Innovation Hills Park - Image 1
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Innovation Hills Park

4.7
·2k reviews·Rochester Hills, United States

A sprawling 110-acre park in Rochester Hills featuring an award-winning nature playground, river trails, and water play.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more playtime

CrowdLow
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Innovation Hills Park - Image 1

Innovation Hills Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more playtime

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sprawling 110-acre park in Rochester Hills featuring an award-winning nature playground, river trails, and water play.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"One of the best and most beautiful places for kids! Highly recommended for families!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📱 Parking App Required

Pay for parking using the mobile app; no cash accepted. Download beforehand!

💧 Bring Swim Gear

Kids will love the water play area - pack a change of clothes!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nature-Themed Playground

Nature-Themed Playground

Main Play Area

A massive, inclusive playground with a real treehouse, zip line, climbing structures, and a toddler zone.

TikTokInstagram
Clinton River Boardwalk

Clinton River Boardwalk

Along the river

Enjoy a scenic one-mile paved boardwalk offering views of the river and wildlife.

InstagramReddit
Water Play Zone

Water Play Zone

Towards the back of the park

Shallow streams and interactive water features perfect for cooling off on a warm day.

Instagram+1
The Treehouse

The Treehouse

Main Play Area

A real-life treehouse that sparks imagination and adventure for children of all ages.

TikTokInstagram
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Planning Your Visit

Parking and App Essentials

Be prepared for a parking fee, payable only via a mobile app. Ensure your phone is charged and the app is downloaded before arrival to avoid hassle. Some visitors suggest walking or biking in via pedestrian trails if parking is a concern. Reddit

Water Play Preparedness

Bring a change of clothes or swimwear for the kids! The park features a delightful water play area that many visitors rave about, but it can lead to wet adventurers. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more playtime
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer days
Why
Water play is a must!
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Innovation Hills in Rochester Hills MI is SO WORTH checking out! You could spend a whole day here I feel like. Keep in mind you have to pay to park $1.50 an hour I believe it is or you can get a season pass. I had no issue finding space myself and there were plenty of open spots when I went but I have seen from reviews that at times parking can be a little crazy, there is an overflow lot but you...
@michiganwmarissa
7.1K likes • 55.9K views

📱 Parking App Required

Pay for parking using the mobile app; no cash accepted. Download beforehand! Reddit

💧 Bring Swim Gear

Kids will love the water play area - pack a change of clothes! InstagramReddit

Innovation Hills Park in Rochester Hills, Michigan‧#michigan #michigancheck #visitmichigan
@butterfly5ll
32 likes • 1.2K views
🛝 Innovation Hills Park is a public park located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. The park features a real life treehouse, hill for sliding, zip line, climbing area, and smaller toddler play area. This playground is huge and definitely one of our favorite playgrounds. The park also features a pond, where you can spot many forms of wildlife. The park was designed with the goal of providing a natural...
michiganmomofone
11.2K likes • 424.2K views

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Explore paved trails, dirt paths, and boardwalks with ease. Reddit

🐶 Pet-Friendly Trails

Leashed pets are welcome on the park's walking trails. Instagram

Our pathway directly into Innovation Hills Park is now open! Just in time for the most perfect weather ☀️
legacyrochesterhills
13 likes • 489 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📱 Parking App Required

Pay for parking using the mobile app; no cash accepted. Download beforehand! Reddit

💧 Bring Swim Gear

Kids will love the water play area - pack a change of clothes! InstagramReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Explore paved trails, dirt paths, and boardwalks with ease. Reddit

🐶 Pet-Friendly Trails

Leashed pets are welcome on the park's walking trails. Instagram

💡 Evening Solar Lights

The park has solar lights and glowing pavement for evening visits. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Innovation Hills Park is overwhelmingly praised as a fantastic, spacious, and clean destination with an exceptional nature-themed playground and scenic riverfront trails. Families particularly love the inclusive play areas and water features, though the mandatory mobile app parking fee is a noted inconvenience. Reddit+1

"Such an amazing park. I love that it's fenced in with only two entrances/exits. So even though it's huge it keeps kids mostly contained. The kids had such a great time. Bring an extra change of clothes because there is a water play area (we didn't know this and drove home with wet kids). All of the play structures are well thought out. They challenge our kiddos physically and mentally. I could not recommend this place more and I can't believe it took us so long to get here. We will definitely be back soon.

