Looking for a day of wild rides, water slides, and non-stop family fun? If you’re in Rochester, Michigan, you’re in luck. While Rochester itself is more famous for cider mills and nature preserves, you don’t have to travel far to find some entertaining amusement and water parks. Here’s your guide to the best spots within about an hour’s drive, plus tips to keep your day smooth, safe, and snack-filled.
Red Oaks Waterpark: The Local Splash Hit
Location: Madison Heights, MI
Distance: About 30 minutes from Rochester
Red Oaks Waterpark is the go-to spot for families who want a full day of water fun without a long road trip. This park is packed with attractions for every age. The wave-action pool is a crowd favorite, and the triple-flume waterslide will have you racing your friends for bragging rights.
If you’re after something more chill, the River Ride lets you float your cares away. Little ones get their own kingdom at SplashTown, a children’s splash pad with over 50 interactive water features, slides, and a giant dumping bucket that soaks anyone brave enough to stand below.
Tickets are affordable, especially for Oakland County residents, and kids under 36 inches get in free with a paid adult. The park is open for the 2025 season, but buy your tickets online to skip the lines and guarantee your spot.
Pro Tip: The wave pool and River Ride are heated—no shivering required, even if Michigan’s weather decides to play tricks on you.
Urban Air Adventure Park: Bounce, Climb, Repeat
Locations: Sterling Heights and Oxford, MI
Distance: Both are about 30-40 minutes from Rochester
Urban Air is not your average trampoline park. Yes, there’s bouncing, but there’s also a whole world of climbing walls, laser tag, dodgeball, slam dunk zones, and obstacle courses. The Sterling Heights and Oxford locations both offer all-day play passes, so kids (and adults) can burn off energy for hours. Birthday parties here are legendary, but even a regular weekend visit feels like a celebration.
The Oxford location features a Tubes Indoor Playground and a Warrior Course for the mini-ninjas in your crew. Sterling Heights is just as action-packed and even has a café for refueling between flips.
Pro Tip: Urban Air socks are required. Don’t forget them, or you’ll have to buy a pair at the door.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center: Build, Play, Repeat
Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Distance: 10 minutes from Rochester
If your kids are more into building than bouncing, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a must. This indoor playground is stacked with Detroit landmarks built from LEGO bricks, hands-on build zones, and LEGO-themed rides. It’s perfect for younger kids or for those rainy Michigan days when outdoor fun isn’t an option.
TreeRunner Adventure Park: Zip, Climb, and Conquer
Location: Rochester, MI
Right in Rochester, TreeRunner Adventure Park offers a different kind of thrill—think zip lines, rope courses, and 75+ obstacles suspended in the trees. It’s a fantastic outdoor adventure for families, groups, or anyone who wants to trade roller coasters for a bit of high-flying action.
Park Day Packing Checklist: Don’t Leave Home Without…
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Tickets/ID: Print or save them on your phone.
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Sunscreen: Reapply often, especially after water rides.
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Refillable water bottle: Stay hydrated and save money.
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Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking (and running) a lot.
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Swimwear: For water parks, plus a change of clothes.
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Towels and dry bags: For wet gear and electronics.
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Snacks: Some parks allow outside snacks; check ahead.
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Portable charger: Phones die fast when you’re snapping photos all day.
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Hats and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun.
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Poncho or umbrella: Michigan weather loves a surprise shower.
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Small First Aid Kit: Blisters and scrapes happen.
If you’re bringing little ones, add a stroller, baby supplies, and a way to make your stroller stand out in the crowd. Color-coded pouches can help everyone find their stuff quickly.
Food and Fun Beyond the Rides
Amusement park food is a world of its own. At Michigan’s Adventure, you’ll find everything from classic burgers and fries to pizza, funnel cakes, and hand-dipped ice cream. Red Oaks Waterpark has snack bars with summer staples, and Urban Air’s café offers kid-friendly favorites for a quick bite between adventures.
If you want to refuel outside the park, Rochester and nearby Rochester Hills are packed with great casual restaurants. Try D’Marcos Italian, Rochester Bistro, or Recipes Rochester for a sit-down meal, or grab a treat at Yates Cider Mill if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
Ready, Set, Play!
Rochester, Michigan, may not have a theme park in its backyard, but with so many top-notch options within an hour’s drive, you’re never far from your next adventure. Whether you’re splashing at Red Oaks, bouncing at Urban Air, or ziplining at TreeRunner, there’s something for every thrill level. Just remember your sunscreen, your snacks, and your sense of fun.
Sources: google.com, carters.com
Header Image Source: Ethan Hoover on Unsplash
