Rochester Hills hosts Hoot 'N Howl Hayride

The city of Rochester Hills on Friday, October 12, and Saturday, October 13, will host its annual Hoot 'N Howl Hayride at Bloomer Park.

Guests can sign up for the event on Friday or Saturday, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Visitors may enjoy a "not-so-scary" hayride through the woods as they look for nighttime wildlife, such as deer, raccoons and owls. The hayride will end at the stone shelter for a campfire, cider and donuts. Guests also will have a chance to meet and greet a few other live animals.

"I can't think of a better way for families to enjoy some of the main staples of the fall season and what makes this time of year so great," said Matt Einheuser, Rochester Natural Resources Manager.

The event is open to adults and children of all ages. The cost is $7 per person, and advanced registration is required.

To register for the event or learn more, visit rochestershills.org/outdoors or call 248.656.4673.

In addition to the Hoot N' Howl Hayride, the city's parks & natural resources department, through its outdoor engagement unit, will host several themed hikes, campfires and other events throughout the month of October. Those events include:

Nature Tech, on Tuesday, October 2, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Bloomer Park, where visitors will learn how to use various outdoor/nature based apps on their phone to learn about and enjoy the outdoors.

Hills Hikers, on Thursday, October 4, at 6 p.m., at Innovation Hills, where hikers will take a naturalist-led interpretive hike through the woods and some of the park's natural paths. The hike is for intermediate hikers of ages 12 and older.

A second Hills Hikers event will be held on Thursday, October 11, at 6 p.m., at Bloomer Park. The hike will look at the history of Bloomer Park and its resources with Pat McKay from the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm. The hike is also for intermediate hikers ages 12 and older.

Fall Campfire and Night Hike, on Friday, October 19, at Bloomer Park, where guided hikes and nature talks will take place between a campfire, s'mores and games.