Volleyball

Volleyball courts are located throughout the park at Playfield picnic area, Spring Hill picnic area and Hickory Ridge picnic area.

Hayrides & Sleigh Rides

Children and adults alike enjoy a hay or sleigh ride. Your wagon rides take you on a tour of the woods and fields around the Farm Center, giving you views of nature and water.

Public and private hayrides are available.

Click here to explore pricing, hours and more.

Ski Center & Rentals

Cross-country ski equipment rentals are available at the Ski Center, located at the Golf Course Starter Building. Never cross-country skied before? That’s ok! Here are some things to know before you go and some tips to get you started on your own adventure. Click here to watch video.

Hours of Operation

• 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Weekends & Holidays
  • Last rental available 90 minutes prior to closing

Rates 

Group rates and rentals available, please call the Ski Center for more information and to reserve 810-227-8910.

Equipment rentals must be reserved online. Reservations can be made no more than 5 days in advance. Limited reservations available. No refunds. Please arrive on time for your reservation. Late arrivals may not be accommodated. Click here to rent ski equipment.

If you’re having difficulty with our online rental process, click here for a quick reference guide on how to rent ski equipment online.

Concessions

Farmhouse Grille, located at the Farm Center
Items available include: Fresh salads, grilled chicken, vegetarian wraps, burgers, hot dogs, fries and drinks. Now serving breakfast too!

• November
  • Weekends, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• December – February
  • Weekends, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Martindale Food Bar, located at Martindale Beach
Items available include: Individual pizzas, fresh salads, grilled chicken, vegetarian wraps, burgers, hot dogs, fries, fresh baked cookies and drinks.

• Open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day

• • 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (daily)

Boat Rental sells ice cream, pop, water, Gatorade, candy and chips. Available during Boat Rental hours.

Baseball

Enjoy a game of baseball or softball at one of our fields located at Playfield picnic area, as well as North Martindale picnic areas. Ballfields are first come, first served.

Beaches

Take a dip at either Maple Beach or Martindale Beach on a hot day. These two beaches are the ideal settings for a day of fun and sunshine in the great outdoors.

At Martindale Beach there is an All-Terrain Beach Wheelchair (on land) and a Floating Beach Wheelchair (in water) available to rent for free. Click here to learn more about the wheelchairs and make an online reservation.

Hours of Operation:

• Open Memorial Day Weekend through September 30
  • Swimming permitted 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

NO LIFEGUARDS – SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Life jackets are encouraged to increase water safety. Bring your own or borrow one of ours, for FREE! Children and adult life jackets are available on a first come, first served basis at our life jacket stations at Maple and Martindale Beaches. Please return your borrowed life jacket when you are done using it so others can safely, and responsibly enjoy the water.

Biking

An 8.5 mile paved Hike-Bike Trail traverses the picturesque landscapes that circle Kent Lake. A 3.4-mile trail extends north from the loop, connecting to the village of Milford. Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area is connected via a paved connector going underneath I-96. Pets on a six-foot leash are permitted. 

Mountain Biking 

Steer your mountain bike down 2 miles of unpaved trail. Trail begins at the north park entrance and ends at Proud Lake State Recreation Area. 

Boat Rental

Enjoy a day exploring Kent Lake’s waters and shorelines by watercraft. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, rowboats, paddleboats and character pedal boats are available for rent near Maple Beach at the Boat Rental.   

Hours Of Operation

• Memorial Day – End of September

Last rental occurs one hour before closing.

Rates

Rental Rules & Requirements 

•  To rent boats, you must be 18 years of age or older and one of the users at all times. A parent or guardian may rent additional watercraft for children under their care. All additional users must remain under the direct supervision of the parent or guardian renter at all times
• Motor horsepower, number of persons and weight shown on the Waterways Capacity Tag may not be exceeded. 
• Personal flotation devices (life jackets) must be worn by every boat passenger. 
• No swimming or diving off boat. 
• No alcoholic beverages allowed on rental boats/paddleboards. 
• No reservations are taken. Boats are rented on a first come, first served basis. 
• Weekends are often very busy and waiting lists are used as needed. 
• Paddleboards and character pedal boats will not be rented if the wind speed is 12 mph or greater. 

