Oakland County, MI
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Contact Info
Parks & Recreation
Administrative Office
248-858-0906
Info@OaklandCountyParks.com
Waterford, MI 48328
Programs & Services
248-858-0916
Events / Programs
Special Events
There is always something happening at Oakland County Parks! Mark your calendar for these upcoming events and be sure to register early (where applicable) as programs do tend to fill up quickly. Check out this year's lineup on the 2026 Recreation Events Planner.
Parks in Action Series
Parks in Action is a fun, engaging community program that combines outdoor recreation, nature exploration and hands-on activities in our parks. Designed for all ages, this series offers a variety of interactive experiences such as archery, fishing, nature education, games, and more - encouraging participants to get active, try something new and connect with the outdoors.
The final session in the series is scheduled from 3-8 p.m. Sept. 19 at Independence Oaks County Park. Recreation opportunities include archery, kayaking, fishing, hiking and more
This program is sponsored by MSU Federal Credit Union.
All guests who register at $5/person will receive a branded water bottle. Earn stickers for your Parks in Action water bottle (registered guests) or receive stickers to decorate your own water bottle (all guests). Register online or the same day.
Archery 101
Learn all about the art of archery during an Archery 101 session. Archery instructors will be on site from 10 a.m.-noon Sept. 12. Instructors will teach archery basics and participants will practice their skills at the archery range in Independence Oaks County Park. All equipment is included. This program is open to ages 8 and older.
Each session is limited to 16 participants. Cost is $15/person/session. To register, call 248-858-0916 or register online.
- Printable Archery 101 Flyer
Adults Only Archery Shoot
Adult participants can learn the basics of archery with qualified instructors at the archery range in Independence Oaks County Park from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 12.
Enjoy a fun, skill-building archery experience designed just for adults whether you’re sharpening your technique or trying something new. This relaxed shoot offers guidance, friendly competition and plenty of time on the range.
All equipment is provided - just bring your focus and enjoy the challenge! This program is open to ages 18 and older. Sessions will be held weather permitting.
Cost is $15/person/session. Class size is limited, so register online as soon as possible or call 248-858-0916. For more information, email BrechN@oakgov.com.
- Printable Adults Only Archery Shoot Flyer
Dog Swim
Treat your canine to a doggone good time at Red Oaks Waterpark! After the pool closes to humans for the season, we’re giving our four-legged friends an opportunity to make a splash during the annual Dog Swim from noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.
Dogs will enjoy nearly one hour of swimming, playing and socializing in a safe, fun environment designed with dogs and their humans in mind. Whether your dog enjoys paddling, fetching or simply lying down in the refreshing water, there’s an activity for them.
What to expect:
- Dog swim in weight groups:
- Noon-12:50 p.m. for dogs 70 pounds and larger
- 1-1:50 p.m. for dogs 31-69 pounds
- 2-2:50 p.m. for dogs 30 pounds and smaller
- Plenty of tail-wagging fun
- Photo opportunities
- Meet with fellow dog lovers and their furry friends
How to prepare:
- All dog owners must show current Michigan dog license along with proof of current vaccinations at time of the event
- Dogs must be accompanied by a human
- Bring a leash and towel for your furry friend
Preregistration is $10/dog and includes entry and the 50-minute swim session.
Register your pup online or call 248-858-0916. Don’t wait – spots fill quickly! On-site registration will be open based on availability and will cost $15/dog.
Adults Only Movie Night - Bridesmaids
Dig out that bridesmaid dress you swore you'd never wear again and join us for a free laugh-out-loud girls movie night featuring Bridesmaids (2011). This special Adults Only Movie Night will be held at Waterford Oaks County Park – BMX Track beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.
Before the movie, strut your stuff in the Bridesmaid Dress Showcase. Contest categories include: Most Cringe, Best Vintage Dress, Best Group Collab, Worst Color Choice and Crowd Favorite.
Then, grab some snacks, sip something fun and settle in for the ultimate girls-night movie. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. For your comfort, please bring chairs or a blanket and insect repellent.
The movie is rated R. This is an event for adults ages 18 and older and it will be held weather permitting. For more information, email Events@oakgov.com.
Monster Mayhem
Shoot at themed targets, test your accuracy at mini challenges and enjoy a lighthearted, Halloween-inspired atmosphere during Monster Mayhem at the archery range in Independence Oaks County Park from 1-1:45 p.m. or 2-2:45 p.m. Sept. 19.
This program includes general archery instruction with 3D monster targets. Perfect for beginners and experienced archers alike, this fun event brings out your inner monster hunter. Come ready for mayhem!
This program is open to participants ages 8 and older. Parent/caregiver participants are encouraged. Sessions will be held weather permitting.
All equipment is provided. Cost is $10/person. Class size is limited, so register online as soon as possible or call 248-858-0916. For more information, email BrechN@oakgov.com.
- Printable Monster Mayhem Flyer
Glow-Bye Summer
Wish summer a fond farewell during Glow-Bye Summer from 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 at Friendship Park in Lake Orion. This event includes activities that take advantage of the earlier sunsets, such as a Hot Air Balloon Glow from 7-9 p.m., putt-putt, glow games and a glow photo spot. There will also be live music from 7-8:30 p.m., food trucks, face painting, arts & crafts and inflatables (socks required). Wear your best neon outfit to add to the fun. Friendship Park is located at 3380 Clarkston Road in Lake Orion.
This is a free event and no registration is necessary. Event will be held weather permitting. For more information, call 248-858-0916.
Printable Glow-Bye Summer Flyer
Adults Only Movie Night - IT
Step into a night of terror and nostalgia as we present the original movie IT (1990) during a special Adults Only Movie Night at Waterford Oaks County Park – BMX Track beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.
Before the movie, enjoy themed activities. Then, grab some snacks and get ready for an evening filled with chills, screams and unforgettable scares. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. For your comfort, please bring chairs or a blanket and insect repellent.
The movie is rated R. This is an event for adults ages 18 and older and it will be held weather permitting. For more information, email Events@oakgov.com.
- Printable Adults Only Movie Night - IT Flyer
Lakeside Lights: Hike the Night
Trek beneath the stars and experience the beauty of nature after dark during Lakeside Lights: Hike the Night from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at Independence Oaks County Park’s Lake Point Picnic Shelter. Stroll a luminary-lit trail around Crooked Lake with your favorite person, then gather around a crackling lakeside bonfire, grab a bite to eat from a food truck and snap some selfies in twinkling photo spots.
Bring your sense of adventure, dress for the weather and get ready for an unforgettable evening in the great outdoors. This event is recommended for adults only. Food truck items and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
This is a free event and no registration is necessary. Event will be held weather permitting.
For more information, call 248-858-0916.
Printable Lakeside Lights: Hike the Night Flyer
Upcoming Event
Wondering what's in the works for the rest of the year? Event information, registration details and links to additional information will be posted as they become available, but clear your calendar for these upcoming events now.
Craft, Create, Consume
Create a winter porch pot from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 or Nov. 19 at the Oakland County Farmers Market.