Summer is here and so is the sun. Here are some local area parks that will help to keep you cool, while your kids burn off that everlasting energy!
Bacon Park (Berkley)
The new playground is fun for all ages and shaded! Sit in the shade while the kids play on the accessible play structure that is also fun for climber. The swings and zipline aren’t as shaded but the mini sandbox is and there is a pavillion for lunch, although that area is currently under construction.
Allmendinger Park (Ann Arbor)
This newly renovated park is completely shaded by huge mature trees. It has natural play area with rocks, stumps, and climbing trees. It also has a rock wall, old fashioned merry-go-round, swings, toddler sized slides and a sandbox! There is lots of street parking and it is just down the street from the U of M Stadium.
Bauervic Woods Park (Southfield)
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! Pro tip: Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve is right up the street from here! Make a day trip out of it!
Thorn Park (Brownstown)
Thorn Park is a massive park with has something for everyone. An old school, minature town for littles to play pretend. Dedicated forest themed playgrounds for toddlers and big kids (entirely shaded), a massive sand pit, swings and during the summer months a splash pad that opens annually during Memorial Weekend!
Griffin Park (Canton)
This green structure is fully shaded almost all day long! This park has a great play structure for little’s and big kids alike! This park also has tennis courts, basketball courts, and a pedestrian path.
Mies Park (Livonia)
This park is mostly shaded and is very spread out! Great for those kids who love to run. It is nestled in a local neighborhood and has tons of trees to explore. The park has one main structure, two sets of swing sets, and a smaller structure as well as a pavilion!
Crowley Park (Dearborn)
Set off from the road and tucked away in the trees, the forest themed playground is the perfect place to beat the heat. The park features a shadeless playground and a free splash pad.
Imagination Station (Brighton)
While this park isn’t super shaded, it makes the list because it’s right on the water! You can almost always feel a nice cool breeze here. This huge wooden park has always been one of my favorites. Nestled right in downtown Brighton it makes a perfect day trip! Pair with a nice trail walk along the water and you are sure to have a fun time!
Washington Square Park (Sterling Heights)
Looking for a quaint neighborhood park? Here is a great hidden gem. Lots of shade in a small picnic area that you can see the entire park from! My favorite! This park has a nice play structure, basketball, tennis courts, and a small walking trail.
Plymouth Township Park Wooden Structure (Plymouth)
Bonus parks galore! This park isn’t just shaded. There is also a free splash pad and another plastic structure for the daredevil kids! While the second structure is definitely not in the shade, there are plenty of pavilions to hang out under. The wooden park has two swing sets and has tons of fun nooks for kids to hide in. Another thing this wonderful park has is docks for fishing and hiking trails. Pack a lunch and spend the day here!
Garden City Park (Garden City)
If you are looking for shade this park is just the spot for you! This park has tons of very mature trees to keep you cool all day long! There are two main play structures as well as two play sets. All within sight distance from each other. This park also has indoor bathrooms a short walk away, a paved walking trail, workout equipment and baseball fields!
Raintree Park (Troy)
Raintree Park is set further back into the woods. Features two play structures volleyball net, disc golf, seasonal bathrooms, pavilion, two swing sets, a paved walking trail, and a story walk. The large play structure has a swirling slide, as well as three other slides. Monkey bars, tons of ways to climb up and down. Perfect for a game of tag! This one has sand sand for ground cover so leave your opened toed shoes at home.
Photo credit: Jaycee Park – Webster and, Bacon Ave, Berkley, MI 48072
