We have had a year full of ups and down this year. Although many indoor locations were closed, we were able to visit some amazing new places. We saw a lot of innovative and fun ways to enjoy outdoor spaces in Metro Detroit. Here are our top ten posts for 2020.
10. Ford Field Park in Northville
Downtown Northville is just a hop, skip an jump away from Ford Field Park. Also nearby, guests can enjoy a visit to the historical Mill Race Village or the meandering Middle Rouge River. This six-acre park is most well known for an amazing wooden play structure, but also features a lighted ball diamond, 1/4 mile asphalt path, picnic tables and bench seating. Restroom facilities consist of a port-a-potty, so it might be best to “go” before you head out for a visit.
9. The Reptarium in Utica
The Reptarium in Utica is conveniently located on the east side of Van Dyke Road, just a few blocks north of Hall Road. They have an amazing collection of about 300 reptiles (and other classes of animals) on display. During our complementary private tour, we were able to have up-close experiences with a snake, tortoise, iguana, tarantula, chameleon, and more. Our favorite was Elvis, an Asian water monitor.
8. Inglenook Park Southfield
Inglenook Park in Southfield is a Boundless Playground designed for children of all abilities. The farm-themed playground is located in Southfield on 12 Mile Road, between Evergreen & Lahser roads. The park also offers gravel Jogging/Fitness Trails, Neighborhood Ballfields, a spacious Picnic Area (no shelter), Playlot, Restrooms, Nature Area and Public Parking.
7. Seven Drive-In Theater Locations in Metro Detroit
Families who love an outing to the movies are able to indulge safely thanks to the many drive-in theater options in Southeast Michigan and Metro Detroit. Catching a drive-in movie this summer is the perfect opportunity to create memories to last a lifetime with your family. Grab your favorite snacks, some comfy blankets, as well as your pillows and check your local listings for a movie showing near you.
6. Stony Creek Metropark – Eastwood Beach and Play Structure
Stony Creek Metropark is part of the Huron-Clinton Metropark system which is comprised of thirteen parks across southeast Michigan. Most of the park is located in Washington Township as well as Oakland Township, with a small portion and entrance in Shelby Township. This 4,461-acre park hosts a golf course, campground, nature center, beach, together with disc golf, sports fields, trails and more.
5. Schroeder Park in Troy
Schroeder Park is one of the nine neighborhood parks in Troy, Michigan. It is located north of Big Beaver Road, between Coolidge Highway and North Adams Road. While this 12-acre park is adjacent to Schroeder Elementary, in the midst of neighborhood homes, there is no official parking. However, visitors can park in the Schroeder Elementary School lot or on the street. This beautiful park has a great mix of wooded and open space, therefore providing lots of shade.
4. Gateway Rotary Park, a Hidden Gem in Rochester
Rotary Gateway Park is located in downtown Rochester, Michigan, right off of Main Street (aka Rochester Road), north of University Drive. In order to find the park on your GPS, use the address 500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester. That is to say, the garden park is right between the parking lots of Atallah Heart Center and the Rochester Hill Public Library.
3. Scarlet’s Playground at Dodge Park in Commerce Township
Scarlet’s Playground in Dodge Park in Commerce Township just opened this year. Dodge Park #5 is a 106-acre park featuring a playground, wooded paths, a water fountain, athletic fields, a pavilion, picnic tables and parking. The northern section of this park was once part of the State of Michigan parks donated by the Dodge family.
2. 50+ Splash Pads, Spray Parks and Outdoor Pools in Metro Detroit
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, we are soaking up every moment of warm summer rays we can at the local splash pad as well as spray parks. We have just 14 weeks to enjoy summer fun in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, and Washtenaw Counties. We’ve compiled a list of all the Metro Detroit splash pads & spray parks, which, at this time, totals over 50.
1. Glenlore Trails Light Show Adventure in Commerce Township
Mystery and magic await at Glenlore Trails light show in Commence Township. The enchanted adventure trails are located within the Multi Lakes Conservation Association, which is located just south of the Dodge Park property, off Newton Road. During your visit, guests will be fascinated by the 1/2 mile outdoor path filled with lighting, projection, and other sensory elements for all to enjoy! The Multi Lakes Conservation Association light show is simply amazing.
Author: Amber Louchart
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats.
She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
