Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System

Pawpaw Prowl
2025-09-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Take a 1.25-mile hike to learn about our State Native Fruit and search the trees to find some.

For Adults 18+: Pawpaw Party
2025-09-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Celebrate the pawpaw, an understory tree with the largest edible fruit native to North America. Sample the fruit, try a tasty treat and learn cool pawpaw facts on a nearly 2-mile hike. We will be hiking up and down ravines and over creek beds on an unimproved dirt, grass and gravel trail. Be prepared, we may get a little wet and muddy on this moderate trail. Bring water as there is no potable water available.
Meet at Camp Starview at 9631 Neiswander Rd., Ashville 43103.

THE Buckeye Tree
2025-09-20 16:00 - 17:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Take a short hike and learn all about Buckeye Trees and their history here in Ohio! Wear your best OSU buckeye gear if you like! Meet at Nature Center.

Bat-tacular!
2025-09-20 20:00 - 21:30 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Become one with the night as we adventure into the world of bats! Join us at the shelter house to discuss fun facts about bats before we venture out on a hike to find them AND listen for them!
The hike will be about 1.5 miles (with areas for people to break away if needed) and will be along paved and unpaved paths.
No bright lights please! Red lights will be provided, but night vision is the best way to enjoy our flying friends!
This program is geared for all ages. Meet at the barn shelter, rain or shine!

Hike All the Trails: Adult Fitness Hike
2025-09-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Hike 2, 4 or 5 miles to complete all the trails at Blendon Woods

Backpacking Series: Week 3 - Fuel, Fire, & Food
2025-09-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
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 #3: Fuel, Fire, & Food. When it comes to preparing meals for backpacking, there are several options to pick from. We will talk about the pros and cons of various types of backpacking stoves, how much fuel to bring, field maintenance, and safety. We will also make (and try!) a variety of backpacking meals, and learn about proper nutrition when out on the trail.
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, & Outdoor Ethics
Week 6: Shakedown Hike!

Kids: Fall Discovery Hike
2025-09-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Celebrate fall equinox by joining a naturalist for a 1 mile hike in the forest while searching for animals, plants, and insects. Meet in Big Meadows PIcnic Area near the large restroom. Look for the orange program signs. Closed toed shoes are recommended. Ages 6-8 years old.
Meet in Big Meadows. Meeting location notes:Highbanks Metro Park-Big Meadows Picnic Area. This meeting location is located near the back of the park area in the back of the park. After you enter the park, take the main road down the hill. At the bottom of the hill, a sign will be on the right side saying “Big Meadows picnic area”. After the sign, take the ROAD on the LEFT. Park in the first lot on the left. Meet near the restrooms/bulletin board/playground area.

Forts, Fire & Fun
2025-09-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Roast marshmallows by the fire and work as a team to build a fort in our natural play area.

Backpacking Series: Week 4 - Clothing & Foot Care
2025-09-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
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 #4: Clothing and Foot Care. This week we will learn how to dress properly for being on the trails! We will also cover preventative foot care to keep pesky blisters away, and how best to treat them if needed.
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, & Outdoor Ethics
Week 6: Shakedown Hike!

Equinox Lantern Hike
2025-09-22 20:00 - 21:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Celebrate the fall equinox with us on an after-dark, two mile lantern hike! Lanterns will be available to borrow on a first-come, first served basis.
Meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Shelter.

For Adults 50+: The Nature of Nuts
2025-09-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Three Creeks, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Go nutty and take a 1-mile walk through the woods in search of nuts, seeds and maybe a fruit or two while discovering the roles they play in Ohio’s ecosystems. Meets at Three Creeks Confluence Area bulletin board, 3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport.

Try it! Kayaking
2025-09-23 11:00 - 14:00 | 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.

Puppy Socialization Adventure Hike
2025-09-23 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.

Art in the Park: DIY Trinket Dishes
2025-09-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Make a precious trinket dish of your own to take home! All supplies will be provided, but if you have something to make an imprint with, feel free to bring it along!
Please arrive by 6;15pm to join in the craft. The drying process makes the craft last up to 2 hours, so prompt arrival will ensure you enough time to sculpt, paint, and add a finish!
This program is geared for ages 12 and up. Meet at the wetland education pavilion, rain or shine!
To find the wetland education pavilion, drive 2 miles south of the main entrance to our wetland entrance. Drive straight and you will see the pavilion beside the restrooms.

