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THEY’RE YOUR METROPARKS.
EXPERIENCE OUR SUMMER CAMPS.

Get outdoors, experience something new and make new friends. With a variety of exciting summer day camps to choose from, every camper is sure to have a great time.

CAMPS

Summer camp is a great way for your child to get outdoors, experience something new and make new friends. We have a variety of exciting summer day camps to choose from and we want every camper to have a great time. Find the park location and camp description below that sounds like the best fit for your child, and then click the button to register them before slots fill up!

Keep in mind you will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up people) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. Payment is also due at the time of registration.

Once your registration is complete, mark your calendars because you’re all set!

Hudson Mills Metropark Day Camps

Junior Nature Art Day Camp at Hudson Mills

Discover art in nature through this camp. This three-hour day camp is intended for younger nature lovers. We’ll collect items from nature to make amazing sculptures. Spend time by the marsh painting an awesome canvas. Then explore the outdoors to get inspiration for creating your own nature print t-shirt. Canvasses provided, please bring a white t-shirt for paint stamping. 

Date: Thursday, July 17
Ages:
Children ages 5 – 8
Time: 9 a.m. – Noon
Cost: $34 per child
Location: Hudson Mills Metropark, Activity Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at 734.426.8211.

Register Now

Nature Art Day Camp at Hudson Mills

Discover art in nature at this camp. Explore the Hudson Mills Metropark Acorn Nature Trail and collect items from nature to make amazing art. Spend time by the water while painting an awesome canvas. Then explore the outdoors to get inspiration for creating your own nature print t-shirt. Canvasses provided; bring a white t-shirt for paint stamping and a lunch. 

Date: Thursday, July 24
Ages:
Children ages 9 – 13
Time: 9 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Cost: $65 per child
Location: Hudson Mills Metropark, Activity Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. three days before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at 734.426.8211.

Register Now

Kensington Metropark Day Camps

Adventures in Nature Day Camp at Kensington Nature Center

Nature is full of adventure at Kensington Metropark! Join us for a three-day camp where we’ll hike through the forests and swamps, look for strange insects, build traps and fires, sneak through the woods (and sneak up on each other!), go on a pond-side creature search, interpret the language of birds, race boats down the river, handle turtles and snakes, and much more! This camp has three session options during the summer. Some core activities will be the same each month, but each month will also feature different adventures. Sign up for one, two, or even all three!

What to Expect:
Program will be held indoors and outdoors. Expect to walk about 1 mile each day. We will conclude at the Kensington Metropark Nature Center. The planned path surface is grass or lawn, dirt and gravel, and mostly flat and level. No prior experience is necessary. Time includes personal or small group instructions. Group discussion will be encouraged. Group interactive activities and games with instructions will be involved. Please bring a lunch for this day camp. Sun protection and bug spray are also recommended.

Dates: Wednesday, June 24 – Friday, June 26 OR Wednesday, July 8 – Friday, July 10 OR Wednesday, July 29 – Friday, July 31
Ages:
Children 7 – 12.
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: $135 per camper
Location: Kensington Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at 810.227.8917.

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Daring Naturalist Day Camp at Kensington Nature Center

Kids enjoy a full day of our two most popular camps! Start the day by exploring the Kensington Metropark Nature Center like never before! Go behind the scenes to meet and learn about some of the education animals that live at the nature center. Roll up your sleeves and perform hands-on tasks such as helping the Interpreter feed and take care of reptiles and amphibians. Then, experience the wonders of nature during a hike on the trails. After a break for lunch, spend the rest of the day learning to survive in the woods. Have fun practicing real wilderness survival skills. Build a survival hut, learn safe fire building and dousing practices, learn how to survive a bear attack, how to identify poisonous plants and venomous snakes, and more!

Date: Wednesday, August 5
Ages: Children 7 – 12
Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $90 per camper
Location: Kensington Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at 810.227.8917.

