Oakland County Parks offers a variety of programming for active adults. Explore our parks, try a new activity, learn about Oakland County history and enjoy socializing with others in a welcoming, friendly environment. Check back often as programs are added to the calendar and feel free to email OCPrecreation@oakgov.com or call 248-221-8040 with your questions, comments and suggestions.

Register online for Active Adults programming

Upcoming Events

Oakland County Parks offers many programs for Active Adults throughout the year that focus on fitness, wellness, historical education and fun in the parks.

Check back soon for the 2026 Active Adults Programming Calendar of Events to see what we have planned for the whole year at a glance!

Fireside Chats Series

Join us on Zoom as Oakland County Parks Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo shares fascinating history connected to Oakland County Parks during her Fireside Chat from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, March 19. The topic will be “A Governess, A Farmeress and a Doctor from Alabama: Forgotten Stories of Oakland County Women.” Too often women have been marginalized in history and left out of the narrative, their stories untold. Discover fascinating women whose lives were an important part of Oakland County’s past.

Fireside Chats is a free program series. Join online by clicking on this Zoom link. There is no need to preregister.

This year's Fireside Chats series will focus on celebrating the 60th anniversary of Oakland County Parks. Discover stories you never knew about the parks system, learn about how the park's natural assets shaped the region and gain an appreciation for those who cared for the land before we became stewards of it.

Upcoming Fireside Chat presentations include:

• Tuesday, Sept. 22 - "Growing Great Parks: Celebrating 60 years of Oakland County Parks"
• Wednesday, Oct. 28 - "A River Runs Through Them: Waterways and our Parks"
• Thursday, Nov. 19 - "Those Who First Belonged: Indigenous Connections to
  our Oakland County Parks"

All presentations run from 7-8 p.m. on Zoom. For more information and individual program links, view the Fireside Chats Flyer.

Fireside Chats Flyer

Trailside Chats Series

Join Parks Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo for this new series of in-person historical lecture with an optional short hike. No registration is needed.

The first topic in the series will be "A Dead Cow, an Apple Orchard and a Town that Disappeared: Lyon Oaks and Beyond." It will be held from 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 at Lyon Oaks Event Center, 52251 Pontiac Trail in Wixom. Learn about the intriguing history of Lyon Oaks County Park and the surrounding area.

Upcoming Trailside Chat presentations will be held from 7-8 p.m. Topics and locations include:

• Tuesday, May 19 at Pleasant Ridge Community Center, -  "A Polar Bear, a Hypnotist and a Ghost River: A Slightly Unconventional Look at the History of Woodward Avenue"
• Tuesday, June 2 at Independence Oaks Twin Chimneys Picnic Shelter - "A River Runs Through it: A look at the Clinton River Over Time"
• Thursday, July 16 at Addison Oaks Buhl Estate - "Growing Great Parks: Celebrating 60 years of Oakland County Parks"
• Tuesday, Aug. 4 at Springfield Oaks Ellis Barn - "Digging into the Past: Archaeology and Oakland County Parks"

For more information, email OCPRecreation@oakgov.com or call 248-221-8040.

Veteran Dirt Day

Celebrate Armed Forces Day by joining us for Veteran Dirt Day from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, May 15 at Holly Oaks ORV Park.

An off- roading ride will be provided for a veteran and one guest (must be at least 10 years old) during this special event, which is presented by Detroit 4Fest, Wheels in Motion, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Detroit VA Healthcare System and Oakland County Parks. Participants can also visit with vendors that support veterans.

Registration is required by scanning the QR code on the flyer below or clicking here. Those who register will be sent an hour ride time slot prior to the event date.  Call 248-221-8040 with program questions.

• Printable Veteran Dirt Day Flyer

Register for Veteran Dirt Day

Other events

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events, too! More information will be released closer to the event dates.

