Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System

Preschool: Vultures
2026-03-04 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Soar on over to learn all about the fascinating world of vultures, then tag along as we search for these feathered friends in the gardens.

Skunk Cabbage Hike
2026-03-04 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Clear Creek, 185 Clear Creek Road, Lancaster, OH, 43130, United States
Search for Ohio’s earliest wildflower on a guided 1-mile hike. Meet at the Barnebey-Hambleton Picnic Area, 620 Clear Creek Road SW in Lancaster (39.600092, -82.631611).

Backcountry Cooking
2026-03-05 18:30 - 19:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Learn how to make a backcountry meal over an ultra light stove at Scioto Grove Metro Park! Meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Area, all equipment and ingredients provided.

Woodcock Watch
2026-03-05 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-07 18:30 - 19:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Observe one of the timeless rituals of Spring – the woodcock sky dance! Meet by the large shelter next to the Natural Play area – it’s a short walk to their “stage”. Same program Thursday and Saturday.

Timberdoodle Trek
2026-03-05 18:30 - 19:30 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Take a short hike to look for American Woodcocks doing their amazing mating display. Trails may be a mixture of crushed gravel and unimproved. Meet at the Nature Center. Ages 8+.

Behind the Scenes: Bison
2026-03-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Come learn about the bison herd at the park, and how these animals are cared for. Ages 8+ for safety reasons. Homeschoolers welcome!

For Adults: Metro Parks Hiking Club
2026-03-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Join like minded individuals as we hike 2 or 4 miles with limited stops. Natural and gravel surface trails with hills and stairs; moderate pace.

Woodcock Walk
2026-03-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Take a 1-mile hike to learn about the American Woodcock while we search for them performing their elaborate courtship display.

Blacklick Walk & Talk
2026-03-07 09:00 - 10:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Meet the first Saturday of every month for a fast-paced hike and to meet like-minded people. This is not an interpretive hike.

Walk To The Eagle Nest
2026-03-07 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-03-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Three Creeks, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Learn about our national bird then go on a 1.5 mile roundtrip walk to observe them in the nest. Wear shoes suitable for mud. No pets, please. Meets at Madison Christian Church parking lot, 3565 Bixby Rd, Groveport

Bike to the Historic Darby Dan!
2026-03-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Join us on a 8 mile ride to the historic Darby Dan training barn! Meet at the Ranger Station at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. Use address 1775 Darby Creek Dr. Galloway, OH.
Please note: Register for this program ONLY if you need to borrow a bike for the duration of the program! If you are bringing your own bike, you do not need to register. Adult bikes and helmets available to borrow.

For Adults 50+: Wetland Walk
2026-03-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Slate Run Park, 1375 St. Rte. 674 North, Canal Winchester, 43110, United States
Take a 1.5-mile stroll through the wetlands in search of creatures enjoying the awakening of spring. Bring binoculars if you have them. The Kokomo trail is an easy grass, dirt and boardwalk trail.
Meet at the Slate Run Wetlands parking lot at 11140 Winchester Rd., Ashville.

Fiber at the Farm Series-Rug Making
2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Join us as we explore fiber arts twice a month during January, February, and March. This is a series of six programs for adults, however, you are free to make the ones that interest you and fit your schedule. Programs will include a presentation and demonstration, as well as opportunities for hands on learning. Enjoy a warm beverage and feel free to bring a fiber project to work on after the main program. Programs will start at 1pm.
Saturday, 3/7/26 Part 5 of a series of 6: Rug Making
Fabric and yarn scraps were often used to make rugs. Learn about some of the types of rugs that could be made such as braided, prodded, and hooked rugs. Try rug hooking and prodded rug making.
This program is for adults and meets in the farmhouse from 1-3pm.

Franklin County Connections: Disability Resource Fair
2026-03-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Blacklick Woods Golf Course, 7309 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Join us in the banquet room at Blacklick Woods Golf Course to make connections and learn about local disability programs in Franklin County!
This free event is designed to connect individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers and professionals with local organizations offering vital programs, services and support throughout Franklin County. More than 20 local agencies and service providers will be on site to share information and resources.
Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with representatives, gather materials, explore recreational and therapeutic opportunities, and learn more about advocacy, education, employment and independent living services available in the community.
Groups and agencies in attendance will include:

A Kid Again
Adaptive Sports Connection
Better Together Playnasium
Elevated DD
Empower Behavioral Health & Intervention
Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Jeremiah’s Corner
Learning 4 Life Farm
Mobile Independent Living Center
Morgan Education Center
OCALI
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
Ohio RISE
On the Go Support Services
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Therapy Strides
UPFAD
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym
YMCA – Youth Community Strengthening

Microscope Exploration
2026-03-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Use microscopes to investigate vernal pool macroinvertebrates. Adults only.

Woodcock Walk
2026-03-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Join us as we look and listen for Ohio’s smallest game bird-the Woodcock.

Waterfowl Watch
2026-03-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Pickerington Ponds, 7680 Wright Road, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
We’ll have a spotting scope to look for and and identify migrating ducks and other birds. Meets at Pickerington Ponds Wood Duck Area, 4150 Bowen Rd, Canal Winchester

Signs of Spring
2026-03-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Join a naturalist for a 1-mile hike while we search for early signs of spring.

Eagle Hike @ Hundred Acre Wood
2026-03-08 14:00 - 15:00 | 100 Acre Wood, 5280 Cambria Way, Westerville, Ohio, 43081
Hike 1.5 miles along a dirt trail to spy on the eagles at their nest. Meet at 5220 Cambria Way. Park along the street.

Growing Dahlias
2026-03-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Learn about growing dahlias with members of the Greater Columbus Dahlia Society.

Preschool: Frogs
2026-03-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Learn about frogs through literature, activities and craft. Ages 3-6

Stretch and Strengthen Fitness Class
2026-03-10 18:30 - 19:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Join us for a beginner friendly stretching and strengthening fitness class at The Grove Lodge at Scioto Grove Metro Park. Yoga mats will not be provided.

Preschoolers: Salamanders
2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Learn about salamanders and other amphibians through a story, activity and a craft.

For Adults 50+: Walk To The Eagle Nest
2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-03-11 13:30 - 15:00 | Three Creeks, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Learn about the history of America’s national bird then take a 1.5 mile roundtrip walk to observe the nesting eagles. Wear shoes suitable for mud. No pets, please. Meets at Madison Christian Church parking lot, 3565 Bixby Rd, Groveport
