Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System

Watercolor Tea Bag Art Demonstration
2024-12-06 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Innis House, 940 S Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Watch as artist of the month, Nancy Simmons, demonstrates how she uses watercolors and recycled tea bags to create unique works of art that are enhanced by the stain and texture of each tea bag.

Luminary Hikes
2024-12-06 17:00 - 18:30, 2024-12-07 17:00 - 18:30 | Chestnut Ridge, 8445 Winchester Rd NW, Carroll, OH, 43112, United States
Take a self-guided 1/2-mile walk through the woods and fields as luminaries light your way. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and have your winter hike card stamped.
Find more information about Winter Hikes here.

Lantern Hike
2024-12-06 17:30 - 18:30 | Walnut Woods, 6723 Lithopolis Rd, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Join us for an after dark adventure on this two mile lantern hike! Some lanterns will be available to borrow. Meet at the Tall Pines area! 6833 Richardson Rd, Groveport, OH 43125
Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure is hosting a Toys for Tots toy drive!
Donate a new toy at any Outdoor Adventure program between December 1st and December 17th and you’ll be entered into a raffle. The winner will be awarded a private Outdoor Adventure program of their choice for themselves and up to 9 guests! Program options include: Archery, Rock Climbing, Kayaking or Stand-up paddle boarding (seasonal). Date will be selected upon visitor and staff availability.
Donation Guidelines
Consider gifting to under served age groups such as infants and teens.
School supplies are accepted as well!
NO food or edible donations. NO realistic looking toy weapons. Such items will not be distributed.

Winter Hike - Campfire & Hot Cocoa
2024-12-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Take a half-mile hike along the Buttonbush Trail under the twinkling lights and stop by the Nature Center to enjoy a cup of cocoa around the campfire. The Canopy Walk and Nature Center will be open late to explore

Night Hike
2024-12-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Let’s take a 1.5-mile hike through the wetlands, and see what nocturnal critters we can find. Meet at the Wet Prairie, 1378 Darby Creek Dr.

Walk To The Eagle Nest
2024-12-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-07 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-12-08 14:00 - 15:30 | Three Creeks, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Take a 2-mile round trip mostly off-trail hike to learn about bald eagles and observe the nest from below. Sometimes we see eagles and sometimes we don’t! Dress for off-trail walking. No Pets, please. Meets at Three Creeks Metro Park Confluence Area bulletin board, 3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport

Adventure 101: Shelter Building
2024-12-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Our “Adventure 101” educational series includes everything from guest speakers to interactive outdoor skill lessons! Participants are encouraged to take notes and ask questions
From tarps to knots, we will go over everything shelter building during this hands on class! We will provide all of the equipment and instruction necessary, and we will go over some education tidbits and instruction regarding the best shelter types to utilize and when to use them. Meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Area at Scioto Grove Metro Park
Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure is hosting a Toys for Tots toy drive!
Donate a new toy at any Outdoor Adventure program between December 1st and December 17th and you’ll be entered into a raffle. The winner will be awarded a private Outdoor Adventure program of their choice for themselves and up to 9 guests! Program options include: Archery, Rock Climbing, Kayaking or Stand-up paddle boarding (seasonal). Date will be selected upon visitor and staff availability.
Donation Guidelines
Consider gifting to under served age groups such as infants and teens.
School supplies are accepted as well!
NO food or edible donations. NO realistic looking toy weapons. Such items will not be distributed.

Birdfeeder Craft
2024-12-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Learn about different foods that can be used to attract birds to your yard and build a simple bird feeder to take home.

Christmas is Coming
2024-12-07 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Ongoing between 1-3pm
All ages
Help decorate the farmhouse in Victorian style. String popcorn and make an ornament to take home.

Greeting Card Workshop
2024-12-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Innis House, 940 S Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join us for a relaxing afternoon making greeting cards for the holidays or any occasion. Supplies will be provided.

Cocoa & Cryptids
2024-12-07 17:00 - 18:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Walk under the twinkling lights and enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate. Use your cellphone to get a picture or two with Bigfoot and the Grinch!

For Adults 50+: Dog Park Gathering - Small Dogs!
2024-12-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Walnut Woods, 6723 Lithopolis Rd, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Bring your canine friends 20 pounds or less and join other like-minded pup owners for an afternoon at the dog park. Bring water and a bowl for your pooch. We’ll have treats for dogs. Please follow all posted dog park rules.
Meet at the small dog park at the Buckeye Area at 6716 Lithopolis Rd., Groveport

For Adults 50+: Dog Park Gathering - Medium and Large Dogs!
2024-12-08 15:00 - 16:00 | Walnut Woods, 6723 Lithopolis Rd, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Bring your canine friends over 20 pounds and join other like-minded pup owners for an afternoon at the dog park. Bring water and a bowl for your pooch. We’ll have treats for dogs. Please follow all posted dog park rules.
Meet at the large dog park at the Buckeye Area at 6716 Lithopolis Rd., Groveport

Winter Hike Series: Highbanks Adult Hikers
2024-12-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Join like-minded adults who enjoy nature for this 2.5-mile hike to the wetland with a naturalist followed by hot cocoa. Stay afterwards for the holiday lights at 5pm. This program counts as part of the Metro Parks Winter Hike Series.
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.

