Last updated October 6, 2026 · ranked from 1,379 Google reviews · How we rank
This list ranks 6 things to do in and around Clarkston, MI, led by Bay Court Park, Little Roots Play Cafe and Clintonwood Park. Together they have 1,379 Google reviews; Little Roots Play Cafe has the highest Google rating on the list at 5.0. Every place on the list is in Clarkston, MI. Rankings weigh Google rating, review volume, how complete and current each listing is, and our own notes on each place.
Playground time, kid-friendly hikes and picnic space give Bay Court Park the range to earn rank 1 among things to do in Clarkston, MI. Open grass and a few shady trees offer room to relax, while slides and swings keep children occupied. Picnic tables, a barbecue grill and public restrooms support a longer outing. Dogs are welcome, and wheelchair-accessible parking and an accessible entrance are provided. Its 4.7 Google rating from 609 reviews adds support, with one reviewer praising the quiet setting and clean restrooms.
Slides and swings
Kid-friendly hikes
Picnic tables
“A beautiful park with a children’s play area, a place for walking, and a swimming area as well. The park is generally clean, and the restrooms are clean too. An excellent place for anyone looking for quiet and peace of mind.”
Imaginative play and sensory-friendly spaces put Little Roots Play Cafe at No. 2 for a family outing in Clarkston, MI. Designed for children ages 10 and under, the indoor space pairs kid-focused activities with parent seating and fresh local coffee. Reviewers praise the clean surroundings and kind staff, while one mentions an arts-and-crafts area. Birthday party packages add another reason to visit, with parents reporting that children enjoyed the imaginative play. Its 5-star Google rating comes from 28 reviews.
Imaginative indoor play
Sensory-friendly spaces
Parent seating and coffee
“We had a birthday party here. All of our guests had great things to say about the space. It’s beautifully designed. All the kids loved the imaginative play.
My kids come here often to play and say it’s their favorite play cafe.”
Playgrounds, paved walking paths and sports facilities give Clintonwood Park its No. 3 spot among things to do in Clarkston, MI. At 6000 Clarkston Rd, children can use slides, swings and a splash pad, while tennis, basketball and volleyball courts offer other ways to spend a visit. Picnic tables, a barbecue grill and public restrooms support longer outings. One reviewer specifically notes the grassy areas and covered pavilions. The park also has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking.
Playground and splash pad
Paved walking paths
Courts and picnic tables
“This place is beautiful. They have so much stuff there.”
Slides, interactive games, and fairytale pop-ins give children several ways to play at The Fairytale Fun Place in Clarkston, MI. It earns the No. 4 spot for combining an indoor playground with magical performances and an on-site cafe and eatery. Birthday-party reviews describe children enjoying the tree house, while one parent appreciated a separate toddler area. A 4.5-star Google rating from 220 reviews adds support, and free parking plus wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms round out the practical amenities.
Indoor playground slides
Fairytale pop-ins
On-site cafe
“Our 2.5 yr old went here for a party. He had a blast. They seemed to make it really easy to host parties and all the kids of all ages were having a good time. I appreciated that they had a separate toddler area when he needed a break fro…”
Picnics, beach time, and children’s water play give Independence Township Parks, Recreation & Seniors its No. 5 spot among things to do in Clarkston, MI. Its park system includes pavilions, picnic areas, a beach, a Spray Park, and a children’s play area, offering several ways to spend time outdoors. The Senior Community Center adds opportunities for seniors to socialize and attend events. Reviewers describe children enjoying the beach and praise the park’s clean, friendly setting for a relaxed family visit.
Beach and picnics
Spray Park play
Senior community events
“They need to take care of the driveway. It is ridiculous.”
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A splash-pad outing with practical family amenities earns Renee Przbylski Memorial Spray Park the sixth spot in Clarkston, MI. One parent reports driving from Flint with her children and praises the water features for running at the same time. Another visitor notes nearby changing rooms, bathrooms and a drinking fountain, along with the surrounding park. Located at 6000 Clarkston Rd, the park welcomes children, has a play area, and provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking and restroom.
Children’s play area
Nearby changing rooms
Wheelchair-accessible restroom
“I drive with my kids all the way from Flint for this splash pad!! We haven't been too a ton of different ones but this one is hands down our favorite so far. All the water features stay on at the same time (the one at the splash pad clos…”
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Compare at a glance
Comparison of the best Things to Do in Clarkston, MI
Ratings and review counts shown are Google ratings, displayed with attribution.
How we ranked this list
Each thing to do is scored on a Bayesian-weighted rating (its rating adjusted for how many reviews it has compared with the Clarkston category average), how recently we verified its details, and how complete its listing is. Scores and ranks are stored, so the order only changes when the underlying data changes.
Where can children play outdoors in the Clarkston, MI area?
Bay Court Park and Depot Park both have playgrounds with slides and swings, plus picnic tables and public restrooms. Bay Court Park also offers kid-friendly hikes and is listed as suitable for children’s birthday gatherings. Depot Park is at 375 Depot Road in Clarkston, MI.
What is an indoor activity option for children in Clarkston, MI?
The Fairytale Fun Place at 7127 Dixie Highway offers an indoor playground, interactive games, magical performances and fairytale pop-ins, plus a cafe and eatery. Listed hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon–6 p.m. It has free lot parking.
Where can I hike or watch birds in Clarkston, MI?
Kimball Preserve has marked trails through the floodplain around the Clinton River headwaters, with hiking, walking and birdwatching listed as activities. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Follow signs to designated parking on Perry Lake Road, then enter at the path beside the sign next to the river. Reviews report mud, overgrowth and a damaged bridge; one reviewer recommends long pants and rain or hiking boots.
Which parks in the Clarkston, MI area welcome dogs?
Bay Court Park, Depot Park and Clarkston-Dix Plaza Park all welcome dogs. Bay Court Park and Depot Park also have picnic tables and public restrooms. Clarkston-Dix Plaza Park is at 6756 Dixie Highway in Clarkston, MI.
Which attractions have wheelchair-accessible facilities?
Bay Court Park, Depot Park, Brady Lodge and Clarkston-Dix Plaza Park list wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking. The Fairytale Fun Place also lists wheelchair-accessible restrooms and seating, in addition to its entrance and parking.
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