Looking for ways to get your family moving and enjoy nature together? Kid-friendly hikes in Detroit offer the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, exercise and learning opportunities for children of all ages. Whether you’re exploring shaded forest trails, spotting wildlife at a nature center, or wandering scenic paths near the city, these local gems make it easy to unplug and reconnect.
This season, embrace the great outdoors with our curated list of the top family hiking trails, animal reserves and recreational parks in metro Detroit. These trails are perfect for little legs and curious minds — all within a short drive from home!
Read more: Metro Detroit Nature Centers for Kids to Enjoy a Breath of Fresh Air
Kid-friendly hiking trails in metro Detroit
Lake St. Clair Metropark
- Address: 31300 Metropolitan Parkway, Harrison Township
This popular outdoor destination offers beautiful views of Lake St. Clair from the one-mile boardwalk, nature trails that wind through meadows, marshland and groves of cottonwood trees. Bird watch near the wetlands and shore, for this park’s home to more than 230 commonly seen species. Water enthusiasts can windsurf, kiteboard, swim and boat in Lake St. Clair. Two marinas and eight ramps provide easy access to the water.
Macomb Orchard Trail
- Address: Richmond trailhead: intersection of Water and Parker streets; Shelby Township trailhead: a parking lot on the west side of Dequindre Road, south of 24 Mile and Parkdale roads
This 24-mile paved trail follows former railroad tracks across Macomb County, connecting to 180 miles of southeast Michigan trails. Easy access points in Shelby Township and Richmond offer parking and amenities like restrooms and picnic areas.
Stony Creek Metropark
- Address: 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township
Explore Stony Creek Lake on an eight-mile paved trail or go off-road on six miles of natural paths through woods and wetlands. Spanning 4,461 acres in Macomb and Oakland counties, the park also features a nature center, disc golf, sports fields, playgrounds and picnic areas. Come winter, it transforms into a snow lover’s playground with spots for skiing, sledding, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
Independence Oaks County Park
- Address: 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston
The largest Oakland County Park at 1,286 acres, Independence Oaks boasts more than 12 miles of natural and paved trails for hiking, a beach for swimming, volleyball courts, and a boat launch for non-motorized boats to keep the fun going out on Crooked Lake. The Wint Nature Center offers interactive exhibits and programs for youngsters, too.
Heritage Park
- Address: 24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills
Get up close and stay informed about natural ecosystems at this 211-acre park featuring 4.5 miles of trails dedicated to hiking and natural study. During the summer, bring the kiddies to the north end of the park, which features a splash pad and playground, right beside horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts, an in-line hockey rink and grills at the picnic area for those who come to stay awhile.
Indian Springs Metropark
- Address: 5200 Indian Trail, White Lake
Escape to this 2,547-acre sanctuary of wooded swamplands, rolling meadows, and scenic wetlands, all accessible on the six miles of nature trails and the 0.3 Pondside Trail, more suitable to kids. During the warmer months, bask in the sun and listen to the croaking frogs and chirping crickets. Admire the burst of colors once autumn arrives. Bring the snowshoes after the snow falls, and keep your eyes peeled for the tracks of critters on the move.
Stop by the park’s Environmental Discovery Center to learn more about the native ecosystems you’re sure to traverse on your hike.
Crosswinds Marsh Park
- Address: 27600 Haggerty Road, New Boston
Did you know one of the largest manmade marshes in the country is located right in Wayne County? 1.4 miles of boardwalk permits hikers easy access over the wetland. Eight trails, ranging from a hundred yards to 4.5 miles, traverse this 1,050-acre park, making it an ideal spot for families with small children.
Admire the marsh, smell the wildflowers, and explore the upland forests, all home to over 240 species of birds and 40 species of mammals, plus reptiles, amphibians and fish.
Oakwoods Metropark
- Address: 32911 Willow Road, New Boston
Located near Flat Rock, take a hike through 1,756 acres of mature woodlands featuring scenic overlooks of the Huron River and a 3-acre pond. Get up close to turtles at the Nature Center. Need more space to roam and explore? There are 15miles of hike-bike paths that connect Oakwoods, Willow and Lower Huron Metroparks, an 11-mile hike-bike path that’ll take you all the way to Lake Erie Metropark, four equestrian paths and backwater trails for canoeists.
Hudson Mills Metropark
- Address: 8801 N. Territorial Road, Dexter
Here, the Huron River’s gentle flow picks up the pace; the rapids make the park a popular canoe and kayak destination. For athletes looking to move, there are soccer fields, basketball, tennis and shuffleboard courts, and even cross-country skiing trails for when temps drop and the snow falls thick. You’ll also find a 3-mile paved hike-bike trail and a 5-mile connector trail to explore.
Rolling Hills Park
- Address: 7660 Stony Creek Road, Ypsilanti
While there are hills to climb and sled, it’s not all rolling terrain at this county park. Find five miles of paved surface for walking, biking and rollerblading, three miles of dirt hiking trails with two observation decks and a three-quarter-mile nature trail that winds under dense tree canopies. During the snowy season, the paved trail is kept clear, then during the sweltering summer, check out the water park (consult the website for open hours and pricing) featuring slides, buckets and a lazy river.
This article was recently updated on April 16, 2025 by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on metro Detroit hiking trails for families. Questions? Please reach out to katina@metroparent.com.
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