Finally went into the actual park and wow, it is beautiful!!…read more I didn't realize I have driven by this lake so much on the freeway until my husband pointed it out! They have a playground (with bathrooms in the back) and the trail goes down a paved steep decline that then leads into the boardwalk path way. It is not the most stroller friendly mainly because you are dodging a TON of swan and geese poop the whole time. And it can be bumpy on some parts. But the whole pathway is pretty unique with bridges connecting it (at least 5 bridges) and there is one lookout spot you can go to. We went on a beautiful sunny and windy day and loved it!! Saw so many birds (I have never seen so many swans together before) and nests!! Lots of people fish here too. What a gem! Definitely coming back!

It's always such a beautiful time at North Bay! My husband and I are avid birders and have been…read morecoming here for years. The boardwalk through the wooded trails are beautiful but the real beauty is the boardwalk that goes through the lake. It is amazing! There is sooo much wildlife there, too. There are several spots with picnic tables and benches throughout the trail as well as workout equipment in different spots throughout the trails. It's a beautiful park and I highly recommend checking it out.

This was a cool playground setup. It had some of the typical things like monkey bars, but lacked a…read morebunch of the other stuff. Instead it was a labyrinth of climbing and going in and out of wooden towers. It was difficult to follow along as I'm 6'2, 200. I barely fit in some of the spaces. But the kids had fun and had no issue at full speed. There is also a splash pad about 100ft away. It's not very fancy, but in combo with the playground and I'd say it's a pretty decent way to spend an afternoon. The library is next door too..

The best local park around. Family friendly. Sprawling park, feat nature preserves, tons of hiking…read moretrails winding through the woods, some featuring varied terrain, with steep inclines along ravines, tons of local wildlife, and feat picturesque views of the Huron River which runs directly adjacent to several trails. Don't forget to pack your bottled water and bug spray during the spring/summer months, and be sure to wear appropriate footwear for current hiking conditions. Several of the more rugged nature trails are NOT stroller-friendly, due to narrowing of trails and steep, rocky train in various areas, making tripping/falls a very serious hazard, as there is a steep drop off on either side of the trail in certain areas. If you have small children or are pushing a stroller, I suggest staying on paved paths that run the length of the park, situated between the main roadway and the woods. My family has personally encountered whole families of deer at this park, owls, eagles, coyote, and numerous species of birds and butterflies (particularly during summer months). This park features tons of play areas for the kids, with a new, large, modern Space-themed playscape meant to entertain kids of all ages and abilities. Tennis/racquet ball/pickleball and basketball courts available on a first-come first-serve basis. Numerous covered pavilions with grills for family cookouts, available for rent during summer months. Modern restrooms scattered throughout park. The park also features a water park, open during summer months for an additional charge (Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center), featuring a lazy river, large splash pad with dumping bucket, water slides, and zero-entry pools feat bubblers/spray features for the little ones. For about $50 (local residents), you can purchase an annual pass for the park itself (not including water park access, which must be purchased on top of general park entry fees). This park is gorgeous particularly during autumn months (my personal favorite time to visit), due to the abundance of trees and the colorful changing leaves visible in every direction. A great place to take family photos, with stunning natural backdrop! During the summer months it's common to spot fisherman on the pier within the park, on the banks of the lovely Huron River. A great place for families to unplug and enjoy some physical activity, in a large, picturesque park that never feels crowded regardless of how many people are there! 5 stars!

Good hiking and good views. Screaming children scare off the wildlife, but it's good to see…read morefamilies out and about I suppose.

Very cute. Lots of wetland to see without risk of getting lost. There were lots of birds to see! I…read morewish there was a pier to fish from.

An excellent Novi community park with well maintained facilities, which is a double-edged sword…read morebecause it is popular over the weekends. Thirteen miles of hiking/MTB trails. Two bikers for every hiker. It can get crowded if you aren't hiking alone with bike traffic. Surprisingly not too many bugs even though it rained the day before. TH at the very end of the parking lot. Numerous pavilions, fishing piers, playgrounds, and a small beach. I took a dip in the lake after hiking and it was refreshing, but the shoreline is small and the swimming area doesn't go much deeper than four feet. Water was clear, to the point where I could see a band aid in the sand. On another note, coming from Detroit you will run into construction on HWY 96 (Summer 22) as you near Kensington Park. I had minor delays at 9AM, but on my way back there were massive delays with only one operating lane. Check before you go.

Nice walking trails - I think it's about 1.3 miles around the trail one time. Little benches to sit…read moreon and reflect on the world's problems or to just be in nature. Lake is pretty and calming. I saw a couple deer and some little furry friends while on my walk. Not sure if you should stay on the trails but some others who were walking were not......

Beautiful walk, perfect for a quick afternoon stroll. Some areas are nice and shaded and others are…read moresunny!

This park is amazing! I've passed this park multiple times and decided to bring my girls. There are…read moremany different playscapes to choose from and area tailored to younger children. It's only May so the splash pad is not open but I will bring my children when it is.

Great kids park with huge intricate playscape. Large and nicely landscaped. The play structure has…read moreplenty of room for kids of all ages. Good way to keep kids active and burn their energy. Paved walking trail with lot of trees around. It also has swings for big kids and toddlers, portable restrooms. There are several pavilions and picnic tables suitable for a great picnic or outdoor parties. Pavilions can be rented. It's attached to an outdoor splash park with water attractions including a massive dump bucket. Adequate parking. Felt safe as it's located next to the police station. There are plenty of places nearby to grab a bite within the walking distance.

North Hydro is a fairly recent addition to Ypsilanti Township's Ford Lake Park System. The township…read morehas many, many parks, and most are nice, but the ones along Ford Lake are all especially pretty. There's just something about the lakeside setting that makes them a small cut above the rest. The area around North Hydro has been a major local fishing spot for ages. You'd see people fishing off the bridge that gives Bridge Road its name any time the weather was remotely nice. Now, North Hydro gives fishermen an official place to fish, and they can follow up by having a cold soda pop and a snack at one of the picnic tables afterward. The park has walking and biking paths as well. There is an attendant who will ask for a pass from May through September if you drive your car into the lot, but township residents can get the passes for free. You can also park outside the park (if you can find good parking nearby) and walk in, no pass required.

This is a smaller but enjoyable park right on the Huron River. A nice walking/biking trail that…read moreconnects to other bike lanes in the area. Nice informational placards all around describing the different natural features at the park.

One of my favorite local parks to walk with my dog! We typically get on the trail from the south…read moreentrance, which has plenty of parking, fields for sports, a play structure, and some pavilions. Hike is on the easier end, with wide paths. Would note that that it is prone to get muddy so expect that after rain and dress accordingly. Note - they've taken down the old boardwalk. Not sure if they are just removing it or if they are creating a new one? Pittsfield township also often has fun activities in the park, like Halloween or St Patrick's Day themed walks/"scavenger hunts". Cute little touch.

Uncrowded park for jogging or walking 2-3 miles near Ann Arbor! I drove here (about 9 minutes)…read morefrom the Hyatt Place. This park has two sections (North and South). I took time to walk along the path from the parking lot, past the soccer fields toward Turtle Pond. You'll need to walk about 0.5 miles to see the pond, but it's a lovely respite and seems dog-friendly. One downside is the proximity of I-94 which means that you'll hear the background noise of cars and trucks in the distance. It's not super-loud, but noticeable if you had expected a serene walk. Another downside is that the trail does not have clear signs or color stripes - but you can figure out the main route by using the pond as your guide. Would recommend folks staying in the hotels on the south side of Ann Arbor to give this park a try - it was really nice for jogging or a long walk.