Best Kid-Friendly Bike Trails in Metro Detroit: Safe Paths & Family Fun

Metro Detroit and its surrounding communities offer a wealth of kid-friendly bike trails that make outdoor family time both fun and safe. From scenic lake loops to wooded rail-trails, there’s a perfect path for every young cyclist in Southeast Michigan. Below we’ve compiled 19 of the best family-friendly biking spots in Metro Detroit, listed alphabetically. Each entry includes practical details and highlights to help you plan your next two-wheeled adventure with the kids. Grab your helmets and let’s explore these safe bike rides for kids that showcase the beauty and excitement of our region!

Addison Oaks County Park and Campground, Facebook

Addison Oaks County Park

Open: Mon-Sun (7am-9pm)
1480 W Romeo Rd, Leonard, MI 48367
Website: Addison Oaks County Park

Addison Oaks is a sprawling 1,140-acre park in northern Oakland County featuring over 20 miles of trails suitable for all ages. Paved loops around scenic Buhl Lake provide safe, kid-friendly bike trails with plenty of spots to stop and view wildlife. Families love the unique Solar System Interpretive Trail, where kids can learn about the planets at stops along the path. With picnic areas, a playground, and even campground facilities, Addison Oaks offers a full day of family-friendly biking in Southeast Michigan combined with outdoor recreation.

Belle Isle Park

Open: Mon-Sun (5am-10pm)
99 Pleasure Drive, Detroit, MI 48207
Website: Belle Isle Park

Belle Isle is a 982-acre island oasis in the Detroit River, and its flat 6-mile bike loop is a favorite for family-friendly biking. The perimeter road/trail circles the island, offering gorgeous views of the Detroit skyline to the north and Windsor, Canada to the south. Along the way, families can stop at iconic landmarks like the James Scott Fountain or the Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory. The path is kid-friendly and separated from traffic, making it a safe bike ride for kids; plus, numerous picnic spots and a giant playscape mean you can easily make a day of it on the island.

Border to Border Trail (Washtenaw County)

Open: open year-round, however, specific sections may be closed due to weather or maintenance
8001 Main Street (Trailhead at Bandemer Park), Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Website: Border to Border Trail

Washtenaw County’s Border-to-Border Trail (B2B) is a 40+-mile paved pathway connecting Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Dexter and beyond. You can choose family-friendly segments of this ADA-accessible trail that run through parks and along the Huron River. For example, the stretch through Ann Arbor’s Gallup Park offers safe, scenic biking for kids, with playgrounds, bridges over the river, and plenty of ducks and turtles to spot. Out in Dexter and Hudson Mills, the trail winds through wooded areas and fields, giving a family-friendly biking experience with chances to stop at ice cream shops or parks in the small towns along the way. The B2B Trail’s well-maintained, kid-friendly paths make it easy for families to enjoy nature and local communities on two wheels.

Clinton River Spillway Bike Path

Open: Open daily (dawn to dusk)
Shadyside Park trailhead | 155 Shadyside Drive, Mount Clemens, MI 48043
Website: Clinton River Spillway Bike Path

This short but enjoyable trail follows the Clinton River Spillway in Macomb County for about 2–3 miles, providing a safe path separated from roads. Starting near Shadyside Park in Mount Clemens, the paved bike path runs alongside the waterway, leading all the way to Lake St. Clair near Harrison Township. Kids will enjoy riding near the water and watching boats or fishing activity in the canal. The flat terrain and dedicated path make it a kid-friendly bike trail ideal for beginners. As a bonus, the trail connects to the Metro Parkway (Freedom) Trail at one end, so adventurous families can extend their ride toward Lake St. Clair Metropark for playgrounds and lakeside fun.

Detroit RiverWalk & Dequindre Cut Greenway

Open: Mon-Sun (6am-10pm)
Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit, MI 48207
Website: Detroit RiverWalk & Dequindre Cut Greenway

Downtown Detroit’s international riverfront features a kid-friendly RiverWalk that stretches over 3 miles along the Detroit River, plus the connected Dequindre Cut Greenway rail-trail extending north. Families can bike the RiverWalk for skyline views, passing plazas, splash pads, and a carousel – all perfect pit stops with the kids. The Dequindre Cut branch offers a unique, below-street-level path adorned with colorful graffiti murals, safely separated from traffic. This urban trail duo is family-friendly and well-patrolled, often bustling with other families, walkers, and joggers. From the Rivard Plaza bike rental to the play gardens at Gabriel Richard Park, the Detroit RiverWalk and Dequindre Cut provide a vibrant, safe biking adventure for kids right in the heart of the city.

