Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System

Friday Storytime
2025-08-29 10:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | 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.

Preschool: Prairie Explorers
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.

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, 2025-08-31 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-01 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, 2025-08-31 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-01 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.

Drop-in Crafts: Insects
2025-08-30 15:00 - 17:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Stop by the Nature Center to create some insect-themed crafts.

Summer Sunday Splash
2025-08-31 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 Tour
2025-08-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Hop on the tram and enjoy a guided tour of the park.

Try it! Kayaking
2025-08-31 16:00 - 19:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Enjoy Darby Bend Lakes at Prairie Oaks Metro Park from a kayak! Kayaks are solo, sit in kayaks with a max weight of 275 lbs for ages 10+. Some tandems will be available for all ages with an adult. Water wicking clothing is recommended. Meet at Lake 1 at Darby Bend Lakes, 2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard OH.
First come/first serve. Equipment and instruction are provided.

Glow Kayaking
2025-08-31 20:00 - 21:30 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Join us for a glowing evening on the water at Darby Bend Lakes! Solo sit-in kayaks with a max weight of 275 Ibs, ages 10+ only will be provided. A couple of tandem kayaks will be available for all ages, with an adult present in the boat. This program will be first come first served for the duration of the program. 2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard.

Day Off School: Snakes of Ohio
2025-09-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Stop by the shelter house to learn all about the snakes of Ohio! Enjoy fun facts, free ID guides, and meet a few of our ambassador snakes!
This program is geared towards ages 8-14. Meet at the shelter house, rain or shine!

Holiday Paddle the Lake
2025-09-01 11:00 - 15:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Join us in celebrating Labor Day at Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Darby Bend Lakes! We will be paddling around the lake, and bringing equipment for all ages!! Tandem kayaks and canoes are available for all ages with an adult. Solo sit-in kayaks and stand-up paddle boards for ages 10+. FREE and fun!

Backpacking Series: Week 1- Four Essentials & Site Selection
2025-09-01 18:00 - 19:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure Backpacking Series is BACK!!!
Are you wanting to learn more about backpacking? Join us for a 6-week 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 week’s topic will have two dates to choose from in that week – you don’t need to attend both dates in the week. This series is for all ages and all backpacking abilities, from beginner to experienced backpackers.
Week #1: Four Essentials & Site Selection. This week we will be discussing the 4 essentials of backpacking sleep systems as well as information about picking the proper site to spend your night in the wilderness. It is not as easy as simply pitching a tent, 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!

Toddler Tuesday: Marvelous Moths
2025-09-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
What is metamorphosis? What does nocturnal mean? How do I find moths? All these questions and more will be discussed as we read a short story, engage in a craft, and even meet a few moths at different life stages!
This program is geared towards ages 2-4. Meet at the barn shelter, rain or shine!

Puppy Socialization Adventure Hike
2025-09-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Rocky Fork, 7180 East Walnut St., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Introduce your puppy to the outdoors and hiking in the presence of other dogs and people. Puppies should be fully vaccinated and under 1yr old. Hike will be at a slow pace with opportunities for you to practice skills you are working on, so bring favorite treats. Please no retractable leashes; max. six foot leads. This program is not meant to be a “puppy playtime”, but an opportunity for you to teach your puppy how to walk calmly and politely in a new environment. Please leave older dogs at home. Meets Tuesdays in September & October at 6pm, except Sept 30. Hike will conclude by 645pm. Hike will be cancelled in event of inclement weather; see the Rocky Fork Facebook page for up to date information on cancellation.

Preschool: Butterflies
2025-09-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Come learn about butterflies with a story, craft, and hike.

Adaptive Adventures: ASL Afternoon
2025-09-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground, 4265 E. Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Adaptive Adventures: ASL Afternoon
Come join us to kick off National Deaf Awareness Month with an afternoon of open play at the inclusive playground at Blendon Woods Metro Park! This open play is for deaf individuals and their families and friends! Come to play and meet new friends in the community! 1-4pm September 3rd!
*Our Adaptive Adventures programs are programs designed for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Hellbenders
2025-09-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Learn about our ambassador Eastern Hellbender through lessons and a craft.

Evening Kayaking
2025-09-04 16:00 - 19:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Join us at Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Darby Bend Lakes! We will be paddling around the lake, and bringing equipment for all ages!! Tandem kayaks are available for all ages with an adult. Solo sit-in kayaks with a max weight of 275Ibs for ages 10+. FREE and fun!

Metro Parks Hiking Club: Adult Fitness Hike
2025-09-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Join other like minded adults for a fast paced fitness hike along gravel and natural surface trails. 2 or 4 mi. Stairs and hills.

Friday Night Fishing
2025-09-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Stop by Schrock Lake for an evening of fishing. We supply the poles & bait, while you try to catch a fish. No fishing licence required, catch-and-release only.
