JILL SNYDER
Visitor Engagement Manager
Despite all the back to school ads, summer doesn’t officially end until September 22, so there is still plenty of time to get outside and soak up the season in the parks! Here are a few events and programs that will keep you enjoying summer for the next month!
WAG! Festival
The nation’s largest single-day dog festival is on Saturday August 26 from 10am to 4pm at the Darby Bend Lakes area of Prairie Oaks. Visitors will find trails to wander and a dog beach to splash around in. The WAG! Marketplace will include exhibits of products, samples and services from pet retailers, clubs and organizations to spoil your BFF (best furry friend). Stop by the Metro Parks booth to tie-dye a bandana for your pooch and take a silly selfie.
Outdoor Inclusive Adventure
Stop out for a day of fun and inclusive activities for visitors of all abilities at Outdoor Inclusive Adventure, on Sunday September 10 from 11am to 3pm at the Darby Bend Lakes area of Prairie Oaks. The event, co-hosted by Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks and the YMCA of Central Ohio, includes paddling, fishing, hiking, games, creek exploring, sensory play and so much more!
Scioto Fest
Join us for climbing, paddling, music, beer, camping and all sorts of outdoor fun at Scioto Fest on Friday September 15 and Saturday September 16 at Scioto Audubon Metro Park. The event kicks off Friday night at 5pm and runs until 3pm on Saturday. This free, outdoor festival has plenty to offer. For a full list of activities and the schedule, click here: Scioto Fest 2023
75 Year Challenge — programs and fun
Don’t forget to join a naturalist for a program to complete the 75 Year Challenge! Here are a few that can help check them off your bucket list:
Wade in the Water
with Creek Exploration on Sunday August 27 at 1pm at Blacklick Woods Metro Park, Olentangy Scenic River 50th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday August 30 from 5:30-8pm at Highbanks Metro Park, Macro Mania on Monday September 4 from noon-3pm at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park or on the Ripple Rock Hike on Saturday September 23 at 10am at Blendon Woods Metro Park.
Explore a Natural Play Area
while building a fairy house on Sunday August 20 at 2pm at Blendon Woods Metro Park.
Take a Tram Ride
on Sundays from 3-5pm this August at Blendon Woods Metro Park or on Saturday September 2 at 1pm or Sunday September 10 at 3pm at Blacklick Woods Metro Park.
Learn about Fungus with a Naturalist
on Wednesday August 23 at 1pm at Blacklick Woods Metro Park or Sunday September 17 at 11am at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Birdwatch with a Naturalist
on Saturday September 9 at 8:30am at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park or 9am at Blacklick Woods Metro Park.
Attend a Paddling Event
For Adults 50+: Kayak the Lakes on Monday August 21 at 6:30pm at Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Go Fishing
Kids can join us on Saturday September 2 at 10am at Sharon Woods Metro Park.
Welcome to Fall
on Saturday September 23 from 5-8pm enjoy a range of fun activities at Highbanks Metro Park including hayrides, campfires and scavenger hunts. Stay afterwards for an outdoor showing of Minions: Rise of Gru starting at 8:15pm.