Metro Parks
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Free education programs are offered throughout the year for children with varying interests and ability levels.   Most programming takes place outdoors and allows students to experience nature while in a park by seeing a variety of plants and animals and exploring fields, forests, ponds and gardens. Programs are designed with student academic achievement and environmental responsibility in mind. Programs help to reinforce Ohio’s science and social studies education standards and may be adapted for a group's special needs or interests.  Ages and date ranges indicated on the “Program Topics Listing and Location” chart, are suggested for optimal learning experiences.  

Metro Parks' staff can also bring educational programs directly to your classroom or group free of charge.  When you contact Metro Parks to schedule your program, the education staff will work with you to choose a topic that best meets your needs, and help you choose an appropriate time frame with consideration to subject matter and program location. Click HERE for more information about program topics and locations. Please note that ages and dates indicated on the chart are suggested for optimal learning experiences.

Scheduling a Park Program
Metro Parks' programs fill quickly.  Please try to make your reservations at least one month in advance by calling the appropriate park. If you need further assistance or would like information about tram programs please call 614.508.8111.

Battelle Darby Creek  -  614.878.7106
Blacklick Woods  -  614.861.8759
Blendon Woods  -  614.895.6221
Chestnut Ridge  -  614.837.8759
Clear Creek  -  740.969.9001
Glacier Ridge  -  614.873.2660
Highbanks  -  614.846.9962
Inniswood  -  614.895.6216
Pickerington Ponds  -  614.834.0606
Prairie Oaks  -  614.879.8903
Sharon Woods  -  614.865.4507
Slate Run  -  614.837.1680
Three Creeks  -  614.409.9914

For naturalist visit programs call 614.508.8111 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.)

When scheduling a visit to your Metro Parks, please be prepared to provide the following information:  
1.    Several preferred dates already cleared with your administration (including transportation provider).  
2.     Multiple preferred options for program topics
3.    Multiple preferred options for the park you would like to visit
4.    Number of children and adults attending.  We prefer groups with a minimum of 15 participants and can sometimes accommodate larger groups of up to 200 students with advance notice.
5.    School or group name and grade level (if applicable)
6.    Contact name, phone number, school address, and email address

Teachers and other educators of all subjects and grade levels who would like to learn how to integrate environmental topics into their curriculum can participate in the many workshops offered throughout the Metro Parks. For more information about upcoming workshops, call 614.891.0700.
Slate Run Living Historical Farm:  For groups wanting to schedule a field trip to Slate Run Living Historical Farm, please click here

Metro Five-0 (50 and older): On the Metro Five-0 page, learn more about nature programs designed specifically for those folks age 50 or older.

Senior Groups: Metro Park offers a variety of free programs for senior groups at senior centers, assisted living facilities, and other adult group or senior group meeting places.

Graduate Level Educator Workshops:  Metro Parks offers graduate level workshops for educators of all subjects and grade levels who would like to learn how to integrate environmental topics into their curriculum and classroom lessons. Workshop content may support Ohio's Academic Content Standards in life and earth sciences, math, social studies and physical education. For more information about teacher workshops, please contact Susan Boggs, Manager of Education and Outreach Program at 614-895-6211 or sboggs@metroparks.net.

SEED:  Students Exploring Ecosystem Dynamics (SEED) is Metro Parks' 5th Grade Life Science Curriculum program. For more information contact: Tanya Taylor, Education Administrator, tanyataylor@metroparks.net, 614.895.6206.
 
Tram: During the months of April through October, 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