Register Now

Creepy Crawly Day Camp at Kensington Nature Center

Calling all bug catchers! Are you fond of butterflies and praying mantises? Curious about, or maybe a little freaked out by, spiders? Do you like to roll over logs and see what’s scurrying underneath? Then join us for our newly expanded two-day Creepy Crawly Day Camp! We’ll teach you how to use nets and collecting jars in our quest to capture insects, spiders, and other arthropods, and we’ll set up traps overnight to see what we catch the next day. Our journey will take us through the woods, the grasslands, and the swamps as we search for some of the smallest and strangest creatures in the park.

Dates: Wednesday, July 22 – Thursday, July 23
Ages: Children 7 – 12
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: $90 per camper
Location: Kensington Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at 810.227.8917.

Register Now

Lake Erie Metropark Day Camps

Marsh Magic Day Camp

Join us for a two-day camp! Did you know that marshes are magic? Really! They are home to so many cool plants, animals, and insects that you might not see anywhere else. Marshes are also called “the kidneys of the world.” Want to know why? Come join us as we become scientists for the day and learn just how awesome our marshes are and how we continue to protect them.

What to Expect:
The program will be held indoors and outdoors. Expect to walk about 1 mile each day. We will conclude at the Lake Erie Marshland Museum. The planned path surface is grass or lawn, dirt and gravel, and mostly flat and level. No prior experience is necessary. Time includes personal or small group instructions. Group discussion will be encouraged. Group interactive activities will be involved. Please bring a lunch for this day camp. Weather appropriate clothing, sun protection and bug spray are also recommended.

Ages: Children 7 – 12.
Dates: Wednesday, June 24 – Thursday, June 25
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: $60 per child
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Marshlands Museum

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. three days before the program.

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Birding Day Camp for Adults

Lake Erie Metropark is one of the best places to look for birds in Michigan. From the raptors that pass over the Detroit River Hawk Watch, to the shorebirds of our many marshes, there are always birds to be discovered within the park. Join us for this exciting two-day camp focused on birds and birding. We will be concentrating on everything from using tools of the trade, like binoculars and the Merlin app, to which birds we are likely to see throughout the year at Lake Erie Metropark.

What to Expect:
The program will be held indoors and outdoors. Expect to walk about 1-2 miles each day. No prior birding experience is necessary. Please bring a lunch for this day camp. Weather appropriate clothing, sun protection and bug spray are also recommended.

Ages: Adults 18 and up.
Dates: Thursday, August 20 – Friday, August 21
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: $60 per adult
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Marshlands Museum

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. three days before the program.

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Lake St. Clair Metropark Day Camps

Little Explorers Day Camp at Lake St. Clair Nature Center

Our Little Explorer Day Camp is a great way to introduce young adventurers to camp and a love of the outdoors! Children will enjoy investigating wild spaces, nature inspired crafts, stories, songs, with plenty of outdoor discovery. Campers will have the opportunity to make connections to Michigan plants and animals, by exploring the ways they thrive and survive.

What to Expect:
This drop-off camp will take place both indoors and outdoors, approximately 1.5 hours of each per day of camp. For any outdoor portions the planned path surface is dirt and gravel, mostly flat and level. Campers must be signed in and out each day by an authorized adult or guardian. A snack will be provided but we recommend all campers eat something substantial be being dropped off for the morning.

Ages: Children 4 – 5.
Dates: Tuesday, July 7 – Thursday, July 9
Time: 9 a.m. – Noon
Cost: $60 per child
Location: Lake St. Clair Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at 586.463.4332.

Register Now

Junior Naturalist Day Camp at Lake St. Clair Nature Center

Does your child love nature and exploring the great outdoors? Then our Jr. Naturalist Day Camp is for them! During this three-day camp your child will investigate the woods, prairies, and wetlands of Lake St. Clair Metropark. Children will enjoy guided hikes, crafts, and an opportunity to think like a naturalist. We’ll take a closer look at a variety of wildlife found in our unique park habitats and get up close with the live nature center animals. On our last day of camp, we’ll check out the splash pad so be prepared to get wet! Most activities are outside, so get ready to get dirty and dress for the weather!

What to Expect:
This drop-off camp will take place both indoors and outdoors, approximately 2.5 hours of each per day of camp. For any outdoor portions the planned path surface is dirt and gravel, mostly flat and level. Campers must be signed in and out each day by an authorized adult or guardian. Snacks provided but please pack a water bottle and lunch for each child.

