Kensington Metropark, Milford

The biggest and most popular of the 13 Metroparks operated by a regional park authority, Kensington is magnificent. Its sprawling, hilly 4,357 acres wrap around beautiful Kent Lake. In the summer, you can rent boats to go fishing or swim at one of the park's crowded but clean beaches. A sternwheeler excursion boat travels the lake daily during summer months. An 18-hole public golf course, horseback riding, a working farm and an extensive nature program are among the activities. The park is also a birder's paradise, and with eight miles of rolling trails, it's a great place to hike, bike or ski cross-country. The tobogganing and sledding hills are awesome. It's a 45-minute drive from downtown.