Founded in 1921, Royal Oak is a historic neighborhood dotted with shops and restaurants, making it an ideal location for a day trip or a long weekend. From the first high-rise buildings to the ongoing construction of new and even taller ones, Royal Oak remains a go-to destination for families.
Getting there: Downtown Royal Oak is north of I-696, east of Woodward Avenue, about 25 minutes north of Detroit via I-75 N.
Eat
Ale Mary’s
Address: 316 S. Main St., Royal Oak
This family-friendly beer hall features fried McClure’s pickles, chicken and waffles, tacos and so much more! A full vegan menu is available here, as well as a kids menu, making this a favorite spot for brunch.
Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina
Address: 711 S. Main St., Royal Oak
It’s in the name — known for their wood-fired pizza oven and the biga (fermented pizza dough) — this spots serves up delectable pizza the whole family will love. The menu also includes many other dishes, appetizers and salads. Igloos are available at this location for outdoor dining reservations.
Bread by Crispelli’s
Address: 931 N. Main St., Royal Oak
Crispelli’s Bakery is the neighborhood place for fresh baked goods. Cookies, pastries, a variety of breads, muffins, scones and desserts fill the bakery cases. Grab a morning treat, soup and sandwich for lunch — or meet up with friends for coffee or tea.
Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters
Address: 115 S. Main St., Royal Oak
The windows filled with coffee cups grab your attention from outside — inside the coffeehouse is spacious, yet cozy and inviting. Bonus: the hot chocolate gets rave reviews from littles.
Oak House Deli
Address: 603 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
The ultimate sandwich shop with options for everyone, including a whole section of vegan sandwiches on their menu. Open seven days a week!
Shop
Made in the Mitten
Address: 706 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
Love all things made in Michigan? Check out the artisan creations made by Michigan artists. The shop’s focus is on creating a family-friendly shopping atmosphere. Stop by and enjoy a complimentary coffee from Detroit Bold while you shop!
Poesy
Address: 32184 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak
Poesy features handcrafted creative works from local and national artists, including functional art, fine art and photography. A great place to find the perfect gift or something special for yourself. Fresh flowers are also available here in the form of a unique bouquet of the week featuring seasonal blooms.
Rail & Anchor
Address: 502 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
Looking for a unique gift or greeting card? Rail & Anchor is a modern general store with a plethora of items curated across many categories, including for the kiddos. Peruse their collection online, too!
Write Impressions
Address: 407 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
Custom stationery, including invitations for everything from birthday parties to weddings, is just the beginning here. Write Impressions also carries an array of trendy gifts, home decor, onesies, hard-to-find toys and lots in between.
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. Can’t decide? Can’t go wrong with a Toyology gift card.
Play
Creative Arts Studio
Address: 114 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak
Get the creativity flowing! Kids young and old can paint pottery. Children 6+, as well as adults, can try their hand at wheel throwing. Other projects can also be made such as wax hands, glass fusing, spin art and mosaics. Host a private party for a birthday, scout troop or just for fun.
Emagine Theater
Address: 200 N. Main St., Royal Oak
Catch a matinee with the family and enjoy the enhanced concessions, or grab a bite to eat before or after somewhere nearby. This venue is also a fun option for planning your next event with a children’s movie or bowling birthday party.
John Lindell Ice Arena
1403 Lexington Blvd., Royal Oak
The Royal Oak Ice Arena is not only home to hockey leagues, but also offers a figure skating program. Skating lessons are available, as well as public skating times.
Modern Skate Park
Address: 1500 N. Stephenson Hwy., Royal Oak
A world-class skate park for skating, biking, inline skating and scooting. Offering lessons and open sessions, as well as products and services for all of your snowboarding, skateboarding, inline skating, scooter and wakeboarding needs. Available for party rentals and events!
Explore
Tenhave Woods Nature Trail at Quickstad Park
Address: Normandy Road & Custer Avenue, Royal Oak
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!
Royal Oak Farmers Market
Address: 316 E. Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak
A weekend tradition, the year-round farmers market is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. with a full selection of vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, baked goods and more. On Sundays, the venue hosts an antique market 8 a.m.-3 p.m. with a rotation of vendors all year long as well.
Paper Trail Books
Address: 414 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
Who knows where the trail will lead? The paper trail, that is. The thrill is in the hunt for a new read or an old classic to add to your collection. You never know what you will discover at this book store with a selection of more than 20,000 used books, as well as a selection of new books.
Lost & Found Vintage
Address: 510 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
What’s old is new again and treasures abound here. Make it an outing and explore the 3,500-square-foot shop stocked with vintage goods dating from the 1900s to 1980s.
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