Summer field trips to the Outdoor Adventure Center combine Michigan's outdoor resources and hands-on learning for all ages in a climate-controlled, historic building, with an option to add an outdoor activity.
View our complete guide to planning your field trip:
Field trips include the following:
Group admission rate: $2 per person (campers, leaders, counselors).
Summer camps and other established organizations are eligible for the group admission rate with a confirmed group permit. Advance registration is required at least three weeks prior to preferred date.
$50 nonrefundable deposit: due upon confirmation; the deposit will be applied to the admission fees.
Date changes requested less than four weeks in advance will forfeit the deposit.
$60 self-led option: gaga pit and outdoor games on front lawn.
With this option, your group will have a gaga pit set up along with various outdoor games. This section will be reserved for just your group.
The game of gaga ball takes only a few minutes to learn and doesn’t require the mastery of specific skills, so it creates a level playing field for children of all athletic abilities, including boys and girls in coed sports as well as kids with attention deficit disorders, social skills challenges and others who haven’t participated in traditional sports. Because the game of gaga ball has so much unpredictable action, it gives the nontraditional athlete an equal chance of winning. This does absolute wonders for their self-esteem, even the very first time they play.
$90 educator-led outdoor sessions: enhance the visit by booking an outdoor program.
These programs will take place outdoors along the Dequindre Cut alongside the OAC and/or Milliken State Park across the street. See program descriptions below.
Preregistration is required – please allow at least three weeks for processing.
Summer field trip application »
Grants may be available to cover transportation. Visit the site to review eligibility:
To extend your day in Detroit, check out other opportunities at nearby locations*:
*Please note that these organizations have their own booking processes, prices and availability and are separate entities from the Outdoor Adventure Center.
Add an outdoor experience to your visit. All programs include educator-led, age-appropriate activities and hands-on learning components incorporated into outdoor games.
Program descriptions are separated by age group:
A walk in nature can reveal a variety of colors, shapes, sounds and textures! We'll explore the surrounding area and the riverfront with a nature "I spy" activity.
Maximum 30 campers
Nature is everywhere! We’ll search for animal habitats large and small, signs of wildlife, birds flying overhead and more on a guided scavenger hunt along Detroit’s Riverfront and Milliken State Park. This program will include a short walk, hands-on components and a group activity.
Maximum 30 campers
Nets, bugs, investigations and discovery! After an introduction to insects and their important roles in our ecosystems, participants will search high and low for the different types of insects found in our local wetland/urban habitat at Milliken State Park. We will take an up-close look at their characteristics and what makes them an insect (or not!).
Maximum 30 campers
Meet some Michigan mammals! We’ll spend some hands-on time getting up close and personal with some of Michigan’s wildlife and learn what makes them specialized as a predator or a prey species. Then we’ll play an active game that illustrates the importance of predator-prey relationships to wildlife populations. This program will take place in an open area outside, adjacent to the OAC.
Maximum 30 campers
Discover the rich fish biodiversity on the Detroit River with a fun and educational Outdoor Adventure Center fishing experience! Participants will learn how to identify fish with a fun game, learn how to cast a fishing rod in a safe environment and lastly try their hand in a fishing derby at the Milliken State Park harbor. Participants will also learn how to identify various species of fish and find out how they, as anglers, can help the fight against aquatic invasive species. All fishing equipment is included with the cost of the program.
Maximum 25 campers
Come discover the wonder of camping in Michigan’s great outdoors with a fun, hands-on learning-experience. Participants will learn about the essential gear for an outdoor campout/hike and discover how to choose a good campsite, pitch and break down a tent, survive the elements and make the most out of a camping trip. These lessons give campers the opportunity to partake in fun and educational games, allowing the children to practice creative thinking, problem solving and survival skills. This program will take place in an open area outside, adjacent to the OAC.
Maximum 30 campers
During this outdoor program, campers will visit the wetland area at Milliken State Park to discuss and observe the characteristics and benefits of wetland habitats for people and for wildlife. This will include hands-on components and an interactive activity.
Maximum 30 campers
