Founded in 1921, Royal Oak is a historic neighborhood dotted with shops and restaurants, making it an ideal location for families.
Royal Oak shines with its vibrant mix of arts and entertainment, and dining options that cater to all ages. The community also hosts various family-friendly events such as Arts, Beats and Eats, Woodward Dream Cruise, Halloweenfest and more.
Read more about Royal Oak in our family guide.
This article was recently updated on June 26, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. The update included her creating an interactive map to make it easier to find the best things to do near you. Questions? Please reach out to katina@metroparent.com.
Quick stats about Royal Oak
- Population: 58,053
- County: Oakland
- Median house value: $289,800
- Median rent: $1,260
- School district: Royal Oak School District
- Top schools: Northwood Elementary School (A-minus), Royal Oak High School (A-minus), Royal Oak Middle School (B-plus)
- Transportation: Walk Score 57/100 (Somewhat Walkable), Bike Score 53/100 (Bikeable)
- Random fact: In Niche’s 2024 Best Places rankings, Royal Oak was ranked No. 16 in Best Suburbs to Live in Michigan.
*Information provided by Redfin and Niche.
Fun things to do with kids in Royal Oak
Royal Oak has so many great activities for families! Whether you live there or want to visit the town for the day, check out these stories:
- Best Indoor Play Places Near Royal Oak
- Best Playgrounds in Royal Oak
- Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Royal Oak
- Best Desserts in Royal Oak
And here are our top picks for things to do with kids in Royal Oak.
Breakout Escape Rooms Royal Oak
- Address: 222 E. 4th St., Royal Oak
Families will enjoy perfecting their puzzle-solving abilities at Breakout’s kid-friendly escape rooms. We recommend trying the Villain Takeover room for an exciting challenge!
Comet Burgers
- Address: 207 S. Main St., Royal Oak
Step into a blast from the past at this retro diner! The burgers are the star of the show, but you’ve gotta try one of their killer hand-spun milkshakes too.
Creative Arts Studio
- Address: 114 W. 4th St., Royal Oak
Get the creativity flowing! Kids young and old can paint pottery. Children ages 6 and older, as well as adults, can try their hand at wheel throwing.
Detroit Zoo
- Address: 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
Explore the Detroit Zoo year-round for ever-changing family fun. This beloved destination continues to offer diverse attractions and activities that engage visitors of all ages.
Read more: Explore Your Family’s Wild Side at Detroit Zoo
Lockhart’s BBQ
- Address: 202 E. 3rd St., Royal Oak
Next time the BBQ cravings hit, head over to this spot! Dig into everything from brisket to pulled pork, and don’t skip the mac and cheese.
Normandy Oaks Park
- Address: 4234 Delemere Blvd., Royal Oak
See your little adventurers conquer the tough climbing course and whoosh down the long slide from the top. And don’t miss out on the free splash pad during the summer.
Ray’s Ice Cream
- Address: 4233 Coolidge Highway, Royal Oak
When the ice cream cravings kick in, make a beeline for Ray’s! This classic ice cream shop dishes out a wild array of flavors from Superman to Rainbow Sherbet and Peppermint.
Starr-Jaycee Park
- Address: 1321 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak
Check out the forest-themed playground at this Royal Oak Park—it’s a total blast! Plus, there’s tons more fun for the family, like disc golf and free mini train rides once a month with Great Lakes Live Steamers.
Tenhave Woods Nature Trail at Quickstad Park
Get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air with a walk exploring the nature trail at Tenhave Woods. The trail can be accessed at Quickstad Park and is a great way to get out into nature without having to go far if you are from the area!
Toyology Toys
- Address: 119 S. Main St., Royal Oak
Find the perfect gift for that birthday party coming up at this neighborhood toy shop. Toyology has a wide selection of toys and games for children of all ages. They also have books, craft kits and more.
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