Group Rentals 

All school and camp groups wishing to rent boats must make prior arrangements with the Kensington Metropark Office. A Metropark release and waiver from liability form must be completed in advance by the parent or guardian of each child. There must also be an appropriate adult-to-child ratio. For details and to make reservations, please call (810) 227-8910.

Outboard Motors  

You may bring your own outboard motor. The Metroparks do not rent them. Maximum six-horsepower motor allowed on a 12’ rowboat. Maximum 10-horsepower motor allowed on a 14’ rowboat. 

Heavner Nature Connection And Canoe Rental 

The Heavner Nature Connection offers unique outdoor educational and recreational programs for everyone. From preschoolers to high school students, Boy and Girl Scout troops, social groups, churches, individuals and corporate events. Heavner Nature Connection has a unique wilderness experience for you.

For more information on current programs or building a program call (248) 685-2379.  

Boating

Spend the day on Kent Lake fishing, taking in the views, and catching some sun. With 8 boat ramps at East Boat Launch and 8 boat ramps at West Boat Launch, you will get on the water easily and quickly for a day of fun. A 10-mph speed limit is enforced, remember is it 5mp speed limit near docks and beaches..  

A valid Metroparks daily or annual boat pass, in addition to your vehicle pass, is required. If your boat (canoe, kayak or rowboat) is transported into the park inside or on top of your vehicle, you do not have to purchase a Boat Pass. Annual Boat Passes can be purchased at any Metropark toll booth or online.  Click here to purchase your pass online.  

Boats are not permitted on Wildwing Lake or Kingfisher Lagoon. 

Click here to view the Boating & Fishing Guide.

American Sailing Institute

We have a partnership with American Sailing Institute who work to provide an enjoyable, safe, hands-on educational environment while teaching the tradition of sailing. They offer sailing classes on 18-foot Interlake Sailboats at Kensington Metropark. Click here to visit their website for more information on becoming a member and learning to sail.

Camping

Group Camp

Kensington Metropark boasts a 380-acre rustic group camp area, complete with wells and pit toilets. Properly sponsored and supervised youth groups may use the campsites year-round for daily outings and overnight stays.  

A permit is required. No alcoholic beverages permitted in the area. Swimming is permitted only at park beaches on Kent Lake. Full details are available by contacting the Kensington Metropark Office at (810) 227-8910.  

You may bring in your own firewood or purchase firewood from the Kensington Metropark Office during office hours. To help stop the spread of forest pests and diseases, we strongly encourage campers to purchase campfire wood at the park. 

Rates  

• Permit: $35 for 1st night ($15/night after) 
• Camporees/Jamborees per Troop/Group – $40 
• Firewood: $25 (approximately half a cord)

Canoe Camp

Kensington Metropark canoe group camp is the perfect place to stop for an overnight paddling excursion. Advance reservation is required. For more information and to reserve, contact the Kensington Metropark Office at (810) 227-8910 . 

Rates

• $5/canoe (max. 10 canoes per night) 

Canoeing & Kayaking

Explore the islands and tributaries that wind through Kensington Metropark on beautiful Kent Lake. Paddle from shore to shore or take a tranquil trip along the Huron River to see wildlife and waterfowl.  

Canoes, kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent at Boat Rental. 

Canoe Camp

Kensington Metropark canoe group camp is the perfect place to stop for an overnight paddling excursion.  Advance reservation is required. For more information and to reserve, contact the Kensington Metropark Office at (810) 227-8910. 

Click here to view the Boating & Fishing Guide.

Cross-Country Skiing

Click here for winter closures, conditions and grooming updates.

Grab your skis and glide across more than 12 miles of groomed trails at Kensington Metropark. Coast past snow-glazed fields, frozen ponds and beautiful deciduous forest. Beginner and intermediate level trails traverse the park and golf course. 

Trail are open during park hours, when conditions permit. The trails are not lit.

Please use only marked ski trails. Skiing is prohibited in the following areas: Nature Center Area and Nature Trails, sledding hills and toboggan runs, snowboarding hills and on golf course greens.  

