Winter Activities

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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 programs 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

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, Independence Oaks in Clarkston, Lyon Oaks in Lyon Township, Orion Oaks and Orion Township and Rose Oaks near Holly. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing can also be enjoyed from Nov. 15-March 15 at Glen Oaks Golf Course and White Lake Oaks Golf Course (unavailable during 2025-26 winter season due to construction).

Independence Oaks in Clarkston has groomed trails and restroom facilities. Plan your route with the Independence Oaks Winter Trail Map.

Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing

Learn to cross-country ski on the trails at Independence Oaks during the Classic Cross-Country Skiing Program. You'll learn the basics of cross-country skiing during this two-hour class, including information about equipment and gear and tips and tricks to get you moving on classic cross-country skis quickly and easily.

No skis - no worries! The class fee includes skis, poles and boot rental. Don't wait on this opportunity for frosty fun as class sizes are limited to 20 participants. Six sessions are available:

  • 9-11 a.m. Jan. 24
  • 1-3 p.m. Jan. 24
  • 9-11 a.m. Feb. 7
  • 1-3 p.m. Feb. 7
  • 9-11 a.m. Feb. 28
  • 1-3 p.m. Feb. 28

Preregistration and payment is required by calling 248-625-2044 Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or register online anytime. Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express accepted.

Details:

Disc Golf

Addison Oaks and Pontiac Oaks feature 18-hole disc golf courses that are 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. From May through December, the market is open from 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

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 owls, soil science, letterboxing and more. Check out the 2025 Homeschool Curriculum Flyer for complete details. 
  • Nature Education Programs - there are so many programs to enjoy at the nature centers: Discover what animals do during the winter, learn about squirrels, tap a tree in our sugar bush and more. View the Winter Nature Education Programs Brochure for full details.
  • Storybook Trail - children and adults alike can delight in a stroll along the Storybook Trail at Red Oaks Nature Center.

Platform Tennis and Pickleball

Waterford Oaks County Park is in the process of renovating its two R.J. Reilly courts platform tennis courts to also formalize pickleball play as participation in this activity continues to grow.  These renovations have been made possible by funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Due to construction, the platform tennis courts will not be open for the 2025-26 season.

The Paradise Peninsula area of Waterford Oaks County Park closed to the public June 6, 2025 to allow for delivery of new playground equipment and subsequent construction work. The renovated area is expected to reopen in Fall 2026. 

As Paradise Peninsula is being converted to a new space called Cattail Cove, updates are being made to the Platform Tennis Courts, including replacement of the old decking with new concrete paths and patios that make the area accessible for all users, updates to the skirting of the structure and installation of new heaters.

When they reopen, the courts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for both activities.  Play can continue throughout the winter months. After snow is removed, the courts’ special floor heating units provide a dry playing surface.

The courts are located at 1702 Scott Lake Road in Waterford.

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 logoMichigan 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 courses (with the exception of those listed above) 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