Ages: Children 6 – 8.
Date: Tuesday, July 21 – Thursday, July 23
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: $80 per child
Location: Lake St. Clair Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at 586.463.4332.

Register Now

Nature Explorer Day Camp at Lake St. Clair Nature Center

Let’s get out and play in the woods, prairies, and wetlands of Lake St Clair! During our 3-day camp we will explore unique habitats through outdoor discovery, nature inspired crafts and hands-on activities. Campers will learn to think like a naturalist as they investigate the natural world. Activities will include sweep netting, pond dipping, guided hikes, a trip on our replica Voyageur Canoe, and meeting our Nature Center animals.

What to Expect:
This drop-off camp will take place both indoors and outdoors, approximately 2.5 hours of each per day of camp. For any outdoor portions the planned path surface is dirt and gravel, mostly flat and level. Most activities are outside, so get ready to get dirty and dress for the weather! Campers must be signed in and out each day by an authorized adult or guardian. Snacks provided but please pack a water bottle and lunch for each child.

Ages: Children 9 – 11.
Dates: Tuesday, August 3 – Thursday, August 5
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: $100 per child
Location: Lake St. Clair Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at 586.463.4332.

Register Now

Oakwoods Metropark Day Camps

Toddler Time Day Camp

Parents, spend some quality time with your kids in nature during Toddler Time. We will be investigating nature-based topics, reading nature-related books, exploring the outdoors, playing games, participating in music and movement, making crafts, and enjoying snacks during this exciting two-day camp.
This camp runs twice, the first camp is on June 24-June 25 and the second camp is on July 8-July 9.

What to Expect:
This program is primarily indoors. The time, approximately 120 minutes, will be spent in the Center doing activities, reading stories, playing games, etc… However, a small portion of the time may be spent outdoors as needed; so, please bring along extra clothes to dress appropriately for the weather.

Ages: Children 2 – 5.
Dates: Wednesday, June 24 – Thursday, June 25 OR Wednesday, July 8 – Thursday, July 9
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: $50 per child, adults are Free
Location: Oakwoods Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at (734) 697-9181.

Register Now

Old Time Tales & Science Day Camp

This is a call-out to our Nature Detectives. Are you familiar with stories such as The Three Billy Goats Gruff or Humpty Dumpty? Come join us for a fun, two-day camp, where we will discuss old time stories and then build structures to solve problems that are presented in each story. We will put our science skills to the test during this unique camp experience.

What to Expect:
This program is primarily outdoors. The time, approximately 120 minutes, will be spent on the trail and 120 minutes will be spent inside in a classroom environment. The planned path surface is dirt and gravel and mostly flat and level. However, conditions may determine that other trails, which include uneven terrain, may be utilized.
This two-day camp runs on the following dates from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. each day: June 25-26 and August 6-7.

Ages: Children 8 – 14.
Dates: Thursday, June 25 – Friday, June 25 OR Thursday, August 6 – Friday, August 7
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: $60 per camper
Location: Oakwoods Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at (734) 697-9181.

Register Now

Insect Investigation Day Camp

Join us for a two-day camp to explore everything insect. We’ll build a bug box, collect specimens, and observe them with a magnifying glass. We’ll learn how to identify the specimens using field guides. Document your insect research by taking notes and recording your observations in your own insect journal.

What to Expect:
This program is primarily outdoors. The time, approximately 120 minutes, will be spent on the trail and 90 minutes will be spent inside in a classroom environment. The planned path surface is dirt and gravel and mostly flat and level. However, conditions may determine that other trails, which include uneven terrain, may be utilized. Please bring a lunch and dress for the weather.

Ages: Children 8 and up.
Dates: Monday, June 29 – Tuesday, June 30
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cost: $60 per child
Location: Oakwoods Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at (734) 697-9181.

Register Now

Nature Art Day Camp

Capture the beauty of the natural world through journaling, crafting, and other creative pursuits. In this three-day camp, We will spend time outdoors in nature to gather materials and inspiration, then use natural materials to create art, making natural keepsakes and lasting memories.
We will use nature to spark creativity by going for a hike and observing the environment, then recording it in your journal.