The only CON is you have to pay to park. No cash/change, you have to use their park mobile app. So be prepared for that."

Jennifer Randle

"A very fun playground, get ready because adventures await. So many different things to check out. Let your imagination lead the way :) . They have restrooms but they were closed at the time of my visit. 1.50 an hour for parking."

renee stegmueller

"One of the best parks in rochester/auburn hills. They have limestone pathways, dirt trails, and wooden deck walkways. You can walk along the clinton river all throughout the park. Tons of insects, wildlife, and a few big bucks too. I live close by and come here to fly fish, totally awesome."

Neil Berish

What People Like

Incredible nature playground
Spacious and clean park
Scenic river boardwalk

What People Dislike

Mobile app parking fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Innovation Hills Park is located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. It's accessible by car, and there's a direct pathway from Legacy Rochester Hills. Instagram Visitors can also utilize pedestrian trails connected to various areas within the park. Reddit

Yes, the park is well-known in the Rochester Hills area. Many local families and visitors frequent it, making it a popular destination. Instagram

Information on public transportation directly to the park is limited. Driving or biking via connected trails are the most common methods of access. Reddit

If you're in the vicinity, consider walking or biking. There are pedestrian trails that connect to many areas, offering a pleasant approach. InstagramReddit

While the park itself offers plenty, Rochester Hills has other local spots. For those visiting the area for work, it's a great option within a half-hour drive of Detroit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Innovation Hills Park is a free public park. However, there is a parking fee if you choose to park in the designated lots. InstagramReddit

Parking fees must be paid using a mobile app; cash or change is not accepted. Be sure to download the app and have it ready. Reddit

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Instagram

Yes, you can walk or bike into the park using the connected pedestrian trails, bypassing the parking fee. Reddit

Absolutely! The park is designed to be inclusive, with play areas for toddlers and challenging structures for older children, as well as walking trails for all. TikTokInstagramReddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The park boasts a large nature-themed playground with a treehouse, zip line, and climbing areas, along with a water play zone and a scenic boardwalk along the Clinton River. TikTokInstagram+2

Yes, there is a dedicated smaller play area specifically designed for toddlers. TikTok

Certainly! The park offers a variety of paths, including limestone pathways, dirt trails, and a one-mile paved boardwalk along the Clinton River. InstagramReddit

The park is fenced with only two entrances/exits, which helps keep children contained. The play structures are well-designed for safety and engagement. Reddit

Restrooms are available within the park, though they may occasionally be closed for maintenance. Reddit

Yes, the park is pet-friendly, and leashed pets are welcome on the walking trails. Instagram

Visitors have spotted various insects, wildlife, and even deer along the trails and near the pond. TikTokReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there have been reports of food trucks offering snacks and drinks, such as freshly squeezed lemonade and cold brew. Instagram+1

While specific picnic areas aren't highlighted, the park is spacious and family-friendly, suggesting it's a suitable place for picnics. Reddit

Rochester Hills offers various dining options. The park's location makes it convenient to access local eateries after your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The nature-themed playground, the treehouse, the Clinton River boardwalk, and the water play area offer great photo opportunities. The park's natural beauty and unique structures make for vibrant shots. TikTokInstagram+1

Absolutely! The spaciousness, diverse play areas, and scenic river views provide a wonderful backdrop for family portraits. Instagram+1

The park features evening solar lights and glowing pavement, which could offer unique photographic possibilities after dark. Instagram

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour lighting for photos. Weekday mornings offer fewer distractions for capturing clear shots. Instagram

Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check local park regulations or contact the city of Rochester Hills Parks and Recreation department for specific rules regarding drones. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Innovation Hills Park is a dream destination for families. The expansive nature-themed playground is a major draw, featuring a real treehouse, zip line, and climbing structures that will keep kids entertained for hours. TikTokInstagram Don't forget to pack swimsuits and a change of clothes, as the water play zone is a huge hit! InstagramReddit The park's fenced-in design with limited entrances provides peace of mind for parents. Reddit