Homeschoolers: Cycling Safari
2025-09-24 13:00 - 14:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Grab your bikes and join a naturalist on a 4-mile ride through the park while we stop to learn about the plants and animals of the park.

Adaptive Adventures: Afternoon S'more Hour
2025-09-24 15:30 - 16:30 | Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground, 4265 E. Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Adaptive Adventures: Afternoon S’more Hour
Come join us for a quick afternoon s’more at the inclusive playground! S’mores will be cooked on an accessible fire table with lightweight bamboo sticks for easier handling!
*Our Adaptive Adventures programs are programs designed for individuals with disabilities and their families.

For Adults: Nature Journals
2025-09-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Discover how to use a nature journal to grow your knowledge and deepen your connection with nature. Bring your own sketchbook.

Try it! Kayaking
2025-09-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Come out to Darby Bend Lakes at Prairie Oaks Metro Park and try out a kayak! Solo, sit in kayaks will be available with a max weight of 275 lbs, and are open to ages 10+. A couple of tandem kayaks will be available for all ages with an adult present, on a first come first serve basis. Equipment and instruction provided. First come first served. 2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard, OH.

Storytime
2025-09-25 10:00 - 10:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Have fun with early literacy in the park! These 30min 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
2025-09-25 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.

For Adults 50+: Archery
2025-09-25 17:30 - 19:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Enjoy free and fun archery at the range! Compound bows, arrows, and instruction are provided.
Meet at the Archery Range.

Johnny Appleseed Day
2025-09-26 11:00 - 16:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day by stopping by and learning about this real person from Ohio history.

Night Hike
2025-09-26 19:30 - 20:30 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Join a naturalist for a 1.25-mile hike to learn about animals in the dark.

Kids Five Senses Hike
2025-09-26 20:00 - 21:00 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
Join us on a fun hike as we engage all five of our senses! We will learn about different plants and animals that have similar and different senses than our own and how they thrive outside!
No bright lights please! Red lights will be provided, but night vision is the best way to enjoy our hike.
The hike will follow the paved muli-use trail around the park (approx. .7 miles) so it will be stroller and pet friendly!
This program is geared for ages 3-6. Meet at the barn shelter, rain or shine!

For Adults: Fungi Walk ‘n Talk
2025-09-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join an educator for a walk and discussion focusing on some of the fungi commonly found at Inniswood. Trails are a mix of paved, crushed limestone, boardwalk, and some turf.

Apples: Their History and Uses
2025-09-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Program on-going between 1-3
All ages
Sample heirloom varieties, help press cider, and stir apple butter cooking over an open fire.

For Adults 50+: Carnival
2025-09-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Ride the tram through the park, enjoy freshly popped corn, roast your own hot dogs and s’mores and play carnival games like you did when you were a kid!
Meet at the shelter near the bocce courts.

Welcome to Fall Event
2025-09-27 17:00 - 20:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Highbanks BIGGEST Event of the YEAR! Join us from 5-8pm for a fun family event to celebrate the first days of fall! Enjoy hayrides, inflatables, campfires & marshmallows, archery and other outdoor activities. Don’t forget to bring your picnic dinner and enjoy all the fun activities. Most activities will start closing down at 730pm, so everyone can get back for the 8pm outdoor movie “Shrek 2 (2004) (rated PG)”” Movie starts at dark (approx 815 pm). Don’t forget to bring blanket or chairs for outdoor seating to watch the movie. All ages. Entire event is FREE!
Meeting location notes:Highbanks Metro Park-Big Meadows Picnic Area. This meeting location is located near the back of the park. After you enter the park, take the main road down the hill. At the bottom of the hill, a sign will be on the right side saying “”Big Meadows picnic area””. After the sign, take the ROAD on the LEFT. Activities will be in the grassy area behind the first lot on the left. Info table will be near the restrooms/bulletin board area.

Crochet Club: Bats!
2025-09-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Autumn has officially started and our flying friends are very active as they swoop and fly catching all the bugs before winter! Join us to learn about some of the bats at Glacier Ridge while making your own to take home!
All materials will be provided including a free pattern! You are welcome to bring your own supplies and WIPs if desired.
While the pattern is written for beginners, true beginners may not leave with a finished product (not yet that is!).
This program is geared for all ages and knowledge levels of crochet. Meet at the shelter house, rain or shine.

Night Insects
2025-09-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
See spiders, moths, katydids, and other bugs that come out after dark.
