Royal Oak is home to an extensive range of flora and it is often called the “City of Trees” – an appropriate moniker for a town that has a vibrant downtown and expansive residential neighborhoods – perfect to call home or explore as a family.
Things To Do
Find lions, tigers, bears and more at the Detroit Zoo! The local landmark is home to hundreds of animals and the highly acclaimed Polk Penguin Conservation Center. Spend the day exploring exhibits, riding the train and carousel and going wild on the playground. Keep your eyes out for their special events throughout the year including, Zoo Boo, Wild Lights, Bunnyville and Mother’s Day Brunch.
Find Fresh Food + Food Truck Rallies @ the Royal Oak Farmers Market
There’s always something to do at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. Find farm fresh food on Saturdays and antique goodies on Sundays all year long. Stay out of the kitchen on the second Wednesday of each month and head to the Food Truck Rally instead.
Watch a movie or go bowling at Emagine Theatre. For an extra treat, try DINE N’ VIEW and have food delivered to your seat during the movie! Skateboard and BMX fans can safely practice their tricks at Modern Skate Park. Forget about a stressful trip to the store and a mess at home, Creative Arts Studios offers drop-in pottery, painting, mosaics, glass fusing, wax hands, and spin art all day long.
Grab a Meal (and a Beer) Downtown
Sometimes you need to unwind after a long day so if you’re a fellow beer loving parent, head to downtown Royal Oak and check out Ale Mary’s, HopCat, The Jolly Pumpkin, or the Royal Oak Brewery for a family-friendly meal. If beer isn’t your thing, no worries, you’ll find great food on the menu – and that includes kids menus!
Since 1958, Ray’s has been a popular stop for families looking to cool down and enjoy a sweet treat. The creamery has over 50 delicious flavors – get to work trying them all!
Annual Events
Woodward Dream Cruise // The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest ‘one-day’ celebration of car culture. Pack up the lawn chairs and wagon and bring your littles to see over 50,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles. If you want to avoid the crowds, you are sure to spot some fun cars cruising along Woodward in the days leading up to the main event.
Arts, Beats and Eats // The Arts, Beats & Eats festival offers fun for the whole family. Fine art, musical performances and food from local vendors for adults and for the kids – a carnival, inflatable playscapes, a dedicated stage for children’s entertainment and more!
Library
Royal Oak Public Library // 222 East 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Parks
- Korman and Rissman Playventure // 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067
- Playground equipment, splash pad, water fountain, carousel, train ride and animals (located inside the Detroit Zoo).
- Starr Jaycee Park // 13 Mile & Crooks, Royal Oak, MI 48073
- Playground, football field, baseball diamonds, frisbee golf, volleyball, picnic pavilion. Free train rides for kids offered by the Great Lakes Live Steamers on the 1st full week until the end of each month, May through November. Train rides go from Noon – 4 p.m.,
- Kenwood Park // Kenwood & Forest, Royal Oak, MI 48067
- Playground equipment, picnic pavilions, baseball diamonds, tennis courts and soccer field.
- Lockman Park // Connecticut & Derby, Royal Oak, MI 48067
- Playground equipment, picnic pavilion, basketball and tennis courts and paved walking path.
- Quicksand Park // Normandy & Lexington, Royal Oak, MI 48067
- Tenhave Woods Nature Trails
