Metroparks ‘Appreciation Day’ Celebrates Kids

The Metroparks will be offering free use of selected facilities and special programs. A Metropark vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $20 annually for regular admission, $12 annually for seniors, or $4 daily. Special offers and activities to be held on “Children’s Appreciation Day” are:

Hudson Mills Metropark, near Dexter
• One free round of disc golf for kids (under 18).
• One hour of free bike rental at the Activity Center.
• Coupons will be distributed at the tollbooth for a free can of pop and a free bag of popcorn redeemable at the Activity Center Food Bar, while supplies last.
• “Children’s Day Fishing,” 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Rapids View Picnic Area. Fishing rods, tackle and bait provided. Pre-registration required.
• For more information, or to register for the fishing program, call Hudson Mills Metropark at 734-426-8211 or 1-800-477-3191.

Huron Meadows Metropark, near Brighton
• One free small bucket of balls at the driving range.
• One hour of free rowboat or paddleboat rental on Maltby Lake .
• For more information call 1-800-477-3191

Indian Springs Metropark, near White Lake/Clarkston
• Free small bucket of balls at the driving range.
• “Wet ‘n Wild,” noon to 3 p.m. Learn about insects during this walk-in program. Interpreters will be available to help catch insects and identify them, and assist in making a fun “buggy” craft. For more information, call the Nature Center at 1-800-477-3192 or 248-625-7280.

Kensington Metropark, near Milford/Brighton
• One free hour of rowboat or paddleboat use with an accompanying adult
• One free ride on the “Island Queen II” pontoon boat for children 17 years and under, with one paid adult.
• One free hayride for children 17 years and under at the Farm Center, with one paid adult.
• “Exploring a Pond,” Meet some of the many wonderful and unique animals that make their home in the pond. For more information call Kensington Metropark at 1-800-477-3178 or 248-685-1561.

Lake Erie Metropark, in Brownstown
• One free small bucket of balls for juniors at the driving range.
• Free use of inflatable moon walk and obstacle course available from noon to 5 p.m.
• For more information please call 1-800-477-3189 or 734-379-5020./p>

Lower Huron Metropark, near Belleville
• Kids golf for free with one paid adult round at the Par 3 golf course.
• Radio Disney AM 910 D-Tour show brings games, music, dancing and prizes that ROCK to Turtle Cove! Bring your old phone books for chances to win prizes courtesy of AT&T Real Yellow Pages!

Metro Beach Metropark, near Mt. Clemens
• “Rosco the Clown hosts Children’s Day at the Beach,” 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Join Rosco for an afternoon of fun, plus bounce on the inflatables, watch a magician and play family games. Make sandcastles and sand art with the interpreters at 1 p.m.
• Free golf at Shipwreck Lagoon Adventure Golf.
• For more information call 1-800-477-3172 or 586-463-4581.

Stony Creek Metropark, near Rochester/Utica
• One hour of free bicycle rental
• Any junior golfer may play for free when accompanied by a full paying adult.
• “Children’s Day – Nature’s Wonders,” noon to 3 p.m., Nature Center. Celebrate the wonders of nature with games and crafts. Try to guess the date the snapping turtle eggs will hatch to win a prize! For more information, call 1-800-477-7756 or 586-781-9113.

Willow Metropark, near New Boston
• Free small bucket of balls at the driving range.
• Children can have one hour of free bike rental, with one paid adult bike rental, at Washago Pond.
• One free hour of boat rental, when accompanied by an adult, at Washago Pond.
• For more information, call Willow at 734-697-9181 or 1-800-477-3182.

Wolcott Mill Metropark, in Ray Township
• Any junior golfer (16 or under) may play for free if accompanied by a full-paying adult.
• For more information, call 586-749-5997 or 1-800-477-3175.

Other “Appreciation Days” to be celebrated this year are Senior Day, Wednesday, August 12; Thanksgiving Holiday, Thursday and Friday, November 26 and November 27; and Christmas, Friday, December 25.