Last updated October 5, 2026 · ranked from 2,452 Google reviews · How we rank
This list ranks 10 parks in and around Midland, MI, led by Dahlia Hill Society, Plymouth Park and Emerson Park. Together they have 2,452 Google reviews; Dahlia Hill Society has the highest Google rating on the list at 4.9. Every place on the list is in Midland, MI. Rankings weigh Google rating, review volume, how complete and current each listing is, and our own notes on each place.
Eight stone hillside terraces planted with nearly 3,000 dahlias give Dahlia Hill Society its defining feature. This free public garden and sculpture park in Midland, MI earns the top spot through its combination of more than 340 dahlia varieties, four cast-aluminum seasonal sculptures, and volunteer care. Peak bloom runs from July through September, while the grounds welcome visitors year-round from sunrise to sunset. A 4.9 Google rating across 215 reviews supports its standing, with reviewers noting the well-maintained gardens and variety of flowers.
Free public garden
340-plus dahlia varieties
Four seasonal sculptures
“🌸 Dahlia Hill Garden is a beautiful hidden gem in Midland!
Admission is free, which makes it an especially nice place to visit for a relaxing afternoon. The gardens are colorful, well maintained, and filled with an impressive variety o…”
A large wooden playscape anchors Plymouth Park’s second-place ranking, with slides and swings alongside options for sports and picnics. At 1508 E Wheeler St in Midland, MI, the park has a baseball field, basketball court, and sand volleyball pit. Picnic tables, a barbecue grill, and public restrooms support longer visits, while wheelchair-accessible parking and an accessible entrance add practical value. A reviewer specifically praised the huge children’s play area, and its 4.7 Google rating from 944 reviews reinforces the park’s strong showing.
Large wooden playscape
Multiple sports facilities
Picnic tables and grill
“Great kids play area as well as pavilion and pool. The kids play area is huge!”
Sports facilities and family amenities earn Emerson Park the No. 3 spot among parks in Midland, MI. At 911 W Main St, it offers a softball stadium and fields, a baseball field, an inline skating rink, and beach volleyball. Slides, swings, and kid-friendly hikes provide options beyond organized games, while picnic tables and a barbecue grill support outdoor meals. Wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, restrooms, and seating add practical value. The park holds a 4.6 Google rating from 456 reviews, with one reviewer describing it as peaceful and beautiful.
With 35 acres of grassy expanses, Chippewassee Park earns rank 4 for combining open space with practical features for a family outing in Midland, MI. Slides and swings give children a designated place to play, while picnic shelters and tables provide space to gather for a meal. Dogs are welcome, and public restrooms, a wheelchair-accessible entrance and accessible parking round out the amenities. Reviewers also mention public events and watching fireworks; its Google rating is 4.6 from 89 reviews.
35 grassy acres
Slides and swings
Picnic shelters
“Have been here many times and doing our wedding here in October! Great park and even does many amazing events to the public”
Room for dogs to run puts Midland Dog Park at No. 5 among parks in Midland, MI. Reviewers describe two spacious areas, fully fenced space and well-kept grounds, with one regular visitor noting free use. The park also welcomes children and lists picnic suitability and a skateboard area, giving visitors options beyond a dog outing. Wheelchair-accessible parking and an accessible entrance add practical value, while daily hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. allow for early or late visits.
Fenced dog areas
Picnic friendly
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
“Been through several States several dog parks per state and this dog park by far blows them all away two separate very spacious parks”
Slides, swings and room to run give Grove Park Playground its appeal at No. 6 among parks in Midland, MI. Located at 205 E Grove St, it has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking. Reviewers describe a fenced playground for younger children, shaded seating, a basketball court and a soccer field, adding options beyond the play equipment. Its 4.8-star Google rating from 32 reviews supports its place as a well-liked spot for a playground stop or time on the field.
Slides and swings
Shaded seating
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
“Nice, little playground for little kids. Has fence around. Basceteball court, soccer field.”
A beach and trails beside a manmade lake give Stratford Woods Park a range of outdoor options, earning it rank 7 among parks in Midland, MI. Volleyball and basketball courts, a BMX track, and a play area with slides and swings add choices beyond walking. Kid-friendly hiking options and a welcome for dogs make it useful for family outings. Picnic tables, a barbecue grill, public restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance round out the practical amenities. It holds a 4.5 Google rating from 591 reviews.
Beach and trails
BMX track
Picnic tables
“Beautiful park! Really enjoyed being there and look forward to going back.”
Basketball and playground time give Greenfield Park on Dartmouth Ct in Midland, MI its place at No. 8. The basketball court offers an option alongside the children’s play area, which includes slides and swings. Dogs are welcome, and the park is listed as suitable for picnics, adding to the ways visitors can spend time here. Daily hours run from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and its Google rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 31 reviews.
Hiking, picnic tables, and a dog park earn Barstow Woods the No. 9 spot for the range of outings it supports in Midland, MI. At 505 W St Andrews Rd, the park welcomes children and dogs, with kid-friendly hikes among its listed features. Visitors can plan a family walk, bring a dog, or use the tables for a picnic. Wheelchair-accessible parking and an accessible entrance add practical arrival options, while its Google rating stands at 4.3 out of 5 from 26 reviews.
Daily hours and specific access features earn Ships Park the No. 10 spot among parks in Midland, MI. Located on S Saginaw Rd, it welcomes children and lists both a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, giving visitors a consistent schedule throughout the week. Its Google rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on four reviews, adds a positive visitor signal to those practical details.
Ratings and review counts shown are Google ratings, displayed with attribution.
How we ranked this list
Each park is scored on a Bayesian-weighted rating (its rating adjusted for how many reviews it has compared with the Midland category average), how recently we verified its details, and how complete its listing is. Scores and ranks are stored, so the order only changes when the underlying data changes.
Which parks in Midland, MI have playgrounds and picnic facilities together?
Plymouth Park has a huge wooden playscape, picnic tables, barbecue grills and public restrooms. Chippewassee Park at 101 Golfside Dr has a children's play area, picnic shelters, tables and public restrooms. Stratford Woods Park also combines a play area with picnic tables and grills.
Where can I find a beach or trails in Midland, MI?
Stratford Woods Park at 3922 E Ashman St has a beach and trails beside a manmade lake, plus volleyball courts and a BMX track. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Tridge and Emerson Park also list hiking among their activities.
Which garden in Midland, MI has free admission, and when do its flowers peak?
Dahlia Hill Society at 2809 Orchard Dr is a free public garden and sculpture park. Nearly 3,000 dahlias in more than 340 varieties grow across eight stone hillside terraces, with peak bloom from July through September. Guided educational tours are available by appointment.
Which parks in Midland, MI welcome dogs?
Plymouth Park, Stratford Woods Park, Emerson Park, Central Park, Chippewassee Park and The Tridge all list dogs as welcome. Midland Dog Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; reviewers describe a fenced area for dogs to run and two spacious separate areas.
Which parks in Midland, MI list wheelchair-accessible facilities?
Emerson Park and Dow Gardens and the Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens list wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, restrooms and seating. Plymouth Park, Stratford Woods Park, Central Park, Chippewassee Park and The Tridge list wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking.
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