In search of the best and fun things to do in Royal Oak, MI?
Royal Oak is a borough located 3 miles from the northern side of Detroit’s town in Oakland County, Michigan, United States,
It is recognized as the fifth most populous city in Oakland County, with a population of more than fifty-seven thousand, two hundred and thirty-six.
Royal Oak was incorporated in 1891 as a village, and later in 1921, it was designated as a city.
Royal Oak is the eighteenth biggest city in Michigan and a hub for cultural events, dining, historical, and shopping opportunities.
Wondering what to do in Royal Oak, MI? They are numerous, as the city features an assortment of places to visit, such as Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre, Inn Season Cafe, Starr Jaycee Park, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Royal Oak Memorial Park, and more.
Are you planning an exploration of Royal Oak? Here are the best things to do in Royal Oak, MI.
Things to Do in Royal Oak, MI
1. The Detroit Zoo
For animal lovers visiting this beautiful city, stop by the Detroit Zoo, a place you will absolutely fall in love with. It is one of the best places to visit in Royal Oak, MI.
The Detroit Zoo is home to thousands of exhibits featuring more than two thousand inhabitants with numerous wildlife to see.
You will find arctic and jungle animals with several other wonderful sights to behold and appreciate around the Zoo.
The Detroit Zoological Society operates this Zoo with varying open hours, which depend on the month.
The Detroit Zoological Society’s major mission is to create awareness about animal welfare, conservation, environmental sustainability, and education.
It thrives on inspiring appreciation of nature through meaningful, engaging, and unforgettable experiences.
Address: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
2. Habatat Galleries
If you’re fascinated by art, add a visit to Habatat Galleries to your itinerary of top things to do in Royal Oak, MI.
Habatat Galleries is a heaven for art fanatics featuring a gallery showcasing a comprehensive collection of glass artworks.
There is an expansive space of more than 10,000 square feet, while the art gallery has enough for everyone to enjoy.
You will find unique pieces in the gallery, including gorgeous glass versions of fauna and intricate sculptures.
Habatat Galleries was founded in 1971, making it the county’s oldest and biggest art gallery. The Gallery partners with several art centers and exhibits that feature improved exhibits, which have been showcased in more than one hundred public sites.
Address: 4400 Fernlee Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48073, United States
3. The Royal Oak Music Theatre
The city of Royal Oak is all about entertainment and fun, so add a visit to the Royal Oak Music Theatre to your list of what to do in Royal Oak, MI.
The Royal Oak Music Theatre is a different theater that kicked off in 1978 but became famous in 2004.
Fast forward to 2007, the Royal Oak Music Theatre became the city’s number one location for concerts.
The Theater was originally founded by John H. Kunsky. He is a film house entrepreneur and a businessman as “Kunsky Royal Oak.”
The Royal Oak Music Theatre is beautifully designed with elegant decor. It was rated as one of the most beautiful suburban theatres.
Later in 1978, when it began hosting live concerts and entertainment shows, it was renamed the Royal Oak Music Theatre.
Many artists have visited this center, such as Fleet Foxes, the Black Keys, Elvis Costello, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Morrissey, Adele, Eric Church, Bill Burr, and more.
Address: 318 W 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
4. The Motor City Gas
The Motor City Gas is a family-owned and operated distillery that was established in 2015. It has been offering the public the best drinks.
The company offers you a wide variety of whiskey with unique tastes and high quality through its large collection of seasonal cocktails.
They usually craft various malt, grain, and bourbon whiskies without any change. You can sample about twenty different kinds of single whiskies at once.
The Motor City Gas features a tasting room that offers a relaxed and classic environment for you to sit and enjoy a drink.
Try out various options of seasonal craft cocktails from their list featuring drinks made with locally sourced ingredients.
Address: 325 E 4th Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
5. The Made in a Mitten Store
The Made in a Mitten Store is your number-one stop whenever you want to purchase a unique gift item or souvenir.
The store offers a wide variety of items made by many artists; you’re also allowed to sell your product.
Colleen McClue founded the business in 2008 from what was just a passion into one of the most outstanding artisan locations in the area.
The Made in a Mitten Store is dedicated to promoting local art to the public, including Michigan state and globally.
The store kicked off with only twelve artists, rapidly evolving to over one hundred and ten little businesses within four years.
