Why the Brighton Howell Area Is Our Go-To Spot for Michigan Family Fun

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We are one busy family of 4, so getting the opportunity to unplug, reconnect, and make some memories without a long road trip or expensive tickets is an absolute treat. 

The best part? We didn’t have to go far to have a great time. The Brighton Howell Area is packed with charming, family-friendly spots perfect for a weekend getaway, especially if you’re coming from southeast Michigan.

From petting farms and virtual golf to coal-fired pizza and ice cream with a view, the Brighton Howell Area introduced our family to some of our new favorite local stops. Whether your kids are tiny explorers or tweens with energy to burn, there’s something here to keep everyone smiling.

Our Brighton Howell Area Adventure

What We Did

• Explored Kensington Metropark’s petting farm and nature trails
• Experienced farm life at Carousel Acres in South Lyon
• Played at local parks in Brighton, Howell, and Pinckney
• Hit some golf balls at Tap-In’s in Howell

Where We Ate

• Sacco’s in Hartland
• Tap-In’s in Howell
• Captain Joe’s in Whitmore Lake 
• Dee’s Place in Whitmore Lake
• Cheryl’s Place in Brighton

Enjoy Farm Life, Nature, and Playgrounds in the Brighton Howell Area

We are a family of nature and animal lovers, so it was no question as to whether we were going to enjoy hanging out with some farm animals and being able to love on them! While we are almost always on the go, experiencing a little bit of farm life and slowing down with the animals and nature in general was just what we needed as the school year starts to wind down. 

Old Time Charm and Nature Abound at Kensington Metropark 

During our weekend in the Brighton Howell Area, our family spent some time at Kensington Metropark, and it was the kind of outing that made us feel like we’d stumbled into one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets – even though we’ve been before! 

Kensington Metropark has always been a fun, easy, and affordable day trip with the family and is a staple stop for many families living in metro Detroit.

We’re always looking for places that keep everyone engaged and happy, and Kensington Metropark delivered, from friendly farm animals to shaded trails and the promise of boat rides for the warmer months. 

First Stop: The Farm Center

We kicked things off at the Farm Center, which is honestly a little paradise for animal-loving kids (and adults). As soon as we parked, we stopped for a quick ice cream snack at the concession area, and then we took off toward the barns. 

There were cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, horses, and even a couple of newborn goats that had the kids completely enthralled. A small walk took us right into the Living History area, where staff were dressed up in old-timey clothing and were giving lessons and displaying what life was like back in the day. There were fires going and stew cooking and the kids loved being able to take a look into history. 

What we loved most was how interactive everything felt. The barns are open, and you can walk right up to most of the animals. It’s a great place for kids to connect with where their food comes from – without it feeling like a lecture.

Nature Center and Trails: A Peaceful Midday Break

After the farm, we headed to the Nature Center for a quieter pace. If you take a look over the boardwalk ledge, you’ll find giant catfish and even bigger snapping turtles! We spent a good amount of time just watching the fish eat bugs off the surface of the water. Inside, there were live turtles, educational exhibits, and helpful staff available to answer any questions that we had. But the real magic was outside.

We took one of the short nature trails that loops through the woods and wetlands. It was shaded, peaceful, and full of surprises – we saw deer, a family of wild turkeys, and even a sandhill crane walking just off the path. The kids kept spotting frogs along the edges of the boardwalk.

We loved that the trails are well-maintained and easy to walk. It felt like just enough adventure without being exhausting.

Afternoon Fun on Kent Lake

Kensington Metropark literally surrounds the scenic Kent Lake, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. While it was too chilly to enjoy the water on the day we visited, we are definitely going to be returning over the summer!

We headed over to the Maple Beach area, where they rent out really cute swan boats. They also have kayaks, rowboats, and pontoon boats if you’re feeling more ambitious. The colors and fun designs made us so excited to come back when it’s hot outside – and what a great photo op that will be!

What makes Kensington Metropark so special is that it has something for everyone. It’s educational without being dry, fun without being overwhelming, and beautifully maintained. We were only there for the day, but you could easily spend a whole weekend exploring the biking trails, water slides, disc golf course, and more.

A Day at Carousel Acres: Where Farm Fun Meets Michigan Charm

I can’t believe our family hadn’t heard of Carousel Acres in South Lyon. Tucked away just off the beaten path, this family-run farm combines the charm of a petting zoo with the warmth of a backyard visit – and we’re already planning our next trip back. 

For $10 per person, the farm is well worth every single penny. We were welcomed to stay as long as we wanted and trust me, we wanted to stay much longer than we did! 

