Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System

Preschool: Amphibians
2026-03-20 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Learn about amphibians through story, activities, and craft. Indoor program best for ages 3-5.

Spring Equinox
2026-03-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Drop in to the Naturalist’s Office and learn how to celebrate the official start of Spring!

Signs of Spring
2026-03-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Clear Creek, 185 Clear Creek Road, Lancaster, OH, 43130, United States
Take a 1.7-mile hike and search for the early signs of spring in the nature preserve. Meet at the Fern parking lot. Fern Parking Lot, 22937 Clear Creek Road, Rockbridge (39.59007, -82.59188)

DIY Sundials
2026-03-20 17:00 - 18:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
This class, we will be learning about the history of sundials, and making our own to take home! Meet at The Grove lodge at Scioto Grove Metro Park. This class will take place indoors.

First Day of Spring Hike
2026-03-20 17:30 - 18:30 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Celebrate the first day of Spring with us by exploring the trails with us as we find the signs of spring!
This hike will be approximately 1.5 miles long with mixed trails containing paved, gravel, and dirt paths.
Please wear comfortable, closed toed shoes and layers (as it is always windy).
This program is geared for all ages. Meet at the Shelter House, rain or shine!

Spring Equinox S'mores
2026-03-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Celebrate the spring equinox by having a warm s’more around the campfire! Meet at the Arrowhead fire pit at Scioto Grove Metro Park.

Cowboy Campfire Coffee!
2026-03-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Howdy Y’all! Come out to the Lower Sled Hill at Quarry Trails Metro Park to learn how to make Cowboy style Campfire Coffee! All ingredients and equipment will be supplied, feel free to bring your own reusable mug or cup and fill it up with some warm and toasty fire brewed coffee.

Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt
2026-03-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
Spring is right around the corner! Help us find the small clues that tell us spring is almost here! Grab a scavenger hunt form the Barn Shelter and venture throughout the park to earn a prize!
This program is geared for ages 5-10, but all ages are welcome. Meet at the Barn Shelter, rain or shine!

Drop In: Welcome to Spring Event
2026-03-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Drop by the nature center anytime between 1-3pm to enjoy spring crafts, campfire & smores (weather permitting) and other hands-on activities. Fun for the whole family.
Meeting location notes- Nature Center
Highbanks Nature Center is the first right after entering the park. ***Limited parking in the nature center parking lot on busy days. Additional parking available in the Oak Coves Picnic Area. The Oak Coves picnic area, 10-min walk from the nature center. Follow the paved trail through Oak coves toward the nature center.

Signs of Spring
2026-03-21 14:00 - 15:00 | 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.

For Adults: Fungi & Friends
2026-03-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join us to learn about the fascinating world of fungi and similar organisms. If conditions are right for mushrooms we will go on a short hike after the presentation.

Bike to the Bison!
2026-03-21 15:00 - 16:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Join us on a 3 mile ride to see the bison in their pasture! 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.

Chorusing Frog Survey
2026-03-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Hop out on a 1-mile walk to record frog calls on a citizen science program. Ages 8+.

Life in Our Watershed: Vernal Pools
2026-03-22 12:30 - 14:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Adults only. Let’s take a 1-mile hike out to a vernal pool to search for what’s living inside. Trail will be muddy and wet. Wet Prairie Access- 1378 Darby Creek Dr.

Eagle Hike @ Hundred Acre Wood
2026-03-22 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.

Storytime
2026-03-23 10:00 - 10:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Have fun with literature in the park. Introduce your little one to nature with stories, songs, and large motor activities.

Candlelight Yoga
2026-03-23 18:30 - 19:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Join us for candle light yoga at Scioto Grove Metro Park! This class will take place outdoors, weather permitting. There will be an indoor option as well. Meet at The Grove, free and fun!

Animal Party
2026-03-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
It’s spring break and our animal ambassadors couldn’t be more excited! Join the animal ambassadors at the shelter to meet them and learn more about these native Ohio animals!
This program is geared for ages 6-16, but all ages are welcome. Meet at the Barn Shelter, rain or shine!

Homeschoolers: All About Eagles
2026-03-24 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-24 13:30 - 14:30 | Pickerington Ponds, 7680 Wright Road, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Learn about the history of America’s national bird then take a 1/2 mile roundtrip gravel path walk to observe nesting eagles through a spotting scope. No pets, please. Meets at Pickerington Ponds Wood Duck Area, 4150 Bowen Rd, Canal Winchester

Glow Bocce
2026-03-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Join us for an evening of Glow Bocce at Scioto Audubon Metro Park! Bocce balls and instruction provided. Meet at the upper picnic shelter, next to the Bocce courts for instruction.

Adaptive Adventures: Furs, Feathers and Bones
2026-03-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground, 4265 E. Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Come check out some furs, feathers and bones at the inclusive playground! Get up close to touch and experience real wildlife items with all your senses!
*Adaptive Adventures programs are programs designed for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Feed the Stream
2026-03-26 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Come out for a fun Nature Center day and help us feed the Living Stream with a naturalist! All ages welcome.

Run Club
2026-03-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Interested in joining a running club? Join the Outdoor Adventure Run Club at Quarry Trails Metro Park! Meet at the Lakes Area parking lot – Kingfisher Shelter. We will run as far as the group is comfortable with during the hour. Trails are mostly paved, with some gravel sections, and slight elevation. Use address 2319 Quarry Trails Dr.

Adventure Book Club!
2026-03-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Join us for our Monthly Adventure Book Club! No registration necessary, all adults are welcome.
To celebrate women’s history month, we will be reading “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail” by Ben Montgomery.
We will meet at the end of each month to discuss a different book. Meet at The Grove Lodge at Scioto Grove Metro Park.

Spring in Your Step
2026-03-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Take a 1-mile hike to search for wildflowers and other signs of spring.

Woodcock Wander
2026-03-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Ever heard a strange MEEEP when you hike in the evenings? Come help us look for the bird with the goofy strut and the infamous call.
We will walk along the paved Marsh Hawk Trail (approx 1.5 miles)
This program is geared for all ages. Meet at the Shelter House, rain or shine!

Wetlands Hike
2026-03-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Slate Run Park, 1375 St. Rte. 674 North, Canal Winchester, 43110, United States
Join us for an approx. 2-mile hike at the Slate Run Wetlands, 11140 Winchester Road, Ashville OH (note: this is different than the main entrance to the park)

Skunk Cabbage/Wildflower Stroll
2026-03-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Hike about 2mi off trail behind the lake to search for skunk cabbage and other early spring wildflowers. Prepare for mud.
