Kensington Metropark

Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected. Stop by the French and Native camp to hear and see how these techniques have changed through the years. Then visit the sugar shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Real maple sugar products and pancakes will be available for purchase.. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. Time: 11- 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience you can have no place else.  At Kensington Metropark Nature Center, a variety of winter songbirds will eagerly fly to your hand for seeds. Learn about why this happens and how to recognize the birds you’ll see during this one-hour program. Then take a short-guided walk along the nature trails to meet your new feathered friends. We’ll provide all the seed you’ll need, but you might want to bring your camera.  Dress for the weather. Fun for all ages. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected. Stop by the French and Native camp to hear and see how these techniques have changed through the years. Then visit the sugar shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Real maple sugar products and pancakes will be available for purchase.. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. Time: 11- 2:30 p.m.

Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected. Stop by the French and Native camp to hear and see how these techniques have changed through the years. Then visit the sugar shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Real maple sugar products and pancakes will be available for purchase.. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. Time: 11- 2:30 p.m.

Fun on the Farm is a children’s program series that focuses on different animals and aspects of farming. This week, children will have the opportunity to learn about maple syrup and how it’s made. Ages 2 - 6, no preregistration required. Time: 10 a.m.

Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected. Stop by the French and Native camp to hear and see how these techniques have changed through the years. Then visit the sugar shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Real maple sugar products and pancakes will be available for purchase.. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. Time: 11- 2:30 p.m.

Have you ever wondered what turtles are doing during the winter? Find out at this month’s Nature Hour program! We’ll talk about turtles, hear a story, and then have a chance to meet a few of the Kensington Metropark Nature Center’s resident turtles up close! The Little Critters Nature Hour presents a new nature program every month geared towards young children and their families. Ages 3-5. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected. Stop by the French and Native camp to hear and see how these techniques have changed through the years. Then visit the sugar shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Real maple sugar products and pancakes will be available for purchase.. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. Time: 11- 2:30 p.m.

Hey homeschool families! We invite you to discover how unique maple sugaring is to the region and why. This program includes tapping a maple tree, watching the process of turning sap into syrup, and a tour of the Native American sugaring camp. Students achieve a higher leveling of understanding and respect toward the environment and the contributions of Native American Peoples. Tours begin every hour, last approximately one hour, and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. No preregistration required. Time: 10 - 2 p.m

Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected. Stop by the French and Native camp to hear and see how these techniques have changed through the years. Then visit the sugar shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Real maple sugar products and pancakes will be available for purchase.. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. Time: 11- 2:30 p.m.

Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected. Stop by the French and Native camp to hear and see how these techniques have changed through the years. Then visit the sugar shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Real maple sugar products and pancakes will be available for purchase.. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. Time: 11- 2:30 p.m.

Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Kensington Metropark Nature Center with a variety of green-themed crafts and activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family! Make crafts that will be green in more ways than one by using natural materials. Then embark on a self-guided Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt on the nature trails where you’ll be seein’ green. Hopefully the luck of the Irish is on your side—if you find all of the Leprechauns, return to the Nature Center for a prize! No preregistration needed, just drop in for some family fun for all ages.

Hey homeschool families! We invite you to discover how unique maple sugaring is to the region and why. This program includes tapping a maple tree, watching the process of turning sap into syrup, and a tour of the Native American sugaring camp. Students achieve a higher leveling of understanding and respect toward the environment and the contributions of Native American Peoples. Tours begin every hour, last approximately one hour, and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. No preregistration required. Time: 10 - 2 p.m

Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected. Stop by the French and Native camp to hear and see how these techniques have changed through the years. Then visit the sugar shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Real maple sugar products and pancakes will be available for purchase.. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. Time: 11- 2:30 p.m.

Discover the forces of flight through hands-on demonstrations. We will fly through history to discover how humans mimicked bird flight, visit Ranger our Red-tailed Hawk, and then enjoy a rocket demonstration before you blast home. Ages 6 and older. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected. Stop by the French and Native camp to hear and see how these techniques have changed through the years. Then visit the sugar shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Real maple sugar products and pancakes will be available for purchase.. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. Time: 11- 2:30 p.m.

Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected. Stop by the French and Native camp to hear and see how these techniques have changed through the years. Then visit the sugar shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Real maple sugar products and pancakes will be available for purchase.. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. Time: 11- 2:30 p.m.

Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected. Stop by the French and Native camp to hear and see how these techniques have changed through the years. Then visit the sugar shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Real maple sugar products and pancakes will be available for purchase.. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors. Dress for the weather. Time: 11- 2:30 p.m.

Kids- have you ever wondered how items in your home came to be or just how did the inventor come up with the idea? Many items that we use every day were inspired by organisms in the natural world. Come to this mini-camp to participate in experiments that mimic characteristics in nature. Have a look at the natural mucus on the outside of a salamander and then create your own homemade slime to compare. Explore natural crystals and then make your own Borax crystals to take home. Do these experiments and much more in this interactive camp. Campers should bring a lunch and a water bottle.  This is drop-off program. Signed participation waiver required. Ages 7 and older. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

This drop-off mini-camp program will allow kids the chance to work alongside our nature center interpreters. Designed to be educational and fun, kids will go behind the scenes to meet all the nature center’s animals, including turtles, salamanders, snakes, and the red-tailed hawk, Ranger. They will learn more about properly keeping animals in captivity by performing hands-on tasks such as feeding and watering animals. They’ll also get outdoors to check the trails and work on wildlife identification skills. Please dress for indoor and outdoor activity. Signed participation waiver required. Ages 7 and older. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

Fun on the Farm is a children’s program series that focuses on different animals and aspects of farming. This week, children will have the opportunity to learn about sheep and the important job they have at the farm, growing wool. Ages 2 - 6, no preregistration required

Explore Kensington Metropark’s woods and trails with an Interpreter on this hour long spring hike. Spring is the perfect time of year to search for signs of animals just waking up from a long winter’s nap and new flowers appearing on plants and trees. We’ll see if we find animal tracks in the mud, tadpoles in the pond, and any birds that have flown back from their winter migration.  Wear good walking shoes. All planned trails are unpaved. Good for all ages, but bring a stroller. No registration necessary.

Ever wanted to feed the pigs? Help farm staff to feed the pigs, goats, cows, and more. Young farmers will learn what each animal eats and why. Space is limited and fills up fast! Ages 6 - 15. Please preregister, (248) 684-8632

Let’s learn about some of those lights in the night sky while doing some daytime astronomy. We’ll read “Moonbear’s Shadow” and help Moonbear find his shadow, learn to sing the planet song and then build a rocket ship and take a trip to the moon. The Little Critters Nature Hour presents a new nature program every month geared towards young children and their families. Ages 3-5. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

Fun on the Farm is a children’s program series that focuses on different animals and aspects of farming. This week, children will have the opportunity to learn about birthdays and meet our new farm babies. Ages 2 - 6, no preregistration required.

Wake up with the birds! Birding is a worldwide recreational activity enjoyed by millions. Start a new hobby or hone your birding skills. For beginners, an indoor program covering binocular use and basic bird identification will be offered at 8:30. More advanced birders can join the group at 9:00 at the Kensington Metropark Nature Center for the outdoor walk. Bring your own binoculars and favorite morning beverage. A limited number of binoculars are available to borrow and hot beverages may be purchased at the Nature Center. Please dress for the weather—we will be outdoors rain or shine. Ages 12 and older. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

Enjoy a fun filled weekend of activities for the whole family. This two-day event centers on shearing the farm’s flock of sheep. Tour the farm and see our spring babies. Take a hayride (Standard public hayride rates apply). Be entertained by Rosco the Clown. Kensington Living History Village will be open, showcasing early pioneer skills. Come out to see these and other family-friendly demonstrations and activities we have planned!

Enjoy a fun filled weekend of activities for the whole family. This two-day event centers on shearing the farm’s flock of sheep. Tour the farm and see our spring babies. Take a hayride (Standard public hayride rates apply). Be entertained by Rosco the Clown. Kensington Living History Village will be open, showcasing early pioneer skills. Come out to see these and other family-friendly demonstrations and activities we have planned!

