No one said raising kids was a walk in the park, but sometimes a walk in the park is just what the kids need. Here are some of our member's favorite parks, playgrounds & nature areas in Oakland County & surrounding areas.
Has one of these places closed, or do you have a recommendation to add to the list? Email our webmaster!
Rochester Municipal Park | Rochester The City of Rochester's park system offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities including a pond, over a mile of paved walkway, and two tot lots (that are 90% walled in!). 😀
Friendship Park | Lake Orion With 134.97 acres of land, Friendship Park is the largest Township owned property. Our members love the brand new play structure and walking trails.
Hess-Hathaway Park | Waterford Open year round, our members love the nice fenced in play area with swings, play structure, sand pit, maze, shaded area for the parents etc. There is also a little farm there with bunnies, horse, goats etc for the kids to look at.
Stony Creek Metropark | Shelby Township Get that “up north” feeling without leaving the suburbs at top-rated Stony Creek Metropark. This park has a great play structure located at Eastwood Beach, including two play areas for the different ages.
Children’s Park | Lake Orion
Located in downtown Lake Orion, Children's Park is a major community gathering place and is surrounded with natural beauty as Paint Creek runs directly though the park. It has two nice structures (one is toddler sized) but please note that they are not walled in and the river is very close.
Independence Oaks Main Park – Oakland County Park | Clarkston The 2.2 mile Riverloop trail is ADA compliant so it is completely paved and perfect for strollers. It winds through the woods, by the lakes, and some open areas. You will encounter various play structures along your way. There is also a nice little nature center in the park (not along the trail) and a new play structure at the beach that is fun for the kids.
Bear Creek Nature Park | Rochester Hills ADA accessible limestone trails and boardwalks, as well as mowed rustic trails throughout the park, give easy access to its woodlands, open meadows, marshlands, and wetlands. Members also love the wonderful play place there.
Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve | Rochester Hills
Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve is a 501(c)(3) non-profit encompassing 16 acres of land in downtown Rochester, MI. Dinosaur Hill offers educational opportunities to residents of Rochester and the Rochester Hills area through classes, field trips, online videos, and on-site demonstrations.
The Mall at Partridge Creek | Clinton Township
CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO COVID. HOPING TO REOPEN IN THE FUTURE.