• May 2 - Senior Market FRESH Day from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Senior Market FRESH Days provide eligible seniors with opportunities to purchase farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market. 
• May 16 - Senior Market FRESH Day from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Senior Market FRESH Days provide eligible seniors with opportunities to purchase farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market. 
• June 4 - Senior Market FRESH Day from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Senior Market FRESH Days provide eligible seniors with opportunities to purchase farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market. 
• June 10 - Cruisin' on Crooked Lake. Join us while we cruise around Crooked Lake enjoying the sights and sounds of summer during a 45-minute pontoon boat ride. Meet at the Independence Oaks County Park Boathouse. Hourly rides will be scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Limited to 10 guests per trip. Cost: $5/person. Preregistration required. Registration opens May 1.  
• June 13- Senior Market FRESH Day from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Senior Market FRESH Days provide eligible seniors with opportunities to purchase farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market. 
• June 29 - Over 50+ Swim Party.  Adults ages 50 and older are welcome to experience Red Oaks Waterpark after hours from 7:30-9 p.m. Enjoy the wave pool, waterslides and River Ride. Cost: $10/person if preregistered; $15/person day of event. Registration opens May 1.
• July 8 - Cruisin' on Crooked Lake. Join us while we cruise around Crooked Lake enjoying the sights and sounds of summer during a 45-minute pontoon boat ride. Meet at the Independence Oaks County Park Boathouse. Hourly rides will be scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Limited to 10 guests per trip. Cost: $5/person. Preregistration required. Registration opens May 1. 
• July 11 - Adult Only Archery Shoot. Learn archery basics and perfect shooting technique from 1-3 p.m. at the Independence Oaks County Park Archery Range. Each session is limited to 16 guests. Cost: $15/person. Register by calling 248-858-0916.
• July 18 - Senior Market FRESH Day from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Senior Market FRESH Days provide eligible seniors with opportunities to purchase farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market. 
• July 21 - Over 50+ Swim Party.  Adults ages 50 and older are welcome to experience Red Oaks Waterpark after hours from 7:30-9 p.m. Enjoy the wave pool, waterslides and River Ride. Cost: $10/person if preregistered; $15/person day of event. Registration opens May 1.
• July 29 - Summer Vibes Picnic. Enjoy fishing, archery, a nature education program, lawn games and a pontoon boat ride during this adults-only program from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Independence Oaks County Park. A hot dog lunch will be provided. Cost: $5/person. Preregistration required.
• July 30 - Senior Market FRESH Day from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Senior Market FRESH Days provide eligible seniors with opportunities to purchase farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market. 
• Aug. 1 - Senior Market FRESH Day from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Senior Market FRESH Days provide eligible seniors with opportunities to purchase farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market. 
• Aug. 6 - Cruisin' on Crooked Lake. Join us while we cruise around Crooked Lake enjoying the sights and sounds of summer during a 45-minute pontoon boat ride. Meet at the Independence Oaks County Park Boathouse. Hourly rides will be scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Limited to 10 guests per trip. Cost: $5/person. Preregistration required. Registration opens May 1. 
• Aug. 11 - Over 50+ Swim Party.  Adults ages 50 and older are welcome to experience Red Oaks Waterpark after hours from 7:30-9 p.m. Enjoy the wave pool, waterslides and River Ride. Cost: $10/person if preregistered; $15/person day of event. Registration opens May 1.
• Aug. 15 - Senior Market FRESH Day from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Senior Market FRESH Days provide eligible seniors with opportunities to purchase farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market. 
• Sept. 12 - Adult Only Archery Shoot. Learn archery basics and perfect shooting technique from 1-3 p.m. at the Independence Oaks County Park Archery Range. Each session is limited to 16 guests. Cost: $15/person. Register by calling 248-858-0916.
• Sept. 19 - Senior Market FRESH Day from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Senior Market FRESH Days provide eligible seniors with opportunities to purchase farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market. 
• Oct. 6 - Fall Into History from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Buhl Estate on the grounds of Addison Oaks County Park & Campground. Enjoy a buffet prepared by Oaks Management and learn about the parks’ storied past with Parks Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo. Tour the Buhl Estate mansion and take a wagon ride through the grounds. Cider and donuts will be served. Registration fee: $45/person.

Printable Active Adults 2026 Calendar of Events Flyer

Michigan Senior Olympics

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