Farm Traditions is a seasonal program that teaches the skills and activities of the farm homestead. This month, learn the history and experience the entire process from growing wheat to baking bread. Grind your own grain and learn how to cook in a stone oven. Ages 12 and up. Please preregister, (248) 684-8632. Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Ever wanted to feed the pigs? Help farm staff to feed the pigs, goats, cows, and more. Young farmers will learn what each animal eats and why. Space is limited and fills up fast! Ages 6 - 15. Please preregister, (248) 684-8632

Not sure what to buy for Mother’s Day? Forget the mall and bring the kids out to Kensington Metropark. Each child will get to craft a one-of-a-kind nature-themed gift moms are sure to love. No preregistration needed, just drop in to the Nature Center to get ready for mom’s special day. Fun for kids of all ages.

Fun on the Farm is a children’s program series that focuses on different animals and aspects of farming. This week, children will enjoy visiting our donkeys and our donkeys will enjoy visiting with them. Ages 2 - 6, no preregistration required.

Celebrate springtime with your little ones by enjoying a flower-themed program at the Kensington Metropark Nature Center. We’ll play dress-up to look at how seeds grow into plants and read the story “The Tiny Seed”. Enjoy a game of plant bingo and make a seed necklace to take home. As they say: April showers bring May flowers! The Little Critters Nature Hour presents a new nature program every month geared towards young children and their families. Ages 3-5. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

Moms get a free ride today when they take their children on the hayride , as a thank you to those that work very hard and still have time to come with their kids for a fun afternoon at the farm.

Get your yard and garden ready for the season with native flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs. Sun or shade, sand or clay- we’ll have choices for every yard. Plus, all plants for sale are Michigan native genotypes, which means they are more likely to thrive in our area and will be more beneficial to local wildlife. These plants come to us from the Wildtype Native Plant Nursery, which has an agreement with the Metroparks to gather seed throughout our various parks. You could actually be planting Kensington Metropark wildflowers in your own yard. Be sure to join in on one of the guided wildflower walks to learn about the importance of native plant species and to get ideas for your own garden. Come early, these beauties sell out fast!

Farm Traditions is a seasonal program that teaches the skills and activities of the farm homestead. This month, see how farmers made ice cream a long time ago. Learn how farmers stored ice in sheds and the traditions surrounding ice cream. Ages 12 and up. Please preregister, (248) 684-8632.

Ever wanted to feed the pigs? Help farm staff to feed the pigs, goats, cows, and more. Young farmers will learn what each animal eats and why. Space is limited and fills up fast! Ages 6 - 15. Please preregister, (248) 684-8632

This program is for teens and adults, and skill areas offered include Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Bead Working, Fiber Arts, Pioneer Life Skills, Open fire cooking on the open hearth, camp fire, Dutch oven and brick oven. You will complete a project to take home during the class. Located at the Kensington Living History Village, parking available at the Farm Center. Ages 14 and up. Please preregister at http://www.chiefpontiacprograms.org/Skills_Experience.html. Time: Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.; 1 - 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Get your yard and garden ready for the season with native flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs. Sun or shade, sand or clay- we’ll have choices for every yard. Plus, all plants for sale are Michigan native genotypes, which means they are more likely to thrive in our area and will be more beneficial to local wildlife. These plants come to us from the Wildtype Native Plant Nursery, which has an agreement with the Metroparks to gather seed throughout our various parks. You could actually be planting Kensington Metropark wildflowers in your own yard. Be sure to join in on one of the guided wildflower walks to learn about the importance of native plant species and to get ideas for your own garden. Come early, these beauties sell out fast!

Fun on the Farm is a children’s program series that focuses on different animals and aspects of farming. This week, children will meet the stars of our goat herd, from the silly to stubborn, but none of them gruff! Ages 2 - 6, no preregistration required.

Ever wanted to feed the pigs? Help farm staff to feed the pigs, goats, cows, and more. Young farmers will learn what each animal eats and why. Space is limited and fills up fast! Ages 6 - 15. Please preregister, (248) 684-8632

Fun on the Farm is a children’s program series that focuses on different animals and aspects of farming. This week, children will get to ride pedal tractors and enjoy a tractor-drawn hayride. Ages 2 - 6, no preregistration required.

For this month’s adventure, we’ll read “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister. We’ll have child-friendly indoor fishing, search for fish outside near the Kingfisher lagoon, and even make our own rainbow fish to take home. The Little Critters Nature Hour presents a new nature program every month geared towards young children and their families. Ages 3-5. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

Not sure what to buy for Father’s Day? Forget the mall and bring the kids out to Kensington Metropark. Each child will get to craft a one-of-a-kind nature-themed gift dads are sure to love. No preregistration needed, just drop in to the Nature Center to get ready for dad’s special day. Fun for kids of all ages.

