Oakland County, Michigan, has plenty of fun and entertaining things to do for the perfect staycation. Oakland County is known for premier adventures that aren’t anywhere else in Michigan. It’s time to make special memories close to home and enjoy quality time with friends or family.

Whether it’s a staycation or you’re visiting for the first time, Oakland County has something for everyone! But before you book your activities and adventures, don’t forget to book your hotel. Here’s some great options to choose from:

Somerset Inn

Hyatt Place- Detroit Royal Oak

DoubleTree by Hilton – Bloomfield Hills Detroit

Detroit Marriott Troy

Hyatt Place Detroit Royal Oak

Photos Courtesy of: Oakland University, M1 Concourse and Hyatt Place Detroit Royal Oak

Friday

5:00 pm – The Meeting House

301 S Main St, Rochester, MI 48307

Enjoy a dinner of new American fare and unique cocktails designed by award-winning chef Christopher Johnson. The rainbow trout and coconut creme brulee are to die for.

6:30 pm –  MI-Combat Tactical Laser Tag

2636 S Adams Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309-5509

Mi-Combat Tactical Laser Tag isn’t the same laser tag from your youth with plastic vests, glow paint, and black lights. Instead, you’ll experience state-of-the-art laser tag in simulated battlefield experiences. Drop into the simulation battlefield that looks like Detroit’s invaded by foreign forces. Sneak through 5 two-story towers, several different neighborhoods, and city streets. It feels like entering a dystopian novel.

8:00 pm – Rochester Mills Brewery

400 Water St, Rochester, MI 48307

After intense battle sessions of laser tag, it’s time to decompress over a good brew at Rochester Mills Brewery. Try the house-brewed Water Street Wheat or Paint Creek Porter.

 

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9:00 pm –  Innovation Hills Park

2800 W Hamlin Rd Northside of Hamlin Road between Crooks Road and Adams Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309-3239

Take a leisurely evening stroll through Innovation Hills Park. You’ll enjoy the evening solar lights along the boardwalk and the glowing pavement. The one-mile loop trail makes for easy walking along the river. Catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer, turtles, muskrat, and more.

Photos Courtesy of: Cranbrook House & Gardens and Fieldstone Golf Club of Auburn Hills

Saturday

8:00 am – O.W.L.

The 27302 Woodward Ave #0927, Royal Oak, MI 48067

This 24-hour diner rocks inventive Mexican-American fare. Try a chorizo sausage and cheese egg sandwich with cilantro potatoes.

9:00 am – Detroit Zoo

8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067-3001

Stroll through the zoo and learn about the over 2,000 animals on exhibit. Get up close with everything from wolves to grizzly bears, to red pandas, and giraffes. Some displays are closed, or limited numbers are allowed inside buildings due to COVID, but there’s still plenty to enjoy.

1:00 pm –  Beans & Cornbread

29508 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield, MI 48034

Offering an upscale fusion of traditional and non-traditional Soul Food served in a casually elegant environment. Beans & Cornbread has been serving up the heart and soul of southern cooking since 1997. This award-winning soul food restaurant fuses southern roots with an epicurean influence in traditional favorites and low country cuisine. Get your appetite ready because the Roasted Yardbird and Fried Chicken Fantasy are irresistible

2:00 pm – Epiphany Glass Studio

770 Orchard Lake Road, Pontiac, MI 48341

Michigan’s premier state-of-the-art hot glass studio and gallery owned and operated by glass artist April Wagner. Bring friends, family or make it a solo adventure and learn how to create one of a kind sculptures and gift items that are contemporary, colorful and well-crafted. From paperweights and decanters, to huge wall and atrium sculptures, all skill levels are welcome.

5:30 pm –  Lily’s Seafood Grill & Brewery

410 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Lily’s is known for great food and excellent service. Perfect for a group of friends or the family. They craft their beer and sodas to delicious perfection. Try the Signature Seared Sesame Tuna and Reggies French River Red.

7:00 pm – Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room

29932 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48073-0908

Explore a variety of quality wines from across the state of Michigan. Find a favorite and share a bottle. Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room works with small wineries throughout Michigan. The wines are local, incredible, and vetted by certified sommeliers.

9:30 pm – Drag Queen Bingo @ Five15 Royal Oak

600 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067-3828

Touted as “not your grandma’s bingo,” Drag Queen Bingo is a performance that includes audience participation and lots of laughs. If BINGO isn’t for you, enjoy one of their themed and equally vibrant trivia nights.

 

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Photos courtesy of: Detroit Zoo and Epiphany Glass Studio

Sunday

9:00 am – Spargo’s

2767 University Dr, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Start your Sunday off with a great breakfast at Spargo’s. Spargo’s specializes in classic breakfast choices set in a sleek, modern restaurant.

10:00 am – Choose Your Own Adventure

4310 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Head to the Great Lakes Crossing area and choose the perfect adventure for your interests. This might be the ideal time to split up from your partner or choose something together. Check out Michigan’s only LEGOLAND Discovery Center (adults must accompany a child to enter) and SEALIFE Aquarium. Spend time shopping in the many shops or head across the street to Topgolf.

12:00 pm – Lunch at Great Lakes Crossing

4310 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Since your already there shopping or adventuring, choose one of the many dining options for lunch. Check out Michigan’s only Rainforest Cafe location. When you’re finished with lunch, choose another adventure or keep shopping.

2:00 pm – Bald Mountain State Recreation Area

3361 S Lapeer Rd, Orion Charter Township, MI 48360

Time for a nature break! There’s tons to do at Bald Mountain Recreation Area. You could stay all day or stop in for an hour hike. Depending on your interests and the time of year, you can hike extensive trails, enjoy inland lakes, fish in the trout streams, or splash around in the floating water park.

6:00 pm – Rangoli Indian Cuisine

3055 E Walton Blvd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2369

Finish out the weekend with a traditional Indian meal at Rangoli Indian Cuisine. Grab a cozy booth and slow down after a day of shopping and adventuring. Enjoy recounting your weekend staycation with your family or friends.

Photos Courtesy of: Great Lakes Crossing Outlets