Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System

Backpacking Series: Week 7 Preparation, Safety and Outdoor Ethics
2023-11-04 14:00 - 15:30, 2023-10-30 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | 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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Autumn Lantern Stroll
2023-10-29 19:00 - 20:00 | 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.

Halloween Party
2023-10-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Help us celebrate the fun fall holiday with crafting, activities, pumpkins and live animals from the Ohio Wildlife Center. Costumes encouraged.

Howl-o-ween Dog hike
2023-10-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Dress your pup up in their favorite Halloween costume and take a hike on the trail with a naturalist. Halloween themed treats provided, Bring your own water. Dogs must be leashed and socialized. All ages. Follow the orange program signs to Big Meadows. Naturalist will meet you in front of the bathroom/bulletin boards. Room for the dogs to spread out. Don’t forget your cameras!
Meeting location notes:Highbanks Metro Park. Meet in the Big Meadows Picnic Area 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.

An Evening of Victorian Curiosities
2023-10-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Program begins at 5pm.
Registration required.
Explore some customs and beliefs that may seem strange to modern sensibilities.
Historical characters, time travelers, and steampunk costumes are welcome!
Appropriate for ages 16 and up.
Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/bdzdunfz

Fall Fire Fun
2023-10-28 17:00 - 18:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Learn how to build a campfire, some fire safety tips and cook a classic campfire meal.

Backpacking Series: Week 6 Maps and Navigation
2023-10-28 14:00 - 15:30, 2023-10-23 18:00 - 19:30 | 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 #6: Maps and Navigation – We will talk about how to use and understand a topographical map, cover tips to avoid getting lost, and learn how to triangulate your position using a map and compass.
Meet at Arrowhead Picnic Shelter at Scioto Grove Metro Park

Happy Tails-n-Trails: Howl-o-ween Hike
2023-10-28 09:00 - 10:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Bring your canine companion for this special Howl-o-ween edition of our monthly program. Wear your costumes (both the 2-legged and 4-legged varieties) and enjoy a 2-mile hike followed by a doggie treat. Meet at the Apple Ridge Bulletin Board

Fall Foliage Hike
2023-10-27 17:30 - 18:30 | Slate Run Park, 1375 St. Rte. 674 North, Canal Winchester, 43110, United States
Enjoy the beauty of fall and the leaves changing color at Slate Run Metro Park! Hike will be approx. 1.4 miles long over hilly terrain. Hiking boots recommended. Meet at the Buzzard’s Roost parking area.

History of the One Hundred Acre Woods
2023-10-27 16:30 - 17:30 | 100 Acre Wood, 5280 Cambria Way, Westerville, Ohio, 43081
Take a 2-mile off-trail hike while exploring the secrets of this beautiful forest. Wear sturdy shoes; Steep ravines.

Trick-or-Treat Trail
2023-10-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Families will take a half-mile walk along the Buttonbush Trail while collecting treats. Trick-or-treaters and their families are encouraged to wear costumes.

Fall Foliage Hike
2023-10-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Chestnut Ridge, 8445 Winchester Rd NW, Carroll, OH, 43112, United States
Enjoy the beauty of fall and the changing leaves at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park! Hike will be approx. 2 miles long over hilly terrain. Hiking boots recommended. Moderate trail. Meet at the first parking lot to the right when you enter the main entrance of Chestnut Ridge, past the maintenance facility.

Graveyard Hike
2023-10-22 15:00 - 17:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Get your walking boots on and join us for a 4-mile off-trail hike to visit some of our parks hidden pioneer cemeteries and an Adena Mound. Meet us at Little Darby Picnic Area 3711 Gardner Rd. Georgesville, OH 43123

Fall Colors Hike
2023-10-22 15:00 - 16:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Join a naturalist on a 1.25-mile walk through the Walter Tucker Nature Preserve to enjoy the fall foliage.

Twilight Discovery Hike
2023-10-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Explore the evening woods after dark and look for creatures that come out at night. Bring your own flashlight. All Ages. Limited parking at 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.

An Evening on the Farm
2023-10-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Program ongoing between 5:30 -7pm
All ages
Enjoy a campfire and warm cup of cider while joining in family activities and experiencing the Farm as the sun sets. We will provide ingredients for
S’mores. Bring some chairs if you want to sit and enjoy the fire.

Dawn of the Undead
2023-10-21 16:00 - 17:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Come learn of the terrifying tales of “zombies” in the natural world in this thrilling program about parasites, diseases, and death that affects our local wildlife! Based on true events, best for ages 12+. Meet at the Nature Center.

Backpacking Series: Week 5 Clothing
2023-10-21 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 #5: Layering, Footwear, Foot Care, and Trekking Poles – We will discuss the layer system and fabric options to consider when choosing what to wear for backpacking. We’ll talk about how to choose appropriate footwear and how to take care of your feet while hiking. All materials will be provided. We will end with a discussion about trekking poles and a demonstration on proper technique.
Meet at Arrowhead Picnic Shelter at Scioto Grove Metro Park

Fall Color Foray
2023-10-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Take a 1.5 mile stroll through the park in search of autumn’s colorful splendor. Meet at the Schrock Lake Bulletin Board.

Embark Dog Hike
2023-10-21 09:00 - 10:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Enjoy this approx. 2-mile hike around Quarry Trails Metro Park with your dog! Meet at the Lakes Parking lot. 2319 Quarry Trails Drive, Columbus, follow signs for the park.

Adult Date Night: Fall Evening Hike
2023-10-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Join a naturalist for sunset hike to enjoy fall color in the forest at Highbanks and learn about the science behind it. Hike will be approximately 2 miles on crushed limestone trails with some hills. An excellent option for a date night, but singles are welcome as well (dates not included 🙂 Age 18+. Bring a flashlight.
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.

Pumpkin Walk Around The Pond
2023-10-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Three Creeks, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Take an easy 1/2 mile walk around Turtle Pond to look at the pumpkins and pick up treats at stops along the way. Costume wearing is encouraged! Three Creeks Metro Park Confluence Area, 3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport

EWW! That's Gross!
2023-10-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
For Kids: Ew! That’s Gross! – Animals can be pretty gross sometimes! Learn about the sticky, slimy, and smelly defenses animals use and make a gross craft to take home.
