Parents looking for family-friendly activities in the suburbs north of Detroit, Michigan are in luck. There are plenty of local attractions in both Rochester Hills and Utica that give children an opportunity to have fun, get exercise and learn new information.
Run by the city of Rochester Hills and located on 100 acres of land at the Avon Nature Center, the Environmental Education Center gives children a chance to learn about the area’s wildlife in its natural environment. The center features interactive exhibits and displays about the ecosystem in the Rochester Hills area. There are hiking trails within the center to explore the area. The center also runs summer day camps that teach local children about fishing, survival skills and nature discovery.
Rochester Hills Environmental Education Center
1115 W. Avon Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
248-656-4775
rochesterhills.org
Set on 16 acres set aside by the city of Rochester, the Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve offer a pristine and quiet location for exploration and reflection just minutes from the major business and shopping area. There is also a nature center, which houses information about the natural habitat of the area and hosts special events. Past events have included Halloween activities and maple sugaring.
Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
333 North Hill Circle
Rochester, MI 48307
248-656-0999
living-library.com/dinohill
Children who love apple juice will enjoy seeing how it is made when they visit the Yates Cider Mill in Rochester. The Yates Cider Mill opened in 1876 and still produces cider using six different varieties of apples. Visitors can also pick fresh apples from an orchard, visit the attached petting zoo and enjoy a pony ride. Children and adults can also indulge their sweet tooth at the fudge shop and ice cream parlor also located on the site.
Yates Cider Mill
1990 E. Avon Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
248-651-8300
yatescidermill.com
Parents wishing to teach their children about the history of the area can visit the Rochester Hills Museum, which is located on the Van Hoosen farm site which dates back to 1823. The museum tells the story of the development of the Rochester Hills area from its earliest days to modern times. Interactive exhibits highlight the area’s settlement along with the development of agriculture, local commerce and community life throughout the years. Students receive discounted admission and preschool-aged children can visit for free.
Rochester Hills Museum
1005 Van Hoosen Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48306
248-656-4663
rochesterhills.org/city_services/museum/overview.asp
