Metro Five-0

New!!! Metro Five-0!  After some research and consideration, Metro Parks is choosing to call Seniors – those 50 and over– Metro Five-0.  When looking for a public program listed in our Park Scope magazine or under our “Programs” tab on this website look for the Metro Five-0 term to identify programs for seniors. 

Metro Five-0 Programs will be rated by difficulty level to help you choose the most appropriate programs to attend.  There are four Program Rating Levels:
1.    Stationary and/or move at own pace
2.    Less than one mile, level terrain and/or slow pace
3.    Up to 2 miles, some hills or uneven terrain and/or moderate pace
4.    More than 2 miles, significant and/or uneven terrain and/or strenuous pace

Requested Programs for Metro Five-0:  Metro Parks offers a variety of free programs at senior centers, assisted living facilities, and other adult group or senior group meeting places. Groups may also schedule a program at any of our 16 beautiful parks. Programs are typically 60-minutes long but can be adjusted to meet the needs of your group. Most programs can be adapted to indoor or outdoor settings. Difficulty levels will vary.

Tram: During the months of April through October, youth, adult and senior groups may schedule a program on Metro Parks' 42 passenger tram. Participants will travel through a park with a naturalist and learn about the park's natural and cultural features. For tram locations and availability call 614.508.8111 or click here (link to Tram page) (I think it is worth repeating info about the tram on this page since it is a separate link from the Educator link)

Current Programs

Amazing Trees: Discover the leaves and seeds of common trees found in the parks. This program can be indoors or outdoors.

Animal Homes:  Look at the different types of homes that birds, insects and mammals use and how these ingenious animal architects to build their abodes.

Archery:  Meet the naturalist at one of the Metro Parks to learn how to use a bow and arrow and then take aim at a target.

Artifacts of the Past: See and touch tools and implements used in the 1880s as we take a journey back in time and learn just how resourceful early Ohio residents were in their daily lives.

Backyard Birds: Learn about birds found throughout the parks and in your neighborhood. You'll listen to sound recordings and see a slide presentation featuring a variety of birds. Find out about feeders that are easy and inexpensive to install and how you can attract more birds to your yard.

Bees, Butterflies and Beyond: Explore the world of Ohio’s 6- and 8-legged creatures as you look at pictures and specimens and listen to their sounds.

Birds of Prey: Discover how Ohio's owls and hawks use their beaks, feet, eyes and feathers to hunt and survive.

Fishing:  Enjoy some angling fun as you try and catch the "BIG ONE." Bait and poles are provided for this catch-and-release program.

Oh Deer: Find out about the life history of one of Ohio's largest mammals, the white-tailed deer, using pelts, antlers and other touchable objects.

Ohio Mammals:  Discover some common mammals that live in the parks and maybe even in your neighborhoods as we explore the many traits that distinguish mammals from other animals. 

Reptiles and Amphibians:  Learn about Ohio's snakes, turtles, frogs, and salamanders. We’ll explore their special characteristics and discuss some of the misconceptions about these animals. 

Rocks and Fossils: Learn the basics of the Earth's history by examining common rocks, minerals and fossils.

Sensory Walk: Explore some of the wonderful trails found in your Metro Parks or have the sights and sounds of the trail brought to you indoors.

Wildflowers: Enjoy the seasonal beauty of spring, summer or fall on a walk along a park trail. This program can also be experienced indoors through slides featuring Ohio's wildflowers.