Whether you want a playground for the kids or swampy area, Hays Preserve has it all. They have a nature trail that's supposed to have numbers and you get a legend on line to see what the numbers represent. The numbering of the various attractions have not been kept up, causing one to wonder what they are. You have the Flint River and swampy area. There are wildflowers and substantial greenway nearby.

Honestly, this is the best playground for families. People visit from all over, and I am lucky enough to have it in my own neighborhood. There is something for everyone and it keeps kids entertained for hours. Everything is built from wood. There i are slides, giant swings, bridges with hammocks, instruments, a two-story fort, and more. Directly across from the playground is a nice stocked pond with area for cleaning fish. There is plenty of parking between playground and pond or you can drive further down to a boat launch for kayaks and canoes. There are miles of trails for biking, skating, and walking the dog. Trails are wide and well maintained that meander along Flint River. Flint River has a couple of launches - boats slide up or down with stairs on the side. There are lots of great family programs, like butterfly release, yoga classes, arts and crafts, kayak classes, etc.and all are free.

This was our first trip to the Hay nature preserve and the whole family enjoyed themselves. There’s more to do for smaller children then there is for big kids but everyone had a lot of fun, regardless. The facility is up-to-date and has bathrooms as well as ample parking. There are plenty of places for the grownups to catch up and catch their breath as well as picnic tables if you wanted to pack a lunch. I think the highlight was the pond for the kids to feed the ducks. I think there should be more swingsets since the entire visit, there was only the tire swing that the kids were able to share.

Search for kid's activities; then be sure to stop by the playground. Also check out geese by the lake. A nice, off the beaten path spot to enjoy outdoors and nature

Took my two children ages 5 and 9, they loved the natural playground! We stayed for almost two hours. Walked over to the lake, lots of wildlife and beautiful. This is worth spending time at.