November is a good time to slow down, relax, and enjoy autumn’s cooler, comfortable temperatures. Explore the nearly 80 miles of trails at the 13 Oakland County Parks, try platform tennis, or check out the fall harvest at the Oakland County Farmers Market.
Please remember: All nature center programs will take place outdoors – under a tent or on a trail. Water bottles and outdoor dress are recommended. Masks are encouraged for trail programs and required for programs conducted under the tent. Masks are available onsite if participants do not have their own. Staff will wear masks. Screening questions and touchless temperature checks are required upon arrival. In case of inclement weather, programs may be canceled.
Explore safely outdoors before autumn fades away and enjoy these upcoming activities offered through Oakland County Parks and Recreation:
Nov. 6
Morning Munchkins is 10:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 6 at Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights. Join this exciting series just for preschoolers. Bring your munchkin to the nature center for a favorite story and a related hands-on, nature-based discovery activity. This series will be offered on the first Friday of each month. The November book is “How Groundhog’s Garden Grew.” The cost is $4/child. Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.
Nov. 11
During Oakland County Parks and Recreation Appreciation Day on Nov. 11, visitors can enjoy free daily park entry with access to natural areas, trails, dog parks and all park amenities at Addison Oaks County Park, Highland Oaks County Park, Independence Oaks County Park, Lyon Oaks County Park and Dog Park, Orion Oaks County Park and Dog Park, Red Oaks Dog Park and Rose Oaks County Park. Park hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, or as posted at the park. Visit OaklandCountyParks.com for details.
Nov. 12
Homeschool Program: Research Rocks: Geology will be held from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights. See samples of minerals from around the planet while learning about crystals and studying stones. Then, polish a Petoskey stone to take home. Each session is adapted for ages 5-9 and ages 10-17. Preregistration is required; call 248-858-0916 on weekdays during regular business hours as no on-site registration will be available. Sessions are designed as drop-off programs for youth. All students are welcome, whether from a traditional homeschool, pod or virtual learning setting. A release form must be completed with registration. Cost: $10/session. Visit OaklandCountyParks.com for details.
Nov. 13
Enjoy a personal, naturalist-guided nature hike during Trail Hikes by Appointment Nov. 13 at Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights. Register for time slots at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Participants will learn about seasonal plants and animals while getting some exercise and enjoying the great outdoors. Up to three family groups will be admitted per time slot to accommodate social distancing. Time slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is free and suitable for all ages. Preregistration required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.
Children ages 3-6 can have some nature fun as they increase their love for the great outdoors during Mini Naturalist from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Nov. 13 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. A naturalist will engage children with the story “A Stone Sat Still,” nature talk, and related activity. Each child will receive a craft kit to take and make at home. The cost is $4/child. Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.
Nov. 14
Enjoy a personal, naturalist-guided nature hike during Trail Hikes by Appointment Nov. 14 at Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights. Register for time slots at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Participants will learn about seasonal plants and animals while getting some exercise and enjoying the great outdoors. Up to three family groups will be admitted per time slot to accommodate social distancing. Time slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is free and suitable for all ages.
Preregistration required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.
A Platform Tennis Open House is at 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 14 at Waterford Oaks County Park, 1702 Scott Lake Road in Waterford. Platform Tennis is the only racquet sport played outdoors in cold weather. After snow is removed, the courts’ special floor heating units provide a dry playing surface. No previous experience needed. No preregistration
is necessary for the open house. Instruction will be provided from Waterford Oaks Paddle Club. Dress for the weather; tennis shoes required. Extra equipment will be available for first-time players or those that do not have their own paddles or paddle balls. For more information, visit OaklandCountyParks.com or call 248-858-0916.
Have you ever wondered how animals prepare for and survive the winter? How do woodchucks stay fed in winter? Or how does a deer stay warm? Join us during Buck, Chuck and Duck: Preparing for Winter at Wint from 1-2 p.m. Nov. 14 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston to learn more. This program is suitable for all ages. Cost is $4/person. Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.
Nov. 16
Join us on Zoom! Oakland County Parks and Recreation Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo will discuss the history of Glen Oaks Golf Course during a Fireside Chat from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 16. A railway, seed potatoes and a female architect – these are all part of the amazing history of Glen Oaks. This is a free program. Find the Zoom link at OaklandCountyParks.com. Click on the “Get Involved” tab, scroll to “Events” and click on the flyer link under the Nov. 16 event listing. Call 248-858-0906 for more information.
Nov. 17
Homeschool Program: Research Rocks: Geology will be held from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at Wint Nature Center, 9501 Sashabaw Road in Clarkston. See samples of minerals from around the planet while learning about crystals and studying stones. Then, polish a Petoskey stone to take home. Each session is adapted for ages 5-9 and ages 10-17. Preregistration is required; call 248-858-0916 on weekdays during regular business hours as no on-site registration will be available. Sessions are designed as drop-off programs for youth. All students are welcome, whether from a traditional
homeschool, pod or virtual learning setting. A release form must be completed with registration. Cost: $10/session. Visit OaklandCountyParks.com for details.
Nov. 20
Enjoy a personal, naturalist-guided nature hike during Trail Hikes by Appointment Nov. 20 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Register for time slots at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Participants will learn about seasonal plants and animals while getting some exercise and enjoying the great outdoors. Up to three family groups will be admitted per time slot to accommodate social distancing. Park entry fee applies. Time slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is free and suitable for all ages. Preregistration required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.
Nov. 21
Enjoy a personal, naturalist-guided nature hike during Trail Hikes by Appointment Nov.21 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Register for time slots at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Participants will learn about seasonal plants and animals while getting some exercise and enjoying the great outdoors. Up to three family groups will be admitted per time slot to accommodate social distancing. Park entry fee applies. Time slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is free and suitable for all ages. Preregistration required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.
Have you ever wondered how animals prepare for and survive the winter? How do woodchucks stay fed in winter? Or how does a deer stay warm? Join us during Buck, Chuck and Duck: Preparing for Winter at Red Oaks from 1-2 p.m. Nov. 21 at Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights to learn more. This program is suitable for all ages. Cost is $4/person. Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.
Nov. 26
During Oakland County Parks and Recreation Appreciation Day on Nov. 26, visitors can enjoy free daily park entry with access to natural areas, trails, dog parks and all park amenities at Addison Oaks County Park, Highland Oaks County Park, Independence Oaks County Park, Lyon Oaks County Park and Dog Park, Orion Oaks County Park and Dog Park, Red Oaks Dog Park and Rose Oaks County Park. Park hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, or as posted at the park.
For information on other events, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.
Author: Amber Louchart
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats.
She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
