Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System

Puzzles, Pleasures, and Pastimes
2024-06-15 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Ongoing between 10 am- 3pm
Try games, riddles, and activities that Victorian families did for fun and relaxation.

Try it! Kayaking
2024-06-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-06-19 14:00 - 18:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out anytime during the listed time and enjoy kayaking the lake at Quarry Trails Metro Park, kayaking will be 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.

For Kids: Butterflies
2024-06-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Learn all about butterflies and use a net to catch them. Ages 5 and up.

Twilight Hike
2024-06-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
What creatures emerge in the evening, and why? We’ll go on a hike to learn about and look for crepuscular critters. Hike will be about 2 miles on unimproved trail. Trail may be muddy and rugged in spots. Expect hills. Program will end at 9:45pm, park closes at 10pm.
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.

Family Creeking
2024-06-16 13:00 - 14:00 | 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. Limited supply of buckets and nets. All animals will be released back into the river at the end of the program. Don’t forget a towel and complete a change of clothes to dry off after the program.

Fathers’ Day Event
2024-06-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
How did the celebrity dad stay cool on Father’s Day? Because he had so many fans! Be your dad’s biggest fan this Fathers’ Day and celebrate with us as we go fishing and make some fun crafts.
This program is for all ages. Meet at the barn shelter, rain or shine!

I-Spy
2024-06-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Test your observation skills with this fun, fully accessible game along the paved lake trail.

Meet the Artist: Patty Sykes
2024-06-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Innis House, 940 S Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Meet artist of the month, Patty Sykes, and view her artwork on display in the Innis House.

Father's Day Fishing
2024-06-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Meet in the Kingfisher Shelter use the address 2319 Quarry Trails Drive Columbus OH 43228.
Come and go fishing. Bait and a limited number of poles are provided. You may bring your own!

Talking With Fireflies
2024-06-16 21:00 - 22:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Take a 1-mile hike and learn how fireflies communicate with one another. Meet at the Indian Ridge Bulletin Board, 2705 Darby Creek Dr.

Meet the Animals
2024-06-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Meet some of the reptiles and amphibians that live in the park. 45 minute, outdoor presentation with live animals. Meet in the hammock nook, on the left-hand side before you reach the Nature Center. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

Nature Kids: Who's Under Where?
2024-06-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Join a naturalist for a half-mile hike of searching under rocks and logs to find worms, salamanders, spiders and other critters.

Summer Children's Programs: Flyers
2024-06-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-06-18 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-06-19 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-06-19 13:00 - 14:30 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Discover the plants and animals that take flight in the gardens. Participate in activities to learn more about these garden flyers. Geared for ages 8 and younger.

Morning SUP
2024-06-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Enjoy the lovely morning air from a Stand Up Paddle Board on the Lake! SUPs are first come, first served, ages 10+. All equipment, life jackets and instruction provided. Come out to this free and fun program!!
Darby Bend Lakes, Prairie Oaks Metro Park Lake 1
2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026

Firefly Fun
2024-06-19 21:00 - 22:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Learn about fireflies on a short walk as you catch and release these amazing insects.

Summer Solstice Hike
2024-06-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Clear Creek, 185 Clear Creek Road, Lancaster, OH, 43130, United States
Celebrate the longest day of the year on a 4-mile backcountry hike. Be prepared for elevation gain. 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.

First Day of Summer Party!
2024-06-20 13:00 - 17:00 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
It’s officially summer! Schools out and there’s lots to do at the parks. Join us for an afternoon full of sun, water sports, animal encounters, games, and lots more!
This program is for all ages. Meet at the shelter house, rain or shine!

PreK on the Pond
2024-06-21 09:30 - 10:30, 2024-06-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Hop over to the nature center and park on a lily pad to learn about some of our slow pond friends. Best for ages 3-5.

Storytime
2024-06-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Introduce your little one to nature through stories, songs, and large motor activities.

Click Clack Moo
2024-06-21 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-06-22 11:00 - 15:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Program ongoing from 11am-3pm
Enjoy the Click, Clack, Moo Story Walk and try to find the stuffed animals hidden around the house. Afterwards, visit with the real animals.

Fly Fishing 101
2024-06-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Have you ever wanted to learn about fly fishing but didn’t know where to start? Come to this free and fun program and learn what fly fishing is and how to get started! We will practice casting and get a chance to fish on the beautiful lakes at Quarry Trails Metro Park! All equipment provided. Quarry Trails Metro Park has several park entrances-
* The closest parking lot to the Lakes 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.

Full Moon Hike
2024-06-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Take a brisk 4-mile hike through forests and fields. Meet us at the Ranger Station, 1775 Darby Creek Drive.

Strawberry Full Moon Hike
2024-06-21 21:00 - 22:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Meet in the Lake parking lot. Use address 2319 Quarry Trails Drive. Come grab some strawberries and go for a 2 mile hike!

Pride Climb
2024-06-22 11:00 - 14:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Join us at Scioto Audubon Climbing Wall for Pride Climb! Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure will be at the wall providing climbing equipment, belayers, and instruction! Closed toed shoes are recommended. Free and fun climbing program!
Take a break from climbing to visit one of the many LGBTQ+ community groups and vendor tables that will be down next to the climbing wall. Yard style games will be setup in the grass for participants to enjoy.
Vendors and booths representing the LGBTQ+ community will be present for the duration of the event.
