With the beginning of summer and end of the school year approaching fast, families face a daily dilemma of finding engaging activities to keep them busy. After about the hundredth “go play outside,” cabin fever begins to set in for both parents and children, and boredom runs rampant.
Thankfully, with picnic season upon us, family-friendly summer fun is only a park’s drive away. To get you in the great outdoors as soon as possible, Hour Detroit has compiled a roundup of the most picnic-worthy parks in Southeast Michigan this summer. Check them out with your kids, your significant other, or solo.
Addison Oaks
After hiking, horseback riding, or biking along Addison Oak’s 20-plus-mile trail system, take a rest and dig into a packed lunch at the park’s picnic area. This 1,140-acre park is tailored to those with a passion for staying active and exploring the outdoors, with kayak rentals, fishing, disc golf, and camping in addition to the expansive nature trails. $5 for Oakland County resident vehicle day passes, $12 for non-Oakland County resident vehicle day passes. Addison Oaks, 1480 W. Romeo Road, Leonard; oakgov.com.
Beacon Park
Beacon Park offers a haven of greenspace among Detroit’s towering skyscrapers for those looking to lay a blanket on the turf and admire the park’s interactive light installations and cityscape. Bring along a quick bite from a Downtown Street Eats food truck just minutes away in Cadillac Square or dine on the outdoor patio at Lumen Detroit for a picnic-like park experience without the hassle of a homemade meal. Free admission. Beacon Park, 1901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; empoweringmichigan.com.
Belle Isle
As an island in the Detroit River near Downtown Detroit, Belle Isle is a quiet escape from the city that hosts a nature center, aquarium, swimming beach, athletic fields, and newly-reopened outdoor gardens. Picnic at any of the seating areas on the 982-acre island and take in the view of Detroit’s city skyline from across the river. $13 Michigan-registered vehicle annual pass. Belle Isle Park, 99 Pleasure Dr., Detroit; belleisleconservancy.org.
Campus Martius
Named the “Top Public Square” in the U.S. by USA Today, Campus Martius meshes the excitement of the city with the relaxation of a park, offering a uniquely Detroit experience for families, couples, and friend groups. Visit The Beach at Campus Martius and have a picnic in the sand, complete with a frozen cocktail, city views, and live music. Free admission. Campus Martius, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; downtowndetroit.org.
Dodge Park
Coordinate a visit to Dodge Park with the park’s farmers market — held every Thursday from 3-8 p.m. June through September — to take advantage of the market’s vendors, food trucks, and music in the park concerts. Build a picnic from the various food truck and vendor options and set up chairs or a blanket near the amphitheater by 7 p.m. for a dinner with live entertainment. This summer’s concerts range from Motown to Reggae to a Queen tribute band, with a Movie in the Park showing of DC League of Super-Pets on Aug. 10. Free admission. Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road, Sterling Heights; sterling-heights.net.
Innovation Hills Park
Perfect for a family outing, Rochester Hill’s Innovation Hills Park offers nature-centered experiences for all ages. Kids can let loose at the park’s three-acre nature-themed playground, complete with an AstroTurf sledding hill, while adults — and pets — explore four miles of walking trails and two sensory gardens. Pack a meal to enjoy at the covered picnic tables after a long day of activities and stay after dark to experience the park’s glowing pavement and solar lighting along the boardwalk. Free admission. Innovation Hills Park, 2800 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills; rochesterhills.org.
Lake Erie Metropark
Picnic along three miles of Lake Erie’s shoreline, taking in a peaceful Great Lake view as you eat. After the beach, take a dip in the “Great Wave” pool, golf the 18-hole course, or explore the paved hiking trails for “some of the best birding in Southeast Michigan,” according to the park’s website. $10 daily vehicle pass. Lake Erie Metropark, 32481 W. Jefferson Ave., Brownstown; metroparks.com.
Lake St. Clair Metropark
Soak up the summer sun with a beach day picnic at Lake St. Clair Metropark. Bring along snacks or grab some picky-eater-friendly concessions at the Beachside Grill to enjoy while relaxing on the sandy shore of Lake Saint Clair — or the less sandy poolside of the park’s Olympic-sized swimming pool. Adventurous park-goers can try their hand at windsurfing, kiteboarding, waterslides, and an Adventure Golf course while the rest of the family catch rays and take a dip in the lake. $10 daily vehicle pass. Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township; metroparks.com.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
Overlook a garden of peonies while enjoying a homemade picnic on the outdoor patio of Nichols Arboretum, which borders the University of Michigan’s campus. Spend the day exploring eleven lush gardens that feature plants and flowers native to the Great Lakes region and beyond or walk over three miles of wooded trails for a chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Take a lunch break at one of the garden’s scenic picnic seating areas or benches located within the Sitting Garden or Urban Pocket Garden. $2 hourly parking, $5 daily maximum parking. Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor; mbgna.umich.edu.
William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor
Located along Detroit’s scenic RiverWalk, the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor features views of greenery, water, skyline, and even a glimpse of Windsor, Canada, across the Detroit River. Near the park’s edge, the RiverWalk Café is a quick service food option serving up selections fresh off the grill to supplement a picnic basket full of food, and sweet treats like ice cream to beat the heat. Free admission. William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, 1900 Atwater St., Detroit; michigan.org.
Did we miss your favorite picnic spot? Tell us about it in the comments so we can add it to our list!