Preschool: Holiday Tree
2024-12-09 11:00 - 12:30 | Spring Hollow at Sharon Woods, 1069 W Main St, Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join our Naturalist for a short hike in the winter woods. Visitors will collect sticks and make their own mini holiday tree. Strollers will not be useable on hiking trail, please dress for the weather. Meet at Spring Hollow Lodge (1069 W. Main St. Westerville, OH 43081)

Toddler Time: Winter Crafts
2024-12-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join us to make toddler-friendly, winter crafts. Be prepared for a little mess-making and a lot of fun.

Toddler Hike
2024-12-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Walnut Woods, 6723 Lithopolis Rd, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Enjoy a hike at Walnut Woods on this slow-paced, stroller friendly Toddler Hike! The trail will be paved, and we will hike as far as we can within the hour. Meet at the Tall Pines Area at Walnut Woods Metro Park. 6833 Richardson Rd. Groveport.
Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure is hosting a Toys for Tots toy drive!
Donate a new toy at any Outdoor Adventure program between December 1st and December 17th and you’ll be entered into a raffle. The winner will be awarded a private Outdoor Adventure program of their choice for themselves and up to 9 guests! Program options include: Archery, Rock Climbing, Kayaking or Stand-up paddle boarding (seasonal). Date will be selected upon visitor and staff availability.
Donation Guidelines
Consider gifting to under served age groups such as infants and teens.
School supplies are accepted as well!
NO food or edible donations. NO realistic looking toy weapons. Such items will not be distributed.

Try It! Archery
2024-12-10 17:30 - 19:00 | Blacklick Woods Golf Course, 7309 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Enjoy the thrill and fun of archery this winter while being toasty warm inside at the Blacklick Woods Golf Course!! Archery will be indoors at the Golf Course Pro Shop! All equipment provided, fun and free! Ages 8+.
Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure is hosting a Toys for Tots toy drive!
Donate a new toy at any Outdoor Adventure program between December 1st and December 17th and you’ll be entered into a raffle. The winner will be awarded a private Outdoor Adventure program of their choice for themselves and up to 9 guests! Program options include: Archery, Rock Climbing, Kayaking or Stand-up paddle boarding (seasonal). Date will be selected upon visitor and staff availability.
Donation Guidelines
Consider gifting to under served age groups such as infants and teens.
School supplies are accepted as well!
NO food or edible donations. NO realistic looking toy weapons. Such items will not be distributed.

Preschoolers: Getting Ready for Winter
2024-12-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-12-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Learn how animals prepare for winter through a story, activity and a craft.

For Adults 50+: Walk To The Eagle Nest
2024-12-11 13:30 - 15:00 | Three Creeks, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States

Bizarre Beavers
2024-12-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Take a 0.5 mile hike to learn about beavers and what they do in the winter time! Meet at the Indian Ridge Bulletin Board, 2705 Darby Creek Dr.

Holiday Glow Bocce
2024-12-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Enjoy night time Holiday Bocce at Scioto Audubon Metro Park! Glow bocce balls will be provided on a first come first serve basis. Meet at the bocce courts next to the restrooms.
Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure is hosting a Toys for Tots toy drive!
Donate a new toy at any Outdoor Adventure program between December 1st and December 17th and you’ll be entered into a raffle. The winner will be awarded a private Outdoor Adventure program of their choice for themselves and up to 9 guests! Program options include: Archery, Rock Climbing, Kayaking or Stand-up paddle boarding (seasonal). Date will be selected upon visitor and staff availability.
Donation Guidelines
Consider gifting to under served age groups such as infants and teens.
School supplies are accepted as well!
NO food or edible donations. NO realistic looking toy weapons. Such items will not be distributed.

Musical Storytime with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra
2024-12-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Bring your youngest music lovers to the Highbanks Nature Center to experience a Musical Storytime with ProMusica. This 30-minute nature-themed storytime program will pair stories and music and is tailored to preschoolers, but the whole family is welcome! Stay afterwards to take a short nature walk with a Highbanks naturalist.
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.

Science of Fire Building
2024-12-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Join us for an interactive classroom style program centered around the Science of Fire Building! Please wear comfortable clothing and avoid wearing hair down/loose fitting clothes. Meet at the arrowhead picnic area at Scioto Grove Metro Park.
Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure is hosting a Toys for Tots toy drive!
Donate a new toy at any Outdoor Adventure program between December 1st and December 17th and you’ll be entered into a raffle. The winner will be awarded a private Outdoor Adventure program of their choice for themselves and up to 9 guests! Program options include: Archery, Rock Climbing, Kayaking or Stand-up paddle boarding (seasonal). Date will be selected upon visitor and staff availability.
Donation Guidelines
Consider gifting to under served age groups such as infants and teens.
School supplies are accepted as well!
NO food or edible donations. NO realistic looking toy weapons. Such items will not be distributed.

Sunset and S'mores
2024-12-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Enjoy watching the sunset while eating a toasty s’more around a warm campfire at Quarry Trails Metro Park! Meet at the Basin Parking Lot, all equipment provided.
Quarry Trails Metro Park has several separate park entrances. 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.
