Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System

Outdoor Adventure Run Club!
2024-08-31 08:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Join us for a fun morning of running the trails at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park! Loops will be mapped out, feel free to run at your own pace!
Meet at the Ranger Station
1775 Darby Creek Drive Galloway, OH 43119

Family Creeking
2024-08-31 10:00 - 12:30
Take a short walk to the creek and wade in the water to find critters. Meet at the Fern Parking Lot, 22937 Clear Creek Road in Rockbridge.

Butterfly Weekend
2024-08-31 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-01 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-02 10:00 - 13:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
It’s our annual butterfly extravaganza! Drop by the nature center 10am-1pm 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
2024-09-01 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-09-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Program ongoing between 10am-4pm
Visit a display and play a matching game to learn about 19th century occupations and the history of Labor Day.

Darling Dragonflies
2024-09-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Join a naturalist to learn about dragonflies through stories and create a darling dragonfly craft! For ages 5+.

Drop In: Weather Experiments
2024-09-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Stop by the nature center to join a naturalist explaining weather experiments. Learn about thunderstorms, tornados, lightning, rainbows and more!
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.

Backpacking Series: Week 2- Water & Waste
2024-09-01 13:00 - 14:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Are you wanting to learn more about backpacking? Join us for a 6-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. Meet at Arrowhead Picnic area at Scioto Grove Metro Park
This week we will be discussing all things water and waste! From water filtration to purification, proper hydration and leave no trace waste principles. Water gear will be available for demonstrative purposes, but participants are encouraged to bring their own gear (if they have any) to try out and learn more about them. Back country water skills are a tricky task, but we are here every step of the way!
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!

Labor Day Canoe and Kayak the Lake
2024-09-02 11:00 - 15:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Enjoy the Labor Day holiday from a kayak or canoe!! Fun and Free! First come/first serve. Equipment and instruction are provided. Canoes and tandem kayaks are open to all ages with an adult. Solo, sit in kayaks for ages 10+, max weight of 275Ibs. 2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard, OH.

Toddler Tuesday: Signs of Fall
2024-09-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
As the summer heat dies down, our furry friends need to prepare for fall, but how can they tell it’s fall? Join us for an interactive puppet show that teaches kids the signs of fall. Following the show will be a craft and a short hike.
This program is geared towards ages 2-4. Meet at the barn shelter, rain or shine!

Try It! Kayak and SUP
2024-09-03 11:00 - 14:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out to the new Quarry Trails Metro Park and try out a standup paddle board or kayak! Solo, sit in kayaks will be available with a max weight of 275 lbs, and are open to ages 10+. A couple of tandem kayaks will be available for all ages with an adult present. Ages 10+ for SUP. Equipment and instruction provided. First come first served. 2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Columbus, OH. This is a newly opened entrance, please follow signage and be on the lookout for construction traffic.

Dog Hike
2024-09-03 18:00 - 19:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Bring your furry friend and join us for a 2-mile hike.

Backpacking Series: Week 3- Fire, Fuel & Food
2024-09-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Are you wanting to learn more about backpacking? Join us for a 6-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. Meet at Arrowhead Picnic area at Scioto Grove Metro Park
This week we will be discussing Food, Fuel and Fire. From camp cooking, to starting a fire and everything in between. We will provide some easy recipes and trail snack ideas, as well as going through all the fire equipment needed to get you through the trip, it may sound like a lot 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!

Preschool: Fall Fruits
2024-09-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-09-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Learn about fall fruits and how they help wildlife. This outdoor program will include a story, craft, and short hike.

Job Fair
2024-09-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
What: Metro Parks Job Fair
Where: Grange Insurance Audubon Center (Located inside Scioto Audubon Metro Park: 505 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215)
When: Wednesday, September 4th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Why: We have open positions!
Positions: Part-time and full-time Park Technicians, part-time and full-time Park Rangers, part-time Gardeners, part-time Golf Course Generalist
Additional Info: We will be interviewing on-site. Click on the link of each position to find position descriptions and more!

Position Descriptions:
Part-Time Park Ranger
Full-Time Park Ranger
Part-Time Park Technician
Full-Time Park Technician
Part-Time Gardener
Part-Time Golf Course Generalist

Preschool: Creeking
2024-09-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Explore the Olentangy River to look for some of the animals that live there. Be prepared to get wet! Shoes required in the river for your safety. Please no flip flops or crocs. Buckets and nets will be provided. Don’t forget a towel and complete a change of clothes to dry off after the program. We will be meeting near the restrooms/bulletin board area.
Meeting location notes:Highbanks Metro Park-Big Meadows Picnic Area. This meeting location is located near 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.

