Explore more than 4,000 scenic acres of outdoor fun at Kensington Metropark. Located less than an hour northwest of Detroit, this exciting park offers tons of outdoor activities for families and kids of all ages.
Quick details about Kensington Metropark
- Address: 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford Charter Township
- Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
- Cost: $10/vehicle, free for annual metroparks pass holders. Boats also require a pass.
Go for a hike or bike ride, or play the day away at four playgrounds and a sprayground. Families can rent boats, take guided hayride or pontoon tours, play sports and interact with a variety of animals and wildlife.
The Kensington Metropark Farm Center and Nature Center offer kiddos a glimpse of rural life as well as wildlife encounters, educational programs and hands-on nature activities. Discover barnyard animals like horses, cows, pigs, sheep, donkeys, goats and bunnies at the farm center, and get up close with Michigan reptiles, amphibians, birds and plants at the nature center.
Read on to find even more kid-friendly activities that are perfect for spending a day outdoors. Before you go, be sure to check Kensington Metropark’s event and program calendar to discover exciting family events!
Things to do at Kensington Metropark with kids
- Explore more than 700 acres of forests, swamps and scenic landscapes using the park’s hiking trails.
- Cruise more than eight paved miles of bike trails, or test your mountain biking skills on two miles of unpaved trails.
- Take a dip at Maple Beach or Martindale Beach. The Splash ‘n’ Blast sprayground is another great way to cool off with water slides, spray cannons and more water fun.
- Play the day away at four different playgrounds, located at both beaches, Playfield and the West Boat Launch.
- Launch your family boat on Kent Lake, or rent a canoe, kayak, paddle board, rowboat or paddle boat to get out on the water.
- Meet farm animals, explore the barnyard and enjoy family programming at the Kensington Metropark Farm Center.
- Take a hayride. The horse or tractor-drawn rides offer a tour of the park, including scenic nature and water views.
- Tour Kent Lake on the Island Queen III, a 46-passenger pontoon boat that offers narrated tours of the lake’s islands and bays.
- Visit the Kensington Metropark Nature Center for kid-friendly, educational exhibits, animal interactions and more wildlife programs.
- Play ball! Baseball fields, softball fields and volleyball courts are located near the picnic area.
- Challenge yourself on one of the park’s two disc golf courses. Be sure to bring your own discs!
- Take a break from your active day with a scenic picnic. Concessions like hot dogs, burgers, wraps and salads are offered at the Farmhouse Grille.
- Enjoy seasonal outdoor activities like sleigh rides, ice skating and cross country skiing in the winter.
Tips for visiting Kensington Metropark with kids
- If your family plans on making several visits to Kensington Metropark or the other Huron-Clinton Metroparks this year, consider purchasing an annual recreation pass to save a few bucks. Annual passes are $40 for residents, $45 for non-residents.
- At Martindale Beach, families can rent an all-terrain beach wheelchair for land, or a floating beach wheelchair for water.
- Children with sensory needs can rent backpacks with communication cards, noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget items and more at the Farm Center Office.
- Pets are allowed at the park, but must be kept on a six-foot leash at all times.
Other things to do nearby with kids
- Swing by the Milford Farmers Market on Thursdays to pick up farm fresh food, handmade goods and more. The farmers market often features live music, kids activities and more family fun.
- Visit Blake’s Lyon Twp. for tons of farm fun. Families can pick fresh produce and enjoy tasty treats from the farm store and bakery. Kids can play the day away at Funland, and grown ups can sample craft ciders.
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