Stony Creek Metropark is one of metro Detroit’s 13 beautiful metroparks. Located about 30 miles north of Detroit in Shelby Township, the park offers more than 4,000 acres of lakes, woodlands, prairies and scenic landscapes, along with exciting outdoor recreation activities that families can enjoy year-round.
Quick details about Stony Creek Metropark
- Address: 4300 Main Park Drive, Shelby Township
- Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Cost: $10/vehicle, or free with an annual pass
No matter the season, there is so much fun to be had at Stony Creek Metropark with kids. Swim at two sandy beaches in the summertime, or go for a scenic fall foliage hike during the autumn months. Explore the park by snowshoeing or cross country skiing when it snows, then enjoy a springtime picnic when the weather thaws.
In addition to these activities, a visit to the Stony Creek Nature Center is a great way to get kids excited about nature (especially during the chilly winter months when you need to get out of the house!) Located in the Clinton River Watershed, the nature center teaches kids about conservation, wildlife and local history through live animal displays, guided hikes and nature investigations.
Read on to discover even more ways to spend the day outdoors with your family. Before you go, be sure to check Stony Creek Metropark’s event and program calendar to discover exciting family events!
Things to do with kids at Stony Creek Metropark
- Take a dip at a sandy beach. Stony Creek Metropark is home to two beaches, Baypoint Beach and Eastwood Beach. Eastwood Beach is a popular spot for families due to its inflatable waterslide, concession stand and paddleboard rentals. Located just across the lake, Baypoint Beach is a great spot to relax in the water away from the crowds.
- Play the day away at one of the park’s playgrounds. There are a few different play areas in the park, but the playscape at Eastwood Beach is the largest and most popular due to its slides, platforms, bridges, spinners and climbing structures.
- Visit the Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center for seasonal exhibits, live animal programs and tons of ways for littles to learn about nature. There’s also a butterfly garden where you can see native plants and spot beautiful butterflies!
- Have a scenic picnic on the tree-lined lawns. For a larger gathering, consider renting one of the park’s picnic shelters; they’re half-price on weekdays!
- Go for a walk around Stony Creek Lake using the 6.2-mile paved trail, or hit the nature trails for a scenic hike. From the half-mile Reflection Trail to the less-traveled East Lake Trails, there’s an adventure for every family.
- Bike around the lake, or embark on a biking adventure on the Macomb Orchard Trail. Bike and fat-tire trike rentals are available for just $7 an hour.
- Go fishing off a barrier-free pier located on the west side of the boat launch.
- Enjoy seasonal winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or fat-tire biking and explore the park in the snow.
Tips for visiting Stony Creek Metropark with kids
- Download the park’s map before you go.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and fueled during your outdoor adventure.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, and plan ahead for potential weather conditions.
- Wear sunscreen and bug spray as needed.
- Rent an all-terrain wheelchair. The park’s all-terrain chair is key to making the outdoors accessible. Stony Creek Metropark has one All-Terrain Beach Wheelchair that visitors can use to navigate the sand at Eastwood Beach. Rental reservations can be made online up to one week, and no less than one day, before your visit.
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