Belle Isle
DESCRIPTION: 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: east of downtown Detroit  MAP

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

ADDRESS: 5100 West Chicago Street  MAP

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

ADDRESS: Chene Street at Atwater Street  MAP
 
River Rouge Park
DESCRIPTION: 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 at Joy Road  MAP

Kellogg Park
DESCRIPTION: 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  MAP


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

ADDRESS: Lake Orion  MAP

Waterloo Recreation Area
DESCRIPTION: 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  MAP

Heritage Park
DESCRIPTION: 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 in Farmington Hills  MAP