Things to do in Royal Oak

Royal Oak, Michigan, packs a lot into a compact city. Downtown is the main draw, with a lively mix of restaurants, bars, and shops.

Royal Oak, Michigan, packs a lot into a compact city. Downtown is the main draw, with a lively mix of restaurants, bars, and shops. But the city also has plenty of green space, from neighborhood parks to the sprawling Detroit Zoo. For a night out or a family afternoon, Royal Oak has options.

The Detroit Zoo is a top attraction, featuring the popular Arctic Ring of Life and Polk Penguin Conservation Center. For a more low-key outing, Starr Jaycee Park has a playground and train ride. Downtown, you'll find a dense cluster of dining and entertainment. Catch a show at the Royal Oak Music Theatre or laugh at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle. Emagine Royal Oak provides a modern movie experience. Food ranges from retro burgers at Redcoat Tavern to sweet treats at Astoria Pastry Shop. The Royal Oak Farmers Market is a good spot for local goods.

Frequently asked questions about Royal Oak

What are the best outdoor things to do in Royal Oak?

Royal Oak has several parks, including Starr Jaycee Park with its playground and train ride, plus Memorial Park and Whittier Park for sports and picnics. The Royal Oak Farmers Market is a great outdoor stop. And of course, the Detroit Zoo offers outdoor animal habitats and walking paths.

Is the Detroit Zoo good for a family visit?

Yes, the Detroit Zoo is designed for families. Kids will enjoy the polar bear and penguin exhibits, and the mini-railroad is a fun ride. There are also picnic areas. It's an easy way to spend a few hours with children.

Where can I get a good meal in Royal Oak?

The downtown area is packed with choices. Redcoat Tavern has been serving burgers since 1972. For something different, try KouZina Greek Street Food or Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse. If you're out late, O.W.L. is a diner with creative comfort food. Astoria Pastry Shop is good for dessert.

Are there any free things to do in Royal Oak?

Several parks are open to the public, including Memorial Park and Red Run Park. The Royal Oak Public Library is an indoor option. The Royal Oak Farmers Market is open to browse without a fee. Walking around downtown and window-shopping is also an option.

Things to do in Royal Oak

Movie TheaterPhoto of Emagine Royal Oak — Movie Theater

Emagine Royal Oak

Small multiscreen theater for new releases features roomy, reserved seats & alcoholic drinks.

Royal Oak, MI|4
Grocery StorePhoto of Trader Joe's — Grocery Store

Trader Joe's

Grocery chain with a variety of signature items, plus produce, dairy & more (most sell wine & beer).

Royal Oak, MI|5
ZooPhoto of Detroit Zoo — ZooOur original photo

Detroit Zoo

Zoo with mini-railroad is home to global wildlife & offers buzzy polar bear exhibit & picnic area.

Royal Oak, MI|5
Grocery StorePhoto of Kroger Marketplace — Grocery Storevia Google Maps

Kroger Marketplace

Large supermarket chain with deli & bakery departments, plus health & beauty products.

Royal Oak, MI|4
Comedy ClubPhoto of Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle — Comedy Club

Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle

Comedy club where Tim Allen got his start hosts weekly open-mike nights & serves eclectic eats.

Royal Oak, MI|5
SupermarketPhoto of Meijer — Supermarketvia Google Maps

Meijer

Chain retailer featuring brand-name groceries plus apparel, electronics & more.

Royal Oak, MI|4
DinerPhoto of O.W.L. — Diner

O.W.L.

Late-night diner serving creative takes on Mexican-American comfort food in industrial-chic digs.

Royal Oak, MI|5
Grocery StorePhoto of Holiday Market — Grocery Store

Holiday Market

Royal Oak, MI|5
Sushi RestaurantPhoto of Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse | Royal Oak — Sushi Restaurantvia Google Maps

Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse | Royal Oak

Contemporary Japanese grill offers upbeat chefs prepping tableside & a menu of creative sushi rolls.

Royal Oak, MI|5
Breakfast RestaurantPhoto of IHOP — Breakfast Restaurantvia Google Maps

IHOP

Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.

Royal Oak, MI|4
American RestaurantPhoto of Jim Brady's Royal Oak — American Restaurantvia Google Maps

Jim Brady's Royal Oak

Landmark bar & eatery offering American grub, cocktails & live music amid playful, mod decor.

Royal Oak, MI|4
Mexican RestaurantPhoto of Mesa Tacos and Tequila — Mexican Restaurantvia Google Maps

Mesa Tacos and Tequila

Mexican restaurant/bar with familiar eats, creative margaritas & TVs in upbeat, casual surrounds.

Royal Oak, MI|4
BarPhoto of Ale Mary's Royal Oak — Bar

Ale Mary's Royal Oak

Chill gastropub with eclectic bar bites & whiskey flights, plus weekend brunch & an outdoor patio.

Royal Oak, MI|4
Amusement CenterPhoto of Breakout Escape Rooms Royal Oak — Amusement CenterOur original photo

Breakout Escape Rooms Royal Oak

Royal Oak, MI|5
American RestaurantPhoto of Redcoat Tavern — American RestaurantOur original photo

Redcoat Tavern

Veteran British-American pub & burger joint since 1972 with lots of beers & a retro, red-booth vibe.

Royal Oak, MI|4
Greek RestaurantPhoto of KouZina Greek Street Food — Greek Restaurantvia Google Maps

KouZina Greek Street Food

Relaxed counter-serve spot featuring a simple menu of gyros, spinach pie & other Greek eats.

Royal Oak, MI|4
Hot Dog RestaurantPhoto of National Coney Island - Royal Oak — Hot Dog Restaurantvia Google Maps

National Coney Island - Royal Oak

Regional chain known for chili dogs & milkshakes offered up in diner-style digs.

Royal Oak, MI|4
Amusement CenterPhoto of The Great Escape Room Detroit — Amusement CenterOur original photo

The Great Escape Room Detroit

Royal Oak, MI|5
American RestaurantPhoto of Leo's Coney Island (Downtown Royal Oak) — American Restaurantvia Google Maps

Leo's Coney Island (Downtown Royal Oak)

Chain diner serving an expansive menu of American comfort food & Greek specialties.

Royal Oak, MI|3
Event VenuePhoto of Royal Oak Music Theatre — Event Venue

Royal Oak Music Theatre

Historic cinema turned performance venue with balcony seating hosts major music & comedy acts.

Royal Oak, MI|4