How to Read the River
2025-08-25 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Have you ever been interested in paddling on the river, but didn’t know where to start? Join us at this free program to learn more about paddling on a river! Meet at the Arrowhead Shelter at Scioto Grove Metro Park!

Evening Tram Ride
2025-08-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Hop on the tram and enjoy a guided tour of the park.

Art in the Park: Upcycled Lanterns
2025-08-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
Have any old containers laying around? Bring a plastic container or glass jar and we will decorate it to make it a fun nature themed lantern!
All supplies will be provided, but bringing a clear plastic container is encouraged!
This program is geared for all ages. Meet at the Lakeside Pavilion (the enclosed building near the lake), rain or shine!

Adult: River Walk to the Giant Sycamore
2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:30 | 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 1.5 mile water hike includes varying water depth (water will be higher than rain boots) up to knee level. Hike also includes walking up and down muddy slopes. Closed toed shoes (water sandals, old tennis shoes etc) are required. No flip flops. 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. No registration required. Parking limited. Age 18+ NOTE: CONSTRUCTION ON 315 possible. The ODOT construction project near River Bluff is planned to be complete by 8/17. Please be aware there maybe traffic delays or rerouting. Please plan ahead. https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/projects/projects/108799
IMPORTANT: River Bluff area does NOT have restrooms or water fountains. Please bring a water bottle. Apply insect repellent before coming to the program.
***This program is contingent on Olentangy water levels and would be postponed in the event of high water levels. Program is cancelled in the event of storms or thunder.
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 for program questions if bad weather expected or recent heavy rains are causing high river levels.

Try it! Kayaking
2025-08-28 15:00 - 19:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out anytime during the listed times 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 all ages, with an adult. Equipment and instruction is provided. Free and fun!
Use address 2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Columbus, OH. Please follow signage and be on the lookout for construction traffic.

Sunset Spikeball
2025-08-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Join us for a free and fun session of Spikeball! This game requires some hand-eye coordination. Learn the basics and become a pro! All instruction and equipment provided. We will be playing in the field behind the Scioto Audubon Climbing Wall.

Preschool: Prairie Explorers
2025-08-29 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-08-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Learn about prairies through story, activities, and craft. Best for ages 3-5.

Friday Storytime
2025-08-29 10:00 - 10:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Have fun with early literacy in the park! These 30-40min programs are aimed at kids 2-5yrs. Children and their grownups will enjoy books, rhymes, songs and fun while arousing curiosity about the natural world.

Tots on Trails
2025-08-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Share a slow-paced, half-mile hike with your toddler and discover nature together.

Try it! Kayaking and SUP
2025-08-29 10:00 - 14:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out and try stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking for free at Quarry Trails Metro Park! First come, first served. All equipment provided. SUPs and solo sit-in kayaks ages 10+ only. Tandems open for all ages. Solo sit-in kayaks have a 275Ibs limit.
Use address 2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Columbus, OH. Please follow signage and be on the lookout for construction traffic.

Night Hike
2025-08-29 20:30 - 21:30 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Light up the night on this short hike as we use some UV lights and search out nocturnal insects. Meet at the Ranger Station.

Toddler Tottle
2025-08-30 09:00 - 10:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Let’s go on a short walk around the nature center looking for cool critters!

Butterfly Weekend
2025-08-30 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-31 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-01 10:00 - 14:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
It’s our annual butterfly extravaganza! Drop by the nature center 10am-2pm 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
2025-08-30 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-31 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Program ongoing between 10am-4pm behind Farmhouse.
Visit a display and play a matching game to learn about 19th century occupations and the history of Labor Day.

Ice Cream Social
2025-08-30 12:30 - 13:30 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Meet at the Kingfisher shelter and take a 1.5 mile hike and enjoy ice cream after!
Use address 2319 Quarry Trails Drive Columbus OH 43228 and follow the roadway to the Lake Area parking lot.

Drop-in Crafts: Insects
2025-08-30 15:00 - 17:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Stop by the Nature Center to create some insect-themed crafts.

Summer Sunday Splash
2025-08-31 13:00 - 16:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Stop by anytime between 1-4pm for some drop-by creeking. Join the Naturalists as we search for crawdads, fish, and aquatic bugs. Closed-toed shoes recommended. Creeking supplies provided. Follow signs from Ranger Station. 1775 Darby Creek Dr.

Tram Tour
2025-08-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States

Try it! Kayaking
2025-08-31 16:00 - 19:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Enjoy Darby Bend Lakes at Prairie Oaks Metro Park from a kayak! Kayaks are solo, sit in kayaks with a max weight of 275 lbs for ages 10+. Some tandems will be available for all ages with an adult. Water wicking clothing is recommended. Meet at Lake 1 at Darby Bend Lakes, 2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard OH.
First come/first serve. Equipment and instruction are provided.

Glow Kayaking
2025-08-31 20:00 - 21:30 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Join us for a glowing evening on the water at Darby Bend Lakes! Solo sit-in kayaks with a max weight of 275 Ibs, ages 10+ only will be provided. A couple of tandem kayaks will be available for all ages, with an adult present in the boat. This program will be first come first served for the duration of the program. 2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard.

Day Off School: Snakes of Ohio
2025-09-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Stop by the shelter house to learn all about the snakes of Ohio! Enjoy fun facts, free ID guides, and meet a few of our ambassador snakes!
This program is geared towards ages 8-14. Meet at the shelter house, rain or shine!

Holiday Paddle the Lake
2025-09-01 11:00 - 15:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Join us in celebrating Labor Day at Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Darby Bend Lakes! We will be paddling around the lake, and bringing equipment for all ages!! Tandem kayaks and canoes are available for all ages with an adult. Solo sit-in kayaks and stand-up paddle boards for ages 10+. FREE and fun!

Backpacking Series: Week 1- Four Essentials & Site Selection
2025-09-01 18:00 - 19:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure Backpacking Series is BACK!!!
Are you wanting to learn more about backpacking? Join us for a 6-week 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 week’s topic will have two dates to choose from in that week – you don’t need to attend both dates in the week. This series is for all ages and all backpacking abilities, from beginner to experienced backpackers.
Week #1: Four Essentials & Site Selection. This week we will be discussing the 4 essentials of backpacking sleep systems as well as information about picking the proper site to spend your night in the wilderness. It is not as easy as simply pitching a tent, 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!

Toddler Tuesday: Marvelous Moths
2025-09-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
What is metamorphosis? What does nocturnal mean? How do I find moths? All these questions and more will be discussed as we read a short story, engage in a craft, and even meet a few moths at different life stages!
This program is geared towards ages 2-4. Meet at the barn shelter, rain or shine!

Puppy Socialization Adventure Hike
2025-09-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Rocky Fork, 7180 East Walnut St., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Introduce your puppy to the outdoors and hiking in the presence of other dogs and people. Puppies should be fully vaccinated and under 1yr old. Hike will be at a slow pace with opportunities for you to practice skills you are working on, so bring favorite treats. Please no retractable leashes; max. six foot leads. This program is not meant to be a “puppy playtime”, but an opportunity for you to teach your puppy how to walk calmly and politely in a new environment. Please leave older dogs at home. Meets Tuesdays in September & October at 6pm, except Sept 30. Hike will conclude by 645pm. Hike will be cancelled in event of inclement weather; see the Rocky Fork Facebook page for up to date information on cancellation.
