The first day of Autumn truly felt like it, right? Detroitisit is excited to share several family-friendly fall activities in Detroit parks, leading up to Halloween. Celebrate the season from U-pick produce to harvest festivals to observing the vibrant colors of the changing leaves in the expanding, natural spaces.
Detroitisit highlighted green spaces in Detroit earlier this year, but there are more natural colors! This list of family-friendly fall activities in Detroit parks, inspired by The Detroit Parks Coalition, spotlights the wonders of nature that behold Michigan’s warm, autumnal palette.
STROLL THE PARK VIEWS
ELA JIGA MEMORIAL BENCH, PHOTO FRIENDS OF ROUGE PARK / ROUGE PARK.ORG
Did you know there are more than 300 parks in the city of Detroit? They especially come alive in the months of fall. Enjoy the changing colors during a walk or hike in one of Detroit’s beautiful parks. Enjoy the views of Rouge Park’s Stone Bridge Nature Trail from the new Ela Jiga Memorial Bench dedicated by the Friends of Rouge Park. Check out the new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Trail on the eastern end of Belle Isle.
HAYRIDES AT PALMER PARK, PHOTO CATALYST MEDIA FACTORY / HAYRIDES AT PALMER PARK
VISIT A HARVEST FESTIVAL
If you haven’t already bought a pumpkin yet, you could take a hayride or pick your own pumpkin at a Harvest Festival. Palmer Park Harvest Fest: September 24, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Detroit Harvest Fest at the Dequindre Cut: October 1-2, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.This is a free festival. Nothing is better than scenic fall views on the Detroit Riverfront, especially when it includes hayrides, pumpkin patches, trick or treating, inflatables, live music, and more.
EXPERIENCE ART IN THE PARK
There’s always something innovative and historically rich happening at the DIA. Find all nine DIA InsideOut installations throughout Rouge Park. Check out the stunning “A Walk in the Park” sculpture at Eliza Howell Park. Participate in a Community Sing as the Detroit Parks Coalition’s Freedom Arts Festival closes in Eliza Howell Park on October 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
NORTH END URBAN FARM, PHOTO CURBED DETROIT / PINTEREST
VOLUNTEER AT A COMMUNITY GARDEN
Harvesting season is upon us. The flavors of fall taste best when they’re from local Detroit. Help others see the beauty and abundance that’s rooted right in Detroit. Gardening is an enjoyable summer activity, but it’s also grounding in these next couple of months. Celebrate a plentiful, heartwarming harvest at your nearest community garden! Volunteering is one of the most humbling family-friendly activities in Detroit parks. Volunteer to put gardens to bed.
MORE VOLUNTEER OPTIONS
The “giving season” is just around the corner, so we’re giving you more options. The Chandler Park Conservancy welcomes you to get involved as well. This non-profit corporation was formed in 2014 by the Chandler Park and Promise Coalition, a project of the Eastside Community Network. Volunteer for the cleanup at the Chandler Park wetland on October 6 or stop by the Virginia Park community garden operated by Midtown Detroit, Inc.
OTHER ACTIVITIES AND OCTOBER EVENTS
PUMPKIN PATCH IN MICHIGAN, PHOTO MADDY BAKER / UNSPLASH
- Watch for migrating birds at Rouge Park and Eliza Howell Park.
- It wouldn’t be fall with a trip to the apple orchard and/or cider mill. Go apple picking in the Palmer Park orchards.
- Halloween is when the party really starts. The festivities are well on their way. Oct. 31 from 4 PM-7 PM is when everyone will be celebrating Halloween in the D.
- Celebrate Día de Los Muertos at Clark Park and nearby Southwest Detroit or through a free celebration at Robert C. Valade Park on October 29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Cider In The City Beacon Park brings the family together! This October, it’s all about the Big Biergarten Tent. They’ll have fall food favorites, kid’s activities and games, and live entertainment.
- This is your chance to get in your steps with the kids. Family-friendly events On October 15, Detroit Free Press Marathon. Whether you’re up for the mile or marathon, or the Kid’s Fun Run, you will be glad for the exercise.
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[…] gathering spots in Detroit wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Detroit’s biggest park, Rouge Park. This urban park is a perfect space to bring your whole family. Rouge Park also has two […]