Flurries of Fun All Winter Long

The Oakland County Parks system provides opportunities to stay active and bask in nature's wonder all year long. Winter is no exception!

From cross-country skiing and fat tire biking to birdwatching and attending exciting at one of our two nature centers, there is always a reason to get outside and enjoy the crisp air, beautiful scenery and fresh snow!

Check out the wide range of winter recreation opportunities at each park in this printable document here.

Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking and Snowshoeing

Independence Oaks in Clarkston has groomed trails, cross-country skiing rental equipment and restroom facilities. Please call the park at 810-625-0877 for current information about hours and equipment availability. Plan your route with the Independence Oaks Winter Trail Map.

For hikers or those with their own cross-country or snowshoe equipment, ungroomed trails can be enjoyed at Addison Oaks north of Rochester, Highland Oaks in Highland, Lyon Oaks in Lyon Township, Orion Oaks and Orion Township and Rose Oaks near Holly.

Disc Golf

Addison Oaks features an 18-hole disc golf course that is open through the winter.

Dog Parks

Off-leash fun for your furry friend is available at Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks and Red Oaks dog parks all winter long.

Farmers Market

During winter, the Oakland County Farmers Market offers decor and gifts, root veggies, artisan crafts and other goodies. Availability varies daily, so please call ahead at 248-858-5495 to confirm if you are looking for a specific item.

Winter hours begin in January with the market open from 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturdays only through the end of April.

Fat Tire Biking

Enjoy winter on (over-sized, knobby) wheels at Addison Oaks. The park offers over five miles of groomed, multi-use trails, including a 6-foot-wide trail loop with scenic views and challenging hills perfect for the adventurous fat tire biker. Plan your route with the Addison Oaks Trail Map.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is at your own risk - conditions are not monitored by staff.

Nature Centers

There is so much to see, do and learn at Wint and Red Oaks nature centers this season.

• Birdwatching - Red Oaks Nature Center's compact 37 acres with brush right off the trails makes spotting birds fun and easy, so layer up and look out for Dark-eyed Juncos, American Tree Sparrows, Red-breasted Nuthatches or a handful of other migrating species visiting Michigan for the winter!
• Homeschool Curriculum - drop-off programs adapted for (traditional homeschool. pod or virtual learning) students ages 6-9 and 10-13 feature a wide range of topics, including maple sugaring, bird migrations, pinch pot pottery, aquatic insects, wolves and more. Check out the 2023 Homeschool Curriculum Flyer for complete details. 
• Nature Education Programs - there are so many programs to enjoy at the nature centers: Take a naturalist-guided walk through the woods, participate in an after-dark owl spotting hike, learn survival must-haves or how to identify trees by bark alone. View the Spring Nature Education Programs Brochure for full details.
• Scout Badge Days - the nature centers offer opportunities for scouts to earn badges through interactive programs that run year round. Check out the Fall 2022-Spring 2023 Scout Badge Days Flyer for program information.
• Storybook Trail - children and adults alike can delight in a stroll along the Storybook Trail at Red Oaks Nature Center. The featured book is "The Sweetest Season" by Elissa Kerr. 

Platform Tennis

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. Individual or family membership in the Waterford Oaks Platform Tennis group is required to play.

• Platform Tennis Membership Application

Oakland County Parks is a proud sponsor of the Michigan Senior Olympics. To learn more about registration for the winter or summer games, click here. 

Michigan Senior Olympics

Sledding

Grab a sled and head to the hills for some free family fun. The Family Sledding Hill at Waterford Oaks County Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset or as posted at the gate, weather permitting. Portable restroom facilities are on site.

For safety reasons, golf course are closed to the public during winter. Throughout the off-season, we do not monitor the courses for public use. Also, maintenance is done during this time that cannot take place when the courses are open.

Additional Resources

• Park Maps
• Park Rules