Robert C. Valade Park

The planned events like Fire and Ice festival or the Lunar New Year/winter around the world Fest are worthwhile. They even set up a hill for sledding and supply some circle sleds (though feel free to bring your own if you don't want to wait for a turn). A large structure on Chene has restrooms and often food available. It's clean and well-lit.

My elementary school kids have had fun coming here for a couple years now. If you're a local or in the area, it's a nice spot to chill for a bit. There is a huge sand area to play in and a few play sheds with rope bridges and climbers. Note the "beach" is on the Detroit River, but there is no water access due to the retaining wall. The river isn't really safe anyway for leisure swimming with kids, unless you're at a calmer spot like Belle Isle Beach.

There's a free parking lot next door at Chene and Guoin. If that's full, there's a huge one across Chene (it was free when we've gone) that is also used for shows at the Aretha.