Southeast Michigan is teeming with fun activities and events, but the price tag on a day of family fun can easily overwhelm your wallet if you’re not careful. Luckily, Oakland County is home to plenty of free activities, from free nature centers and one-of-a-kind playgrounds to affordable movie theaters and arcades.
Pair any of these free activities with a picnic lunch, a trip to the playground or a fun at-home activity using materials you already have on hand to create a full day of fun that even your wallet can approve of.
Indoor budget-friendly activities in Oakland County
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets Play Place
- Address: 4000 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills
There are so many ticketed attractions at this mall, but the Michigan-themed play space is a spot where kids can play for free all day long! The indoor play place includes a foam lighthouse, seating for parents and climbing structures that resemble freight boats, bridges, tunnels and more.
Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum
- Address: 31005 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills
Neon signs, movie posters and model airplanes cover the walls and ceiling at Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum. The museum is filled with oddities, unusual nostalgia and, of course, vintage coin-operated arcade machines (and new video games, too!) You’ll need some coins to play the games, but admission is always free, and a walk around this unusual place is half of the fun.
See a movie on the big screen
- Address: Emagine Novi, 44425 W. 12 Mile Road, Novi
If you have a small budget to spend on your next family outing, there are a few money-saving hacks for navigating the movie theater. Visit Emagine Novi on Tuesdays and enjoy $5 tickets and free popcorn! All you need to do is sign up for their free rewards program.
Visit a library
Though it may be an obvious pick, you might be surprised at all the free fun your local library has to offer. Curl up with a new book, play in the children’s library, enjoy free and low-cost crafting workshops or social hangouts, and check out movies, games and books to take home. The possibilities are endless!
Some of our favorite children’s libraries in Oakland County include the Farmington Community Library, Troy Public Library and West Bloomfield Township Public Library.
Outdoor budget-friendly activities in Oakland County
Heritage Park
- Address: 24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills
Families can easily spend all day at Heritage Park. Enjoy the splash pad during the warmer months, and a playground, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters and more year-round, all for free!
Innovation Hills
- Address: 2800 W Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills
Kids can spin, climb, swing and slide all day — for free! — at this popular playground. The unique nature-themed play structure features artificial turf, a treehouse slide, rope courses and so many other fun elements for kids of all ages.
Red Oaks Nature Center
- Address: 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights
No trip to Friendship Woods would be complete without a visit to the Red Oaks Nature Center. Free year-round programming includes guided family hikes, and the center has live native animals, educational displays, nature presentations and more.
Stage Nature Center
- Address: 6685 Coolidge Highway, Troy
Hike four unique trails, dig for Mastodons in the Kids Activity Area and visit the Exhibit Hall to see live reptiles and amphibians. There’s even a library with field and wilderness guides.
Troy Historic Village
- Address: 60 W Wattles Road, Troy
Kids can step back in time and learn about the growth and history of Troy at this old-timey village with 11 historic buildings. Programs, story hours and guided tours for all ages are offered. Admission is $7/adults, $5/kids 6-17 and free for children ages 5 and under.
Yates Cider Mill
- Address: 1950 E Avon Road, Rochester Hills
In the spring through fall months, families can enjoy an affordable day of sweet treats, farm animals and nature views at Yates Cider Mill. With free admission and parking, all you need to budget for is a snack to enjoy at the cider mill’s picnic tables.
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