This program is for teens and adults, and skill areas offered include Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Bead Working, Fiber Arts, Pioneer Life Skills, Open Fire Cooking on the open hearth, camp fire, Dutch oven and brick oven. You will complete a project to take home during the class. Located at the Kensington Living History Village, parking available at the Farm Center. Ages 14 and up. Please preregister at http://www.chiefpontiacprograms.org/Skills_Experience.html. Time: Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.; 1 - 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Ever wanted to feed the pigs? Help farm staff to feed the pigs, goats, cows, and more. Young farmers will learn what each animal eats and why. Space is limited and fills up fast! Ages 6 - 15. Please preregister, (248) 684-8632

This program is for teens and adults, and skill areas offered include Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Bead Working, Fiber Arts, Pioneer Life Skills, Open Fire Cooking on the open hearth, camp fire, Dutch oven and brick oven. You will complete a project to take home during the class. Located at the Kensington Living History Village, parking available at the Farm Center. Ages 14 and up. Please preregister at http://www.chiefpontiacprograms.org/Skills_Experience.html. Time: Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.; 1 - 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Dads get a free ride today when they take their children on the hayride, as a thank you to those that work very hard and still have time to come with their kids for a fun afternoon at the farm.

Come enjoy an afternoon on the water and learn the basic skills and safety of one of the fastest growing paddle sports. We’ll cover the basic techniques of forward stroke, reverse stroke, and turning on the stand-up paddleboard. Safety and self-rescue will be emphasized. All equipment is provided and included in program price. Meet at Kensington Metropark Maple Beach and come dressed for the water. Ages 10-16. Please preregister, (810)227-8917.

Come enjoy an evening out on the water and learn the basic skills and safety of one of the fastest growing paddle sports. We’ll cover the basic techniques of forward stroke, reverse stroke, and turning on the stand-up paddleboard. Safety and self-rescue will be emphasized. All equipment is provided and included in program price. Meet at Kensington Metropark Maple Beach and come dressed for the water. Ages 17 and older. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

Come learn about bat basics and debunk myths such as: Do bats drink blood? Will bats get stuck in your hair? Find out about how bats benefit humans in many meaningful ways and what you can do to help bats in your area during the presentation inside the Kensington Metropark Nature Center. Then head out with us for a short hike to see these amazing flying acrobats in action. Please dress for the weather—we will be outdoors rain or shine. Ages 6 and older. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917

Are you daring enough to spend the day learning to survive in the woods? Build a survival hut, make natural noise-makers, learn how to survive a bear attack, how to identify poisonous plants and venomous snakes, and more!  Kids will have fun learning real wilderness survival skills. Ages 8 and older. Please bring a lunch and a water bottle. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917

Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of farm-themed activities for the whole family. Tour the farm and view traditional demonstrations and games, listen to folk music, and visit with the food and craft vendors of our Festival Market. The Kensington Living History Village will be open, showcasing early pioneer skills. Make sure to take a horse-drawn hayride around the Farm’s wooded trails (Standard public hayride rates apply).

Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of farm-themed activities for the whole family. Tour the farm and view traditional demonstrations and games, listen to folk music, and visit with the food and craft vendors of our Festival Market. The Kensington Living History Village will be open, showcasing early pioneer skills. Make sure to take a horse-drawn hayride around the Farm’s wooded trails (Standard public hayride rates apply).

Designed to be educational and fun, this program allows kids the chance to work alongside our farmers taking care of animals. Each program includes a chance to meet all of the farm’s animals. Kids will perform hands-on tasks such as feeding and watering animals, mucking stalls, and hauling hay and grain sacks. They will also get a chance to make a tasty farm food such as ice cream, bread, or cider.

Fun on the Farm is a children’s program series that focuses on different animals and aspects of farming. This week, children will enjoy visiting our draft horses and learning how they get dressed for work. Ages 2 - 6, no preregistration required.

Now younger kids get their chance to work at the farm! If your child has the energy and enthusiasm for farm chores, but maybe not the muscle power yet, this is their program! Similar to our popular “Farmer for a Day,” but designed for the capabilities of younger kids. Farmer Jr. has kids work alongside Kensington Farmers to learn about life on the farm: meeting and feeding animals, hauling straw, doing chores and having fun! They will also get a chance to make a tasty farm food such as butter, bread or cider.

