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Home / Oakland County / New: 2023 January Winter Fun Awaits at Oakland County Parks

New: 2023 January Winter Fun Awaits at Oakland County Parks

If you need to get out of the house, then you can head outdoors for fresh air and frosty fun throughout January thanks to activities like cross-country skiing, ice skating, fat tire biking, snowshoeing, sledding and hiking. There’s plenty to see and do this January at Oakland County Parks.

January Events at Oakland County Parks

January traditionally is one of the coldest and snowiest months of the year so bundle up and head outdoors to enjoy the frosty weather by going cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, snowshoeing and sledding. If there’s no snow, go for a hike, enjoy the dog parks or participate in activities and programs at Wint Nature Center, Red Oaks Nature Center and the Oakland County Farmers Market. Check out these upcoming events:

Jan. 1

  • During Oakland County Parks and Recreation Appreciation Day on Jan. 1, visitors can enjoy free daily park entry with access to natural areas, trails, playgrounds, 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.

Jan. 6

  • Morning Munchkins is 10:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 6 at Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights. Bring your preschooler aged 3-6 to the nature center for a seasonal story and a related hands-on, nature-based discovery activity. This series will be offered the first Friday of each month. The January book is Snowflake Bentley. Cost is $4/child. Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays. Visit OaklandCountyParks.com for details.

Jan. 7

  • Nature Center Tea Party & Birdwatch is 10-11 a.m. Jan. 7 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Enjoy a warm beverage and spend some time observing the birds. This will be a relaxing, informal event for those who want to come and enjoy the birdlife at the nature center. There will be field guides available to identify winter birds. For those who are feeling creative, materials will be provided for drawing and painting the beautiful scenery. Participants may bring a mug, if they wish. This program is suitable for ages 12 and up. Cost is $5/person. Preregistration required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.

Jan. 11

  • Gleaners Community Food Bank is hosting a food distribution event at the Oakland County Farmers Market from 9-11 a.m. Jan. 11 while supplies last. Families and individuals in need of food are encouraged to attend the drive-up or walk-up distribution. Items like milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein and other shelf-stable items will be distributed. Stay in your vehicle, and groceries will be placed in your trunk. Walk up guests without vehicles or those without a trunk are welcome to obtain groceries from a self-service table. If walking, please be prepared to carry the groceries or have a cart. You do not need to bring identification or proof of eligibility to receive food. If you wish to pick up for another household, you may do so without their presence in the car. Call 248-858-5495 or email OCmarket@oakgov.com for more information.

Jan. 12

  • Homeschool Program: Winter Adaptations will be held from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights. How do other animals survive the cold of winter? Come and learn about some cool animal adaptations. Each session is adapted for ages 6-9 and ages 10-13. Preregistration is required; call 248-858-0916 on weekdays during regular business hours. Sessions are designed as drop-off programs for youth. All students are welcome, including those from a traditional homeschool, pod or virtual learning setting. A release form must be completed with registration. Cost: $10/child/session. Programs may include time outdoors, so dress for the weather.

Jan. 13

  • Enjoy a free personal, naturalist-guided nature hike during A Walk in the Woods Jan. 13 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Register for time slots at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Participants will learn about seasonal topics while getting some exercise and enjoying the great outdoors. Up to three family groups will be admitted per time slot. Park entry fee applies. Time slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is free and suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather; no pets allowed. Preregistration required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.
  • The Puddle Jumper Series is 10:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 13 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Children ages 3-6 can enjoy nature fun as they increase their love for the great outdoors. A naturalist will engage children with a story, nature talk and related activity. Each child will also make a craft to take home. The theme for January is Turtles. Events in this series take place the second Friday of each month. Cost is $4/child. Dress for the weather as some activities may take place outdoors. Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.

Jan. 14

  • Survival Must Haves is 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 14 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Ever wonder what you should have in your hiking backpack in case of emergency? Worried about packing too much? This presentation and question and answer session will help you prepare for a fun day of hiking but also be ready for the unexpected. Be sure to dress for the weather as we will be outside. This program is suitable for ages 12 and up. Cost is $5/person. Preregistration required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.

Jan. 15

  • A Platform Tennis Open House is 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan. 15 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.

Jan. 17

  • Join Oakland County Parks and Recreation for a historical chat to learn about the history of the parks and surrounding communities during the virtual monthly Fireside Chats series. This month’s program will be held from 7-8 p.m. Jan. 17 with Oakland County Parks and Recreation Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo. The topic will be “The Mystery of the Disappearing Cemetery: Using Historical Sources to Solve a Puzzle from the Past.” Come learn how historians work like detectives, using clues like old maps, census records and tombstones to solve history mysteries. Call 248-221-8040 for questions and program details. No preregistration is required. Zoom link can be found on OCPR’s Facebook event listings at Facebook.com/ocparks. For more information, visit OaklandCountyParks.com

Jan. 18

  • Homeschool Program: Winter Adaptations will be held from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. How do other animals survive the cold of winter? Come and learn about some cool animal adaptations. Each session is adapted for ages 6-9 and ages 10-13. Preregistration is required; call 248-858-0916 on weekdays during regular business hours. Sessions are designed as drop-off programs for youth. All students are welcome, including those from a traditional homeschool, pod or virtual learning setting. A release form must be completed with registration. Cost: $10/child/session. Programs may include time outdoors, so dress for the weather.

