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Spending the day at a park can be the highlight of any family’s weekend, but keeping the kids occupied is absolutely the first priority. The key to any great park is a fantastic playground, especially from a kid’s point of view. When it comes to fun-filled family adventures, Metro Detroit offers a variety of playgrounds that are perfect for children of all ages. From lakeside parks to imaginative play spaces, the area is home to some fantastic spots where kids can explore, play, and enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some of the best playgrounds in Metro Detroit that you and your family won’t want to miss.
SCARLET’S SMILE PLAYGROUND
4380 South Commerce Road, Commerce Charter Township
Scarlet’s Smile Playground is a must-visit for families looking for an inclusive play space. With a rubberized surface made to accommodate wheelchairs, the playground has been designed to be barrier-free, with double-wide ramps, sensory play equipment, special slides, and more. Great for children of all ages and abilities, there are shaded play decks, zip lines, accessible swings, and climbing structures to keep your littles entertained. This inviting space is great for encouraging kids to explore and play while ensuring that every child can join in on the fun.
HESS-HATHAWAY PARK
825 South Williams Lake Road, Waterford
Hess-Hathaway Park in Waterford is a unique playground destination that combines play with a farm experience. The park features traditional playground equipment alongside farm-themed play structures. After some playtime, families can visit the park’s animal exhibit, where kids can meet and learn about various farm animals and see the historical farmhouse. Explore the nature trails, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in a shady spot or under a pavilion, and spend the day enjoying the fun this park has to offer. It is an excellent spot for combining outdoor fun with educational experiences and often hosts family-friendly events catered to all ages.
INNOVATION HILLS
2800 West Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills
Innovation Hills Park has a 3-acre nature-themed playground for families to appreciate, combining fun with adventurous spirit. This park is a destination, with an inclusive playground, waterfall, geocaching, and kayak landing. The 110-acre park has been consistently updated and is not a place you’d want to miss. It also features a butterfly garden, turtle trail, and sensory garden in the park. With a paved mile-long boardwalk, glowing pavement, and solar lighting up during the evening, Innovation Hills has great amenities for families to enjoy morning or night while the park is open.
LAKESHORE PARK
601 South Lake Drive, Novi
The Lakeshore Park near the shores of Walled Lake is the largest park in Novi, and it has activities for all ages. From slides to climbing ladders, there are multiple play structures with plenty of space to play throughout the park. For more open play, there are two soccer fields and a sand volleyball court available. If you’re planning a day outdoors, there are well-maintained walking and biking trails, three picnic shelters, and even swimming along the beach during the summer months.
VALADE PARK
2670 Atwater Street, Detroit
Located along the east side of the Detroit Riverfront, Valade Park is a vibrant space that combines play with breathtaking views of the Detroit River. Beyond the colorful play place, there is a beach, a kid’s musical garden, a spot for barbecues, and more. The park features an exciting playground equipped with a climbing structure and slides. It’s a perfect spot for families to enjoy the river breeze while kids have fun on the playground. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy also hosts various events and activities throughout the year at the park, like Winter at Valade, making it a dynamic destination for both locals and visitors.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was authored by Katie Goncalves.