You can purchase food items, bath products, crafts, and much more when visiting this store. Additionally, Made in a Mitten Store is a host to several events open to the public.
Address: 706 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
6. Emagine Royal Oak
If you want to enjoy a fantastic movie screening, visiting Emagine Royal Oak is one of the best things to do in Royal Oak, MI.
Emagine Royal Oak is one of the best theatres in the United States, fully equipped with essential amenities and facilities.
This movie theatre features premier EMX screens with fantastic sound systems and 4k projectors, which fully immerse viewers into the reality of the shown movie.
It is filled with reclining seats which depicts luxury, allowing guests to fully relax and sit back as they enjoy their movie.
Emagine Royal Oak is designed in a stadium-inspired style offering a Vegas-style vibe while also hosting intriguing events.
You can also reserve seats before visiting. In addition, there’s a concession that offers delicious pizzas, popcorn, local beers, and more.
Address: 200 N Main Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
7. Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre
Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre is a nonprofit organization and a community theatre in Royal Oak that has been in existence for decades.
The Theater has been creating special memories with the community’s people since 1992; you need to check it out!
It offers seating that can accommodate thousands of people with a theatre organ; the building is regarded as a work of art.
Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre offers opportunities for community members to improve their talents and volunteer their time and resources.
The Theater offers highly quality theatrical performances. It has been rated as the Best community theatre.
At the 2017 Michigan AACTFEST, the 2nd Stage Show earned some awards, “Trevor” for the Golden Truck Award and Outstanding Actor categories.
Address: 415 S Lafayette Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
8. Lost and Found Vintage
The city features a good number of unique stores for you to shop at, and be sure to have a fantastic moment; Lost and Found Vintage is clearly one of them.
Shopping here ought to be on your list of top things to do in Royal Oak, MI. It is the best place for vintage theme decor and other designs.
The store has all its corners filled with beautifully designed dresses and accessories, including many other products.
You can also make purchases online through messaging without much stress. Lost and Found Vintage was founded in 2003, specializing in offering a vintage collection of decor or clothing.
Lost and Found Vintage is housed in a 3,500-square-foot building, featuring men’s and women’s items dating from the 1990s to the 1980s.
The store has been consistently known as the Best Vintage Clothing Store for many years in a row by Metro Times, Hour Detroit, CBS Detroit, and more.
Address: 510 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
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9. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle
Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle is one of the best places to visit in Royal Oak, MI, to have a good laugh. This comedy house officially opened its doors in 1979 as the first comedy house in the state.The comedy careers of Dave Coulier and Tim Allen began on the first stage of Comedy Castle, and its current location is on what was formerly the facility of Daily Tribune Newspaper right from 1990.
Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle selects talents throughout the country and even Canada in order to get the best talent.
In the past, audiences have been amazed by guests like Keegan Michael Key, Brian Regan, Ron White, David Copperfield, and more.
Aside from laughing your life out when you join a show, you also get to enjoy a wide variety of drinks and meals, including desserts.
Address: 310 S Troy St, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
10. The Royal Oak Farmers Market
The Royal Oak Farmers Market originally began in 1925 as a community farmers market to cater to the needs of the people.
The Market has been in existence for almost one hundred years and has consistently provided several categories of products.
Here, you can purchase a wide variety of farm produce, including vegetables, fruits, honey, dairy, artwork, and more.
You can also purchase freshly made local food with baked goods, well-pressed juices, and other local drinks.
Address: 316 E Eleven Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
11. The Creative Arts Studio
Unleash your creative spirit when you visit Creative Arts Studio, which will surely make you feel proud of yourselves.
The Creative Arts Studio offers you numerous activities to do here; all you have to do is book an appointment before you visit.
You can choose to do whatever you want, like canvas painting or creating your pottery pieces.
Those visiting with a group of more than six persons can visit their website and make their reservation, and a table will be reserved for them.
The Creative Arts Studio offers classes for young artists of various skill levels and ages, which lasts for a week focusing on beading, pottery painting, Wax hands, glass fusing, canvas painting, wheel throwing, and more.
If you don’t have the luxury of time to create your masterpiece, you can purchase beautiful items for your home.