Hudson Mills Metropark

Open: Mon-Sun (7am-8pm)
8801 N Territorial Rd, Dexter, MI 48130
Website: Hudson Mills Metropark

Located along the Huron River near Dexter, Hudson Mills Metropark features a 3-mile paved loop trail that’s perfect for family-friendly biking. The flat, smooth path winds through scenic woodlands and meadows, and is actually part of the larger B2B Trail network. Kids can enjoy views of the Huron River and maybe catch sight of wildlife like deer or wild turkeys along the way. The trail connects to playgrounds, picnic areas, and rest spots (including a disc golf course) within the park, so there are plenty of breaks for little riders. With wide pathways and low traffic, Hudson Mills offers a safe bike ride for kids, and in fall the vibrant foliage makes it especially beautiful for a family outing.

hv_mtb, instagram

Huron Valley Rail Trail

Open: sunrise to sunset
58000 Grand River Ave, New Hudson, MI 48165
Website: Huron Valley Rail Trail

The Huron Valley Rail Trail is a 12-mile paved route linking South Lyon, Wixom, and Milford Township, offering some of the best family-friendly biking in Southeast Michigan. Built on a former railroad corridor, this trail is mostly flat and very kid-friendly, great for young riders gaining confidence. A popular section starts at Volunteer Park in South Lyon and heads north through wooded areas and open fields, eventually connecting into Island Lake State Recreation Area and Kensington Metropark. Families can tailor the distance to their needs, with convenient parking at parks like Volunteer Park or Lyon Oaks along the way. Whether you ride a short loop or a longer trek, you’ll enjoy a safe, pleasant bike route with bridges, boardwalks, and chances to spot birds or butterflies in the adjacent natural areas.

Indian Springs Metropark

Open: Mon-Sun (7am-8pm)
5200 Indian Trail, White Lake, MI 48386
Website: Indian Springs Metropark

Tucked into northern Oakland County, Indian Springs Metropark offers a tranquil setting for family-friendly biking. The park features an 8-mile paved Hike-Bike Trail that loops through prairies and woodlands and connects to the longer Milford and Kensington trail system. The path is mostly flat with gentle hills, making it kid-friendly for riders who can handle a moderate distance. A highlight for families is stopping at the Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center midway – this nature center has interactive exhibits (including an indoor wetland pond) that kids love, and restrooms and water are available. With wildflowers blooming in summer and vibrant colors in autumn, Indian Springs provides a safe, scenic backdrop for a family bike ride, plus opportunities to learn about nature along the way.

Kensington Metropark

Open: Mon-Sun (6am-10pm)
4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380
Website: Kensington Metropark

One of Metro Detroit’s most popular parks, Kensington Metropark in Milford/ Brighton offers a bit of everything – including an 8.5-mile paved bike loop around Kent Lake that’s a hit with families. The kid-friendly trail circles the water, providing constant scenic views and frequent wildlife sightings (swans, herons, and even roaming deer). Along the route, you’ll find playgrounds, picnic areas, beaches, and restrooms, allowing easy stops to break up the ride. Midway, consider a detour to the Farm Center where kids can visit farm animals and grab a quick snack. The path is safe and off-road, though it has a few gentle hills to keep things interesting. For Southeast Michigan families, a bike ride at Kensington – capped off with a stop at the splash pad or a lakeside ice cream – is the quintessential family-friendly biking excursion.

Lake St. Clair Metropark

Open: Mon-Sun (8am-8pm)
31300 Metro Pkwy, Harrison Twp, MI 48045
Website: Lake St. Clair Metropark

Formerly Metro Beach, Lake St. Clair Metropark in Macomb County combines water views with a family-friendly bike path. A paved trail of about 3 miles winds through the park, including a loop along the Lake St. Clair shoreline and around scenic wetlands. It’s an easy, kid-friendly ride with no street crossings – perfect for younger children or even towing a bike trailer with toddlers. Families can start near the marina and pedal past beaches, picnic areas, and playgrounds; in summer, the park’s splash pad and pool are great rewards after a ride. The trail also links to the longer Freedom Trail that heads west along Metro Parkway, so ambitious families can continue their safe bike ride beyond the park. With lake breezes and often a festival or kite surfer to watch, Lake St. Clair Metropark offers both safe paths and family fun all in one place.

Lower Huron Metropark

Open: Mon-Sun (7am-10pm)
40151 East Huron River Drive, Belleville, MI 48111
Website: Lower Huron Metropark

Down in Wayne County near Belleville, Lower Huron Metropark offers a peaceful, family-friendly biking experience along the Huron River. A paved hike-bike trail runs through the length of this park (about 4 miles one-way), connecting southward into Willow and Oakwoods Metroparks as part of a larger network. The trail is flat and kid-friendly, mostly shaded by trees and running parallel to the gentle river – you’ll cross a few wooden bridges that kids find exciting. Highlights include stopping at playgrounds and picnic areas; if it’s a hot day, families can detour to the Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center (a water park inside the park) for a cool-down. Because it’s a continuous path with no traffic, Lower Huron’s trail is a safe route for kids still gaining road sense, and its southern end near Oakwoods even features nature trails and a nature center if your family wants to mix biking with a bit of hiking or learning.

