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.

Children’s Activity Trails

Keep busy on your walk with natural play areas and engaging interpretive signs at Heritage Park (Farmington Hills), West Bloomfield Nature Preserve, Leslie Science & Nature Center (Ann Arbor) and Howell Nature Center.

When you Want A Rockin’ Good Time

Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve (Southfield) is a favorite for families with climbers. Let your littles explore the rock quarry and then stroll through the trees to find Carpenter Lake. Enjoy a similar feeling of being out west and stroll the rocky terrain of the former gravel pit at Fox Science Preserve (Ann Arbor).

Walk Along Water In The Wild

See how many ducks or boats you can spot when you take one of these peaceful waterfront walks at Crosswinds Marsh (New Boston), Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (Trenton), Stepping Stones Falls (Flint), or Graham Lakes Trailhead (Oakland Township).

Keep It Short And Simple

When you need fresh air and little legs to accomodate, here are some short walks to walk, stroll or ride – Booth Park (Birmingham), Tatigan Nature Preserve (Livonia), Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve (Rochester), Dequindre Cut (Detroit) and The Arb (Ann Arbor).

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