Winter Activities

2023 Winter Festivals and Fun in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

While winter in Michigan can be long and frigid, there are many ways to enjoy the chilly outdoors, rather than dreading it and counting down to spring. From hot chocolate and s’mores to ice skating, snow slides and live shows, there are a ton of activities to enjoy this season with family and friends.

Discover winter fun in and around Oakland County with our listing of seasonal festivals, fun events, and more. Use the list below to find the best winter activity for you! Most outdoor events are weather permitting and subject to change. Make sure to check the websites before attending.

Winter Festivals in Oakland County
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Play Outside This Winter in Oakland County!

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
four cross country skiers

There’s so much fun to be had this winter in Oakland County. From skiing and snowboarding, to skating and more, the opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless!

Bundle up, grab your gear, and head out to an Oakland County Park, trail, hill, or lake to stay active and enjoy the winter season. Check out our full list of outdoor winter activities below, or scroll down to use our interactive map.

Outdoor Winter Fun in Oakland County
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 A New Year for the Birds

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
cedar waxwing bird on branch

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

“Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?” – Nature historian David Attenborough

January 5th was more than the first Thursday of the month. It was National Bird Day, an annual event I was totally unaware of until a few days after the event. After that date passed by, I was politely chastised by a friend of mine who is an avid birder for missing that day as a blog topic. I decided late is better than never, especially after reading the words of David Attenborough’s.

I’ve already made a notation in my 2024 calendar to promote National Bird Day next year; before the fact, not afterwards, and am enthusiastically thinking about birds now with my feeders exploding with activity. Hearing the deep hooting of a Great Horned Owl last night sealed the deal, and so now with a cup of coffee in my hand I sit down and write as the morning sun casts its glow.

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Flurries of Fun All Winter Long with Oakland County Parks and Recreation

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
family sledding

Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) provides opportunities for you to stay active and enjoy nature all year – so don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors this winter! From cross-country skiing to fat tire biking, and birdwatching to participating in a hands-on program at one of the nature centers, there is always a reason to get outside and enjoy the crisp air, beautiful scenery, and fresh snow.

For a list of winter recreation opportunities by park, click here.

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Knocking on Winter’s Door

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
snow-covered trees in the woods

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

December 21st brought us the Winter Solstice, the first day of winter. Perhaps you heard winter knocking at your door? That moment in time officially arrived at 4:48 p.m. EST. It was the shortest day of the year with only 8 hours and 46 minutes of daylight. Hours of daylight are now slowly increasing as we creep towards the dawn of spring; just three months away but still well-hidden over the horizon. The dawn of winter, however, is an exciting time. It reminds me to get my cross country skis out of hibernation to be ready for winter adventure in our parks and to plan northern adventures.

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