Children’s Garden Day
2026-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join us for an afternoon of fun as we explore garden herbs with a variety of hands-on activities. Plus visit with baby animals and staff from Slate Run Farm.

Little Hikers Club
2026-04-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Bring your little hiker and let’s go on a 1-mile hike with stops along the way for a story and game! Trail is stroller friendly. Meet us at the Ranger Station.

For Adults 50+: Sunrise Hike
2026-04-27 07:30 - 09:00 | Slate Run Park, 1375 St. Rte. 674 North, Canal Winchester, 43110, United States
Join us for a approx. 3-mile sunrise hike at Slate Run Metro Park. Terrain will be hilly. Meet at Buzzards Roost Picnic Area.

Nature Detectives with COSI!
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Grab a magnifying glass and hiking shoes and get ready to investigate the woods with us! Get to know a little more about the wonderful ecosystems here in Ohio.
We will hike approximately 1.5miles on mixed terrain trails (gravel, paved, and dirt). All detective supplies will be provided. Please bring closed toed shoes, layers (it’s always windy!), and a sense of adventure!
This program is geared for ages 6-16, but all ages are welcome. Meet at the Shelter House, rain or shine!

COSI Science Festival - Fantastic Fungi BioBlitz
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Be a scientist! Learn to use iNaturalist to record scientific observations and then set off on a 1.25-mile hike to observe, identify and record mushrooms and other fungi around Blacklick Woods.

Tots on Trails
2026-04-30 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.

Sand Volleyball and S'mores
2026-04-30 17:00 - 19:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Join us for a s’more over the campfire and play sand volleyball at Scioto Audubon Metro Park! All equipment and ingredients will be provided. Park at the climbing wall.

Adventure at the Lake with Brave Wilderness
2026-04-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Join the Brave Wilderness team for a Blendon Bioblitz as we search for wildlife around Thoreau Lake. Download iNaturalist before you come to help contribute to the data. Wear shoes that can get wet and muddy.

Birding and Breakfast
2026-05-02 08:00 - 10:00 | Walnut Woods, 6723 Lithopolis Rd, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Join us for a potluck breakfast at the picnic shelter then go bird watching after. Beginners to experts are welcome to participate and we’ll have some loaner binoculars available. If you are able, please bring a breakfast dish to share with the group. If you’ve never done birding and breakfast before, it’s great fun! Meets at the Walnut Woods Buckeye Area picnic shelter, 6716 Lithopolis RD, Groveport

Bank Run Event Center Showcase
2026-05-16 15:30 - 21:00 | Bank Run Metro Park Event Center, 1570 Rohr Rd., Lockbourne, OH, 43137, United States
Welcome to the first event at the Bank Run Metro Park Event Center!
Join us Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Bank Run Metro Park Event Center for a 5k race, concert, beer with Friends of Metro Parks, food trucks, and more!
Address:
1570 Rohr Road, Lockbourne, Ohio
Schedule:
3:30 pm: 5k Registration & Check-in starts
4 pm: 5k Race
4:30 pm: Bands – the Fabulous Johnson Brothers and The Pretty Filth

Red, White, and Boom! at Scioto Audubon
2026-07-03 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Join Metro Parks at Scioto Audubon Metro Park for Red, White, and Boom! The park will be open from 6:30 am and close following the conclusion of the fireworks. Please reference the following for what you need to know before arriving:
Parking:
Parking is free and first come, first served at the park. Parking spaces cannot be saved, so once you leave, the spot will become available to the next vehicle. If parking capacity is reached within the park, the park will close to incoming cars (you can still park outside and walk in). Please remember that as the fireworks end, it may take a few minutes to exit the park due to traffic. Rangers will be directing traffic, so please follow their directions.
Saving a viewing spot:
You may set up a roped-off viewing area for your family starting at noon on Thursday, July 2. Viewing areas are not allowed to be larger than 20×20 feet. This will not be allowed at the water tower, climbing wall, shelters, or within parking lots or other paved areas.
Activities:

Metro Parks staff will have kids activities from 4-8pm!
The water tower observation decks will close at 9pm on Friday, July 3.
The boat ramp will open at 8am on Friday, July 3 for those wishing to enjoy fireworks from a canoe, kayak or other small boat on the Scioto River.
The dog park will be open for pets to enjoy. All pets must remained leashed inside the park, unless inside the gates of the dog park.
The Greenway Trails will be open to the public. Both the Olentangy and Scioto Trails can be accessed from the north end of the park.

Security:
The park will be patrolled by Metro Parks Rangers and Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputies during the event. Please be sure to follow all directions and find them if you have any questions or concerns while at the park. They are there to maximize your safety and enjoyment! If you have any concerns during the event, please call the rangers at 614-620-1865.
Per Metro Parks Rules and Regulations, the open possession, display or consumption of alcohol is not permitted on parks property. Drones and fireworks are also not permitted on Metro Parks property.
Click here for more details about Scioto Audubon and a map of the park. If you have any questions prior to the event, please email info@metroparks.net or call 614-895-6249.

Bark Bash
2026-08-22 10:00 - 15:00 | 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 22, 2026. 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 or want to be a sponsor? Contact Metro Parks at info@metroparks.net
