Skip to the content
In an area that is most known for its cities and buildings, it may be tough to find some of the outdoor hidden gems and delights nearby. Here at Quinlan Tree Service we work outside all year round, so we wanted to give you something to do to get you out and about.
Oakland County has some great outdoor activities for all age groups. In this article we hope you find something you can do outside. And remember, look at the beautiful trees and other flora as you enjoy your time outdoors.
- Highland Recreation Area
- Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve
- Oakland County Farmers Market
- Lyon Oaks Dog Park
- Kensington Metropark
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks
John Muir
Highland Recreation Area
Highland Recreation Area is certainly a great spot for any lover of the outdoors, offering 5,900 acres of dense forest, marshes, and lakes right in the beautiful rolling hills of Southern Michigan. Here you will find trails to accommodate horseback riders, mountain bikes, skiers, and hikes, there is something here for everyone, no matter what season. Go for a swim or fish in the lakes, hike the trails, and get lost in the natural recreation area. The springtime offers great bird watching opportunities and the best time to view the beautiful spring wildflowers.
Don’t forget to visit Haven Hill Natural Area, within the Highland State Recreation Area, was designated in 1976 as a National Natural Landmark.
The trees we love and you will see including swamp forest of tamarack, cedar, beech-maple forest, oak-hickory forest, and mixed hardwood forest.
This park was created by Edsel Ford.
Information
Phone: (248) 889-3750
Location: 5200 Highland Road, White Lake, MI 48383
Get Lost in Nature at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve.
Located in an area that is home to over 10,000 businesses, there is a hidden gem that adds a ton of value to the city. Known as “a pot of urban gold for those with a love of nature,” the 42-acre preserve is full of trailheads, ponds, lakes, viewing platforms, and wildlife.
This is a “Pet Friendly Park” so take the dog for a walk.
Information
Call: (248) 796-5000
Locations: 27101-27215 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48033
Oakland County Farmers Market
This weekend Discover Michigan Fresh
Start: 3/7/20, 9:00 AM
End: 3/7/20, 12:00 PM
Discover Michigan Fresh provides growing, handling and preserving tips as well as healthy recipes to help you take advantage of delicious Michigan-grown bounty from your backyard or local farmers market. The kids program is 9-10 a.m., and the adult program is 11 a.m.-noon. Topics at the free presentations include: fruits; vegetables; gardening; food preservation and safety; meat; fish; eggs; nuts; and more.
Information
Call: 248-858-5495
Location: 2350 Pontiac Lake Rd Waterford, MI 48328
Kensington Metropark
This weekend they have a special event.
Maple’s Sweet Story
This event occurs for the entire month of March.
Saturday, March 7, 2020, 11:00 AM
Take a guided walk through the farm’s Sugar Bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected. Stop by the French and Native camp to hear and see how these techniques have changed through the years.
Then visit the Sugar Shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Real maple sugar products and pancakes will be available for purchase. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors.
Fun for all ages!
Time: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $3 per child, $5 per adult, children under two are FREE!
Dress for the weather.
Information
Call: (810) 227-8910
Location: 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380
Lyon Oaks Dog Park
Get outside with your furry family member.
Lyon Oaks Dog Park features a 13-acre fenced enclosure with small dog area, benches, shelter and picnic tables, water fountain and field training area. In Oakland County, all dogs older than the age of four months are required to have a license and wear it at all times. Licenses can be purchased at the Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center. Dogs must also have up-to-date vaccinations (Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella) and respond to voice commands.
The dog park is open from Sunrise to Sunset
Information
Call: (248) 858-0906
Location: 52221 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393
We hope you enjoyed our article on fun things to do in Oakland County. Head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think.
You can also follow along on our “Outdoor Adventures” on Instagram.