Celebrate summer with your little ones at this Nature Hour. We’ll hear the story of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle and learn about butterfly life cycles. We’ll search for some caterpillars outside, go on a butterfly scavenger hunt, and make a butterfly to take home. The Little Critters Nature Hour presents a new nature program every month geared towards young children and their families. Ages 3-5. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917

Designed to be educational and fun, this program allows kids the chance to work alongside our farmers taking care of animals. Each program includes a chance to meet all of the farm’s animals. Kids will perform hands-on tasks such as feeding and watering animals, mucking stalls, and hauling hay and grain sacks. They will also get a chance to make a tasty farm food such as ice cream, bread, or cider.

Now younger kids get their chance to work at the farm! If your child has the energy and enthusiasm for farm chores, but maybe not the muscle power yet, this is their program! Similar to our popular “Farmer for a Day,” but designed for the capabilities of younger kids. Farmer Jr. has kids work alongside Kensington Farmers to learn about life on the farm: meeting and feeding animals, hauling straw, doing chores and having fun! They will also get a chance to make a tasty farm food such as butter, bread or cider.

This program is for teens and adults, and skill areas offered include Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Bead Working, Fiber Arts, Pioneer Life Skills, Open Fire Cooking on the open hearth, camp fire, Dutch oven and brick oven. You will complete a project to take home during the class. Located at the Kensington Living History Village, parking available at the Farm Center. Ages 14 and up. Please preregister at http://www.chiefpontiacprograms.org/Skills_Experience.html.

Fun on the Farm is a children’s program series that focuses on different animals and aspects of farming. This week, children will visit our pig pen and learn why pigs love to root in the mud. Ages 2 - 6, no preregistration required.

Bring your canoe or kayak for a guided tour of Kensington Metropark’s Kent Lake. We’ll start out at the West Boat Launch and paddle out to visit the American lotus, North America’s largest wildflower. Then we’ll take in the islands to view a little of Kensington’s history, including the remnants that are still visible from the water of a former vacation spot.  We’re sure to spot a variety of wildlife, such as waterfowl, fish and possibly an eagle or two.  A U.S. Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is required and must be properly worn. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917

Are you daring enough to spend the day learning to survive in the woods? Build a survival hut, make natural noise-makers, learn how to survive a bear attack, how to identify poisonous plants and venomous snakes, and more!  Boys will have fun learning real wilderness survival skills. Please bring a lunch and a water bottle. Ages 8 and older. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917

Are you daring enough to spend the day learning to survive in the woods? Build a survival hut, make natural noise-makers, learn how to survive a bear attack, how to identify poisonous plants and venomous snakes, and more!  Girls will have fun learning real wilderness survival skills. Please bring a lunch and a water bottle. Ages 8 and older. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917

Farm Camp offers children a memorable experience and the opportunity to discover the wonders of life on the farm. Each day will offer a new adventure. The camp is very much hands-on and provides children with farm experiences that will leave a lasting impression. Campers will participate in daily farm chores as well as various organized activities. Planned activities may include: outdoor adventures like fishing, hikes (with goats!) and scavenger hunts; craft projects such as candle-dipping, pierced tin, and paper mache; pioneer life experiences like barn-raising, rope skills, or playing old-fashioned games; milking a cow or goat; or grooming and harnessing draft horses before going for a horse-drawn hayride.

Farm Camp offers children a memorable experience and the opportunity to discover the wonders of life on the farm. Each day will offer a new adventure. The camp is very much hands-on and provides children with farm experiences that will leave a lasting impression. Campers will participate in daily farm chores as well as various organized activities. Planned activities may include: outdoor adventures like fishing, hikes (with goats!) and scavenger hunts; craft projects such as candle-dipping, pierced tin, and paper mache; pioneer life experiences like barn-raising, rope skills, or playing old-fashioned games; milking a cow or goat; or grooming and harnessing draft horses before going for a horse-drawn hayride.