Jan. 20

  • From Jan. 20-31, participants can pick up a kit during the Virtual Take-and-Make program “Daily Dose of Nature.” The average American child spends more than seven hours each day in front of an electronic screen. Research has long proven the benefits of outdoor, unstructured play and yet many continue to replace outdoor time with screen time. This kit will help you achieve an hour or more outside each day, your daily dose of nature. It includes a packet with seasonal activity ideas, a bag, writing utensils, paints, an idea jar and more. It is perfect for an individual or the family. Cost is $20/kit. Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 12 kits available.  Preregister by calling 248-858-0916 during business hours and select a location to pick up program kits. Kits will be available from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday at Red Oaks Nature Center or from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday or 1-5 p.m. Sunday at Wint Nature Center.
  • Enjoy a personal, naturalist-guided nature hike during A Walk in the Woods Jan. 20 at Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights. Register for time slots at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Participants will learn about seasonal topics while getting some exercise and enjoying the outdoors. Up to three family groups will be admitted per time slot. No pets allowed. 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.
  • Owl Moon Hike is 5:15-6:45 p.m. Jan. 20 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Learn fact from fiction about owl anatomy and then hit the trail to attempt to find the secretive quarry. Quiet nature lovers are a necessity at this event and therefore, it is open to participants ages 6 and up. Dress warmly for the weather. This program has outdoor components, including an after-dark hike. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended. Cost is $6/person. Preregistration required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.

Jan. 21

  • Scout Badge Day – Girl Scouts Daisies: Rosie is set from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. Jan. 21 at Red Oaks Nature Center. 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights. Naturalists will help scouts complete the necessary requirements to achieve a badge. Program will take place rain or shine. Dress for the weather, as portions of the program may be outdoors. Cost is $10/scout. Preregistration is required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays or registration forms are available at OaklandCountyParks.com.
  • Scout Badge Day – Scouts of America Bears: Super Science is set from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. Jan. 21 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Naturalists will help scouts complete the necessary requirements to achieve a badge. Program will take place rain or shine. Dress for the weather, as portions of the program may be outdoors. Cost is $10/scout. Preregistration is required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays or registration forms are available at OaklandCountyParks.com.

Jan. 25

  • Gleaners Community Food Bank is hosting a food distribution event at the Oakland County Farmers Market from 9-11 a.m. Jan. 25 while supplies last. Families and individuals in need of food are encouraged to attend the drive-up or walk-up distribution. Items like milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein and other shelf-stable items will be distributed. Stay in your vehicle and groceries will be placed in your trunk. Walk up guests without vehicles or those without a trunk are welcome to obtain groceries from a self-service table. If walking, please be prepared to carry the groceries or have a cart. You do not need to bring identification or proof of eligibility to receive food. If you wish to pick up for another household, you may do so without their presence in the car. Call 248-858-5495 or email OCmarket@oakgov.com for more information.

Jan. 27

  • Stroll the trail at Friendship Woods during NatureFit: Owl Prowl from 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Red Oaks Nature Center. Learn fact from fiction about owl anatomy. Quiet nature lovers are a necessity at this event and therefore, it is open to participants ages 6 and up. Dress warmly for the weather. This program has outdoor components, including an after-dark hike. Cost is $6/person. Preregistration with payment is required by calling 248-858-0916 during weekday business hours. Details: OaklandCountyParks.com.

Jan. 28

  • Stay warm this winter by cozying up by the fire and learning about famous legends of Michigan during Michigan Legends from 2-3:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Red Oaks Nature Center. Join a naturalist for an afternoon of storytelling, games and crafts. A snack will also be served. All ages are welcome. Cost is $7/person. Preregistration with payment is required by calling 248-858-0916 during weekday business hours. Details: OaklandCountyParks.com.

Jan. 31

  • Jan. 31 is the last day participants can pick up a kit during the Virtual Take-and-Make program “Daily Dose of Nature.” The average American child spends more than seven hours each day in front of an electronic screen. Research has long proven the benefits of outdoor, unstructured play and yet many continue to replace outdoor time with screen time. This kit will help you achieve an hour or more outside each day, your daily dose of nature. It includes a packet with seasonal activity ideas, a bag, writing utensils, paints, an idea jar and more. It is perfect for an individual or the family. Cost is $20/kit. Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 12 kits available. Preregister by calling 248-858-0916 during business hours and select a location to pick up program kits. Kits will be available from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday at Red Oaks Nature Center or from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday or 1-5 p.m. Sunday at Wint Nature Center.

For information on other events, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Join the conversation onFacebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Amber Louchart
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.