Hike, Rock Climb or Swim in Metro Detroit on Black Friday

Black Friday isn’t just for shopping. This year, you can also enjoy the outdoors, rock climb, and swim around metro Detroit. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering free admission to all state parks and multiple Life Time Fitness locations in Michigan will offer Black Friday day camps for kids. 

“Opt Outside” In National Campaign

Michigan DNR’s “Opt Outside” campaign is sponsored by a sports equipment company and is part of a national campaign that aims to get more people active outdoors nationwide.  

Ron Olson is the Chief of Parks and Recreation for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. He says keeping options open for visitors is important.  

“Taking a walk and after all the food and everything, trying to keep that balance,” Olson says, in comparison to “the sometimes hectic nature of the day.”

All 103 Michigan State Parks will be open to the public all day Black Friday. Olson says the weather should help with attendance.  

“We’re going to keep the kids active and have fun.” – Rachel DeGraw, Life Time Fitness

Kids Day at Life Time Fitness

Members and non-members can drop their kids off for a reduced fee at various clubs. Each center will offer a range of things to do, including rock climbing, swimming and educational activities.  

Rachel DeGraw is the Kids Manager at Life Time Fitness. She says it’s important to give parents a piece of mind during a busy time.  

“We offer camp just so that parents can drop their kids off and not feel guilty about, you know, the kids being home on an iPad or TV,” DeGraw says. “We’re going to keep the kids active and have fun.” 

Kids ages four through 12 are allowed to participate in the day camps.