Tots on Trails
2024-08-29 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Share a slow-paced, half-mile hike with your toddler and discover nature together.

Nature Tram
2024-08-29 15:00 - 16:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Hop on the tram and enjoy a guided ride through the park.

Sunset SUP and S’mores
2024-08-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Come out and enjoy the sunset on a Stand Up Paddle Board and enjoy a little sweet treat! SUPs are for ages 10+, both inflatable and hard paddle bards will be available to use, first come first served!
Free instruction, equipment, and life jackets provided
Meet at Lake 1 at Darby Bend Lakes (Prairie Oaks Metro Park)
2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026

Storytime
2024-08-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Introduce your little ones to nature with stories, songs, and large motor activities.

Dog Days of Summer
2024-08-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
After a hot summer, our dogs deserve some fun, so come celebrate your furry friends with us! We will have treats, crafts, and kiddie pools set up to spoil the fur babies! Be sure to bring a towel!
This program is geared towards all ages. Meet at the dog park.

Un-Nature Hike
2024-08-30 17:00 - 18:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Join a naturalist on a forested scavenger hunt, looking for things that don’t belong! Great for kids, 0.4mile walk.

Friday Night Fishing
2024-08-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Drop a line in Schrock Lake and see if you can catch a fish. Please bring your own pole or borrow one of ours. No fishing license is required; catch and release.

Sunset & S'mores
2024-08-30 19:30 - 20:30 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come meet at the sled hill parking lot. Use address 2600 Dublin Road Columbus OH 43228 and follow the road back to the Sled Hill parking lot, the second gravel parking lot on your right. Enjoy the sunset and a s’more!

Bat Hike
2024-08-30 20:30 - 21:30 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Learn about bats and take a 1.5-mile hike to look for our flying mammals in the evening sky. During the bat hike, we will try to see as many bats foraging as possible.
Meeting location notes:Highbanks Metro Park-Big Meadows Picnic Area. This meeting location is located near the back of the park area in the back of the park. After you enter the park, take the main road down the hill. At the bottom of the hill, a sign will be on the right side saying “Big Meadows picnic area”. After the sign, take the ROAD on the LEFT. Park in the first lot on the left. Meet near the restrooms/bulletin board/playground area.

Outdoor Adventure Run Club!
2024-08-31 08:00 - 09:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Join us for a fun morning of running the trails at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park! Loops will be mapped out, feel free to run at your own pace!
Meet at the Ranger Station
1775 Darby Creek Drive Galloway, OH 43119

Family Creeking
2024-08-31 10:00 - 12:30 | OH
Take a short walk to the creek and wade in the water to find critters. Meet at the Fern Parking Lot, 22937 Clear Creek Road in Rockbridge.

Butterfly Weekend
2024-08-31 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-01 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-02 10:00 - 13:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
It’s our annual butterfly extravaganza! Drop by the nature center 10am-1pm Labor Day Weekend. We will have a daily puppet show, crafts, games, butterfly hunt and even a daily butterfly release! See our Facebook page for more information.

All in a Day's Work
2024-09-01 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-09-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Program ongoing between 10am-4pm
Visit a display and play a matching game to learn about 19th century occupations and the history of Labor Day.

Drop In: Weather Experiments
2024-09-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Stop by the nature center to join a naturalist explaining weather experiments. Learn about thunderstorms, tornados, lightning, rainbows and more!
Meeting Location Notes: Highbanks Nature Center is the first right after entering the park. There is limited parking in the Nature Center lot on busy days. Additional parking is available in the Oak Coves Picnic Area, a 10 minute walk from the Nature Center. Follow the paved trail through Oak Coves toward the Nature Center.

Darling Dragonflies
2024-09-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Join a naturalist to learn about dragonflies through stories and create a darling dragonfly craft! For ages 5+.

Backpacking Series: Week 2- Water & Waste
2024-09-01 13:00 - 14:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Are you wanting to learn more about backpacking? Join us for a 6-week long series of interactive classes designed as an introduction to backpacking, building up to an overnight trip at the end! Attendance at all classes is NOT required – however the overnight trip will only be open to those who attend at least one class. Each weeks topic will have two dates to choose from in that week so participants can pick the day that works best for them to attend, you don’t need to attend both dates in the week. Meet at Arrowhead Picnic area at Scioto Grove Metro Park
This week we will be discussing all things water and waste! From water filtration to purification, proper hydration and leave no trace waste principles. Water gear will be available for demonstrative purposes, but participants are encouraged to bring their own gear (if they have any) to try out and learn more about them. Back country water skills are a tricky task, but we are here every step of the way!
Fall Backpacking Series:
Week 1: 4 Essentials & Site Selection
Week 2: Water & Waste
Week 3: Fuel, Fire & Food
Week 4: Clothing & Foot Care
Week 5: Prep, Safety and Outdoor Ethics
Week 6: Shakedown Hike!

