What a year! 2023 brought us SO many fun places to play – inside and out, near and far. Check out these can’t-miss favorites.
Yoyo’s Fun Center (Clinton Township)
Yoyo’s Fun Center has it ALL! Massive ball pits, multiple slides of all kinds (including drop slides!), a ninja course, trampolines, LED hallways, cool tube features and many unique play features for kids of all ages. Big kids can run around freely in the main play area, while young kids can play in the dedicated section that has nearly identical play features.
Tattan Park (Westland)
The elaborately designed “Mission to Mars” playground at Tattan Park features towering rocket ships, lunar rovers, slides, climbers and a unique collection of swing options you won’t find anywhere else. From Mommy and Me Swings to Merri-Go-Round swings and cozy hammocks – sit back and relax. With solid turf surface, it’s an accessible playground with multiple areas of play that can keep kids busy for hours.
Macomb Corners (Macomb)
The colorful, play structure at Macomb Corners has engaging and challenging features to delight kids of all ages and abilities. Kids can test their agility, speed and balance on equipment designed for toddlers to school-age kids.
Joe Louis Greenway Warren Gateway (Detroit)
The massive play structure at the Warren Gateway is beautiful to look at, fun to climb and has a super speedy slide will delight kids of all ages (it’s manageable for adults too). When they’ve had their fun there, there are other slides, swings and climbing structures to entertain and engage.
Dinoland (Madison Heights)
The new Dinoland location features a 5000 sq ft playscape with multiple levels to climb through, a ninja course, zip-lines, wave slides, and a dedicated toddler play area. The dinosaur themed play cafe has pre-historic figures featured in multiple ways, including features to ride on and animatronic ones to watch!
If you have an adventurer at home, check out the new Urban Air in Commerce that features warrior courses, go-kart track, indoor skydiving, climbing walls, Sky Rider, ropes course and trampoline park!
Fascination Factory (Birmingham)
Switch up your daily playtime routine and introduce your littles to a curated toy collection at Fascination Factory that has everything they need to create their own world while you sit back and relax. Designed with littles in mind, the space is open and airy. Let the kids explore while you relax on their cozy couches (with viewpoints of the entire space).
Clark Park (Detroit)
The new playground at Clark Park has it all, a fun climbing structure for kids, swings of all kinds, a natural play area, a cool sandbox with turtle statues, AND a splash pad!
Elizabeth Park (Trenton)
Elizabeth Park is sprawling with so much to offer – including a playground new playground with three structures perfect for multiple aged kids, a drop tower, lots of climbing options, slides, a playground scavenger hunt, and swings. All with a nice riverfront view.
Mount Clements Library Children’s Department (Mount Clemens)
The Mount Clemens Public Library was remodeled and a must for little train lovers. Check out the train table, play area, puzzles, toys and of course books!
Hidden Lake Garden Canopy Walk (Tipton)
The new canopy at Hidde Lake Garden is 65 ft above the ground and has viewing structures to stop and take in the trees. The suspension bridge is 374 and has a slight give but it does not wobble. Volunteer docents restrict usage to 10 guests at a time to allow people space to feel comfortable.
Freeway Park (Southfield)
Freeway Park is a hidden pocket park tucked between 696 and Greenfield Road. There is a tot lot for littles with swings and a larger playground that is accessible for those who need it but also great for climbers.
Bicentennial Park (Livonia)
The new Ben Celani Play Area at Bicentennial Park has something for all ages: an all-inclusive playground is wheelchair accessible and features an all-users swing and zipline, a firetruck/house climber, and a 2,000 sq ft fitness area for parents AND grandparents.
Glass City Metropark (Toledo)
Glass City Metropark is a must visit that offers a full day of family fun at multiple park all within walking distance. The Grosbeak Discovery Play Area features a 41-foot-tall adventure tower with climbing nets and a covered circular slide, a natural playscape at the Prairie + Pollinator Discovery Play Area and a Mini Maumee Discovery Play Splash Area.
Lantern Festival @ John Ball Zoo (Grand Rapids)’
The Lanter Festival at John Ball Zoo is a gem that debuted in 2023 and returns in 2024. The festival features handcrafted Asian lantern displays that illuminate a pathway through the entire zoo with photo op stations, interactive games and an LED playground.