First Friday Fitness Hike
2024-09-06 09:00 - 10:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Hike 2 or 4 mi. on grave and natural surface trails. Moderate pace. Stairs and hills.

Try It! Kayaking
2024-09-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out anytime during the listed times and enjoy kayaking on the lake at Quarry Trails Metro Park, first come first served. Solo, sit in kayaks available for ages 10+, max weight: 275Ibs. A couple of tandem kayaks will be available for participants of all ages, with an adult, on a first come first serve basis. Equipment and instruction is provided. Free and fun!
Quarry Trails Metro Park has several park entrances-
* The closest parking lot to the paddling launch area is off of Trabue Road. The address is 2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Columbus, OH. This is a newly opened entrance. Please follow signage and be on the lookout for construction traffic.

Forest Bathing
2024-09-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Join a naturalist in some good ol’ nature therapy! Feel free to bring something to sit on that’s easy to carry as we take a quarter-mile hike and practice some quiet, stress-relieving techniques surrounded by trees. Meet at the Ranger Station, best for ages 12+.

Fall Migration Bird Hike
2024-09-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Join a naturalist and search the forest for migrating songbirds like warblers, vireos, tanagers and more on this 1.25-mile hike.

Grandparents/Grandkids on the Farm: Meet the Animals
2024-09-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Program begins at 11am
Meet in front of the farmhouse
Join us for an opportunity for grandparents and grandkids to explore the farm together and meet the animals. ( Nieces/nephews and borrowed grandchildren will work too)

Winnowing Rock Hike
2024-09-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Clear Creek, 185 Clear Creek Road, Lancaster, OH, 43130, United States
Take a guided 5-mile backcountry hike to Winnowing Rock. Terrain at Clear Creek is rugged and steep, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Meet at the Park Office, 185 Clear Creek Road in Lancaster.

Signs of Fall: Scavenger Hunt
2024-09-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Enjoy the signs of Fall while you walk any of the trails in the park. Pick-up a Scavenger Hunt sheet before you start and use it to record the signs of fall that you see. Return the sheet to the Naturalist before 7:00 pm and win a prize.

For Adults: Fungi Walk-n-Talk
2024-09-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join an educator for a walk and discussion focusing on some of the fungi commonly found at Inniswood. Trails are a mix of paved, crushed limestone, boardwalk, and some turf.

River Walk to the Giant Sycamore (off-trail)
2024-09-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Highbanks River Bluff, 8400 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH, 43235, United States
Walk in the water over rocks and boulders as we hike IN the Olentangy River to reach the famous Giant Sycamore tree. The tree we will be visiting is over 400 years old . This is a rugged 1.5 mile hike with varying water depth (water will be higher than rain boots). Closed toed shoes (water sandals, old tennis shoes etc) are required. No flip flops. Families are welcome to bring nets or buckets to explore. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Participants should expect to get wet and bring towels and change of shoes for the way home. Hint: keeping an extra garbage bag in your car to sit on in case you get more wet than expected.
IMPORTANT: River Bluff area does NOT have restrooms or water fountains. Please bring a water bottle. Apply insect repellant before coming to the program.
***This program is contingent on Olentangy water levels and would be postponed in the event of high water levels. Tis post will be updated by 12pm on the day of the program. You can also contact the Highbanks nature center after 10am the day of the program (Highbanks Nature center phone number 614-846-9962)
River Bluff Area does NOT have restrooms, trash cans or water fountains. Please plan accordingly.
Meeting location notes: River Bluff area is not located at the main area Highbanks. River Bluff entrance is located off 315 on the opposite side of the river as Highbanks main park. River Bluff Area physical address: 8400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus OH 43235 Please call Highbanks nature center 614-846-9962 for questions prior to the day of the program. Day of program, please call Highbanks Ranger cell phone at 614-906-3149.

Butterfly Release
2024-09-07 14:00 - 14:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Learn about the epic migration undertaken by monarch butterflies, the perils the face along the way, what you can do you help them on their journey, and watch as we tag and release any that are ready to migrate.

Cicadian Rhythm
2024-09-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Buzz around on a 1-mile accessible hike along the Hawthorn Loop learning about cicadas and how they sing! Meet at the Ranger Station.