Ski Center & Rentals

Cross-country ski equipment rentals are available at the Ski Center, located at the Golf Course Starter Building. Never cross-country skied before? That’s ok! Here are some things to know before you go and some tips to get you started on your own adventure. Click here to watch video.

Hours of Operation

• 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Weekends & Holidays
  • Last rental available 90 minutes prior to closing

Rates 

Group rates and rentals available, please call the Ski Center for more information and to reserve 810-227-8910.

Equipment rentals must be reserved online. Reservations can be made no more than 5 days in advance. Limited reservations available. No refunds. Please arrive on time for your reservation. Late arrivals may not be accommodated. Click here to rent ski equipment.

If you’re having difficulty with our online rental process, click here for a quick reference guide on how to rent ski equipment online.

Disc Golf

Two competitive disc golf courses are located at Kensington Metropark. Spin on by and try your hand at one or both. 

Black Locust Disc Golf Course 

Challenge yourself on the Black Locust disc golf course, named for the Black Locust trees found near Martindale Beach. Enjoy two 18-hole courses that feature fairways lined with rolling meadows and thick woods. The 18th hole, on the north course, also features a basket in a tree stump for added fun. 

The Black Locust disc golf course is located off a gravel lot across from the Martindale Beach parking lot. The course is open year-round during park hours and is not lit at night. 

• Black Locust Tournaments (Closed to Public Play)
  • 6/7/24 – 6/9/24: US Amateur Championship
  • 6/28/24 – 6/30/24: Oakland County Championship
  • 9/5/24 – 9/8/24: Discraft Great Lakes Open

Toboggan Disc Golf Course 

The Toboggan Course is located across the road from the Maple Beach parking lot and has been thrilling players and fans for decades.  Originally a temporary course for the 2000 Worlds, it has been the official course of the U.S. Amateur Disc Golf Championship since 2002 and has been the site of the Great Lakes Open on the Disc Golf Pro Tour since 2018.

The baskets are only in the ground for a short time each year, so try to get a round in when you can. At 10,210 feet, this champion-level par 63 course has a mix of large elevation changes and tight fairways that will test every shot in your bag. Bring a spotter because it has long holes and punishing rough.

Hours of Operation

• Open to Public Play
  • 7/1/2024 – 8/18/2024
  • 9/9/2024 – 10/27/2024
• Toboggan Tournaments (Closed to Public Play)
  • 4/6/24 – 4/7/24: MDGO Qualifier
  • 6/7/24 – 6/9/24: US Amateur Championship
  • 6/28/24 – 6/30/24: Oakland County Championship
  • 9/5/24 – 9/8/24: Discraft Great Lakes Open

Rates 

Annual Bag Tags and Daily Wristbands are available for purchase at the Kensington Metropark Office and the disc golf booth at the Black Locust course.  

Annual Bag Tags are valid for the disc golf courses at Hudson Mills, Kensington, Stony Creek, and Willow Metroparks.  

Farm Center

Meet farm animals and get a glimpse of rural life at the Kensington Metropark Farm Center. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of life on the farm as you interact with live farm animals like chickens, goats, sheep, cattle and draft horses. Seasonal public programming is available year-round, including festivals, maple sugaring, sheep shearing and a you-pick pumpkin patch.

Our Farm Center is home to a host of historic and educational experiences like the Kensington Living History Village, a restored 150-year-old-barn, Kid’s Cottage, stone labyrinth and much more. 

Take a weekend hayride (or sleigh ride) through scenic farm and forest land along the Huron River.  Private charters and bonfire rentals are also available. 

School, scout or community groups can experience the farm with customizable on-site programs. 

Click here to learn more about the Farm Center. 

Fishing

Kensington Metropark is a popular fishing location in Southeast Michigan. In any season, Kent Lake presents plenty of opportunities to cast your line on the shore or from a boat. Bass, bluegill, northern pike, black crappie and yellow perch are all here waiting for you. Parts of the Huron River, toward the north end of the park, also provide shady, secluded locations for casting your line. 

The maximum depth of the lake is 36-feet. Fishing is not permitted on Kingfisher Lagoon or Wildwing Lake. 