Macomb Orchard Trail

Open: one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset
24 Mile Road & Dequindre Road (western trailhead), Shelby Township, MI 48316
Website: Macomb Orchard Trail

The Macomb Orchard Trail is a 24-mile paved rail-trail that travels through northern Macomb County from Shelby Township to Richmond. As a former railroad line, it’s very flat and kid-friendly, ideal for family bike rides of any length. You can hop on at numerous access points – for example, at 24 Mile and Dequindre in Shelby Twp or in the quaint Village of Romeo – and ride through tunnels of trees, open fields, and past local farms. True to its name, the trail passes near several orchards and cider mills, making fall an especially fun time for a family ride (nothing beats a cider donut break!). The trail is well maintained and marked, with benches and Porta-Potties along the way. With no road traffic to worry about, the Macomb Orchard Trail is a safe path for kids, and its mix of small towns and country scenery provides a great local adventure for Metro Detroit families.

Maybury State Park

Open: Mon-Sun (8am-10pm)
49601 Eight Mile W, Northville, MI 48167
Website: Maybury State Park

Maybury State Park in Northville offers a natural retreat in the suburbs, with options for both paved and unpaved biking that suit families. The park has a one-mile paved loop near the Trailhead Shelter that’s great for young kids or those on training wheels – it winds through woods and meadows, giving a taste of nature without being too long. For more confident riders, Maybury also features wider dirt paths and a gently rolling mountain bike trail (beginner-friendly) where older kids can try a bit of off-road fun. A big draw for families is Maybury Farm, located adjacent to the park – you can bike there via a connector path to see farm animals and play (a nice midway reward). With its mix of shade, well-marked trails, and amenities, Maybury is a family-friendly biking spot that lets you feel “up north” right in Metro Detroit. Don’t forget to enjoy the wildflowers and maybe even some blackberry picking along the way in late summer!

Metro Pkwy & Freedom Trail

Open: Mon-Sun (6am-11pm)
Metro Pkwy & Freedom Trail, Clinton Twp, MI 48035
Website: Metro Pkwy & Freedom Trail

The Metro Parkway Trail – also known as the Freedom Trail – is an approximately 10-mile paved path that parallels 16 Mile Road through Macomb County. It connects Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, and Harrison Township, ending at Lake St. Clair Metropark. Despite running near a busy road, the trail itself is separated by a green median and occasional fencing, so it remains safe for kids on bikes. Families often start at the western end by Schoenherr Road or mid-way at Clinton Township’s Civic Center and head east. Along the route, you’ll pass through sections of the Clinton River watershed, with a few bridge crossings and parks like Canal Park to stop for a break. The kid-friendly highlight is reaching Lake St. Clair Metropark at the east end, where the kids can romp at the playground or beach after the ride. This wide, straight trail makes for an easy, confidence-building ride and showcases the blend of urban and natural landscapes in Southeast Michigan family-friendly biking.

Milford YMCA Trailhead

Open: Mon-Sun (6:30am-10pm)
2120 E. Commerce Street, Milford, MI 48381
Website: Milford YMCA Trailhead

The Milford Trail is a local gem in western Oakland County, linking the Village of Milford to Kensington Metropark over about 3.5–4 miles. This paved trail begins near the Milford YMCA and winds through wooded areas, across a dam on the Huron River, and alongside fields as it heads toward Kensington (ending by the park’s Dairy Queen, conveniently!). The trail does have a few hills and curves, offering a little adventure but remaining very family-friendly – kids who have mastered the basics will enjoy the gentle challenges. Many families will ride out-and-back from Milford, then reward the kids with a treat in the charming downtown or at the ice cream shop at trail’s end. The Milford Trail is well-shaded and safe from traffic, with signs and even a fix-it station at the Milford trailhead. It’s a wonderful way to connect a fun small-town atmosphere with the natural beauty of Kensington, all via a kid-friendly bike route.

