Autumn Lantern Stroll
2023-10-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Enjoy a 1-mile self-guided lantern lit stroll through the fall forest. Drop by anytime between 7-8pm. Feel free to borrow one of our lanterns or bring your own. Meet near the Schrock Lake Restrooms.

Backpacking Series: Week 7 Preparation, Safety and Outdoor Ethics
2023-10-30 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-11-04 14:00 - 15:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Join us for a 7-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.
Week #7: Preparation, Safety, and Outdoor Ethics – The most important aspect of an enjoyable backpacking trip is planning ahead and being prepared. Everyone will play a role in planning for our upcoming trip. We’ll go over many of the hazards you are likely to encounter while backpacking in Ohio and surrounding regions. Additionally, we will learn how to enjoy the outdoors while being respectful of the wildlife and others.
Meet at Arrowhead Picnic Shelter at Scioto Grove Metro Park

Adults: All Hallows Eve Lantern Stroll
2023-10-31 18:30 - 19:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Enjoy a hot cider as you take a lantern-lit stroll through the night forest.

Adults Only: Cemetery Hike
2023-11-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Take a 4-mile off-trail hike to prehistoric Native American and pioneer burial grounds. Ages 18+. Meet us at Little Darby Picnic Area 3711 Gardner Rd. Georgesville, OH 43123

Lunchtime Hot Dog Campfire
2023-11-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Three Creeks, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Come out to the park to hike, explore or play on your own then stop by a campfire to roast hot dogs and marshmallows. We’ll have a generous supply of hot dogs but they will be available only while they last. Three Creeks Metro Park Confluence Area picnic shelter, 3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport

Fall Fun Day
2023-11-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Gather for a day of fun before it gets too cold! Join us for s’mores, crafts, and a campfire.

National Bison Day
2023-11-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
BISON! Celebrate our national mammal, and a much loved part of our park! Enjoy crafts, games and snacks. Join us for a bison hike @1, 2 or 3pm.

5-Mile Hike on the Alum Creek Greenway
2023-11-05 13:30 - 15:30 | Three Creeks, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Join us for an (almost) 5-mile hike along the Alum Creek Greenway Trail (meets at Heron Pond). We won’t stop too often but will enjoy being outdoors and sharing good company. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Meets at the Heron Pond bulletin board, 3400 Williams Rd, Columbus

Thankful Yoga
2023-11-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Celebrate the season with a thoughtful yoga class designed to relax and rejuvenate you! Take the time to give thanks while going through a slow yoga flow. The class will take place indoors at The Grove at Scioto Grove Metro Park.

Sandstone Maze Hike
2023-11-08 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-11-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Clear Creek, 185 Clear Creek Road, Lancaster, OH, 43130, United States
Take in sandstone rock views on a 4-mile off-trail hike. Experience hiking over difficult terrain is recommended; terrain will be steep, rugged and involve significant elevation gain. Bring water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Meet at the old maintenance shop located at 9935 Opossum Hollow Road, Rockbridge. Please note there is not a restroom at this parking area.

Recipes for the Holidays
2023-11-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join culinary artist, Jan Kish, for a demonstration and how-to presentation to wow your guests at your next holiday gathering. Sponsored by the Herb Society of America, Central Ohio Unit

Dutch Oven Cooking
2023-11-10 17:00 - 18:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Enjoy a campfire with some yummy foods prepared with dutch ovens.

Off-trail Ravine Ramble
2023-11-11 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-11-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Join the naturalist for a rugged 2.5-mile hike off-trail in the park. We’ll cross ravines and small streams, and explore a state nature preserve all while learning about the history of the park.
This program is not recommended for below age 5. Please no strollers, child backpack carriers or dogs. Please bring water and wear boots and jeans or other sturdy long pants (nothing that can snag easily.)
Meet at the Apple Ridge Bulletin Board.

