Here are some Ice Skating and sledding opportunities that provide some outdoor fun.
Independence Oaks County Park
9501 Sashabaw Road
Clarkston
248-625-0877
Oakland County Parks site
As Crooked Lake freezes over, park staff keeps it smooth for blades.Hit the warming house for some hot chocolate. Then, swing by the cross-country ski rental for an added adventure - or, for the more timid, walk out on the lake's docks and take in the view. Bring your own skates, as there are no rentals. Hours: weather-dependent; 8 a.m.-one-half-hour before sunset daily.
Kensington Metropark
2240 W. Buno Road
Milford
248-685-1561
Metroparks site
Find a prime space to glide on the rinks near the boat rental area. A general ice skating area and couple of hockey rinks allow room for all. The Boat Rental Building doubles as a heated oasis and has stocked vending machines inside. Travel about two miles further to the golf course, where cross-country skiing is located. Ice fishing can be set up on both Kent and Wildwing lakes before March 1. No skate rental available. Hours: weather-dependent; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays.
Stony Creek Metropark
4300 Main Park Road
Shelby Township
586-781-4242
Metroparks site
The 500-acre Stony Creek Lake provides a spot to skate, play hockey and even ice fish.A heated building with vending machines and restrooms is near the boat launch. Bring your own skates. And call ahead: If the ice isn't thick enough, then skating is off limits. Hours: weather-dependent; 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Oct. 1-April 30.
There is also sledding at Stony Creek.
Bloomer Park
345 John R Road
Rochester Hills
(north end of John R Road, north of Avon Road)
Phone: 248-656-4753
Bloomer has the biggest sled hill I've seen in the Rochester area. It's way east of the main parking and velodrome area. Please see the map at the bottom of page 2 http://www.rochesterhills.org/city_services/uploads/BL_Points_of_Interest.pdf Bloomer has open sledding on Th, Fr, Sat and Sun during the winter.
See video footage and a full review here.
Madison Heights Civic Center Park
13 Mile Road West of John R Road
Madison Heights
248-583-0826
The 33 acre park has two Sled Hills - one large and one small
Ice Skating
Looking for something fun to do on a cold winter day? Ice skating is a great option for all ages. Ice skating (conditions permitting) is available at Orion Oaks and on Crooked Lake at Independence Oaks.
Thelma G. Spencer Park
Phone: 248-656-4657
Fax: 248-656-4627
Hours: 10 am - dusk
Shelter/Tent Reservations:
248-656-4673 - Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm
Sports Field Reservations:248-656-4797
3701 John R Road
Rochester Hills, Michigan
(east side of John R, between Auburn and South Blvd.)
Winter Offerings
* Ice skating (separate areas for hockey and open skating) no equipment rentals
* Ice fishing (DNR regulations apply)
* Cross-country skiing (3 miles, non-groomed trails no equipment rentals)
* Heated shelter with fireplace
* Heated restrooms
* Table games
* Concession area
* Vending machines
The hills at Borden Park are great for sledding. The entire park is surrounded by huge hills to keep it secluded from the surrounding main roads. Anyway, it makes for some fun sledding. We've seen other kids there, and lots of sled tracks, too, but fortunately, it's never been too crowded. There's lot of sledding ground to be had! Borden Park is located off John R. Rd. between Hamlin and Auburn roads, in Rochester Hills.
Experience cross-country skiing and snowshoeing this winter at Independence Oaks and Glen Oaks county parks!
Snow Trekker Schools offer ski and snowshoe clinics and rentals at Independence Oaks from 10 a.m. – noon and 1 - 3 p.m. on Jan. 16 and 24; Feb. 13 and 21; and March 13 and 21. Add a bonfire, s’mores and hot chocolate for the Cabin Fever Cure at the Jan. 16, Feb. 13 and March 13 sessions! Pre-payment and pre-registration are required, and the $10 cost includes rental equipment – just call 248-625-0877! Cabin fever moves south to Glen Oaks Golf Course on Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., featuring snowshoe lessons and rentals, plus a bonfire, s’mores and hot chocolate! Snowshoe rental and clinic is only $10! Trails will be open free of charge for those with own equipment.
Please note: We typically include The Fridge on our list of fun outdoor winter activities. Unfortunately, we heard they are closed for repairs. Here is the formal announcement:
We wanted to let you know that The Fridge is closed for the 2009-2010 season.
Major renovations are needed to repair the refrigerated toboggan run. At this time, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has opted for further study before committing to costly repairs. Under consideration is a possible reconfiguration of The Fridge as part of a more comprehensive winter sports complex. Currently, a 10-year Master Plan is being developed for Waterford Oaks County Park.
The Lookout Lodge is available for rent this winter! Featuring a fireplace, deck, scenic overlook and ample parking, Lookout Lodge is a picturesque setting for winter festivities, including retirement and family parties as well as showers and weddings. Call 248-858-0916 for reservations.