Address: 114 W 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
12. Starr Jaycee Park
Starr Jaycee Park is the best place for those who want to get outdoors and have fun with their friends or locals.
Starr Jaycee Park is a twenty-eight-acre park that was officially opened to the public in 1955.
The Park features train rides, especially for kids, which are available from May to October on the first weekend of every month, starting from 12 pm to 4 pm.
There is a massive pavilion with ten picnic tables, two small pavilions with only four picnic tables, and a restroom affixed to the large pavilion. Still, the small pavilions are zoned near restrooms.
Starr Jaycee Park features a large playground with play equipment for the little ones with a multi-purpose field.
It also consists of a football field, softball/baseball field, frisbee golf course, volleyball court, vita course, and parking space.
Address: 1321 W 13 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073, United States
13. The Modern Skate & Surf
There are numerous fun things to do in Royal Oak, MI, and skating in Modern Skate & Surf is definitely one of them.
The Modern Skate & Surf is a fantastic shop offering an extensive collection of skating apparel with park options where you can test your skills.
The store was originally founded in 1976. It can be inarguably rated as one of the most significant outdoor establishments in the city.
They are dedicated to offering the best accessories and equipment for snowboarding, scooters, skateboarding, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and inline skating.
The Modern Skate & Surf was the first wakeboard and snowboard store in Michigan and one of the world’s three-line skate stores.
They completed their Royal Oak Park in 2008 with more than one acre of rails and ramps and a wooden bowl created by world-famous builders.
You can decide to join lessons or rent a space for any event. Modern Skate & Surf offer a place for guests to showcase their skills.
Address: 1500 N Stephenson Hwy, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
14. Hyatt Place Detroit
Hyatt Place Detroit is an incredible place to comfortably reside during your stay in Royal Oak, with or without your family.
The resort is packed with numerous amenities and a large number of rooms, all for the convenience of their guests.
They provide a laid-back, safe, peaceful environment for you and your loved ones to have a memorable experience.
Hyatt Place Detroit features luxurious rooms fully equipped with soft beds, air conditioning, a toaster, microwaves, sofas, and more.
They ensure they offer you more value for your money through the high-quality services and accommodations offered.
If you’re still looking for a nice place to lodge in Royal Oak, Hyatt Place Detroit is the perfect choice.
Address: 422 N Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
15. Ewe-Nique Knits
For those who are fascinated by knitted items, Ewe-Nique Knits is the right location for you in Royal Oak.
Ewe-Nique Knits is open throughout the week at 10:00 am except on Sundays and Mondays. They are known for offering different kinds of knit pieces.
The store was founded in 1996. It has widened to more than 2,400 square feet since its purchase in 2005.
You can purchase different accessories aside from knitting items at Ewe-Nique Knits, with a spacious room where fiber and yarn are showcased.
Ewe-Nique Knits offers spaces for classes, weaving, spinning, and other events, including workshops and fundraisers.
Address: 515 S Lafayette Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
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16. Classic Book Shop
How long have you been searching for that your favorite book? Finally, this is your chance to hold it in your palms.
Classic Book Shop is located in a kettykorner of a strip mall in a two-story furniture store. They offer an impressive collection of folklore & myths, mystery & crime, psychology, hardbound fiction, history, literature, poetry, and sci-fi.
The store was founded in 1988. It currently features more than thirty thousand well-arranged books, making them easy to find.
Classic Book Shop covers all their books with dust jackets made of plastic. The shop is open from Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Their books are always in good condition, including the old leather books, which are always oiled and made of quality leather.
Address: 32336 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48073, United States.
17. Inn Season Cafe
Briefly stop by Inn Season Cafe for a nice meal before setting out to continue your adventure in Royal Oaks.
Inn Season Cafe is one of the best places to dine with your family and friends, where you’re offered a wide variety of dining options.
The cafe uses local ingredients with premium freshness and high quality to prepare every one of its meals.
The restaurant strongly supports eco-friendly practices and is committed to serving deliciously made fresh meals.
Address: 500 E 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
18. Royal Oak Memorial Park
Royal Oak Memorial Park was established in 1939 to commemorate the lives of the Armed Forces of Michigan members who paid the ultimate price.
The Park spreads for more than twenty-four acres offering limitless opportunities for families to have fun in the city.