Ice Fishing 

Bundle up and enjoy a few hours ice-fishing on Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark. Popular access points to Kent Lake include the West Boat Launch and Turtlehead picnic area. Winter catches include bluegill, black crappies, yellow perch and the occasional northern pike. Fishing is prohibited in ice skating areas. 

Shanties must be registered (no charge) with the Kensington Metropark Office if they are to be left overnight. Shanties must also comply with all Michigan regulations and are to be removed before the ice becomes unsafe or by March 1st. 

A valid Michigan Fishing License or Sportsperson’s License is required for all anglers age 17 and up. 

Click here to view the Boating & Fishing Guide.

Click here to view the Eat Safe Fish Guides from MDHHS.

Golf

Opened in 1961, Kensington Metropark’s sprawling 6,624 yard, par 71 course is one of seven regulation Metroparks golf courses. The Kensington Metropark course boasts varied terrain, tree-lined fairways and abundant wildlife. Open fairways and fast greens allow both novice and experienced golfers the opportunity to challenge and improve their games.  

Food and beverages are available. Senior rates are available for guests age 55 and older. Junior rates are available for guests age 20 and younger. Tee times can be made up to 14 days in advance. An accessible golf cart is available for use at each golf course, please call 24 hours in advance to reserve. 

Click here to learn more or to book a tee time. 

Heavner Nature Connection And Canoe Rental 

The Heavner Nature Connection offers unique outdoor educational and recreational programs for everyone. From preschoolers to high school students, Boy and Girl Scout troops, social groups, churches, individuals and corporate events. Heavner Nature Connection has a unique wilderness experience for you.

For more information on current programs or building a program call (248) 685-2379.  

Hiking

Hike-Bike Trail

An 8.5-mile paved hike-bike trail traverses the picturesque landscapes circling Kent Lake. A 3.4-mile trail extends north from the loop, connecting to the village of Milford. Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area are connected via a paved connector underneath I-96. Pets on a six-foot leash are permitted. 

Fitness Trail

The Adult Fitness Trail follows the Kensington Hike-Bike Trail, beginning on the north side of the East Boat Launch upper parking lot, with ten fitness stations including those designed for accessible and assisted use. Fitness stations include equipment to boost aerobic/cardio, core, strength, and flexibility/balance fitness areas. Users can share their experience by utilizing the QR Code shown on the fitness trail sign at the Trailhead location.

Nature Trails  

Explore over 700 acres of forests, fields, fens, and swamps. Discover rewarding scenic vistas and overlooks throughout the nature center trail area.

CHICKADEE TRAIL – 2 MILES
A 2 mile shaded trail of compact gravel, with several wooden boardwalks. This trail traverses dense forest, has short portions that are steep, and has tree roots that stick up in several places. This mostly-wooded “backwoods trail” offers opportunities to view deer, turkey, and woodland bird species.

DEER RUN TRAIL – 1.5 MILES
A 1.5 mile trail of compact gravel paths with wooden boardwalks. This mostly shaded trail is relatively flat and features two shortcuts that allow you to shorten the trail to a half mile or 1 mile loop. This trail travels through wetlands and mixed forest habitats. You can often spot Sandhill Cranes and Deer on this trail.

ASPEN TRAIL – 1.5 MILES
A 1.5 mile trail of compact gravel with wooden boardwalks and wooden bridges. This relatively flat trail contains both shady sections and full sun exposure and features one shortcut allowing you to shorten the loop to 1 mile. Passing through prairies, wetlands and mixed forest habitats, this trail offers opportunities to see abundant wildflowers, pileated woodpeckers and the remains of a historic homestead.

WILDWING TRAIL – 1.75 MILES
A 1.75 mile trail of compact gravel, with wooden boardwalks and wooden bridges. This trail has shaded sections, full sun sections, areas that are steep, and areas that follow close along the water of Wildwing lake. This trail features an extensive boardwalk that provides scenic views of the marshlands along the eastern shore of Wildwing Lake. From the boardwalk you can also spot nesting great blue herons and great egrets in the heron rookery on the island in the lake.

Know before you go: Occasionally woodland trails may be blocked with debris such as fallen tree limbs. Nature trails are not cleared or salted in the winter and may be snow-covered, slippery or muddy. Pets, bicycles and running are not permitted on the nature trails.