For Families: Turkey Trek
2023-11-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Meet at the nature center for a 1-mile round trip hike to learn about our festive, feathered, Thanksgiving friends! Trail is crushed limestone and includes some hills.
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. 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.

Veteran's Day Fishing Program
2023-11-11 12:00 - 14:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Thank your favorite veteran by bringing them fishing! Poles, bait, and campfire hot dogs provided while supplies last! Meet at Osprey Lake, 5800 Harrisburg-Georgesville Rd.

Firewood Warms You Twice
2023-11-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-11-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Ongoing from 1-3pm
All ages
Try a two-man saw or shingle splitter while learning about varieties of wood.

For Adults 50+: Fall Birds
2023-11-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Take an easy 1-mile stroll on the Red Oak trail in search of woodpeckers and other resident birds. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Meet by the bulletin board near the restroom at 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City

For Adults: Off-trail Hike to Big Sycamores (Nature Preserve )
2023-11-12 11:00 - 13:30 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Join a naturalist for a rugged 3-mile off-trail hike to the nature preserve to see some of the 300-year old Giant Sycamore trees. Expect slippery and wet conditions. Hiking stick highly recommended. Hike is up and down very steep ravines. We will be walking on narrow paths across ravine edges to reach our destination. This hike is difficult for anyone having knee or back issues. Backpack with water, bug spray and snack is highly encouraged. Deer ticks are possible in off-trail conditions in the fall, please spray clothes with bug spray prior to coming to the program (permethrin recommended). Prior rain will impact the trail conditions leading us to create impromptu new pathways for the hike. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of program due to parking. In the event of rain or high water, the program will need to be canceled for safety reasons. Please call the ranger cell phone 614-906-3149 day of program for updates or check out Highbanks Metro Park Facebook page. Age 18+
Meeting Location Oak Coves: The Oak Coves picnic area is your first LEFT after entering the park. Once you turn left into the Oak Coves picnic area, we will be in the THIRD parking lot. This parking lot has a bathroom AND playground. Meet the naturalist in front of the bulletin board. If the parking lot is full, the Oak Coves picnic area has 4 other parking lots within 5-8 minutes walking time of the meeting location.

Night Walk
2023-11-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Let your eyes adjust to the dark as we go on a 2-mile walk in the woods.

For Adults! Hike
2023-11-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Slate Run Park, 1375 St. Rte. 674 North, Canal Winchester, 43110, United States
Enjoy a staff-led hike through the beautiful forests of Slate Run Metro Park. Meet at the Buzzards Roost Picnic Area. Hike will be approx. 1.4 miles over hilly terrain. Ages 18+.

For Adults 50+: Crafternoon
2023-11-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon as you try your hand at creations that can be enjoyed seasonally and all year long.
Meet in the Grove Lodge

Try It! Archery
2023-11-16 14:00 - 15:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Enjoy free and fun archery at the range! All equipment and instruction are provided. Open to ages 8+. Meet at the archery range at Scioto Grove Metro Park.

Tarp Shelter Building
2023-11-16 17:00 - 18:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Learn how to build a shelter using tarps! All equipment provided, free. Meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Area at Scioto Grove Metro Park.

National Take A Hike Day
2023-11-17 10:00 - 12:30 | Clear Creek, 185 Clear Creek Road, Lancaster, OH, 43130, United States
Celebrate National Take A Hike Day on a 4-mile backcountry hike. Terrain at Clear Creek is rugged, steep, and uneven in areas. Bring water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Meet at the Park Office, 185 Clear Creek Road in Lancaster.

DIY Paracord Water Bottle Holder
2023-11-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Learn how to make a water bottle holder out of paracord!! All equipment provided, free and fun! Meet at The Grove at Scioto Grove Metro Park.

Blacklick Hunger Games
2023-11-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Let the Blacklick Hunger Games begin. Test your archery skills like Katniss, blend into your surroundings like Peeta, and compete in a Hunger Games themed scavenger hunt. May the odds be ever in your favor.
