A Michigan summer is unlike anything else; the sparkle of the Great Lakes, the gentle breeze, and gorgeous scenery everywhere you look makes it an experience that one would be lucky to have. Lucky for you, summer in Waterford is right around the corner!
As a Waterford childcare facility, we have the lowdown on all the best local activities for your little ones. From splashing through a lake to taking the best nature hikes, you’ll be able to plan a perfect summertime schedule with your children in this ideal location.
Lakes and Rivers Near Waterford
Summer in Waterford is great for a lot of reasons, one being the extensive network of lakes and rivers that offers tons of activities. Your family can enjoy exploring the Clinton River Canoe Site, where everyone can enjoy learning how to canoe, explore an exciting playground, and dig in to a delicious packed lunch at a scenic picnic area.
If a four-legged friend is part of your crew, take a trip to the Orion Oaks Dog Park. This is a unique area that’s outfitted for every member of the family to have fun, especially your dog! Your kids can watch your pup take a dip in the lake and explore wide open spaces while they burn off their own energy.
Waterford Hikes and Nature Trails
Nature trails are an exciting and potentially educational opportunity to get your children outdoors and active. The key is to choose a short nature trail that is appropriate for lots of different ages and stages. One of the most exciting things about walking nature trails with your kids is the ability to incorporate some educational activities without anyone realizing it. Looping in learning objectives from the school year is a great way to keep little ones’ brains active and ready to absorb information.
To add this layer of education to your hike, consider creating a scavenger hunt for your children to do while strolling along the trail. For older kids, you can have them attempt to recognize certain types of plants or animals.
For preschool-aged kids, a color-based scavenger hunt is a great way to practice color recognition. For example, have them find as many red items as possible. You’ll be shocked at how they scour the ground for treasures!
Some of our favorite parks with trails for nature walks and scavenger hunts are:
- Hess Hathaway Loop
- Dodge #4 State Park Loop
- Waterford Oaks Loop
Animal Exploration at the Zoo
If you’re looking for an activity with a little more structure, make the short drive to the Detroit Zoo for endless family fun. As you work your way around the zoo, you and your kiddos will be enchanted by hundreds of different species, from silly Snow Monkeys to playful Sea Otters. Your little animal lovers will be amazed at every turn, and adults are sure to have a blast, too.
The zoo also has lots of interactive activities for kids of all ages. You can have breakfast with some of your favorite creatures, like giraffes or butterflies. If everyone is brave enough, there are opportunities for your kids to interact with reptiles and even hold snakes.
Whether you’re exploring the zoo or investigating the local wildlife at a nearby park, Waterford offers tons of activities that will keep little minds busy all summer long.