As one resident put it, this community has “the perfect mix of town and country.” Situated on about 32 square miles in Oakland County, it has a great mix of shopping and restaurants – coupled with plenty of parks and spots to unwind and spend a little family time, whether you’re into go-kart action, catching a first-run movie, taking in a little live theater or finding a new book or toy. Discover what this city has in store!
Bloomberry Yogurt
- Address: 6900 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-453-5334
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, closed Sunday
Soft-serve, self-serve cultured frozen yogurt: Sate your sweet tooth for as little as 29 calories an ounce with oodles of flavors you can top with 50-plus garnishes, from fresh fruits to cereals and candy. The shop also has a location in Royal Oak.
Boogie Babies
- Address: 1928 Star Batt Drive, Suite B, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-852-6288
- Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Cost: $8/children 2 and older, $6/ages 1-2, free/ages 1 and under, parents, caregivers
Kids can become pretend chefs, play games, try out crafts and more at this indoor 5,200 square-foot play center that aims to keep children for infants to teens busy and entertained.
Brilliant Sky Toys & Books
- Address: 3074 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-375-2400
- Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday
Find stacks of toys and books that will inspire your child’s imagination at this toy store, situated in University Square Shopping Center, that also offers frequent events for kids and families.
Burgz
- Address: 3204 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-375-3060
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
It’s all about the Angus beef at this slider joint. Bonus: The meat, produce and buns are all locally sourced from Michigan. (Check out its sister spot in Royal Oak, too.)
Classic Lanes
- Address: 2145 Avon Industrial Drive, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-852-9100
- Hours: 1 p.m.-midnight Monday, 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m.-midnight Wednesday, 1 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-midnight Sunday
- Cost: Rates vary; lots of specials
Whether you’re up for some family fun or interested in getting into a league or booking that next birthday party, this 32-lane destination is packed with state-of-the-art equipment. Lots of bumper lanes just for kids and glow bowling, too.
Clinton River Trail
- Address: Rochester Hills portion starts at Adams Road (just north of Auburn Road) and ends at Rochester Road (south of Walton Boulevard)
- Phone: 248-656-4673
- Hours: dawn-dusk
Hike, bike or walk through 16 miles of trails that stretch through several communities – including a 4.5-mile swath of Rochester Hills. There’s also fishing, kayaking/canoeing and wildlife viewing.
Emagine Theatre
- Address: 200 Barclay Circle, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-243-3456
- Hours: noon-midnight Monday-Sunday
- Costs: check for latest
Tucked behind the Best Buy in Hampton Village Centre, this branch of the well-loved southeast Michigan movie franchise features luxury seating, DBOX Motion Seating and even a bar for mom and pops.
Fresco Wood Oven Pizzeria
- Address: 1218 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-841-1606
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, closed Sunday
This gem gets mad props for its Neapolitan style pizza, crafted in wood-burning ovens that crank out crisp, bubbly masterpieces in 90 seconds. Created by hometown guy David Dedvukaj, this joint also has salads, hero sandwiches and apps, plus a beer and wine list for mom and dad.
K’s Book Exchange
- Address: 1524 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-853-7347
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday
Have your kids ever been to a bona fide used bookstore? This family-owned shop, here since 1983, is packed with everything from young adult tomes to mystery. Nab one for a good bargain – even cheaper if you bring in a book to trade.
Meadow Brook Music Festival
- Address: 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-377-0100
An outdoor music concert hot spot, this venue opened in 1964 (it was originally intended to be the summer home of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra). It boasts four concession stands and several kids’ shows throughout the summer months.
Onyx Rochester Ice Arena
- Address: 52999 Dequindre Road, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-601-6699
- Hours: call for open skate times and details
- Costs: About $3-$7; check ahead for the latest
This ice skating destination offers several open skate options throughout the week. It’s also home to skating lessons and the Phoenix Synchronized Skating crew.
Papa Joe’s
- Address: 6900 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-853-6263
- Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday
Skip the tip and get a tray of chef-created food to go at this gourmet market. It also has a reputation of “being able to obtain any ‘hard-to-get’ item” – and plenty on-site goodies that’ll please foodie families. Has a Birmingham locale, too.
Race Rochester
- Address: 153 E. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-656-7223
- Hours: 6-11 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday
- Costs: $15 rally race (10 minutes); other rates range $10-$60, and family discounts are available
Hankering for a little indoor kart racing? This is the place to give it a spin. Opt for a high-speed Rally Kart, or get the whole family in on the fun with Naskarts and Double Seat karts, prime for riders under age 14.
Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm
- Address: 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-656-4663
- Hours: 1-4 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- Costs: $5/adults, $3/kids in grades K-12
Visit a 1927 restored dairy barn and many of the other buildings on the property that date back to the 1800s. Includes a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year.
Rockin’ Cupcakes
- Address: 6930 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-656-2253
- Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday (note: they close early if all cupcakes are sold!)
The only thing better than the cupcake names here – “Paint It Black,” “Yellow Submarine” and “The White Stripes,” to name just a few – are the sweet ingredients, like fresh fruit, premium chocolate and Madagascar bourbon vanilla. Talk about killer licks.
Spencer Park
- Address: 3701 John R Road, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-656-4657
- Hours: 10 a.m.-dusk
Picnic, fish, swim or hit the beach at this 113-acre park, which also includes a 38-acre lake. It also has ice skating, cross-country skiing on non-groomed trails and hiking in the chillier months.
Velodrome at Bloomer Park
- Address: 345 John R Road, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-961-3705
- Hours: check ahead
- Costs: check ahead
Visit the state’s only velodrome – or raised bike track – to watch riders speed by, or try out the track yourself. If you’re not into biking, there are several nature trails and other recreation offerings at the park.
The Village of Rochester Hills
- Address: northeast corner of Walton and Adams Road
- Phone: 248-375-9451
- Hours: vary by shop
Walk your way through stores like Gap Kids, Aeropostale, Ann Taylor, Hot Mama, The Children’s Place and more before heading into Whole Foods in this outdoor mall.
Yates Cider Mill
- Address: 1990 E. Avon Road, Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-651-8300
- Hours: vary by season (check site for latest)
- Cost: free admission, parking
Boasting historical roots that trace back to 1863, this mill churns out premium cider that features a six-apple blend by mid-October. Take a tour in September and October, visiting a petting zoo mid-May through fall. Some attractions, like the Fudge Shoppe, are open as late as November.
Yoga Planet Studio
- Address: 3062 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills
- Phone: 248-375-3070
- Hours: vary
- Costs: vary
Ask about kids yoga “playshops,” which feature a project, new poses, uplifting music and making mala bead bracelets with “the traditional 27 beads,” perfect for ages 5-12. Pre-register and pay. Lots for parents, too, including basic yoga, power vinyasa, weight-loss yoga and more.