First Impressions: Cozy, Welcoming, and Full of Animal Energy

As soon as we pulled into Carousel Acres, it was clear this wasn’t your typical, polished commercial farm – and that’s what we loved about it. The vibe is relaxed, authentic, and incredibly welcoming. Within minutes, we were greeted by friendly staff who took us on a quick tour of the farm. 

The space is open and easy to navigate, especially with younger kids in tow. It feels more like visiting a neighbor’s really cool farm than a tourist attraction — and that personal touch makes a big difference.

The Animals: Up Close and Personal

One of the best things about Carousel Acres is how interactive it is. The kids could pet, feed, and learn about a wide range of animals, including: miniature horses and donkeys, goats, sheep, and alpacas, bunnies, chickens, and ducks, and even a kookaburra named Charlie, marsupials, and a capybara (yes, really!)

My son and I could not get enough of the goats and baby pigs. The goats rushed over to rub their faces on my jeans and give us kisses.  I could have just sat in that little pasture with the goats all day. The animals are clearly well-cared for, and the staff were happy to answer any questions that we had.

We also loved the parakeets. Here, staff members must go into the enclosure with you to ensure that the birds don’t escape. We were given a handful of feed and the birds flew right into our hands for their snack! For animal lovers like us, any intimate interaction with animals is high on our list of fun.

More Than Just Animals

In addition to the petting farm, Carousel Acres also offers pony rides. There’s also a small play area, perfect for burning off extra energy, and plenty of open space to run around. It’s not a huge farm, but it’s thoughtfully laid out and never felt crowded – making for a thoroughly enjoyable outing.

Carousel Acres also hosts birthday parties, educational field trips, and seasonal events, so if you fall in love with the place (like we did), there are even more reasons to come back. 

It’s not flashy, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s real. It’s warm. And it’s one of those places where the whole family can forget about screens and just enjoy being outside with animals, hay bales, and the occasional wandering duck.

Scofield Park: Nature + Playground = Win-Win

Just outside of downtown Howell, we found Scofield Park, and honestly, it was the perfect spot to enjoy some peace and quiet. It has that peaceful “up north” vibe without the long drive.

The kids made a beeline for the playground, which was shaded and super well-kept – lots of climbing, sliding, and monkey bar action. There are picnic tables all around, so we camped out with coffee while the kids burned off some energy.

Afterward, we walked the short trail that leads down to the lake. It’s a small beach, great for wading and tossing rocks, and perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding if you bring your own. No rentals, but lots of calm water and nature views. We are looking forward to returning in warmer weather to hang out at the beach!

Imagination Station: A Playground Dream Come True

Imagination Station, right in downtown Brighton, is one of the most creative, fun, and huge playgrounds we’ve ever seen. Think wooden castles, twisty slides, tunnels, balance bridges, and secret nooks to explore. It’s fenced in, which gives you peace of mind while the kids run wild, and there are benches and picnic tables for parents to relax.

It’s also just steps from Mill Pond and the Brighton trail system, so we walked along the boardwalk and watched the ducks. 

Afternoon Wind-Down at Putnam Square Park, Pinckney

After all the climbing and running at the Imagination Station, we headed west to Pinckney for a slower-paced stop at Putnam Square Park – a cozy little park right in the heart of the village. 

There’s a grassy open area perfect for laying out a blanket, and it looked like there are often free activities in the park – there was free chess while we were there! The gazebo and brick paths make it feel like something out of a Hallmark movie – we’ve made a mental note to come back for one of the town’s outdoor concerts or festivals.

Tee Time for the Whole Family: Tap-In’s in Howell

Continuing on our weekend of family fun, we had to check out Tap-In’s putt-putt, outdoor driving range, and indoor virtual golf simulators, and let’s just say… we’re already planning a return visit. 

Virtual Golf (aka the Rainy Day Hero)

Since the evening started out pretty blustery and chilly, we decided to rent a virtual golf bay for an hour inside Tap-In’s. For $60 an hour, we had our own bay with food served right up to us. The pizza and apps were fantastic and kid-approved. For the adults (ahem, mom and dad), there is a full bar menu as well as some custom old fashioned cocktails from their bourbon wall. 

When we entered our own little bay, we were excited to choose from dozens of world-famous golf courses (hello, Pebble Beach!), and then swing real clubs at a screen that tracks your ball’s path with surprisingly cool accuracy. It’s like a video game meets real-life golf. The kids were in their element!

