Looking for a day that’s more thrilling than your morning coffee? Northville, Michigan, is surrounded by some of the region’s best amusement and water parks, all within a 30 to 50-minute drive. Whether you want to zip through the trees, race go-karts, or make a splash, this guide will help you pick your next adventure. Let’s get right to the good stuff.
Paradise Park: Where Fun and Pizza Collide
Address: 45799 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374
Distance: About 15 minutes from Northville
Paradise Park is a 10-acre playground for all ages. Imagine a place where you can race go-karts, bounce on Olympic-style trampolines, play laser tag, and conquer an 18-hole mini-golf course—all before lunch. The arcade is packed with games for kids and grown-ups who refuse to act their age. There’s even a balloon drop tower that spins you 35 feet in the air for a city view and a jolt of adrenaline.
Hungry? The on-site restaurant serves hand-tossed specialty pizzas, Italian nachos, and even a BLT pizza (yes, with mayo). Adults can kick back with a Paradise Punch or a classic mojito while the kids tackle bumper cars or the Euro Bungy Dome. Paradise Park is also a top pick for birthday parties, corporate events, and even bachelor or bachelorette bashes. Free parking and a clean, safe environment seal the deal.
Zap Zone: Laser Tag and Arcade Awesomeness
Address: 31506 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48336
Distance: About 20 minutes from Northville
Zap Zone in Farmington is the go-to spot for anyone who loves a little friendly competition. This entertainment center is loaded with laser tag, an arcade, bumper cars, glo-golf, and a pixel floor that lights up with every step. You can buy unlimited attraction passes, so the only limit is your energy level. Special events like “Unlimited Nights” and “Family Fun Days” keep things fresh.
Zap Zone is perfect for birthday parties, team-building, or just blowing off steam. They cater to all ages, so bring your little ones, your teens, or your coworkers who act like teens.
TreeRunner Adventure Park & Mini Golf: Swing, Climb, Zip
Address: 6200 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322
Distance: About 30 minutes from Northville
TreeRunner Adventure Park is not your average park. Here, you’ll find 15 aerial obstacle courses and five junior courses set in a lush forest. Obstacles range from swinging bridges and climbing walls to ziplines that’ll make you feel like a superhero. Courses are color-coded by difficulty, so everyone from four-year-olds to seasoned climbers can join in.
For the mini-golf fans, TreeRunner also offers a course with plenty of twists. Special “glow nights” on Fridays and Saturdays add a neon twist to your treetop adventure. The park is open spring through fall and is a hit for families, birthday parties, and anyone who likes a challenge.
Rolling Hills Water Park: Splash, Slide, Repeat
Address: 7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti Township, MI 48197
Distance: About 40 minutes from Northville
Rolling Hills Water Park is a summer classic. The zero-entry pool is perfect for young swimmers, while older kids and adults can tackle the wave pool, water slides, and splash zones. The HydraHub2 is a favorite for dumping buckets and water cannons, and the JetStreams and FlashFlood keep the action going all day.
Feeling hungry? The snack bar serves up fresh grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. Prices are reasonable, and you can even bring your own food—just grab a handstamp and picnic outside the gates. Arrive early to beat the crowds and claim a shady spot.
Red Oaks Waterpark: Triple Flume, Wave Pool, and More
Address: 1455 E Thirteen Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Distance: About 40 minutes from Northville
Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights is a splash lover’s dream. The wave pool is the main event, but don’t miss the triple-flume waterslide or the Splash Town water playground. There are family restrooms, shade structures, and plenty of picnic areas for a mid-day break.
Admission rates are $28 on weekends and $26 on weekdays, with discounts for Oakland County residents. Kids under 36 inches get in free with a paid adult. You can bring your own food (no glass or alcohol), so pack a cooler and make a day of it.
Park Essentials Checklist: Don’t Forget These!
Before you dash out the door, here’s a quick checklist to make your day smooth:
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Tickets or passes (digital or printed)
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Refillable water bottle
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Sunscreen and hats
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Sunglasses and eyeglass straps
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Swimwear and extra clothes
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Towels and waterproof bags
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Comfortable shoes (flip-flops for water parks, sneakers for adventure parks)
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Portable phone charger
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Snacks and a small cooler (check park rules)
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First aid kit and any daily meds
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Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
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Poncho or umbrella for surprise showers
Packing smart means more time for fun and less time searching for a dry towel or a snack.
Food and Fun Beyond the Rides
Every park on this list offers more than just rides. Paradise Park’s restaurant is a crowd-pleaser, Rolling Hills’ snack bar is famous for its grilled-to-order burgers, and Red Oaks lets you picnic in the shade. TreeRunner mixes adventure with mini-golf and gem mining, while Zap Zone’s arcade and laser tag mean you can play rain or shine.
Whether you’re planning a family day, a birthday bash, or just need to escape the ordinary, Northville’s nearby amusement and water parks have you covered. Pack your bag, charge your phone, and get ready to make some memories.
Sources: google.com, carters.com
Header Image Source: Polina Sushko on Unsplash