What to Expect:
This program is primarily outdoors. The time, approximately 90 minutes, will be spent on the trail and 30 minutes will be spent inside in a classroom environment. The planned path surface is dirt and gravel and mostly flat and level. However, conditions may determine that other trails, which include uneven terrain, may be utilized. Please bring lunch and dress appropriately for the weather.

Ages: Children 8 and up.
Date: Monday, July 13 – Wednesday, July 15
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon
Cost: $75 per child
Location: Oakwoods Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at (734) 697-9181.

Register Now

Stony Creek Metropark Day Camps

Nature Center Day Camp at Stony Creek Nature Center

Enjoy the outdoors and get away from the electronics! Campers will enjoy stream exploration, nature inspired crafts, a wagon ride, a trip to the water slide and so much more.

What to Expect:
Campers will be walking between ½ mile to 1 ½ miles each day. They will be getting dirty, so an extra change of clothes is recommended. They are required to wear water shoes (no crocs, sandals, bare feet or flipflops allowed) when getting into the stream for stream exploration. Campers will be walking up and down hills, through a rocky stream and over aggregate paths. Most activities are outside, so get ready to get dirty and dress for the weather! Snacks will be provided. Campers bring a bagged lunch and a water bottle.

Ages: Children 8 – 10.
Date: Tuesday, June 23 – Thursday, June 25
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: $100 per camper
Location: Stony Creek Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at 586.781.9113.

Register Now

Habitats Day Camp Ages 6 - 7 at Stony Creek Nature Center

Let’s get out and play in the woods, prairies, and wetlands of Stony Creek Metropark! Children ages 6-7 will enjoy this mini day camp of stream exploration, nature inspired crafts, stories, songs, and plenty of outdoor discovery. Most activities are outside, so get ready to get dirty and dress for the weather! Snacks provided but please pack a water bottle.

What to Expect:
This drop-off camp will take place both indoors and outdoors, approximately 1.5 hours of each per day of camp. For any outdoor portions the planned path surface is dirt and gravel, mostly flat and level. Campers must be signed in and out each day by an authorized adult or guardian.

Ages: Children 6 – 7.
Date: Tuesday, July 14 – Thursday, July 16
Time: 9 a.m. – Noon
Cost: $45 per camper
Location: Stony Creek Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at 586.781.9113.

Register Now

Habitats Day Camp Ages 4 - 5 at Stony Creek Nature Center

Let’s get out and play in the woods, prairies, and wetlands of Stony Creek Metropark! Younger children will enjoy this mini day camp of stream exploration, nature inspired crafts, stories, songs, and plenty of outdoor discovery.

What to Expect:
This drop-off camp will take place both indoors and outdoors, approximately 1.5 hours of each per day of camp. For any outdoor portions the planned path surface is dirt and gravel, mostly flat and level. Campers must be signed in and out each day by an authorized adult or guardian. Most activities are outside, so get ready to get dirty and dress for the weather! Snacks provided but lease pack a water bottle.

Ages: Children 4 – 5.
Date: Tuesday, August 11 – Thursday, August 13
Time: 9 a.m. – Noon
Cost: $45 per camper
Location: Stony Creek Metropark, Nature Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program.You will be asked a series of questions during registration (such as medical questions, emergency contacts and the child’s authorized pick-up person) that must be answered in order to register your child for camp. It’s important you complete these fully as asked so park staff have all needed information in the case of an emergency. You can also call the interpretive center at 586.781.9113.

Register Now

SUMMER CAMP TIPS

Remember these tips for the best day camp experience:

  • Campers should dress for the weather (rain jackets, removeable layers, etc). We will be outside rain or shine.
  • Campers should wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes or hiking boots. No sandals or flip-flops please.
  • Campers should wear clothes that might get a little dirty.
  • Campers should bring a refillable water bottle.
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.
  • If your camp takes place over lunch, pack a hearty, well-balanced lunch. However, due to the prevalence of nut allergies, we ask you not to pack any peanut/tree nut products in your child’s lunch.
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