Beyond the playground, the one-mile paved boardwalk offers a safe and scenic stroll for all ages, and the park's overall spaciousness and cleanliness make it ideal for a family outing. InstagramReddit With dedicated toddler areas and engaging play equipment, there's something for every child. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Walkers

For those who love to explore the outdoors, Innovation Hills Park offers a beautiful natural setting. The Clinton River provides a serene backdrop, and the one-mile paved boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely walk with scenic views. InstagramReddit If you prefer a more rugged experience, the park also features dirt trails and limestone pathways that allow you to immerse yourself deeper into the natural environment. Reddit Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way! TikTokReddit

📸 Photographers

Innovation Hills Park presents numerous opportunities for stunning photography. The nature-themed playground, with its unique treehouse and vibrant structures, offers dynamic shots. TikTokInstagram Capture the serene beauty of the Clinton River from the boardwalk, especially during the golden hour for beautiful lighting. Instagram+1 The water play area can also provide fun, candid moments. Instagram For a unique perspective, consider visiting in the evening to utilize the solar lights and glowing pavement. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Inclusive Playground Experience

Innovation Hills Park is celebrated for its nature-themed playground, designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind. It features a variety of structures catering to different ages and abilities, including a real-life treehouse, a zip line, and a challenging climbing area. TikTokInstagram The park also includes a separate, smaller play area specifically for toddlers, ensuring that even the youngest visitors have a safe and engaging space to explore. TikTok

Many visitors highlight how the playground structures are thoughtfully designed to challenge children both physically and mentally, encouraging imaginative play. Reddit The park's commitment to creating a space where all children can play together is a recurring theme in reviews, making it a standout destination for families. Instagram+1

Play Area Highlights:



* Treehouse: A unique, real-life structure that sparks imagination.
* Zip Line: Offers an exhilarating experience for adventurous kids.
* Climbing Area: Provides physical challenges for various skill levels.
* Toddler Zone: A safe and dedicated space for the youngest visitors.
* Water Play Zone: Interactive streams perfect for cooling off. Instagram

Exploring the Natural Beauty

Beyond the playground, Innovation Hills Park offers a rich natural environment to explore. The park is situated along the Clinton River, providing scenic views and opportunities for nature walks. Instagram+1 A one-mile paved boardwalk winds through the park, offering an accessible way to enjoy the surroundings and spot local wildlife. InstagramReddit

Visitors can also venture onto limestone pathways and dirt trails, which allow for a more immersive experience in nature. Reddit These trails are ideal for walking, jogging, or even fly fishing in the river, as mentioned by some local enthusiasts. Reddit The park's spaciousness and well-maintained paths make it a perfect spot for a peaceful nature walk or a more active outdoor adventure. InstagramReddit

Natural Features:



* Clinton River: Scenic riverfront with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
* Paved Boardwalk: Accessible one-mile path for easy exploration.
* Dirt Trails & Limestone Paths: Offer varied hiking and walking experiences.
* Wildlife: Potential sightings of insects, birds, and deer. TikTokReddit

Practicalities for a Smooth Visit

To ensure a hassle-free visit to Innovation Hills Park, it's crucial to be aware of a few key practicalities. The most frequently mentioned point is the parking fee, which is exclusively handled through a mobile app. Reddit Visitors are strongly advised to download the app and set it up before arriving to avoid any inconvenience. Alternatively, the park's extensive network of pedestrian trails allows visitors to bypass parking fees by walking or biking in. Reddit

Another essential tip, especially for families, is to bring a change of clothes or swimwear due to the popular water play area. InstagramReddit This feature is a big hit with kids, but it can lead to wet adventurers heading home. The park is also equipped with evening solar lights and glowing pavement, extending its usability into the night and offering a unique ambiance for late visits. Instagram

Key Visitor Tips:



* Parking: Mobile app payment required; download in advance. Reddit
* Water Play: Pack extra clothes for kids. InstagramReddit
* Evening Visits: Enjoy the solar lights and glowing pavement. Instagram
* Accessibility: Paved boardwalk and well-maintained paths. Reddit

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