Rustic Trails

A rustic trail loop is located near the Spring Hill picnic area. Pets on a six-foot leash and running are permitted on the rustic trail.

Horseback Riding

Bring your horse to ride along 19-miles of marked equestrian trails. Pass through wooded, hilly terrain, open fields and scenic views of the Huron River and Kent Lake as you observe wildlife and waterfowl along the path. Various terrain accommodates all skill levels. A staging area is located off Dawson Road on Martindale Road.  

A release waiver and bridle tag is required, call the Kensington Metropark Office at (810) 227-8910 for details. Dogs and biking are not permitted on the trails. Trails are not lit.  

Island Queen

Enjoy a leisurely cruise on Kent Lake aboard the Island Queen III. You’ll be charmed by nature’s sights and sounds as you tour the lake on this 46-passenger pontoon boat.  Capture panoramic vistas as the boat meanders around the lake, among islands and bays, and hear stories about the history of Kensington Metropark. Chance upon mute swans, Canada geese, mallard ducks and cormorants and even an occasional osprey. And on a summer’s day, look for turtles basking in the sun. 

The Island Queen III is located at Boat Rental. Special rates apply for seniors and children 12 and under. Pets are prohibited on the Island Queen. 

Hours Of Operation  

• August 1 – September 2
• Weekends in September (weather permitting)
  • Tours run each hour, on the hour from Noon to 6 p.m.
  • Last tour at 6 p.m.

Admission

• Children (ages 3 – 12) and Seniors: $4/person 
• Adults: $6/person 
• Children 2 years and under: Free 

Marina

There are 93 slips available for rent each season. Slips are located in three separate areas; East Boat Launch (no pontoon boats), Mitten Bay  (pontoons only) and Boat Rental.  

Boats may be docked beginning May 1. Dockage decals expire October 15. Boats must be removed on or before this date so that the water level can be lowered to the winter level. Metropark vehicle and boat passes are required all year.  

Park and lake hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; renters must be off the lake and out of the park by 10 p.m. 

Boat Slip Lottery 

Kensington Metropark has a limited number of slips available on Kent Lake. Interested boaters must enter the online Boat Slip Lottery.

2024 Boat Slip Lottery Information

The annual slip rental for seasonal dockage at Kensington Metropark for the 2024 season will begin with a virtual lottery online with registration beginning Saturday, January 27, 2024 and will continue through Thursday, February 15, 2024.  Those wishing to participate in the drawing can sign up at no cost to be eligible for this drawing.

Signing up for this lottery does NOT guarantee a slip for the 2024 season.  The lottery will take place on Friday, February 16, 2024 with winners being contacted starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024 to choose their boat slip.  Please make sure you are available this day by phone to ensure selection goes smoothly.  There are links below to view maps of the dockage areas within the park as well as rules, which stipulate the Rules and Regulations each slip renter is responsible for adhering to.

It is your responsibility to be familiar with each of the three slip rental areas as to their specific location, launching ramp availability, placement of the slips and the mooring options available for your boat.  You should familiarize yourself with each area in advance of the rental lottery.  Kensington staff will be contacting lottery winners in order, so please be prepared to make your decision in a timely manner.  After selecting a slip, you will not have an opportunity to return the slip for another.

Click here to view 2024 Boat Slip Dockage Maps

Click here to view Marina Rules and Regulations

Click Here to Enter Boat Slip Lottery

Boat Slip Seasonal Rates

To determine the size slip which you require, measure your boat at the widest point between the sides, which determines the beam of the craft.  Take this measurement and add four-to-six inches to the beam measurement to determine what class of boat slip you will require.  Please bear in mind that you must provide adequate slip protection for your boat, plus, be able to navigate in and out of the slip. This measurement is critical; miscalculation could put your boat in an undersized category, which will require its removal from the slip.

If you have questions about Boat Slip Rentals or the Boat Slip Lottery, please call the Kensington Metropark Office at  (810) 227-8910. 

Nature Center

Get in touch with the world around you at the Nature Center. Find educational exhibits and live animal displays to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the ecosystems, wildlife, and history of the park. Explore seven miles of nature trails around the Nature Center, a must visit for birders! 

