Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System

For Adults 50+: Walk To The Eagle Nest
2024-12-11 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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

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.

Winter Hike - Campfire & Hot Cocoa
2024-12-13 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

Adults: Christmas Bird Count Coffee
2024-12-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Stop by the Highbanks Nature Center library between the hours of 9am and 11am to participate in the Christmas Bird Count. Learn about the backyard birds of Ohio, citizen science projects, and bird-friendly practices you can implement at home. Free coffee will be provided.
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.

Christmas Bird Count
2024-12-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Innis House, 940 S Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join us as we walk 2+ miles counting birds as part of the world’s longest running community science project. Binoculars provided or bring your own.

Filling the Farm Larder
2024-12-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Hog butchering is a seasonal activity that provided much of the meat for the coming year on an 1880s farm.
Watch the farmers as they clean and prepare the hot carcass at 9am and 1pm.

50+ DIY Fire Starters
2024-12-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Walnut Woods, 6723 Lithopolis Rd, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Learn what makes a good fire starter and make one to take home with you at this free and fun class! Meet at The park office at Walnut Woods Metro Park (Across from the Buckeye Area)
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.

Christmas Bird Count
2024-12-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Participate in the nation’s longest-running community bird count project. With a group you can hike a trail or help count birds at our feeders. All levels of birders are welcome, but you must be able to stay for the entire 3 hours of the count. This is an rain or shine event, so please dress for the weather.

Adventure 101: Creative Backpacking Meals
2024-12-14 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 snacks, to main courses, learn how to put a creative spin on your backpacking food for your next trip! All equipment and instruction provided, 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.

Animals in Winter
2024-12-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Take a 1.25-mile hike and find out who’s around and who’s hiding away during the winter months. Discover the cool adaptations that help these animals survive winter.

Sunset Through the Prairie
2024-12-14 17:00 - 18:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Let’s take a 1.5 walk on the greenway trail to view to sunset and anything else we see on the way.

Full Moon Dog Hike
2024-12-14 17:00 - 18:00 | Rocky Fork, 7180 East Walnut St., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Walk with your furry friend on this 1.5-mile hike through the moonlit forest. Meet at Millstone picnic area.

Bright Light Nights
2024-12-14 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-12-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
The holiday lights are adorning Homestead all this month! Celebrate the seasonal festivities as we make a craft under the twinkling lights and enjoy hot chocolate.
This program is geared for all ages. Meet at the barn shelter, rain or shine!

Pie Iron Cooking
2024-12-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Pie irons? Pudgy pies? Toastie irons? Regardless of what you grew up calling them, or are brand new to using them, join us to make recipes and learn tips and tricks. Meet at the campfire in 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.

Filling the Farm Larder
2024-12-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Hog butchering is a seasonal activity that provided much of the meat for the coming year on an 1880s farm.
Watch the farmers cut meat, make sausage, and render lard as they complete the hog butchering tasks.
Ongoing between 10 am-2pm.

Holiday Ornaments
2024-12-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Drop By to make a nature keepsake for your home, or make an outdoor ornament for the birds

Winter Hike Series: Family hike & Hot Cocoa
2024-12-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Take a 1-mile forest hike 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.

Full Moon Hike
2024-12-15 17:00 - 19:00 | 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.

Full Moon Family Hike
2024-12-15 17:00 - 19:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
The weather may be frightful, but the Full Moon is so delightful! Join us for a family-friendly, 1-mile guided hike through the winter woods. Strollers not recommended.

Fast-Paced Full Moon Hike
2024-12-15 17:00 - 19:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
The weather outside is frightful, but the Full Moon is so delightful! Keep warm with a Fast-Paced, Adult Full Moon Hike. Not suitable for strollers or slow walkers.

Toddler Hike
2024-12-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Bring your toddler to Scioto Grove Metro Park for a slow-paced hike through the park! Meet at Arrowhead Picnic Area. Trail is paved and stroller friendly.
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.

Homeschoolers: Insects in Winter
2024-12-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-12-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Learn how insects survive in winter, then dig through leaf litter, turn over logs and shake tree branches to find some.

Preschool: Bird Count
2024-12-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Learn about one of our oldest citizen science projects with the story “Bird Count”, then make your own binoculars to take outside to count birds like a scientist!

Extinct & Extirpated
2024-12-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Mountain lions, porcupines, Scioto madtoms… learn about some of the animals that no longer live in Ohio.
