Spring is knocking on our door and it looks like it’s arrived early this year! The Metroparks are sure you and your family are itching to get outdoors and enjoy the warm sunshine after the dull winter has passed – and the Metroparks are here to help!
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It is no secret that many Metroparks visitors purchase their annual passes at the beginning of summer or maybe don’t make their first visit to the parks until school is out but spring is actually an amazing time to purchase a Metroparks annual pass. Not only does an annual pass gain you access to all 13 parks but the sooner in the year you buy, the more opportunities for fun await. And if that’s not enough to sell you, we’ve put together a list of ideas below on how to get the most out of an annual pass this spring.
Things to Do With Your Metroparks Annual Pass This Spring
Playground + Picnic Playdate
What’s better on a warm, spring day for a child than a visit to the playground with friends? The Metroparks have over 70 playgrounds across their parks including the popular playscape located near Eastwood Beach at Stony Creek Metropark that is nearly one-acre or the universally accessible playground at Kensington Metropark’s Maple Beach. Make sure to pack your family’s favorite snacks to enjoy a picnic in nature once all the playing is done.
Learn Something New at a Nature Center
The learning does not have to stop when the school bell rings; with the Metroparks’ interpretive centers featuring interactive exhibits, live animals and hands-on nature experiences, there is always a chance for your kids to learn something new. Metroparks’ interpretive centers in or near Oakland County include the Kensington Metropark Nature Center, Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center and the Stony Creek Nature Center. The interpretive centers also offer educational programs that are engaging for children of all ages. There are even monthly programs for homeschool students at Stony Creek and Indian Springs Metroparks.
Experience the Blossoming Nature
Spring is one of the best times to visit the Metroparks with children – the weather is warmer, the sun is out and nature is putting on a blooming show. Visit anytime from March to early May and you can see the green of the trees and plants slowly come back as flowers pop up everywhere turning the whole park into a vibrant masterpiece. Plant life isn’t the only life blossoming in the parks – from the birds in the trees, ducks in the lake or animals on the farm, springtime is also babies season in the Metroparks. If you’re hoping to spot some of nature’s creatures at their cutest, spring is the best time.
Get Active
If you’re looking to keep the family active and outdoors, the Metroparks have hundreds of miles of trails to enjoy. For a more rustic feel, you can take the kids out to explore one of the nature trails but don’t worry the Metroparks have trails of varying lengths and difficulty so even the young ones can still join in on the hike. Or if you’re looking for an easier path, try the paved Hike-Bike trails. These trails are perfect for hiking, biking, strolling or even skating!
Hop On Over for an Egg Hunt
Spring also means that Easter is on its way and the Easter bunny has the Metroparks on his travel list. On March 23, Indian Springs Metropark is holding the Egg Scramble Along the Trail program; children 10 and under will be able to search for eggs hidden in themed locations along the trail. You might even spot The Metroparks’ favorite busy bunny getting ready for the holiday. Outside of Oakland County, the Metroparks are also holding egg hunts at Willow, Wolcott Mill, Hudson Mills and Lake Erie Metroparks. You can learn more about all Easter programs and register at metroparks.com/easter.
Now after reading this article, if the Metroparks have convinced you that now is the time to buy your 2024 Metroparks Annual Pass, you can visit their website or any Metroparks toll booth to purchase!
