Vehicle entry permit required $5 daily $25 yearly
Kensington Metropark Farm Learning Center provides the opportunity
for each park visitor to experience the sights, sounds, smells and feel of
“life down on the farm.” The farm features a variety of domestic animals, from
small chickens and rabbits to large draft horses that can be seen and touched.
An herb garden, field crops and old-fashioned farm equipment are also displayed.
Horse-drawn hayrides or sleigh rides are available year round. Rides are
available for families and individuals without an appointment every Saturday
and Sunday, noon to 4 pm (weather permitting). All rides are wheelchair
accessible. Weekday group rides are available by reservation $50 per half hour.
Night rides between 5 and 9 p.m. are $150 per hour. $50 bonfire is optional.
Group appointments are available Monday thru Friday, Group size requires a
minimum of 15 and a maximum of 35 per appointment. There is a $1 per child fee.
Appointments must be made at least one week in advance The Nature Center
schedules appointments for the Farm Center, 248-685-0603.
Maple Sugaring Tours are during the month of March. Maple sugaring has been
an important part of Michigan’s history even before the first colonists stepped
foot in the New World. It is believed that the Native Americans were the first
people to tap and process maple sap into sugars and syrups. Through this
program, students will achieve a higher level of understanding and respect towards
the Native American people and the environment. Students will also discover
how unique maple syruping is to this region. Students will gain an overall view
on how sustainable farming methods benefit both society and the environment.
This program includes tapping a maple tree, watching the process of turning
sap into syrup, and a tour of a Native American sugaring camp. $1 per child.
Farm Tours are important because many of our elementary-age children have
never set foot on a working farm or known where their food and fiber comes from.
This program introduces students to the animals living on the farm and their
contributions to society. Students are encouraged to greet the different animals
face to face, while they learn about the job that each specific animal does on the
farm. Emphasis is placed on the animal as a living, breathing, creature. Students
will learn about the basic needs all animals have and also the differences
between mammals and birds. Students are encouraged to make observations
and ask questions about the things they see on the farm. $1 per child.