Park hopping is one of my favorite things to do with the kids. It gives us plenty of outdoor time, it’s great exercise, and it’s FREE to do!
I recently loaded up my crew plus an extra kid to rank the best playgrounds Livingston County, Michigan. Check out the positives the kid’s chose for each, or hop in the car and judge for yourself!
There are also plenty of smaller playgrounds that are lovely, and awesome playscapes inside our Metroparks and the Howell Nature Center. For this post though, we hit up those that are FREE to visit.
Below you will find the thoughts/rankings of my kids — ages 6, 8 and 10, as well as my mom perspective. Have fun exploring!
Best Playgrounds in Livingston County
Imagination Station
Overall rating: 5/5 stars
448 Mill Pond Ln., Brighton, MI 48116 | Website
Age recommendation: 4-10 {toddlers can easily get lost in here and it’s not stroller-friendly, so plan to babywear or park the stroller outside}
Dedicated toddler area: Yes
Kid positives: Everything! Fun to play hide and go seek inside with other kids. Close to ice cream. Sandbox area for younger tikes.
Mom’s positives: I love being right in downtown Brighton so I can see what’s new in town. They have the cutest shops and most beautiful spots for photos. I love being able to walk on the Mill Pond boardwalk afterward as well. There is a public bathroom right behind the playground, which is appreciated.
Mom’s negatives: It’s impossible to come here and not spend money on a treat after playing. Also, this playground is HARD with toddlers or multiple children as there are LOTS of nooks and crannies. Make sure to dress your kid in an obnoxiously bright color when visiting! Parking can be tricky during peak times, so you may need to walk a block or two if the lot next door is full.
Nearby favorites: Jack’s Custard {affordable kid-friendly sundaes and cones}, Oh My Lolli!, 2 Dandelions Bookshop, Great Harvest Bread, Culture Beer & Cheese {they have grilled cheese Fridays once a month}, Brighton Coffee House and Theater {for the adults}. Further down the boardwalk is Dairy Queen as well.
Settlers Park
Overall rating: 4.25/5 stars
2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353
Age recommendation: 3-12
Dedicated toddler area: Yes
Kid positives: Feels new, has high climbing structures for older kids and a question wheel to ask silly questions to {think like a Magic 8 ball}. There’s also a Gaga ball pit, which could be fun with friends.
Mom’s positives: Clean bathrooms and some nice shaded spots to sit while the kids play. Also, I LOVE the biking trails located here as well. {See this post}
Mom’s Negatives: Mulch. It’s just a pain in the butt when you’re wearing sandals. I also wish they had made it wheelchair/ADA accessible.
Nearby favorites: There is a Baskin Robbins, Culver’s, Panda Express and more just up the road.
Genoa Township Park
Overall rating: 3.75/5 stars
2100 Dorr Rd, Brighton, MI 48114 | Website
Age recommendation: Baby – 12 {baby can easily crawl around as there are grassy areas and rubber flooring}
Dedicated toddler area: Yes
Kid favorites: Lots of spinning equipment, a unique climbing structure and a zip line. There is also a water mister, which is awesome on a hot day!
Mom’s positives: This park is extremely stroller-friendly and is ADA accessible. There is a nice bathroom onsite and great shade for picnics. There is a nice short walking trail, or could be a fun spot for kids to bike and scooter. Sweet sledding hill here during wintertime too.
BONUS: They are adding a huge naturescape onto this playground soon, so it’s going to get even better.
Mom’s negatives: It’s a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the playground, so you better not forget anything 😉 Also, I don’t love the nearby freeway noise and wish there were more larger trees around the park.
Nearby favorites: Southern Shaved Ice is just up the road for a treat. The nearby Lake Chemung Market has a Tubby’s and pizza inside and is a pretty spot to picnic as well.
Oceola Township Park
Overall rating: 3.5/5 stars
1661 N. Latson Rd., Howell, MI 48843 | Website
Age recommendation: 2-10
Dedicated toddler area: Yes
Kid positives: Big trees, some of which are fun for climbing, Unique rubber slide/tightrope feature that’s fun, ability to practice soccer in the nearby fields.
Mom positives: Wheelchair/ADA accessible. Dog-friendly. Love the walking path around this park as well as the large fields for playing sports with my kids.
Mom negatives: Porta potties only {though they do always seem clean} and it’s right in front of a cell tower, which isn’t pretty to look at.
Nearby favorites: There is a Tim Horton’s and ColdStone Creamery combo across the way.
Summit Gardens
Overall rating: 3.25/5 stars
223 N Michigan Ave., Howell, MI 48843 | Website
Age recommendation: 2-8
Dedicated toddler area: No, but it’s toddler-friendly. Just don’t take your eyes off of them as it’s near a busy road and parking lot.
Kid positives: Playing in the maze, playing checkers with rocks, checking out the train tracks next to it.
Mom positives: OK, not really a playground per say, but it’s the cutest park ever! Super artsy and whimsical.
Mom negatives: Super close to a busy road, which I don’t love. Older kids will bore easily, so bring bean bags if you have them so they can play corn hole when they are done running around.
Nearby favorites: Within walking distance — M Street Baking Co. {monster milkshakes!}, Weaver’s Kava House {healthy smoothie bowls}, Chocolate Boutique and Dairy Queen. Also, a few of my favorite stores downtown – Carriage House, Dragonfly Emporium and Heart of Michigan.
Bonus Park: Scofield Park {aka Howell City Park}
Overall rating: 3/5 stars
404 Thompson St., Howell, MI 48843 | Website
I didn’t want to include this one because during summer it costs non-city residents $10 to visit and requires a pass. BUT, between Labor Day and Memorial Day it’s free and has two nice playgrounds and is one of the best spots to picnic and swim in the area. So worthy of a quick mention 🙂
Age recommendation: 5-12
Dedicated toddler area: No. Also, near water, so make sure to keep a close eye on little ones.
Kid positives: Lots of space to run around. Old school playground equipment. Cool gravestones to look at in the cemetery next to the park {being respectful of course!}.
Mom positives: Scenery. SO pretty, especially in fall! Love being next to the lake. Lots of people like to fish here.
Mom negatives: Not stroller/ADA-friendly at all. Most disgusting bathrooms ever. Lots of roots on the ground for toddlers to fall on. Cars are parked far enough away to necessitate going back and forth to the car, so bring a bag to carry any snacks or items you may need while playing.
Nearby favorites: See above since it’s pretty close to Summit Gardens. We also love getting takeout from Gus’s Carryout to enjoy at this park. Their breadsticks are incredible!
That wraps up this edition of playground hopping. Which are your favorites?
For playgrounds specific to metro Detroit, check out this post from Metro Detroit Mommy, and this post from Ann Arbor With Kids!
Have so much fun if you go exploring!
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