Bark Bash
2025-08-23 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
What is Bark Bash?
Bark Bash is the dog event of the summer for you and your canine friends! The second annual Bark Bash will take place at Prairie Oaks Metro Park on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The four-legged frolic gets underway at 10am and will keep you and your dogs fully active and engaged in fun until 3pm!
Activities Include:

Stand-up paddling and kayaking with your pup and Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure. Limited canine lifejackets will be available, but you can also bring your own!
Tie-dye a bandana for your four-legged friend with Friends of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks.
Take a stroll through the marketplace that includes canine vendors dedicated to all of your pup’s needs, clubs and organizations dedicated to canine wellbeing, and more.
Take a hike with your pup or explore the off-leash dog beach area of the park.
Stage performances by the Franklin County Sheriff’s K-9 units and Performance Dogs of Ohio.
Cool off in one of the ice castles sponsored by Atlas Butler.

Admission to Bark Bash is free, and all dogs must remain on a leash unless in a specified off-leash area. Attendees are encouraged to bring water and waste bags to ensure a clean and safe environment for all.
Have questions? Contact Metro Parks at info@metroparks.net

Drop In: Build a Butterfly Feeder
2025-08-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Drop by anytime between 1-230pm and get creative making your own butterfly feeder to take home. Meet inside nature center. All ages are welcome.
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.

Prehistoric Park
2025-08-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Discover what was living at Blacklick Woods over the course of time. Can you find all of the prehistoric animals during this half-mile, self-guided hike?

Weird Nature Trivia Night
2025-08-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Think you know nature? Think again! Join us for a fun evening of wacky, weird, and totally true nature trivia. Compete solo or as a team in this interactive challenge covering interesting natural phenomena—many of them found right here in Ohio!

Moth Night
2025-08-23 19:30 - 23:30 | Clear Creek, 185 Clear Creek Road, Lancaster, OH, 43130, United States
Discover the amazing world of moths with Jim McCormac and Chelsea Gottfried, co-authors of “Gardening for Moths.” Following their presentation, we’ll search for caterpillars and visit multiple moth stations for up close views of these unique nocturnal creatures. Bring a flashlight. Meet at the Barnebey Hambleton Area, 620 Clear Creek Road SW in Lancaster (39.600092, -82.631611).

Morning Bird Hike
2025-08-24 08:00 - 09:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Meet at the dog park parking lot and come on 1.5 Mile hike to look for birds.
Use address 2600 Dublin Road and follow the roadway all the way till the road forces you to turn left. Once you turn left the parking lot will be on your right.

Cattail Basket Weaving
2025-08-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
There are good cattails, and there are bad cattails. Come learn how to identify invasive cattails and put them to good use by weaving them into a small basket. This craft can last up to two hours.
This craft is not suitable for ages 15 and below.
This program is geared for ages 16 and up. Meet at the Wetland Education Building (2 miles south of the main entrance), rain or shine!

Summer Sunday Splash
2025-08-24 13:00 - 16:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Stop by anytime between 1-4pm for some drop-by creeking. Join the Naturalists as we search for crawdads, fish, and aquatic bugs. Closed-toed shoes recommended. Creeking supplies provided. Follow signs from Ranger Station. 1775 Darby Creek Dr.

Tram Ride
2025-08-24 13:00 - 16:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Ride our open-sided Tram while you learn about Sharon Woods in style! Tram leaves every half-hour and is wheelchair accessible. Tram is free to ride, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Underground Investigation
2025-08-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Collect bugs that are hiding underground and then make some observations by drawing and writing about them.

For Families: Meet Author Tracy Blom & Bug Hunt
2025-08-24 14:00 - 15:30 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Join us for a fun afternoon with local author Tracy Blom as she reads from her delightful new book, “Lissa Loves Bugs.” Following the reading, we’ll venture into the meadows and forest to discover the fascinating world of bugs ourselves! Be ready for some off-trail exploration. Metro Parks will have a limited number of nets and jars available for our bug hunt. This program is suitable for ages 3 and up. Please meet us at the Highbanks Nature Center.
Meeting Location Notes:** Highbanks Nature Center is the first right after entering the park. Please note that parking in the Nature Center lot can be limited on busy days. Additional parking is available in the Oak Coves Picnic Area, which is about a 10-minute walk from the Nature Center. To get there, follow the paved trail through Oak Coves toward the Nature Center.

Poison & Venom Hike
2025-08-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Learn how to identify the toxic plants and animals you can find on a 1-mile hike.

Toddler Time: Bubbles in the Wind
2025-08-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join us for a story and some bubble fun as we explore how wind moves bubbles and more.

SUP and S'mores
2025-08-25 13:00 - 17:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out to try Stand Up Paddleboarding and enjoy a little sweet treat! SUPs are for ages 10+, both inflatable and hard paddle boards will be available to use, first come first served! Free instruction, equipment and life jackets provided.
Meet at the Lakes Area lot – use address 2319 Quarry Trails Dr.

