At long last, summer is here and, as our beautiful long Michigan days become star-lit summer evenings, don’t let the fun end! Head to Huron-Clinton Metroparks for some outdoor summer entertainment. Better yet, spend the day at a Metropark and stay for Movies in the Park or a Summer Concert Series event.
“Your Metroparks are great places for thinking outside the box because there’s so much to do and something for everyone,” says Quinn Tapp, Marketing Support Specialist at Huron-Clinton Metroparks. From movies to concerts — even a Big Fat Family Reunion — there are tons of ways to enjoy your Metroparks this summer.
Here’s your mini-guide to the fun, so get ready!
Movies in the park
Back for the 2022 season with a whole new lineup of films, Movies in the Parks is a fun thing to experience for every age. “What is more classic than enjoying movies under the stars?” Tapp says.
At Willow Metropark and Kensington Metropark, bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a basket full of snacks and get ready to stretch out. On four August evenings, your family can enjoy the best family friendly entertainment in a beautiful setting.
At Stony Creek Metropark, movies are drive-in style. Pull up in your car, adjust your car’s radio and tune into the fun on three evenings in August and September.
Movies in the Park is free with a Metroparks daily or annual pass and movies begin at dusk. “You can get to the park early, enjoy the playgrounds or a hike. At Kensington and Stony Creek Metroparks, you can visit the nature center or the beach, and end the night with a movie under the stars,” Tapp says.
Summer concerts, too!
Summer and music are a musical combination — and where better to enjoy your favorite tunes than at a Metropark? There are plenty of concerts to enjoy, from rock, Motown, oldies, country and big band swing (and a lot more, too). Tap your feet and clap your hands from your lawn chair or grab your kids and dance!
At Lake St. Clair Metropark, the fun continues throughout the summer with Sunday evening concerts at Thomas Welsh Activity Center. At Stony Creek Metropark’s Eastwood Beach on select Friday evenings, you can dance the night away, or just enjoy a picnic dinner with the stars and the sounds. “These are both wonderfully scenic areas to enjoy the concerts and they are really for everyone,” Tapp says. “Come one night or multiple nights. There’s a new show each time and plenty to choose from.”
Huron-Clinton Metroparks’ Summer Concert Series events are free with a Metroparks daily or annual pass and you do not need to pre-register.
‘Our Big Fat Family Reunion’
Here’s a brand-new fun event that promises to be huge. On July 9, 2022, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, in partnership with the Detroit Association of Black Organizations, is hosting a giant day of fun family activities, family reunion style. Our Big Fat Family Reunion will take place at Willow Metropark 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and it’s free with a Metroparks daily or annual pass.
“This event will be really fun! We’re excited to host this community-wide event for the first time at the Metroparks. This event is all about bringing the community back together, something we haven’t been able to do in recent years because of the pandemic,” Tapp says. “Our Big Fat Family Reunion will feature many different summer fun activities, including live DJs, guided hikes, bounce houses and more. It is sure to be an event to remember.”
The fun also includes yard games, live animals, financial planning workshops, interactive and educational programs, family tree workshops, arts and crafts, a basketball tournament and more. West Coast rap group JJ Fad will perform live and there will be hustle and ballroom dance lessons.
“Think of your own family reunion on a much larger scale,” Tapp says.
You must pre-register for Our Big Fat Family Reunion by 4 p.m. on July 8.
Learn about these Huron-Clinton Metroparks events and more at metroparks.com or request a copy of the Metroparks Summer Guide here.