There are three softball/baseball diamonds that serve as the official home of the Leprechauns Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League team of Royal Oak.
Due to the huge sum of money set aside for the restoration of the Park, it was awesomely transformed from a dirt park to an athletic ground.
The Park is surrounded by rolling hills, oak, and other tree species dating back to nearly one century ago and kids’ play structures.
The Royal Oak Memorial Park features tennis courts, a skate park, a concession stand, bathrooms, and a large parking lot.
There is a will to include Honor paver bricks of 1,200 walks, flag poles, and life-sized statues in the Park to honor the lives of 620,000 Michigan locals who served in the Armed Forces with 15,458 soldiers of Michigan who sacrificed their lives during the war.
Address: 31050 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48073, United States
19. The Breakout Escape Rooms
Your visit to Royal Oak wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Breakout Escape Rooms, especially with your family and friends.
The Breakout Escape Rooms is one of the various attractions that you should definitely visit to solidify your experience here.
Every room here offers a variety of time limits, themes, and challenges; you’re offered six different escape rooms to pick from.
You just don’t test your skills, but you’re sure to have an amazing experience as you solve puzzles and riddles.
The Breakout Escape Rooms features a single party room which is available for $50 for forty-five minutes. Come along with your snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and be sure to have a great time.
This place is perfect for get-togethers, reunions, cooperate gatherings, date nights, friends’ nights out, and more.
Address: 222 E 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
20. Bowlero Lanes & Lounge
Whenever you want to have a fantastic experience with your loved ones in Royal Oak, Bowlero Lanes & Lounge is the best option. Bowling in this destination is one of the fun things to do in Royal Oak, MI.
Bowlero Lanes & Lounge is a great bowling alley with open bowling used for tournaments and league plays.
This family-owned and operated fun center has been in existence since 1957, although it was recently refurbished in 2019.
The facility offers a retro design that takes visitors back in time as they explore their bowling alley.
Bowlero Lanes & Lounge hosts live bands or individual performances, DJs entertainment, and many more.
You can also join their karaoke section and arcade room or visit the 70s-inspired cocktail lounge, offering you a unique experience.
Address: 4209 Coolidge Highway, Royal Oak, MI 48073, United States.
21. The Royal Oak Historical Society
The Royal Oak Historical Society’s History was established in 1939 as an independent, non-governmental institution.
The Society was founded by a group of nine women and men in 1939, according to Owen Perkins’s book, local historian, which he titled ” Royal Oak, The Early Years,” which was released in 1971.
The Royal Oak Historical Society specializes in collecting, showcasing, preserving, and promoting objects and information about the past of Royal Oaks.
The Society presents an enormous collection of unique exhibits providing a site where other individuals and groups can showcase their collection.
The Royal Oak Historical Society Museum came into existence in 2004 through five women, Muriel Versagi, Bonnie Linehan, Agnes Buhalski, Blanche Myerhoven Roth, and Pat Eaves, after they each donated $1000 for the acquisition of the Bill Rasmussen collection.
Address: 1411 W Webster Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073, United States
22. Pronto! Diner
Pronto! Diner is a casual restaurant that offers comfort foods that would make your stomach dance just at the sight of them.
The restaurant provides a simple but comfortable and clean environment for customers to relax and enjoy their meals.
There are two patios where you can relax outdoors and enjoy your meals, especially on hot days when you just want to enjoy some fresh meals.
Pronto! Diner offers gourmet sandwiches, salads, homemade soups, burgers, desserts, appetizers, and more. It features a full-service bar offering a comprehensive list of drinks, including a thief video bar which offers great entertainment.
Mimosa bottles and Bloody Mary bar are available during brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.
Address: 608 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
23. Wagner Park
Wagner Park, encompassing 13 acres, is popularly known for its unique disc golf course.
Wagner Park was commissioned as a park on October 22, 1956. It has become a favorite place for children.
The Park consists of a play area for children with numerous play structures for them to explore and have a great time, including a set of swings and a sandbox.
There are picnic tables at a designated picnic area where families and colleagues can have a lovely picnic together.
Address: N Main St & Rochester Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Royal Oak
Royal Oak, as its name implies, offers visitors and residents all shades of royalty through the classic attractions available.
There are numerous places and activities in Royal Oak. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can choose from countless options. Have fun!