Kensington is most popular for its eight-mile paved path that circles Kent Lake. The pavement is smooth and the hills are just challenging enough to work up a good sweat - and it's a terrific place for the kids to practice on their own bikes or blades.
This park is loaded with beautiful, scenic spots. The Island Queen II, a 39-passenger pontoon boat makes hourly trips from 12n-6pm for just a few bucks/person. Rowboats and kayaks can be rented as well. Fishing is allowed year-round.
A surprisingly large indoor/outdoor Farm Center is worth the trip alone. Hayrides and sleigh rides are offered. Take a self-guided tour of the park's Nature Center and take a chance at spotting fish, heron, swans, deer, and many species of birds.
Kensington's 18-hole, par-71 golf course has courses for men and women. A free, 24-hole disc golf course starts near Martindale Beach. Throughout the year, organized youth groups are welcomed to camp in the park.
In the winter months, there's ice skating, and some really great sledding hills, with separate areas for your little ones (snowboarding is not allowed). Two toboggan runs are located in the Orchard Picnic area. Shush for hours on the 12 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails that loop around the park.
At the Nature Center:
Ice Fishing for Beginners
Saturday, January 28 from 1 pm to 4 pm, Nature Center. A chance for beginners to learn about ice fishing, then wet a line (ice conditions permitting). Bring ice fishing rods and dress for the weather Fee: $5 per person that is fishing. For ages 6 years and older. A fishing license is required for those 17 years of age and older.
Snow Wonder It's Winter
Sunday, January 29 at 2 pm, Nature Center. Come experience the wonders that winter has to offer along the nature trails. Fee: $3 per person. This program is for all ages. Preregistration required.
Ice Fishing for Beginners
Saturday, February 4 from 1 pm to 4 pm, Nature Center. A chance for beginners, ages 6 and older, to learn about ice fishing and then wet a line (ice conditions permitting). Bring ice fishing rods and dress for the weather. Fee: $5 for any person who is fishing. A fishing license is required for those 17 years of age and older. Preregistration required.
Chickadee Chow-Down
Sunday, February 5 at 2 pm, Nature Center. In winter, a variety of songbirds will actually take sunflower seeds from your hands. Bird seed will be provided for this short walk along the nature trails. This program is for all ages. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required.
Ice Fishing for Beginners
Saturday, February 11 from 1 pm to 4 pm, Nature Center. A chance for beginners, ages 6 and older, to learn about ice fishing and then wet a line (ice conditions permitting). Bring ice fishing rods and dress for the weather. Fee: $5 for any person who is fishing. A fishing license is required for those 17 years of age and older. Preregistration required.
Chickadee Chow-Down
Sunday, February 12 at 2 pm, Nature Center. In winter, a variety of songbirds will actually take sunflower seeds from your hands. Bird seed will be provided for this short walk along the nature trails. This program is for all ages. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required.
Jr. Girl Scouts: Frosty Fun
Saturday, February 18 from 10 am & 2 pm, Nature Center. All requirements for this badge will be met during this indoor/outdoor program. Fee: $5 per Scout. Preregistration required.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Sunday, February 19 from 1 pm to 4 pm, Nature Center. It's fun to see how many different kinds of birds can be seen and counted right in your own backyard or neighborhood park. Each tally helps us learn more about how our North American birds are doing and what that says about the health and the future of our environment. This program is free and for all ages.
At the Farm Center:
Ice Harvesting
Saturday and Sunday, January 28 and 29, 1 p.m. to 3 pm, Farm Center. See ice harvesting demonstrations and discover the importance of ice in times past. Join the farm staff in putting up a supply of ice the old-fashioned way. Blocks of ice will be cut using antique saws and a variety of equipment.
Daddy-Daughter Hoedown
Saturday, February 11 at 7 pm, Farm Center. Treat your princess to a Valentine's Day dance. A square dance caller will walk you through the basics, providing an evening filled with fun whether you're a beginner or seasoned pro. Enjoy light refreshments, as well. Fee: $5 per person. Advance ticket purchase and preregistration required.
Horse-Drawn Hayrides or Sleighrides
Weekends, noon to 4 p.m. Take a relaxing horse-drawn hayride or sleighride (snow conditions permitting) past the fields and through the woods. Hayrides are $3 per child, $5 per adult. For more information, please call 248-684-8632 or 1-800-477-3178.
rate and review this attraction: