If you want to enjoy the great outdoors surrounded by beautiful colorful flowers, be sure to check out these kid-friendly gardens.
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores
Located on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores, the Edsel & Eleanor Ford Home is beautiful, with grounds that can be explored and enjoyed year-round. The state-of-the-art Visitor Center features a permanent interactive museum, indoor and outdoor classroom spaces, and a restaurant with picnic take-out options, taking the experience to a new level. The best time to visit the Ford House is during the free Storytime that takes place every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Visitor Center.
Cranbrook House & Gardens, Bloomfield Hills
Wander through 40 beautiful acres of Cranbrook Gardens in Bloomfield Hills. Take a free self-guided tour and enjoy an afternoon outdoors. Don't miss the pretty Sunken Garden (with a changing floral design each year), the fun red bridge in the Japanese Garden – perfect for photos – and the outdoor amphitheater where kids can try out their acting skills. The grounds are open year-round (weather permitting), but each season offers different views and experiences. Check the calendar for upcoming events and plant sales.
Fairlane Ford House, Dearborn
The gardens and grounds at Fair Lane are free to visit daily from 8am to 6pm. The main house and power plant are closed for restoration, but the grounds are beautiful and make a great picnic spot. There are picnic tables near the garage and power plant.
Detroit Abloom (Detroit)
This non-profit community garden is a Detroit sanctuary for leisurely strolls from sunrise to sunset. It features a native plant nursery, an outdoor wellness garden, a butterfly nursery and a Kids Abloom, a garden discovery area for children. Not only do flowers grow, but their visions are nurtured, too. You can be a part of it by volunteering, shopping at their online native plant store or attending events and workshops.
Massey Botanical Gardens (Ann Arbor)
Ann Arbor's Matthew Botanical Gardens has something for everyone, from gardens created just for kids to nearly three miles of walking trails to a beautiful indoor conservatory filled with plants from around the world. This free attraction will keep kids entertained for hours as they spot aquatic animals in the ponds of the Gaffield Children's Garden, busy bees in the Pollinator Garden, act out stories in the Forest Amphitheater, or splash around with toys in the sandbox. Be sure to check out the events calendar, which includes guided nature walks, plant sales, and special workshops.
Hidden Lake Gardens, Tipton
Hidden Lake Gardens is a 755-acre garden with an arboretum, walking trails, greenhouses, and a brand new Canopy Walk. Put on your walking shoes and get ready for an adventure. Park your car and walk along the gravel path to the Canopy Walk. This trail is perfect for walking and is not suitable for strollers. The canopy is 65 feet above the ground and has a viewing structure where you can stop and look at the trees. The suspension bridge is 374 feet and is slightly inclined but not wobbly. Volunteer guides ensure that only 10 people are allowed on at a time to ensure people are comfortable.
Worth the road trip:
MSU 4-H Children's Garden (East Lansing)
Michigan State University's picturesque gardens are just for kids, giving them a space to run around, explore, and use their imaginations. This fun garden is divided into themes, including a “pizza garden” carved into the shape of a giant pizza, featuring plants that are used to make pizza (wheat, tomatoes, peppers, basil, oregano, and chives). The gardens are open from April 1 to October 31 and feature two eating areas perfect for outdoor picnics. There are fun events scheduled that you won't want to miss.
Frederik Meijer Gardens (Grand Rapids)
If you're looking for a fun weekend getaway, put Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids on your list. With a treehouse village, giant Great Lakes-shaped aquariums, a bright red barn, a storybook garden with puppet shows in the summer, and 158 acres to explore, you'll definitely need a map.
Dow Gardens, Grand Rapids
This lovely garden in Midland has a variety of attractions to explore. With a feature bridge, a fun exploration garden for kids, water features and a visitor centre, you'll want to return in any season. One of our favourite features is the Canopy Walk (designed for people of all ages and abilities) which offers a unique observation deck. Climb the large cargo net high above the spruce trees or gaze out over the woodland pond from 25 feet above on the 40 foot high glass floor. Don't forget to stop by the spectacular playground, conveniently located next to the cafe. Dow Gardens is currently open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 8pm.