How to Read the River
2025-08-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Have you ever been interested in paddling on the river, but didn’t know where to start? Join us at this free program to learn more about paddling on a river! Meet at the Arrowhead Shelter at Scioto Grove Metro Park!

Evening Tram Ride
2025-08-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Hop on the tram and enjoy a guided tour of the park.

Art in the Park: Upcycled Lanterns
2025-08-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
Have any old containers laying around? Bring a plastic container or glass jar and we will decorate it to make it a fun nature themed lantern!
All supplies will be provided, but bringing a clear plastic container is encouraged!
This program is geared for all ages. Meet at the Lakeside Pavilion (the enclosed building near the lake), rain or shine!

Adult: River Walk to the Giant Sycamore
2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Highbanks River Bluff, 8400 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH, 43235, United States
Walk in the water over rocks and boulders as we hike in the Olentangy River to reach the famous Giant Sycamore tree. The tree we will be visiting is over 400 years old . This is a 1.5 mile water hike includes varying water depth (water will be higher than rain boots) up to knee level. Hike also includes walking up and down muddy slopes. Closed toed shoes (water sandals, old tennis shoes etc) are required. No flip flops. Participants should expect to get wet and bring towels and change of shoes for the way home. Hint: keeping an extra garbage bag in your car to sit on in case you get more wet than expected. No registration required. Parking limited. Age 18+ NOTE: CONSTRUCTION ON 315 possible. The ODOT construction project near River Bluff is planned to be complete by 8/17. Please be aware there maybe traffic delays or rerouting. Please plan ahead. https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/108799
IMPORTANT: River Bluff area does NOT have restrooms or water fountains. Please bring a water bottle. Apply insect repellent before coming to the program.
***This program is contingent on Olentangy water levels and would be postponed in the event of high water levels. Program is cancelled in the event of storms or thunder.
Meeting location notes: River Bluff area is not located at the main area Highbanks. River Bluff entrance is located off 315 on the opposite side of the river as Highbanks main park. River Bluff Area physical address: 8400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus OH 43235 Please call Highbanks nature center 614-846-9962 for questions prior to the day of the program. Day of program, please call Highbanks Ranger cell phone at 614-906-3149 for program questions if bad weather expected or recent heavy rains are causing high river levels.

Try it! Kayaking
2025-08-28 15:00 - 19:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out anytime during the listed times and enjoy kayaking the lake at Quarry Trails Metro Park, kayaking will be first come first served. Solo, sit in kayaks available for ages 10+, max weight: 275Ibs. A couple of tandem kayaks will be available for all ages, with an adult. Equipment and instruction is provided. Free and fun!
Use address 2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Columbus, OH. Please follow signage and be on the lookout for construction traffic.

Sunset Spikeball
2025-08-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Join us for a free and fun session of Spikeball! This game requires some hand-eye coordination. Learn the basics and become a pro! All instruction and equipment provided. We will be playing in the field behind the Scioto Audubon Climbing Wall.

Preschool: Prairie Explorers
2025-08-29 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-08-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Learn about prairies through story, activities, and craft. Best for ages 3-5.

Friday Storytime
2025-08-29 10:00 - 10:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Have fun with early literacy in the park! These 30-40min programs are aimed at kids 2-5yrs. Children and their grownups will enjoy books, rhymes, songs and fun while arousing curiosity about the natural world.

Tots on Trails
2025-08-29 10:00 - 11:00 | 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.

Try it! Kayaking and SUP
2025-08-29 10:00 - 14:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out and try stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking for free at Quarry Trails Metro Park! First come, first served. All equipment provided. SUPs and solo sit-in kayaks ages 10+ only. Tandems open for all ages. Solo sit-in kayaks have a 275Ibs limit.
Use address 2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Columbus, OH. Please follow signage and be on the lookout for construction traffic.

Night Hike
2025-08-29 20:30 - 21:30 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Light up the night on this short hike as we use some UV lights and search out nocturnal insects. Meet at the Ranger Station.

Toddler Tottle
2025-08-30 09:00 - 10:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Let’s go on a short walk around the nature center looking for cool critters!

Butterfly Weekend
2025-08-30 10:00 - 14:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
It’s our annual butterfly extravaganza! Drop by the nature center 10am-2pm 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
2025-08-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Program ongoing between 10am-4pm behind Farmhouse.
Visit a display and play a matching game to learn about 19th century occupations and the history of Labor Day.

Ice Cream Social
2025-08-30 12:30 - 13:30 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Meet at the Kingfisher shelter and take a 1.5 mile hike and enjoy ice cream after!
Use address 2319 Quarry Trails Drive Columbus OH 43228 and follow the roadway to the Lake Area parking lot.
