The weather is warming up, the flowers are blooming, and it's time to get outside! Whether you're looking for a splashpad, a hiking trail, a playground, or just a great spot to spread out a picnic blanket, North Oakland County has you covered. Here's your go-to guide to the best parks in our area.
Always verify hours and seasonal details before heading out, as schedules can change.
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🌿 LAKE ORION & ORION TOWNSHIP PARKS
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ATWATER PARK
Corner of Perry Street & Atwater Street, Lake Orion
A sweet little neighborhood park tucked into the eastern part of the Village. It has two baseball fields with bleachers and player benches, plus a playground and other recreation equipment near Atwater Street. Great for a low-key afternoon game or playtime!
BALD MOUNTAIN STATE RECREATION AREA
1330 E. Greenshield Road, Lake Orion MI 48360
Phone: (248) 693-6767
Michigan Recreation Passport required for vehicle entry.
One of the crown jewels of outdoor recreation in our area! With 4,600 rolling acres, Bald Mountain offers something for every season and every type of adventurer. Expect trails, fishing, a swimming beach, picnic areas, disc golf (two courses!), a shooting range, mountain biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and more.
🌊 Water Warrior Island: The beloved floating inflatable water park is BACK in 2026 after being closed for the 2025 season due to state construction delays. Features include water slides, rock climbing walls, trampolines, obstacle courses, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and the thrilling Warrior Whoa Slide. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Hours: Mon–Thu 11 am–7 pm, Fri–Sun 11 am–8 pm. Tickets required; first come, first served. Must be 48" tall (or 46" with a paying adult) to use the island. A Recreation Passport is required for park entry. Always check waterwarriorisland.com for the latest pricing and availability before you go.
🏕️ Bonus: Two rustic overnight cabins are available for rent on the lake — a unique and affordable camping experience!
CAMP AGAWAM
1301 W. Clarkston Road, Orion Township MI 48360
This beautiful 140-acre property sits in the heart of Orion Township and was formerly owned by the Boy Scouts of America. Now run by Orion Township, Camp Agawam features campsites, rental facilities, walking trails, a chapel, and Tommy's Lake. The KABOOM Playground is ADA accessible and designed for kids ages 3–12.
Quiet Hours: 10 pm–7 am
Tent site rentals available online.
CHILDREN'S PARK
201 S. Broadway St., Downtown Lake Orion
The heart of Downtown Lake Orion! This charming 1.54-acre park sits right in the Village and features picnic tables, swings, playground equipment, and a beautiful gazebo. It's home to the DDA's Annual Gazebo Concert Series each summer, and the gazebo can be rented for private events. The playground equipment was brand new as of 2022!
CIVIC CENTER PARK
2525 Joslyn Road, Orion Township MI 48360
A big, busy community park with something for everyone! Spread across nearly 79 acres, Civic Center Park has baseball fields (2 lighted), soccer fields, basketball courts, a seasonal ice rink, picnic shelter, an ADA accessible playground, limestone trails, and the Wildwood Amphitheater. There are also two access points to the Polly Ann Trail here.
FRIENDSHIP PARK
3380 Clarkston Road, Orion Charter Township MI 48362
At nearly 135 acres, Friendship Park is the largest township-owned property in the area — and it shows! There is so much to do here for families. Sports fields, a fishing pond, a community garden, park trails, and even a historic one-room schoolhouse and barn. Two standout playgrounds: Dragon's Den (ages 5–12, ADA compliant) and Let Them Play (100% wheelchair accessible, all ages). 2 NEW pickleball courts!
GREEN'S PARK
Downtown Lake Orion (off M-24)
Downtown Lake Orion's only park on the water! This 2-acre gem has about 560 feet of Lake Orion frontage and is home to the Dragon on the Lake Dragon Boat Races each year. Features a swimming beach, two play structures, a basketball hoop, picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. Note: A Park Pass (purchased through the Village Office) is required most of the time. Check with the Village for free-access dates throughout the year.
JESSE DECKER PARK
4080 N. Squirrel Road, Orion Township MI 48359
A well-rounded community park built in 2009 with 24.65 acres on the southeast side of the Township. Jesse Decker has youth baseball fields, a multipurpose sports field, tennis/pickleball courts, a playground, a sledding hill, picnic shelter, and trails. Nature lovers will also enjoy the Heron Springs Nature Area.
MEEK'S PARK
Along Paint Creek, eastern portion of the Village of Lake Orion
A peaceful linear park stretching about 600 feet along the banks of Paint Creek. Accessible from Glenn Street, Broadway Street, and via pedestrian bridges from Washington Street and the Orion Art Center. A lovely spot to slow down, watch the ducks, and soak in the natural beauty of the creek.
