Oakland County Parks and Recreation is Ready for Autumn with Seasonal Programming

OAKLAND COUNTY – The cooler temperatures that fall ushers in create ideal conditions for visiting parks and participating in seasonal activities. Nature is fascinating to watch as wildlife, plants and trees prepare for the challenges of winter that lie ahead. Take advantage of September’s pleasant outdoor environment by getting out on the golf course, meeting friends at the dog park and registering the family for these upcoming activities offered through Oakland County Parks and Recreation:

Sept. 1

The Concerts in the Parks series continues from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 1 at LaFontaine Family Amphitheater, 159 N. Main St., Milford. This event features the band EYE96. For a schedule of upcoming concerts, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.

Sept. 2

Morning Munchkins is 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sept. 2 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 September book is Leafman. Cost is $4/child. Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays. Visit OaklandCountyParks.com for details.
From Sept. 2-17, participants can pick up a kit during the Virtual Take and Make program Soapstone Carving Kit. Reserve a kit, then listen to the pre-recorded instruction to learn how to carve soapstone. Cost is $20/kit. Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This virtual program is suitable for ages 8 and up. There are 20 kits available. Preregister by calling 248-858-0916 during business hours and select a location to pick up program kits.
Labor Day weekend at Addison Oaks Campground brings special events and activities Sept. 2-4. Make a reservation to join the fun! The campground has 170 campsites available, plus group areas, cabins and yurts. Detailed schedules will be available at the contact station prior to the weekend. For more information, call 248-693-2432 or for a reservation, call 248-858-1400.

Sept. 3

Join Studio 8 Fitness of Waterford for a free yoga lesson from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 at the Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. The lesson will take place on the grassy area to the west of the market building, weather permitting. This program is held in collaboration with Healthy Oakland Partnership. For more information, visit OaklandCountyParks.com or call 248-858-5495.
Enjoy Tai Chi with Studio 8 Fitness of Waterford from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 at the Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. The lesson will take place on the grassy area to the west of the market building, weather permitting. This program is held in collaboration with Healthy Oakland Partnership. Visit OaklandCountyParks.com or call 248-858-5495 for more information.

Sept. 7

Gleaners Community Food Bank is hosting a food distribution event at the Oakland County Farmers Market from 9-11 a.m. Sept. 7 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.
Sunset on Crooked Lake is 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Cruise around Crooked Lake in Oakland County Parks and Recreation’s accessible pontoon boat while Parks Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo provides interesting tidbits of information about the surrounding area. Cost is $5/person; maximum 10 guests per night. For more information, email ActiveAdults@oakgov.com. To register, call 248-858-0916 during business hours.

Sept. 8

Homeschool Series: Smitten With Our Mitten will be held from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights. Discover history, fun facts and more about Michigan. 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 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/child/session. Program may take place outdoors so dress for the weather. Visit OaklandCountyParks.com for details.

Sept. 9

Enjoy a free personal, naturalist-guided nature hike during Trail Hikes by Appointment Sept. 9 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 outdoors. Up to five family groups will be admitted per time slot. No pets are allowed. 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.
The Puddle Jumper Series is 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sept. 9 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Children ages 3-6 can have 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 receive a craft kit to take and make at home. The topic for September is Apples and Cider. Events in this series take place the second Friday of each month. Cost is $4/child. Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.

Sept. 10

Enjoy a free personal, naturalist-guided nature hike during Trail Hikes by Appointment Sept. 10 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 outdoors. Up to five family groups will be admitted per time slot. No pets are allowed. 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.
Grandparents Day Camp – Let’s Get Buggy! is 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Join a naturalist for an afternoon of nature, fun and bugs. Learn about what makes an insect an insect, different types of insects and how insects help make the world a better place. Plan on a short hike and a make and take craft. All ages are welcome. Cost is $7/person. Preregistration required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.

Sept. 11

Grandparents Day Camp – Apples Antics is 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights. Bring the grandkids to learn apple facts, lore and history, while turning apples into cider using the nature center’s apple press. Enjoy making an apple-themed craft, too. All ages welcome. Cost is $7/person. Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.

Sept. 15

Join Studio 8 Fitness of Waterford for a free yoga lesson from noon-12:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. The lesson will take place on the grassy area to the west of the market building, weather permitting. This program is held in collaboration with Healthy Oakland Partnership. For more information, visit OaklandCountyParks.com or call 248-858-5495.

Sept. 16

Enjoy a personal, naturalist-guided nature hike during Trail Hikes by Appointment Sept. 16 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 five 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.

Sept. 17

Enjoy a personal, naturalist-guided nature hike during Trail Hikes by Appointment Sept. 17 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 five 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.

Sept. 18

Find hidden treasures for sale or sell items you no longer need during the Community Garage Sale from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Community members, direct vendors and Mom2Mom sellers are welcome to register for a booth to sell items. Cost is $15/booth; limit two booths per person. The Oakland County Farmers Market is located at 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. Contact the market to rent a booth by calling 248-858-5495.

Sept. 21

Gleaners Community Food Bank is hosting a food distribution event at the Oakland County Farmers Market from 9-11 a.m. Sept. 21 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.
Homeschool Series: Smitten With Our Mitten will be held from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Discover history, fun facts and more about Michigan. 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 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/child/session. Program may take place outdoors so dress for the weather. Visit OaklandCountyParks.com for details.

Sept. 22

Awesome Autumn, a program for individuals ages 18 and older with developmental disabilities, will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 22 at Waterford Oaks County Park Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road in Waterford. Seasonal fun will include accessible hayrides, dinner, music and dancing. Cost is $10/participant and $5/caregiver. Preregister by Sept. 16. Call 248-858-0916 to register or call or text 248-221-8040 for program questions and information.

Sept. 24

Southward Bound is 2-4 p.m. Sept. 24 at Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights. Learn about spectacular migrants both locally and globally, then stretch your own wings on a migration obstacle course. Learn how you can help birds on their journey as they travel across the continent toward warmer weather, then hit the trail to seek out some feathered friends. Cost is $5/person. Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays.

Sept. 25

Oakland County Parks and Recreation will host Disability Dirt Day, a program for individuals with disabilities from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 25 at Holly Oaks ORV Park, 14551 Shields Road, Holly. Rides will be provided by volunteers and there will be music and family activities to enjoy. Lunch is provided and each rider receives a free T-shirt. This event series is sponsored by LaFontaine. For additional information or to reserve a spot, text or call 248-221-8040 or email Adaptive@oakgov.com.

Sept. 30

From Sept. 30-Oct. 15, participants can pick up a kit during the Virtual Take and Make program Documenting the Natural World: Field Journaling 101. Reserve a kit and create your own record of the things you’ve seen, then tune in for live Zoom instruction from 2-3 p.m. Oct. 15 for a virtual group journaling session. Cost is $15/kit. Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is suitable for all ages. There are 20 kits available. Preregister by calling 248-858-0916 during business hours and select a location to pick up program kits.