School, scout or community groups can experience the nature center with customizable on-site programs. 

Click here to learn more about the Nature Center. 

Picnicking

Kensington Metropark provides the perfect setting for your next picnic. Picnic with friends or family amidst rolling hills, tree-lined lawns and beautiful vistas of Kent Lake.  

Picnic Shelters  

Reunions, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays and any other way your family gets together – make your event more eventful with the Metroparks! We have picnic shelters available at Kensington Metropark for all your event and gathering needs. They come in a wide range of sizes and locations within the parks. Some are conveniently located near park amenities like beaches, pools, playgrounds and sports fields to add even more fun to your event – while others are more secluded for a more intimate event. 

Our locations allow you to bring your own food or catering, add bounce houses, music and so much more. 

Save some money – we’re offering weekday rentals at half price. Prices are already reflected online in our online booking tool.  

• All groups, regardless of size, are encouraged to pre-register to use a picnic shelter. Groups of 50 or more, those bringing in special equipment or hosting a special event are required to make reservations in advance.  
• Any vehicle driving off-road must obtain an off-road permit from the Kensington Metropark Office on the day of the picnic.  
• Park entry fees are not included in the shelter reservation fee.  

Click here to explore and reserve picnic shelters. 

Playgrounds

Climb, swing and slide your way into a day of fun on our playgrounds.  Playgrounds are available in the following areas: Martindale Beach, Maple Beach, Playfield and West Boat Launch. Many of the other picnic shelter areas have a swing set and slide. 

The new playground at Maple Beach is an accessible playground built using universal design principles. 

Repair Station

These trailhead kiosks are set in concrete pads enabling greater access to park and trail information. The associated bicycle repair stations can double as wheelchair repair stations. 

Sledding 

Take advantage of a snowy day as you race down the hills, from beginner to advanced, at Kensington Metropark. For the youngest downhill enthusiasts, we even offer a “bunny hill” lined with padded trees. The sledding hills and beginner snowboarding hills are located at Orchard picnic area. This area offers a nearby picnic shelter with tables and grills.  

Hours of Operation

• 11 a.m. to dusk (weekdays)
• 10 a.m. to dusk (weekends)

Open when weather and hill/run conditions permit. Click here to check for hill conditions, or call the Kensington Metropark Office at  (810) 227-8910. 

• Saucers and inflatables are not permitted on the advanced and intermediate hills.  
• No sleds or snowboards are allowed on the toboggan runs.  
• Please walk up all sledding and snowboarding hills using the designated pathways, being cautious of others using the runs and hills.  
• We do not rent snowboards or sleds.  

Snowboarding

Whoosh through the snow and practice your fundamentals at our snowboarding area. You’ll find a designated snowboarding hill near the Orchard picnic area. A nearby picnic shelter has tables and grills.  

Hours of Operation

• 11 a.m. to dusk (weekdays)
• 10 a.m. to dusk (weekends)

Open when weather and hill/run conditions permit. Click here to check for hill conditions, or call the Kensington Metropark Office at  (810) 227-8910.

Splash ‘n’ Blast

Find the ultimate relief from the warm, summer sun and loads of fun for the entire family at our Splash ’n’ Blast. Coast down two, 240-foot twisted water slides or romp through the spray ground with palm trees, serpents and cannons that spray water.  

Waterslide riders must be 42” tall or taller.  

Hours of Operations

• Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day: Open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily, weather permitting

Admission

• Regular Rates:
  • 42″ and taller – $7
  • Under 42″ – $6
  • Under 30″ – Free
• Twilights Rates (after 5 p.m.):
  • 42″ and taller – $6
  • Under 42″ – $5
  • Under 30″ – Free

Private rental of the Splash ‘n’ Blast is available from 10 am to 11 am Monday to Friday.  The cost is $200 per hour for groups of 75 people or less, payment is due at the time of reservation.  An additional fee of $4 per person is charged for 76 people or more: maximum capacity of 500 people.  Reservations for private rentals are made through the Park Office 810-227-8910.  A minimum of 10 days notice is required for rental of the Splash ‘n’ Blast.  The Splash ‘n’ Blast will not be available for private rental on Memorial Day, the week of July 4^th and Labor Day.