Part of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks System, Kensington Metropark is located in the city of Milford, right off of I-96.The park boast two beaches, over 20 miles of trails to hike, bike or blade; boating, fishing, a petting farm, nature center, golfing, disc golf, a water park and hayrides at the farm. The park also hosts year-round fun with its winter sport activities available in the form of sledding, ice-skating, ice-fishing and cross-country skiing.
$25 for an annual vehicle pass makes year-round fun easily affordable. (Day passes also available for $5 per carload.) The Metro-Park system is not included in the state park recreation pass on your vehicle's license plate, so be prepared to pay admission at the gate. Additional fees are also required for boats and launch fees. Click here for all admission pricing information.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to spend a day here:
Boat rentals: There's a wide variety of options to choose from, ranging from paddle boats to canoes to rowboats to kayaks at very reasonable rates per hour. Click here for pricing information. Boaters are free to explore the lakes as well as any of the small islands scattered within them. My nephews love paddling to an island to collect shells, rocks and hatched turtle eggs. Just don't forget to bring cash! Boat rentals are cash only with a $20 deposit due per vessel. (Valid driver's license also required.)
Not in the mood to row? The lake provides other fun too.
Take a relaxing pontoon ride around Kent Lake on the Island Queen. Allow 45-60 minutes per tour. For pricing information, click here.
Practice skipping rocks in the sun or shade on any of the several miles of bordering trails. The trails provide several spots to sit, rest and take in some nature and boat-watching.
Take a swim...
...or a slide...
...or a spray!
Kensington has two beaches, Maple Beach and Martindale Beach. Note: Maple Beach is only open for the 4th of July holiday in 2013, but Martindale Beach and its Splash 'n' Blast zone are open summer-long. Beach access is free once you've entered the park; however, Splash 'n' Blast has an additional entrance fee of $5/adult and $4 for children and seniors. Also note: Neither beach has lifeguards on duty at any time. You are responsible for your own children, so don't fall asleep in the sand without a second guardian close by (and conscious!)
Lake frozen over? During safe conditions, feel free to skate (with or without blades!), start a pick-up hockey game or ice-fish. Pay close attention to park signage to identify safe conditions. And, heaven forbid, if needed there are several ice rescue stations within the shores of the park's lake system. Take note of the nearest one before venturing out on any frozen water.
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| The park is home to several families of gorgeous sandhill cranes. |
The Nature Center: The park's nature center has about 7 miles of its own hiking trails, winding through some of the park's most beautiful woodlands, wetlands and meadows. The nature center building itself is a fun stop for children of all ages. They'll love seeing the live turtle, snake and bee displays. (Note: This is also good stop for clean restrooms!) The nature center's trail offer what may be my favorite park feature. The wild songbirds who are more than willing to eat a snack right out of your hand! Hand-feeding is allowed by the park (though note, only the small songbirds that land in your hand may be fed.) Bringing your own supply of seeds and nuts is up to you. Feed is not supplied by the park. |
| The birds are especially grateful to visitors' treats during the cold winter months. |
The Petting Farm: To avoid having the backside of your seat kicked for the entire drive home, be sure to stop by the petting farm before leaving the park for the day. Once a child lays eyes on any of the Farm Center signs and has learned of its existence, you will not be forgiven if you miss stopping in for a few minutes, at the very least. The farm is located near the Milford Road park entrance and is home to several sheep, goats, cows, hogs, horses, ducks, geese and turkeys. The baby barn is houses a constant rotation of the farm's newborns. There is also a snack shop, open only during the peak season, providing your best chance to grab an ice cream, pop, hot dog, pizza slice, nacho or other such treat within the park. The farm also provides horse and tractor-pulled hayrides throughout the better part of the year for additional cost.
There's plenty more to do and see at Kensington Metropark. For a full list of park details, including shelter and classroom rentals, visit the park's official website. Michigan has alot of nature to love, and Kensington's a great introduction to anyone living in the metro area. Hope to see you there!