Designed to be educational and fun, this program allows kids the chance to work alongside our nature center interpreters. Kids will go behind the scenes to meet all the nature center’s animals, including turtles, salamanders, snakes, and Ranger, the red-tailed hawk. They will learn more about properly keeping animals in captivity by performing hands-on tasks such as feeding and watering animals. They’ll also get outdoors to check the trails and work on wildlife identification skills. Campers should bring a lunch and a water bottle. Ages 7 and older. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917

Farm Camp offers children a memorable experience and the opportunity to discover the wonders of life on the farm. Each day will offer a new adventure. The camp is very much hands-on and provides children with farm experiences that will leave a lasting impression. Campers will participate in daily farm chores as well as various organized activities. Planned activities may include: outdoor adventures like fishing, hikes (with goats!) and scavenger hunts; craft projects such as candle-dipping, pierced tin, and paper mache; pioneer life experiences like barn-raising, rope skills, or playing old-fashioned games; milking a cow or goat; or grooming and harnessing draft horses before going for a horse-drawn hayride.

Farm Camp offers children a memorable experience and the opportunity to discover the wonders of life on the farm. Each day will offer a new adventure. The camp is very much hands-on and provides children with farm experiences that will leave a lasting impression. Campers will participate in daily farm chores as well as various organized activities. Planned activities may include: outdoor adventures like fishing, hikes (with goats!) and scavenger hunts; craft projects such as candle-dipping, pierced tin, and paper mache; pioneer life experiences like barn-raising, rope skills, or playing old-fashioned games; milking a cow or goat; or grooming and harnessing draft horses before going for a horse-drawn hayride.

As the historical encampment sets up, stop in to do your early bird shopping with the sutlers and skip the admission fee. Items available for purchase vary based on merchants, but typically include iron and tin ware, candles, clothing, trinkets, toys, woodcrafts, and leather goods of historical style. Fun for all ages.

Experience the sights and sounds of history during this Kensington Metropark tradition.  Visit with historically-dressed reenactors portraying civilian and military life of the Colonial era.  Be entertained with music and dramatizations, witness the firing of muskets and canons, and shop the booths of merchants where you may purchase hand crafted items made like they were in the 18th century. The annual Saturday afternoon battle is a must-see! See the brochure for the full schedule of events including military maneuvers and live music. Fun for all ages. Time: Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Experience the sights and sounds of history during this Kensington Metropark tradition.  Visit with historically-dressed reenactors portraying civilian and military life of the Colonial era.  Be entertained with music and dramatizations, witness the firing of muskets and canons, and shop the booths of merchants where you may purchase hand crafted items made like they were in the 18th century. The annual Saturday afternoon battle is a must-see! See the brochure for the full schedule of events including military maneuvers and live music. Fun for all ages. Time: Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Fun on the Farm is a children’s program series that focuses on different animals and aspects of farming. This week, children will meet the stars of our goat herd, from silly to stubborn, but none of them gruff. Ages 2 - 6, no preregistration required.

This program is for teens and adults, and skill areas offered include Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Bead Working, Fiber Arts, Pioneer Life Skills, Open fire cooking on the open hearth, camp fire, Dutch oven and brick oven. You will complete a project to take home during the class. Located at the Kensington Living History Village, parking available at the Farm Center. Ages 14 and up. Please preregister at http://www.chiefpontiacprograms.org/Skills_Experience.html. This program is for teens and adults, and skill areas offered include Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Bead Working, Fiber Arts, Pioneer Life Skills, Open fire cooking on the open hearth, camp fire, Dutch oven and brick oven. You will complete a project to take home during the class. Located at the Kensington Living History Village, parking available at the Farm Center. Ages 14 and up. Please preregister at http://www.chiefpontiacprograms.org/Skills_Experience.html.

This program is for teens and adults, and skill areas offered include Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Bead Working, Fiber Arts, Pioneer Life Skills, Open fire cooking on the open hearth, camp fire, Dutch oven and brick oven. You will complete a project to take home during the class. Located at the Kensington Living History Village, parking available at the Farm Center. Ages 14 and up. Please preregister at http://www.chiefpontiacprograms.org/Skills_Experience.html. This program is for teens and adults, and skill areas offered include Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Bead Working, Fiber Arts, Pioneer Life Skills, Open fire cooking on the open hearth, camp fire, Dutch oven and brick oven. You will complete a project to take home during the class. Located at the Kensington Living History Village, parking available at the Farm Center. Ages 14 and up. Please preregister at http://www.chiefpontiacprograms.org/Skills_Experience.html.