 North Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307 
  • Location Notes: Small parking lot or curbside parking, Paved/gravel trail

Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve (1 mile) – Southfield

  • 27101 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48033
  • Location Notes: Stroller friendly

Dodge Park (1.5 miles out & back) – Sterling Heights

  • 40620 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310
  • Location Notes: Paved path

Stage Nature Center (0.75 – 2 miles) – Troy

  • 6685 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, MI 48098
  • Location Notes: Paved + mulched trails, No pets

Photo credit: Facebook