Oakwoods Metropark

Open: Mon-Sun (8am-8pm)
32911 Willow Rd, New Boston, MI 48164
Website: Oakwoods Metropark

Oakwoods Metropark, near Flat Rock/New Boston, is a haven for nature-loving families looking for a short, kid-friendly bike ride. The park’s paved trail is around 2 miles long, running through hardwood forests and alongside the Huron River. It’s an easy out-and-back ride for young children, with the Oakwoods Nature Center at one end as a great starting or finishing point. The Nature Center has wildlife exhibits (think turtles, snakes, and frogs) and often holds family programs – a nice way to mix biking with learning. The trail itself is flat and safe, and you’ll often see butterflies (Oakwoods is a designated monarch waystation) and hear birds in the woods. Connect this path to the neighboring Lower Huron/Willow trails if you want a longer adventure. Quiet and uncrowded, Oakwoods Metropark’s trail lets families immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a leisurely bike outing at a child’s pace.

Paint Creek Trail, Facebook

Paint Creek Trail

Open: year-round from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
400 6th Street (Rochester Municipal Park trailhead), Rochester, MI 48307
Website: Paint Creek Trail

The Paint Creek Trail is a beloved 8.9-mile rail-trail stretching from downtown Rochester to the village of Lake Orion. As Michigan’s first Rail-to-Trail, it offers a finely crushed limestone surface that is well-packed and easy for kids to ride (suitable for wider tires, like on kids’ bikes or hybrids). Starting in Rochester Municipal Park, families are immediately greeted by a playground and the gentle babble of Paint Creek – a nice send-off for the ride. The trail meanders through woods and wetlands, crossing the creek several times on wooden bridges. It’s mostly flat with a slight uphill grade heading north, but very manageable for young riders. A favorite stop about midway is the Paint Creek Cider Mill in Oakland Township, where you can grab a snack or cold cider in the summer (and warm donuts in the fall!). With interpretive signs and abundant nature (look for trout in the clear creek or wildflowers along the path), this trail provides both safe biking for kids and an educational journey. In autumn, the foliage is stunning, making it an ideal family-friendly bike trip for some leaf-peeping on two wheels.

Stony Creek Metropark

Open: Mon-Sun (6am-10pm)
4300 Main Park Dr, Shelby Charter Township, MI 48316
Website: Stony Creek Metropark

Up in northern Macomb/Oakland County, Stony Creek Metropark provides a mix of scenic beauty and recreational fun for families. The park features a 6.2-mile paved bike loop around Stony Creek Lake, which is a fantastic kid-friendly trail for those ready for a moderate ride. The loop rolls through gentle hills and offers lake views, passing beaches, picnic shelters, and the boat rental area – so you can easily pause for playground time or a swim break. Because the path is a dedicated recreation trail, kids can ride freely without traffic, aside from occasionally sharing the space with joggers and skaters. For younger kids not up to the full loop, there are shorter paved spurs and nature trails (like the 1-mile Habitat Trail) to explore. With a nature center, splash pad, and even mountain bike trails for when the kids get older, Stony Creek is a park you’ll return to year after year. It combines safe paths and family fun, from biking to fishing, making it a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Metro Detroit.

West Bloomfield Trail

Open: Daily 8:00 AM to sunset
4655 Arrowhead Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323
Website: West Bloomfield Trail

The West Bloomfield Trail is a 6.8-mile linear park that threads through the lakes and neighborhoods of West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, and Sylvan Lake. Built on an old railway line, this trail has a mix of paved and finely crushed gravel sections, both of which are kid-friendly and generally flat. Families will enjoy the serene atmosphere – much of the path is shaded by trees and runs behind backyards, around wetlands, and near quiet lakeshores. A great place to start is at the West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve (near Arrowhead Road) where there’s parking, a restroom, and even a fix-it station. From there, head east toward Sylvan Lake: you’ll cross a few wooden trestle bridges and find scenic overlooks with benches to rest (don’t miss the view of Mirror Lake at Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary). The trail’s surface is well-maintained, and even young kids on bikes or in trailers will find it a smooth, safe ride. Because it connects multiple community parks and even an orchard market, you can turn your ride into a mini-tour of local sights. The West Bloomfield Trail exemplifies family-friendly biking in Southeast Michigan – easy riding, natural beauty, and that welcoming suburban-community vibe.

Metro Detroit’s array of bike trails proves that you don’t need to venture far from home to find safe, kid-friendly biking adventures. Whether your family is seeking a short, scenic loop with playground stops or a longer rail-trail journey through different towns, the trails above offer something for everyone. As local experts (and neighbors), we know these paths not only provide exercise and fresh air, but also create lasting family memories – from a toddler’s first confident pedal to a teenager’s appreciation of Michigan’s natural beauty. So next free weekend, load up the bikes and explore one of these inviting trails. With parks to explore, ice cream shops to discover, and plenty of family fun along the way, you’ll see why Metro Detroit is a wonderful place to raise an active family. Grab your helmets and enjoy the ride – the trails are waiting!