Fall Into Fun at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Fall is in full color at your Metroparks — and it’s the perfect time for a family adventure! The trees are bursting with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows, turning every trail and playground into a storybook backdrop. Whether you’re crunching through leaves on a nature walk, snapping family photos, or letting little ones explore the sights and sounds of the season, there’s no better place to make fall memories together.

But those beautiful colors won’t last long! Plan a park day soon to soak up the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and all the wonder of autumn before the leaves fall. From stroller-friendly paths to wide-open spaces for play, your Metroparks are ready for your next family outing and lucky for us there are more than one Metropark in Oakland County to explore! Learn more about each below and the best fall activities at each.

Metroparks Fall Fun Things to Do – Kensington Metropark

Nothing says fall like a good old-fashioned hayride — and Kensington Metropark’s Pumpkin Patch Hayrides are the perfect way to celebrate the season! Climb aboard a tractor-drawn wagon for a colorful ride through the park, then hop off to pick your family’s perfect pumpkin or gourd straight from the patch. With plenty of shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from, everyone can find their favorite. It’s stroller-friendly, accessible, and a wonderful memory-maker for little ones who love animals and tractors. Afterward, explore the Farm Center to meet the resident cows, sheep, pigs, and goats — open year-round for animal-loving kids.

Metroparks Fall Fun Things to Do – Indian Springs Metropark

If your kids love a good scavenger hunt, don’t miss the Great Skeleton Scavenger Hunt at Indian Springs Metropark! Pick up your map and form at the Environmental Discovery Center, then head out on the trails to track down the silly skeletons hiding (and posing!) all around. It’s free, fun, and open daily through October 31 — a perfect low-pressure Halloween outing for all ages. Return your completed form to see if you’ve won a prize!

Metroparks Fall Fun Things to Do – Stony Creek Metropark

For families who love to move, Stony Creek Metropark is your spot. Pack the stroller or bikes and hit the hike-bike trail for a leisurely ride or walk beneath the fall canopy — the colors along the water are picture-perfect this time of year. Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks, then stop by the Nature Center for an easy family hike and a peek at the local wildlife getting ready for winter.

Fall Into Fun at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks – Metroparks Pop-Up Shop

And if your fall adventures have you thinking ahead to the holidays, don’t forget to visit the Metroparks Online Pop-Up Shop at www.metroparksshop.com! You’ll find cozy hoodies, adorable shirts, tote bags, stickers, Owala tumblers and more — great gifts for moms, kids, and anyone who loves their parks. Every purchase supports the Metroparks, so you can feel good about what’s in your cart. But hurry — the pop-up shop closes October 31!

Metroparks Fall Fun Things to Do – Pumpkins & Hayrides

What’s fall without a hayride and pumpkin picking? For those looking to soak up all the beauty of fall – there are Fall Wagon Tours and Friday Night Wagon Tours & Campfire Stories at Stony Creek Metropark. Kensington Metropark’s Farm Center also has hayrides every weekend and if you visit during the Fall Festival you can take a ride to the pumpkin patch to pick out your own.

Fall Into Fun at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks – Art

For those with small artists at home, the Metroparks have fall-themed art programs. Use nature as your inspiration and medium in Autumn Leaf Lanterns at Stony Creek Metropark. If you have a creative teenager at home or maybe want to treat yourself to a relaxing day of art without the kids, Paint Like Bob Ross: Under the Night Sky at Indian Springs Metropark or Nature Arts & Crafts: Needle Felting at Stony Creek Metropark would be a great fit.

Metroparks Fall Fun Things to Do – Birding

If you’re on the prowl for owls this fall or new to birding, the Metroparks have just the programs for you and your children. To spot the “hoo’s who” of the forest, register for Calling All Owls at Kensington Metropark, the Nighttime Owl Hike at Indian Springs Metropark, or Nighttime Nature: Owls at Stony Creek Metropark.

Maybe your family is new to birding and looking to break out your binoculars to discover new species – try out the Birding for Beginners program at Indian Springs Metropark.

Fall Into Fun at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks – Halloween Fun

Last but certainly not least is everyone’s favorite – trick-or-treating and Halloween fun opportunities! Experience a nature spin on trick-or-treating by doing it trailside at Kensington and Indian Springs Metroparks. Come dressed in your medieval best for the Night of the Dragon Festival at Stony Creek

Metropark and enjoy live performances and entertainment, along with activities for children. Or for a new unique family portrait to hang on the wall, sign up for the Ghostly Photoshoot at Indian Springs Metropark – no need to bring your own sheets, the Metroparks will supply all the costuming you need for the photos.

Metroparks Fall Fun Things to Do – All-Season Long Fun

Maybe you’re interested in some more passive activities your family can enjoy on your own schedule? The Metroparks have plenty to do all season long! Take a hike on the nature trails to soak up all the sights and sounds of nature in the fall. Enjoy the crisp autumn breeze on a stroll or bike ride along the paved hike-bike trails. Burn off some of that weekend energy with a trip to the playground and a picnic lunch in the warm autumn sun afterwards. Learn something new with a trip to a nature or farm center and experience the interactive displays and live animals. To view all activities and amenities that the Metroparks offer, visit their website.