Whether you’re local to Waterford, Michigan, or just visiting, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you and your family entertained. Teachers at The Breakie Bunch love hearing about all the fun adventures that our little learners embark on, so we thought we would share some favorites from our students! Michigan has something for everyone, so you’re guaranteed to have a great time exploring Waterford as the leaves fall.
Exploring the Outdoors in Waterford
Located in picturesque Oakland County, Waterford is home to plenty of family-friendly parks and 34 named lakes, making it the perfect place for outdoor activities with children. Some of our favorite spots to get outside include:
Drayton Plains Nature Center
An excellent fresh-air adventure spot in Waterford is the Drayton Plains Nature Center. Featuring roughly four miles of hiking trails, the nature center is a great place to stretch your legs and take in the fresh autumn air.
While you’re there, keep an eye out for local birds. In 2024, more than 195 species of birds were recorded here. See how many you can spot while walking the trails!
Hess-Hathaway Park for Kids
Named for Mrs. Myrtle Hess, Hess-Hathaway Park in Waterford is the perfect place to spend a day outside with kids. The park features natural ponds, hiking trails, farm animals, and several picnic shelters. While you’re there, don’t miss the All Kids Playground, an inclusive playground for children of all ages and ability levels.
Michigan’s Oakland County Public Parks
Waterford makes it easy to explore nature with your kiddos. The Oakland County Parks Department website is an excellent resource for families looking for adventure this fall. The department’s calendar of events is jam-packed with events like:
- Foraging Michigan Nuts and Seeds
- Apple Cider Pressing
- Oh Deer! Herd Hike
Check out the brochure of Fall & Winter Education Programs for details and more information about registering for each event.
Rainy Day Fun for Kids in Waterford
Just because the weather isn’t cooperating doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy yourself in Waterford. Literacy skills are essential for preschoolers, and the Waterford Township Library has something for everyone. Visit the library for story time or the Mid-Michigan Therapy Dogs’ Read to a Dog program, or take home a selection of board books and read on the couch with your little one.
Kids Museums in Michigan
When the weather starts to get colder, finding ways to help your kids get their energy out is so important. If you’re up for taking a short drive, Flint, Michigan, has an incredible children’s museum that’s guaranteed to be fun for the whole family. The newly renovated Sloan Museum of Discovery is located on the campus of Flint Cultural Center and features 107,000 square feet of hands-on learning and exploration.
The museum is also home to the Longway Planetarium and Hagerman Street Early Childhood Gallery, providing a range of early childhood education programs designed to keep your little ones engaged, learning, and having fun near Waterford.
At your local The Breakie Bunch, we know that learning happens all around us. Michigan has beautiful weather in the fall, making it one of the best times to explore with your little ones. From nature walks and farm animals to hands-on STEM activities, you’ll always find something to do with kids around Waterford, Michigan.