PLAYFUL DRAGON POCKET PARK
4805 Baldwin Road, Orion Township MI 48359
Ages: 5–12 | ADA Accessible Pathway
A fun little neighborhood pocket park with an ADA accessible pathway. Small but mighty!
WILDWOOD AMPHITHEATER
2700 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion MI 48360
Phone: (248) 391-0304 x3502
This outdoor amphitheater inside Civic Center Park is the home of Free Concerts in the Park every Tuesday in July. It also hosts outdoor movies, music festivals, and other public events. Available for private rental — contact the Parks & Recreation Department for details.
PAINT CREEK TRAIL (Lake Orion Segment)
paintcreektrail.org
Michigan's very first Rail-to-Trail! This 8.9-mile non-motorized path runs from Rochester all the way to Lake Orion, drawing over 100,000 visitors per year. The trail is 8 feet wide and perfect for biking, walking, running, and rollerblading. A North Oakland County treasure.
POLLY ANN TRAIL
pollyanntrailway.org
A 14.2-mile non-motorized trail connecting Orion Township, Oxford Township, the Village of Oxford, Addison Township, and the Village of Leonard. It travels through some of the most beautiful, unspoiled landscape in northern Oakland County. Crushed aggregate and asphalt surface depending on the segment.
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🏙️ ROCHESTER HILLS PARKS
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AVONDALE PARK
3400 Bathurst Ave., Rochester Hills MI
Open daily 8 am to dusk.
An 18.5-acre neighborhood park with plenty of active fun — ball fields, multipurpose sports field, two sand volleyball courts, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a playground for ages 2–5, a play structure for ages 5–12, picnic areas, and a picnic shelter. Great for a full family sports day!
BLOOMER PARK
North end of John R Road, Rochester Hills MI
A historic 207-acre park (it was a State Park from 1924 to 1994!) with plenty to explore. Hiking and biking trails, a cricket/multipurpose field, a sledding and tobogganing hill, volleyball nets, picnic areas, charcoal grills, and three shelters available for rental. A hidden gem for outdoor adventurers!
BORDEN PARK
1400 E. Hamlin Rd., Rochester Hills MI
Open daily 8 am to dusk.
One of Rochester Hills' biggest and most active parks — 143 acres packed with sports facilities! Borden Park has lighted softball and baseball fields, soccer fields (including a lighted World Cup field), tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, basketball courts, batting cages, roller hockey rinks, a playground, 30 acres of wooded wetlands, and three measured fitness loops. A fantastic destination for sporty families.
BROOKLANDS PLAZA (FREE SPLASH PAD!)
1585 E. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills MI (east of Culbertson Ave., north side of Auburn Road)
This is one of the most popular FREE family spots in Rochester Hills, especially on hot summer days! Brooklands Plaza features a FREE splash pad open daily from 10 am–8 pm, May 1 through September 30 (weather permitting). Just press the activation button on one of the two posts to get the water going! Also on-site: modern restrooms (open 10 am–9 pm), café-style tables and chairs, and evening lights for gathering. No admission fee. Wet surfaces can be slippery — please walk, not run.
CLINTON RIVER TRAIL
Multi-use path, Rochester Hills and beyond.
Nearly 16 miles of paved trail that roughly parallels the Clinton River and connects Rochester to Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, and Rochester Hills. Also links to the Macomb-Orchard Trail and the Paint Creek Trail (which connects further to the Polly Ann Trail). A kayak launch/take-out is available at South Bridge Park.
DINOSAUR HILL NATURE PRESERVE
Northwest corner of Rochester (off North Hill Circle)
A wonderful little nature preserve where Paint Creek winds through dense hardwoods. Educational programs are offered through the on-site interpretive center. Perfect for curious kids who love to learn about nature!
INNOVATION HILLS PARK
2800 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills MI
Open daily 8 am–8 pm.
A stunning, modern 110-acre park still growing with new features! Highlights include a 3-acre nature-themed playground, 1 mile of paved trail and boardwalk (kept clear in winter), access to the Clinton River, a kayak landing, ponds and waterfall, a unique Live Roof Shelter for rental, modern restrooms, glowing pavement, and solar evening lighting. Kayak carts are available by reservation (bring your own kayak). Call 248-656-4673 to reserve 3 days in advance.
MUNICIPAL PARK
Downtown Rochester
Rochester's largest recreation facility, featuring an amphitheater, memorial benches, a pollinator garden with a sundial, tot lots, a seating shelter, a pond, and paths with universal access. A great spot for a casual downtown stroll or picnic.
PAINT CREEK TRAIL (Rochester Segment)
Rochester Hills and Rochester
The Rochester segment runs along the former Penn Central Railroad right-of-way. It enters the northwest portion of the city along Paint Creek and continues to Municipal Park. Also connects to the Clinton River Trail and to Bloomer Park via a short southeastern segment. Bike repair station available on the trail.
