Best Outdoor Family Activities for Fall

By: Katie Goncalves | September 20, 2023
outdoor family activities - tree adventures

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t still plan for fun outdoor activities with your family this fall. There’s plenty of amazing weather to be had in the Detroit area before the year is over, and there are some really wonderful places to make memories with your family. Put on your cozy sweater and head outside to one of these Metro Detroit locations for some family fun this fall.

DETROIT RIVERFRONT

588 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit

The Detroit Riverfront was voted the #1 Riverwalk in the United States and for good reason too. They have events to enjoy all year long, but especially during the fall. “The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is excited to bring back the popular Detroit Harvest Fest and Food Truck Rally to the Dequindre Cut this fall. Visitors can enjoy over 50 food trucks, six music stages, and loads of fun for the whole family. Harvest Fest takes place from 11 am – 8 pm, October 7-8.” Check out their events page for even more family-friendly events happening this fall. 

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detroit riverfront cirque de freight yard at detroit harvest fest - outdoor family activities
Photo courtesy of Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

TREERUNNER ADVENTURE PARK

6200 Drake Road, West Bloomfield Township

7553 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester

TreeRunner Adventure Park is the perfect place to take the family and get a little adventurous. Both locations offer dozens of obstacles and ziplines as you explore the park from high above the ground. With varying levels of difficulty, this is the perfect place for kids of all ages to explore and improve their gross motor skills. The West Bloomfield location also offers mini golf and gem mining to make it a full day of fun.

DETROIT ZOO

8450 West 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak

The Detroit Zoo has been a landmark attraction in Metro Detroit since 1928. It is situated on 125 acres with many naturalistic habitats and is home to  2,000 animals of more than 200 species. The zoo is open all year with varying hours. One of the highlights of fall at the zoo is the Zoo Boo event that takes place on weekends throughout the month of October. This event includes pumpkin displays, strolling entertainment from jugglers and magicians, and capturing memories with themed photo opportunities all while visiting each of the trick-or-treating spots scattered throughout the Zoo.

CRANBROOK HOUSE & GARDENS

380 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills

Cranbrook House & Gardens is a historic estate located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The estate features a 40-room manor house, 40 acres of gardens, and several other buildings. The gardens are divided into several themed areas, including a Japanese garden, a sunken garden, and a herb garden. The estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public for tours.

BELLE ISLE PARK

99 Pleasure Drive, Detroit

Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park located in the Detroit River, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The park features a conservatory, a golf course, a beach, a nature center, and more. The Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the country, and it features over 60 exhibits and more than 1,500 fish. The aquarium is home to several endangered species, such as the Lake Victoria cichlid and the paddlefish.

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