The best part is that even our youngest enjoyed his time. We could adjust settings so everyone had a chance to hit the ball and feel like part of the game, even if their golf skills were more “mini-golf chaos” than PGA Tour. It felt more like a fun family game night than a golf outing – just with a much cooler setup.

The Driving Range

The kids were so enthralled with the virtual games that they wanted to hang out longer – so we headed to the open-air driving range, which is super laid-back, perfect for beginners and casual family outings. You can also rent a driving range bay, where they have couches and heaters. My husband and I are already planning an outing with our adult friends to take advantage of this feature!

We grabbed a bucket of balls each (you can choose small, medium, or large), and each of us set up at a mat. We brought our own clubs, but there are loaners that you can use and the staff is incredibly helpful. There were a few more serious golfers there, but it still felt totally welcoming to newbies (even those of us who may or may not have missed the ball a few times…ahem, me). 

Putt Putt & Ice Cream

After the driving range, we rewarded our hard work with some ice cream from the truck parked outside of Tap-In’s. They have tons of options for hard ice cream and shakes and it was a perfect end to our family night out. 

Tap-In’s also has an 18-hole outdoor mini golf course with a waterfall that looks super fun too. Definitely another family adventure option for another day!

We went to Tap-In’s thinking it would be “something different” to do for the evening, and it ended up being one of the most fun, low-pressure outings we’ve had in a while. No screens (unless you count the simulator), no long lines, and plenty of laughs.

Family Foodie Adventures in the Brighton Howell Area

One of our favorite things about exploring new places is FOOD! Whether it’s lunch after the driving range or ice cream on a summer night, our family is always up for trying new things and we all enjoy a sweet treat afterwards. 

Sacco’s Kitchen and Bar | Hartland

Sacco’s has already been on our list of regular pizza stops, with coal-fired pizza to die for. It’s perfect for a casual night out with the family. 

We ordered a bianco (a white pizza), a Greek pizza, and a classic half cheese-half pepperoni for our picky eaters. The chopped antipasto salad was also amazing. 

Captain Joe’s Grill | Whitmore Lake

Captain Joe’s was a fun stop for a family lunch – it was a nice meal without feeling too fancy. The restaurant has a cool nautical theme (which the kids loved), and the menu had a mix of American and Mediterranean dishes. On warmer days, Captain Joe’s has a really nice outdoor patio area. 

I had the shrimp tacos, my husband tried the meat lovers pizza, our oldest enjoyed a reuben, and our youngest went for his typical cheeseburger and fries – because, of course, he did. The food was really flavorful, and the portions were generous.

Dee’s Place | Whitmore Lake

After dinner at Captain Joe’s, we walked a few minutes down the road to Dee’s Place, which felt like stepping into an old-school summertime tradition. It’s a tiny little place with a walk-up window and a big menu of cones, sundaes, and flurries. The vibe is relaxed, the prices are reasonable, and the view of the lake is gorgeous. 

Cheryl’s Place | Brighton

We arrived on a weekend morning and, like any good local gem, Cheryl’s was buzzing. The service was excellent, and we were seated quickly. The place has that classic diner feel – cozy booths, handwritten specials, and the smell of bacon and fresh coffee in the air. 

While I am a breakfast and brunch lover, my family gravitates toward classic lunch. I tried out the veggie breakfast burrito (yum!) while the kids scarfed down a reuben (my girl loves some corned beef) and again, a classic cheeseburger and fries. The portions were generous (hello, leftovers), and the prices were super reasonable – always a plus.

Where to Stay in the Brighton Howell Area

For locals looking to enjoy an indoor pool or out-of-town travelers, the Brighton Howell Area is full of fantastic places to stay! Whether you prefer modern hotels or scenic campgrounds, you’ll find the perfect home base for exploring the region.

Find Your Next Family Adventure in the Brighton Howell Area

From playground adventures and tee time to classic diners and ice cream cones, our journey through the Brighton Howell Area reminded us that you don’t have to go far to find fun, flavor, and family connection. Whether we were petting goats at Carousel Acres, exploring trails at Kensington Metropark, or sharing a pizza at Sacco’s, each stop offered something special – and together, they created a weekend full of laughs, fresh air, and happy bellies. 

So if you’re looking to explore your own backyard, we can’t recommend these local gems enough. Grab your crew, hit the road, and let the Brighton Howell Area surprise you – one park, one plate, and one playful moment at a time.

For more Brighton Howell Area travel inspiration, the Explore Brighton Howell Area website is full of even more must-see recommendations!