ROCHESTER RIVERWALK
Rochester
A beautiful multi-use path connecting the Paint Creek Trail and the Clinton River Trail through the heart of downtown Rochester. Passes by Lions Park, the Rochester Hills Public Library, Rotary Gateway Park, and Riverview Park. Lovely for a family stroll or bike ride!
THELMA SPENCER PARK (Park Vehicle Pass Required)
3701 John R Rd., Rochester Hills MI
Open daily from 10 am to dusk.
Annual Park Pass: $35/resident, $20/senior, accessible, or military
A beautiful 113-acre waterfront park on Carter Lake — one of the most popular spots in Rochester Hills! Spencer Park has a lifeguarded beach (open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, staff permitting), watercraft rentals, a concession stand, picnic areas, a playground, tennis courts, sand volleyball, and wooded nature paths. The swimming beach is closed until Memorial Weekend 2026. The new ADA kayak launch on the southwest side of Carter Lake is now available for personal non-motorized watercraft (not under lifeguard supervision).
WABASH PARK
100 Wabash Road, Rochester Hills MI
Open daily 8 am to dusk.
A small, sweet neighborhood park with 3.7 acres, picnic tables, a BBQ grill, and a play structure. Perfect for a casual afternoon outside.
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🌾 OXFORD TOWNSHIP PARKS
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OAKWOOD LAKE TOWNSHIP PARK
550 Oakwood Road, Oxford MI
Open dawn to dusk, year-round.
A gorgeous 300-acre natural park with a branch of the Flint River running right through it. Features a parking lot, numerous hiking trails, and paths to Rossman Lake. Perfect for families who love wildlife, peaceful walks, and unspoiled Michigan nature.
POWELL LAKE TOWNSHIP PARK
530 Pontiac Street, Oxford MI (adjacent to the Oxford Library)
Open dawn to dusk, year-round.
A peaceful 56-acre park ideal for a relaxing outing. Features a 1-mile asphalt nature trail, fishing on Powell Lake, boardwalks, and access to the Polly Ann Trail. Convenient location right next to the library makes it easy to combine a book pickup with outdoor time!
SEYMOUR LAKE TOWNSHIP PARK
2795 Seymour Lake Road, Oxford MI
Open dawn to dusk, year-round.
Phone: (248) 628-1720
Oxford's crown jewel park — 132 acres of fun for all ages! Highlights include the "Kids Kingdom" community-built medieval-themed playground (complete with a drawbridge!), the FREE K.L.R. Splash Pad (open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 10 am–8 pm, unsupervised — adult supervision required), 4 lighted tennis courts, 4 softball fields, 4 baseball fields, 8 soccer fields, a Gaga Ball pit, disc golf course, sand volleyball courts, basketball court, fitness trail, and the beloved "Red Flyer Run" sledding hill.
🛒 Bonus: The Davis Family Farmers Market runs every Saturday May 2–October 10, 2026, from 9 am–2 pm right in the park!
STONY LAKE TOWNSHIP PARK
1397 Lapeer Road, Oxford MI
Open dawn to dusk, year-round.
A charming 13-acre park with a sandy beach on Stony Lake, three picnic pavilions, a gazebo, restrooms, a boat launch, a playground, and plenty of picnic areas with tables and grills. In winter, ice fishing and ice skating are permitted on Stony Lake. A wonderful four-season destination!
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🌳 OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS (NEARBY)
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These larger Oakland County Parks are a short drive from our coverage area and well worth the trip!
ADDISON OAKS — Addison Township
1,140 acres with camping, mountain biking, disc golf, swimming, boating, hiking, picnicking, spring-fed ponds, and over 20 miles of trails.
INDEPENDENCE OAKS — Clarkston
1,285 acres with fishing, swimming, a playground, wildlife viewing, over 10 miles of nature trails, a boat launch, ice skating, and a welcome center.
ORION OAKS — Orion Township
915 acres featuring over 14 miles of trails, a dog park, non-motorized boat launch, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and winter recreation.
GROVELAND OAKS — Holly
360 acres with modern campsites, a water slide, court sports, fishing, swimming, mini golf, a skateboard area, and canoe/bike rentals.
RED OAKS — Madison Heights
Includes a 9-hole golf course, waterpark, off-leash dog park, soccer fields, and cross-country skiing.
WATERFORD OAKS — Waterford Township
184 acres with a BMX track, volleyball, a universally accessible playground, platform tennis courts, and a waterpark.
For more info on all Oakland County Parks, visit oakgov.com/parks.
This guide last updated in May 2026. Always verify seasonal hours and details with individual parks before visiting.
💚 Looking for more family fun in Lake Orion, Rochester Hills & Oxford?💚
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