It can be hard to find local family-friendly activities that will please the entire crew, but if you live near Waterford, you’re in luck! Check out some of our favorite local family activities for the nature lovers, gamers, and athletes in your family.
Best Family Activities in Waterford
Next time your family has some spare time between work, school, and daycare pick-ups, check out Waterford for beautiful scenery, adventurous family activities, and plenty of lakes. Whether you’re looking for something active and fun or a little more on the relaxing side, the whole family will love these local treasures.
Waterford’s Best Places for Family Activities:
- Hess-Hathaway Park
- Waterford Oaks County Park
- Dodge Park
- Drayton Plains Nature Center
- Zap Zone
Family-Friendly Hess-Hathaway Park
Are you looking for a free family activity everyone will love? Hess-Hathaway is a fantastic park for toddlers, big kids, and parents alike. Once your kiddos have gotten out all their energy in the play structures, sandbox, and maze, take them on a stroll to see the furry friends. The park has plenty of farm animals like horses, rabbits, peacocks, goats, and more, making it a fun and educational family activity!
Be sure to check out the park events information for upcoming festivals, fundraisers, or other family-friendly activities. Furthermore, if you need a location for your next party, look no further. You can book birthday and event packages at Hess-Hathaway that include a reserved gazebo or pavilion, a guided animal tour, and a hayride.
Waterford Oaks County Park
Families who want a more laid-back feel will adore the beautiful Waterford Oaks County Park. You can enjoy this park year-round with sand volleyball and playgrounds in the summertime and skiing during the snowy months. There are also about four miles of hiking and biking trails if you desire more intense physical activity.
While you’re walking through the park admiring the scenery, you may also stumble across the water park, BMX track, and Oakland County Farmer’s market. There is also an activity center available for every event, from casual family gatherings to big weddings.
Beautiful Waterford Beaches
Waterford is known for its many lakes, so you should enjoy the water while you’re there. Visiting a Waterford beach is the perfect family activity since kids can let loose in the water while mom and dad soak in the sun. One of the favorite local beaches is Dodge Park.
Dodge Park
Dodge Park is an absolute must if your family loves water activities. The sandy beach and mile-long shoreline provide a perfect location for swimming, fishing, water-skiing, and beach volleyball. In addition, you can even bring your kayaks or canoes and take a scenic tour of Cass Lake.
Bring your picnic basket because there are many shady areas with tables where you can grill and relax after a long day of swimming and sunshine. You can also pack a tent or hitch up your camper to make it an overnight trip. The kiddos will love playing mermaid all day and roasting marshmallows at night!
Drayton Plains Nature Center
Does your family love nature? Or perhaps you’re trying to find an educational yet fun activity for your little ones? The nature center is a great place to get up-close and personal with wildlife and admire the scenic views while you’re at it.
Birds are the most popular animal to spot at the Drayton Plains Nature Center. They have a gift shop where you can purchase birdseed for a hands-on and interactive experience. There are also various walking trails featuring gorgeous ponds, and you will find an interpretive center with a display of specimens in their natural habitat.
Games and Family Fun at Zap Zone
As lovely as it is to get out and enjoy nature, sometimes the family needs something exciting that also provides a break from the summer heat. Of course, everyone loves arcade games, so check out Zap Zone’s family-friendly collection. Plus, don’t forget to trade in your tickets for a prize at the end!
Kids ages five and up can compete in a family-friendly game of laser tag. Parents don’t need to stress; there’s no running allowed so you won’t leave with a crying kid or boo-boos. Check out their other attractions like bumper cars, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, and a Ninja Zone obstacle course.
With our list of Waterford family activities, your household is set to have fun all year round.