Spending time outdoors is a great way to reduce stress, clear your mind and work on your physical fitness goals. Even a short while outside can have a positive impact on your day.
Oakland County Parks offers numerous ways to help you stay active during all four seasons, including walking, jogging, cycling, archery, disc golf, fishing, playgrounds, pickleball, swimming, golf and kayaking. There’s something for everyone, and you don’t need advanced skills or expensive equipment to explore all the beginner-friendly options.
Start by exploring at your pace, or consider joining a class or an event where knowledgeable park professionals can help you learn the basics. The Parks in Action Series features hands-on instruction, interactive experiences and a welcoming environment for anyone seeking memorable adventures this summer. Try pickleball and golf games, like playing closest to the pin and chipping and putting, at Lyon Oaks County Park & Golf Course. Then discover the natural world through the Portable Planetarium presentation, Birds of Prey program, Agents of Discovery challenge and nature hike at Red Oaks Nature Center. The fun continues with archery, kayaking, fishing, hiking and more at Independence Oaks County Park.
Advance registration is $5 per person for all three summer events in the series and includes a special-edition Parks in Action water bottle, so you can create a unique memento of your adventures. Every time you complete an activity, you’ll receive a decal to place on your new water bottle. Or you can participate for free on a walk-in basis, and you’ll get stickers to decorate your water bottle from home.
Archery 101 classes at Independence Oaks County Park, the free Yoga and Tai Chi Wellness Series at the Oakland County Farmers Market, the Trailblazers Hiking Series and the Forest Therapy Walk Series are other great ways to try something new.
If you want to explore on your own, bird-watching is an excellent activity for observing a variety of avian wildlife. Outdoor photography can turn an ordinary walk into something special, and sharing on social media the flowers, landscapes and animals you see throughout your journey is fun. Nature journaling and sketching are more great ways to enjoy the fresh air and abundant sunshine.
Tips for beginners
Being prepared is always best when spending time outdoors. Consider these tips before lacing up your sneakers and heading outside:
- Check the weather and dress appropriately, preferably in layers. Michigan conditions can be unpredictable, especially during spring and fall, when days can start out cool and quickly warm up. Pop-up rain showers are possible, even if the sky is clear when you leave home.
- Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Many Oakland County parks have filling stations.
- Remember sunscreen, lip balm and other protective gear. You want to take home memories, not a sunburn or bug bite.
- Become familiar with park rules and read park maps when making your plans.
- Use the pet waste bags, trash and recycling cans and bathroom facilities provided in convenient locations across our park system to dispose of refuse properly.
- Leave what you find. Take pictures and make memories of natural spaces, but don’t go home with flowers, seeds, mushrooms or other pieces of nature.
- Be respectful of natural spaces by not approaching or feeding wildlife.
Summer is a great time for building healthy habits, slowing down to take in the beautiful scenery and enjoying the natural wonders close to home. Learn more about the 17 Oakland County parks and check out upcoming events at OaklandCountyParks.com.
Oakland County offers residents quality, affordable housing in welcoming neighborhoods with access to parks and recreation, public transportation, and healthy food as part of the Livable Neighborhoods goal in our five-year roadmap. Follow the Oakland County Executive Office on Facebook and X for updates.
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