Labor Day Canoe and Kayak the Lake
2024-09-02 11:00 - 15:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Enjoy the Labor Day holiday from a kayak or canoe!! Fun and Free! First come/first serve. Equipment and instruction are provided. Canoes and tandem kayaks are open to all ages with an adult. Solo, sit in kayaks for ages 10+, max weight of 275Ibs. 2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard, OH.

Toddler Tuesday: Signs of Fall
2024-09-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
As the summer heat dies down, our furry friends need to prepare for fall, but how can they tell it’s fall? Join us for an interactive puppet show that teaches kids the signs of fall. Following the show will be a craft and a short hike.
This program is geared towards ages 2-4. Meet at the barn shelter, rain or shine!

Try It! Kayak and SUP
2024-09-03 11:00 - 14:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out to the new Quarry Trails Metro Park and try out a standup paddle board or kayak! Solo, sit in kayaks will be available with a max weight of 275 lbs, and are open to ages 10+. A couple of tandem kayaks will be available for all ages with an adult present. Ages 10+ for SUP. Equipment and instruction provided. First come first served. 2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Columbus, OH. This is a newly opened entrance, please follow signage and be on the lookout for construction traffic.

Dog Hike
2024-09-03 18:00 - 19:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Bring your furry friend and join us for a 2-mile hike.

Backpacking Series: Week 3- Fire, Fuel & Food
2024-09-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Are you wanting to learn more about backpacking? Join us for a 6-week long series of interactive classes designed as an introduction to backpacking, building up to an overnight trip at the end! Attendance at all classes is NOT required – however the overnight trip will only be open to those who attend at least one class. Each weeks topic will have two dates to choose from in that week so participants can pick the day that works best for them to attend, you don’t need to attend both dates in the week. Meet at Arrowhead Picnic area at Scioto Grove Metro Park
This week we will be discussing Food, Fuel and Fire. From camp cooking, to starting a fire and everything in between. We will provide some easy recipes and trail snack ideas, as well as going through all the fire equipment needed to get you through the trip, it may sound like a lot but we will go through all of the steps to set you up for success! We have gear for demonstration, but you are encouraged to bring your own. Meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Area at Scioto Grove Metro Park.
Fall Backpacking Series:
Week 1: 4 Essentials & Site Selection
Week 2: Water & Waste
Week 3: Fuel, Fire & Food
Week 4: Clothing & Foot Care
Week 5: Prep, Safety and Outdoor Ethics
Week 6: Shakedown Hike!

Preschool: Fall Fruits
2024-09-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-09-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Learn about fall fruits and how they help wildlife. This outdoor program will include a story, craft, and short hike.

Job Fair
2024-09-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
What: Metro Parks Job Fair
Where: Grange Insurance Audubon Center (Located inside Scioto Audubon Metro Park: 505 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215)
When: Wednesday, September 4th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Why: We have open positions!
Positions: Part-time and full-time Park Technicians, part-time and full-time Park Rangers, part-time Gardeners, part-time Golf Course Generalist
Additional Info: We will be interviewing on-site. Click on the link of each position to find position descriptions and more!

Position Descriptions:
Part-Time Park Ranger
Full-Time Park Ranger
Part-Time Park Technician
Full-Time Park Technician
Part-Time Gardener
Part-Time Golf Course Generalist

Preschool: Creeking
2024-09-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Explore the Olentangy River to look for some of the animals that live there. Be prepared to get wet! Shoes required in the river for your safety. Please no flip flops or crocs. Buckets and nets will be provided. Don’t forget a towel and complete a change of clothes to dry off after the program. We will be meeting near the restrooms/bulletin board area.
Meeting location notes:Highbanks Metro Park-Big Meadows Picnic Area. This meeting location is located near the back of the park. After you enter the park, take the main road down the hill. At the bottom of the hill, a sign will be on the right side saying “Big Meadows picnic area”. After the sign, take the ROAD on the LEFT. Park in the first lot on the left. Meet near the restrooms/bulletin board/playground area.

First Friday Fitness Hike
2024-09-06 09:00 - 10:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Hike 2 or 4 mi. on grave and natural surface trails. Moderate pace. Stairs and hills.

Try It! Kayaking
2024-09-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out anytime during the listed times and enjoy kayaking on the lake at Quarry Trails Metro Park, first come first served. Solo, sit in kayaks available for ages 10+, max weight: 275Ibs. A couple of tandem kayaks will be available for participants of all ages, with an adult, on a first come first serve basis. Equipment and instruction is provided. Free and fun!
Quarry Trails Metro Park has several park entrances-
* The closest parking lot to the paddling launch area is off of Trabue Road. The address is 2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Columbus, OH. This is a newly opened entrance. Please follow signage and be on the lookout for construction traffic.
