Heritage Park
On a couple hundred acres, the park features paved trails for walking and biking, a playground, toboggan hill, picnic tables, pond and stream; pet cemetery with tombstones established by the family that owned the land before it became a park

ADDRESS: Farmington Road between 10 and 11 Mile Roads; Farmington Hills

Richard Allen Park
A small park bounded by two major black churches on either side

ADDRESS: 5100 block West Chicago near Grand River in the Northwest District

River Rouge Park
In the city's Warrendale neighborhood, this place has a huge picnic area that's popular for family reunions, a playground and swimming pool

ADDRESS: Spinoza and Joy Road

Kellogg Park
An intimate green island in the city center, with benches and a fountain, this is the setting for summer concerts and art shows

ADDRESS: Main Street at Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth

Belle Isle
Offers nine miles of shoreline along the Detroit River, a beach, playscape, aquarium, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, conservatory, golf course, nature center and zoo, plus walking trails and picnic areas; hosts Detroit Grand Prix, offers a good view of the Freedom Festival fireworks and Thunderfest hydroplane races

ADDRESS: bridge to island is 2 1/2 miles east of downtown Detroit at East Jefferson Ave and East Grand Blvd

Bald Mountain Recreation Area
Miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, 11 fishing lakes, swimming beach, picnicking, playground and shooting range

ADDRESS: Lake Orion

Waterloo Recreation Area
20,000-acre park is the largest in the Lower Peninsula; features 11 lakes, 47 miles of hiking trails, rustic cabins and horseback riding trails, plus wildlife viewing; picnic areas, swimming, fishing and a playground

ADDRESS: Chelsea

Chene Park
Located on the riverfront at the foot of the Chene Street, this performance amphitheater features concerts all summer long

ADDRESS: Chene Street and Atwater Street