Heritage Park Story Trail
Location: 1150 S. Canton Center Rd.Canton, MI 48188
Why you’ll love it: This paved loop trail includes a storybook for you and your family to enjoy as you take a walk around the tree-lined paths and pond. You can sit on benches to enjoy a picnic or take in nature from the small wooden boardwalk platform. You can also enjoy sports fields, a large playground, a covered pavilion, and bathrooms at the park.
Chickadee Trail at Kensington Metropark
Location: 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI 48381
Why you’ll love it: Do you have little bird watchers? Then this is the place for you. This 2.5 loop is located near the nature center and its bathrooms, so you will have plenty to do on your visit to Kensington Metropark.
Johnson Nature Center
Location: 3325 Franklin Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Why you’ll love it: With approximately two miles of nature trails that are easy for young children to walk, you’ll want to plan a visit to Johnson Nature Center. There are a few orphaned animals, such as deer, to visit, and you will encounter wildlife, such as other deer, squirrels, and birds, on your nature walk. Visitors can also enjoy a storybook walk as well as the Detroit Institute of Arts 2023 Inside | Out Installation until the end of October 2023.
Madison Woods Nature Trail at Rosie’s Park
Location: 1111 E Farnum Ave Madison Hts, MI 48071
Why you’ll love it: This paved one-mile walking trail located in a community park is the perfect place to stretch your legs and take in nature while having the many convenient amenities of a park at your fingertips. Seasonal restrooms are available, as well as playground structures for your children to enjoy as well!
Belle Isle Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon Trail
Location: 198 Lakeside Dr, Detroit, MI 48207
Why you’ll love it: If your family loves nature and history, then a visit to Belle Isle State Park is a must. While there are many things to do and see in the park, you will want to head off the beaten path to visit the only marble lighthouse in the nation and take a small gravel trail along the Blue Heron Lagoon. You’ll love that it is just minutes away from the Belle Isle Nature Center and playground, which are must-visits if you are on Belle Isle.
Farmington Hills Nature Center Discovery Trail
Location: 24915 Farmington Rd. Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Why you’ll love it: Located within Heritage Park, you will find no shortage of things to do for your family. The trails at the nature center are a fan favorite for all ages and include interactive playscapes for children of all ages to enjoy.
Orchard Lake Sanctuary
Location: 4700 Pontiac Trail, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48324
Why you’ll love it: This 50-acre wooded sanctuary is the perfect retreat into nature. While enjoyed by others, it is still considered a hidden gem of the area so you will likely find solstice here. Orchard Lake Sanctuary is open year-round, and you will find a portapotty at the parking lot for your convenience.
Douglas Evans Nature Preserve
Location: 31845 Evergreen Rd, Beverly Hills, MI 48025
Why you’ll love it: This short and easy hike is a true immersion to nature. This trail is great for your most adventurous and outdoorsy kids. With a trail that runs alongside the Rogue River, your family will have the opportunity to catch glimpses of different wildlife.
Red Oaks Nature Center
Location: 30300 Hales St, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Why you’ll love it: With just over a mile loop, your children will enjoy the storybook on the sensory trail, the nature center, and clean bathrooms, and you will love the paved trail and opportunities to learn while in nature.
Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
Location: 333 N. Hill Circle Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Why you’ll love it: With 16 miles of trails to choose from, Dinosaur Hill Nature Loop is a crowd favorite because of its length and proximity to the nature center. Free to visit and open seven days a week, you will find plenty of ways to enjoy nature here.
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