These trails and nature centers can be great ways to do fun things like learn more about the world around us, try out geocaching (or as my son says, “going on a treasure hunt!”), or just get in a great walk. Apply some sunscreen and probably bug spray, and get out there! Just make sure to do a quick tick check once you’re done (but you are probably doing that even after simple backyard or playground play as well – the warnings are everywhere this year!). With any outdoor outing, practice and teach your kids about “leave no trace” – check out the brief list below and learn more here.
- Beverly Park
- Where: Located on Beverly Road between Evergreen and Southfield
- What’s there: Nature trails, playscape, Little Free Library (near the playground), plus sporting opportunities like volleyball and disc golf
- Douglas Evans Nature Preserve
- Where: Located on Evergreen Road north of 13 Mile Road
- What’s there: Fields for walking through and a river to walk next to and investigate
- See pics: here and here
- Hidden Rivers Nature Preserve
- Where: Located on the south side of 14 Mile Road east of Evergreen.
- What’s there: The land peninsula is surrounded by branches of the Rouge River with the northern edge abutting a private golf course. The preserve serves as a valuable plant and wildlife habitat virtually undisturbed by humans.
- See this link for information about geocaching at this preserve http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC5BGHK_hidden-rivers-time-to-get-out?guid=075d7615-8838-4ac3-9df2-9edbe698f61b
- Riverside Park
- Where: Located at Riverside Drive east of Evergreen Road.
- What’s there: The park has a picnic table and grill available and provides access to the mill pond which is part of the Rouge River. Visitors can fish, enjoy nature, and utilize the picnic area.
- Red Oaks Nature Center and Suarez Friendship Woods
- Where: 30300 Hales Street Madison Heights, MI 48071
- What’s there:
- The Nature Center, operated by Oakland County Parks, is a 2400 square foot log cabin with seasonal displays and year-round activities. The Nature Center is open for walk-ins: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Open until 8 p.m. Memorial Day-Labor Day); Sunday: Noon-5 p.m.
- Friendship Woods: a 1.3-mile paved trail in a Michigan Natural Features Inventory Priority Three Conservation Area. Visitors will find: More than 45 tree and shrub species; Scattered vernal ponds; Open shrubby and grassy clearings; Native wildlife including deer, cottontail rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, shrews, bats and a wide variety of birds
- Shepherd Park
- Where: 24198 Church St., Oak Park
- What’s there: Nature path and walking trail, plus the public pool (open to residents and non-residents), a wooden train and play structures.
- Cummingston Park
- Where: Torquay & Leafdale, N. of 14 Mile between Crooks & Coolidge
- What’s there: Play structure and nature trails. Trail map: http://www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us/webfm_send/150
- Quickstad Park with Tenhave Woods
- Where: Marais between Normandy & Lexington
- What’s there: Play structure, woods and nature trail.
- Bauervic Woods Park
- Where: Nine Mile, west of Evergreen
- What’s there: Nature trails, playlot, picnic area
- Burgh Historical Park
- Where: Northeast corner of Civic Center Drive and Berg Road
- What’s there: Flower gardens
- Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve
- Where: Ten Mile Road east of Inkster
- What’s there: Nature trials with interpretive signs, trailheads and numerous benches. Easily accessible fishing
- Civic Center Park
- Where: 26000 Evergreen Road
- What’s there: Nature trails, playlot, outdoor pool and splash area, picnic areas, athletic opportunities
- Inglenook Park
- Where: 12 Mile Road between Evergreen Road and Lahser Road
- What’s there: Jogging and fitness trails, picnic area, playlot, nature area
- Lincoln Woods
- Where: Eastbound Lincoln, west of the freeway (696)
- What’s there: Nature trails, wetlands
- Valley Woods Nature Preserve
- Where: Civic Center Drive east of Telegraph
- What’s there: Nature trail, fishing
