Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System

Preschool: Monarchs
2024-08-16 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Learn about Monarch butterflies through story, activities, and craft. Ages 3-5.

Nature Kids: Going on a Bug Hunt
2024-08-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Take a 1-mile hike through a prairie and catch insects to learn what adaptations they have

Adults Only Tram Ride
2024-08-16 18:00 - 18:30 | OH
Enjoy a narrated tour of Blendon Woods in the open-air tram.

Outdoor Adventure Run Club!
2024-08-17 08:00 - 09:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Join us for a fun morning of running the trails at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park! Loops will be mapped out, feel free to run at your own pace!
Meet at the Ranger Station
1775 Darby Creek Drive Galloway, OH 43119

Kids Beach Party Tram Ride
2024-08-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Come ready for fun in the sun at the Blendon Woods Beach Party! We will have Tram rides on the half hour, at 10, 1030 and 11, plus plenty of water fun. Bring a towel!

Dairy Bingo
2024-08-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Find the answers to the questions to complete your Dairy Bingo card. Take a look at our rare heritage shorthorn cattle.

Summer Fun Day
2024-08-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Come visit the park for a summer fun day! Bring or borrow a kite, play with bubbles, draw with chalk and enjoy the summer!

For Adults 50+: Nature Ramble
2024-08-17 13:30 - 15:00 | Three Creeks, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Enjoy summer’s natural abundance and good company as we go on a roughly 2.5-mile walk through fields and forests with frequent stops along the way to learn about what we observe. Bring water and your sense of curiosity. Meets at the Three Creeks Confluence Area bulletin board, 3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport

After Dark In The Park
2024-08-17 19:30 - 22:00 | Clear Creek, 185 Clear Creek Road, Lancaster, OH, 43130, United States
Experience nature at night! Activities for all ages:
7:30-8:30: Craft, face painting & roasting s’mores
8:30: Self-guided lantern hike, UV light critter hunt & the amazing world of moths
Meet at the Barnebey Hambleton area, 620 Clear Creek Road in Lancaster.

Try It! Kayaking and SUP
2024-08-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out and try standup paddle boarding 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-kayaks have a 275Ibs limit.
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.

Summer Sunday Splash
2024-08-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Stop by anytime between 1-3pm 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.

River Walk to the Giant Sycamore (off-trail)
2024-08-18 13:00 - 15:00 | 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 rugged 1.5 mile hike with varying water depth (water will be higher than rain boots) up to knee level. Closed toed shoes (water sandals, old tennis shoes etc) are required. No flip flops. Families are welcome to bring nets or buckets to explore. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible. 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. Age 6+ due to water levels. No registration required. Parking limited.
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. This post will be updated by 12pm on the day of the program. You can also contact the Highbanks nature center after 10am the day of the program (Highbanks Nature center phone number 614-846-9962).
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.

Meet the Artists: Susan Schubert and Mike Kravitz
2024-08-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Innis House, 940 S Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Meet artists Susan Schubert and Mike Kravitz and view their artwork on display in the Innis House.

Homestead Hoopla
2024-08-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
Hangout at Homestead with us before school starts up. We are celebrating the special aspects of our park by offering guided hikes around the new property, competitions at the playground, and making our own ice cream!*
Please wear closed toed shoes and pants for hiking.
This program is for all ages! Meet at the barn shelter for hiking and ice cream.
*while supplies lasts

Family Full Moon Hike
2024-08-18 20:30 - 22:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Join us for an easy, 1 mile guided hike through the nighttime woods. Hike happens rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Strollers not recommended.

Fast Paced Full Moon Hike
2024-08-18 20:30 - 22:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Join us for a Fast-paced 2.8 mile hike with limited stops through the nighttime woods. This hike moves at a brisk pace and is not recommended for young children.

Intro to Tai Chi
2024-08-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join instructor Midge Krause for an introductory tai chi class.

Try it! Archery
2024-08-19 14:00 - 15:30 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Come try your hand at this free archery program! Come out anytime between the times listed. All equipment provided. Ages 8+.

Backpacking Series: Week 1- Four Essentials & Site Selection
2024-08-19 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 long 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 weeks topic will have two dates to choose from in that week so participants can pick the day that works best for them to attend, you don’t need to attend both dates in the week. Meet at Arrowhead Picnic area at Scioto Grove Metro Park
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!

Full Moon Hike
2024-08-19 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.

Toddler Time: Touch and Feel
2024-08-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Explore the Gardens using the sense of touch. Enjoy hands on activities and a walk.

Try It! SUP
2024-08-20 15:00 - 18:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out and try standup paddle boarding for free at Quarry Trails Metro Park. First come first served. All equipment provided. Ages 10+
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.

Butterfly Hike
2024-08-21 10:00 - 12:30 | Clear Creek, 185 Clear Creek Road, Lancaster, OH, 43130, United States
Search for butterflies, learn about habitat management and monitoring efforts on a 2.5-mile hike with the Naturalist. Meet at the Fern Parking Lot, 22937 Clear Creek Road in Rockbridge.

Nature Kids: Creek Exploration
2024-08-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Take a 2-mile hike (round-trip) to Blacklick Creek to wade in the water in search of fish, frogs, insects and crayfish.

Try It! Kayaking and SUP
2024-08-21 15:00 - 18:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Come out and try standup paddle boarding and kayaking for free at Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Darby Bend Lakes. SUPs and Solo sit-in kayaks ages 10+ only. Tandems open for all ages. Solo sit-kayaks have a 275Ibs limit. Meet at Lake 1 at Darby Bend Lakes, 2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard OH.
First come/first serve. Equipment and instruction are provided.

Preschool Storytime- Tops and Bottoms
2024-08-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Program begins at 10 am behind the farmhouse.
Enjoy a story about plants, learn about which parts we eat, and do a craft.

For Adults: Summer Fungi
2024-08-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Learn about mushrooms and search the trails for fungi on this 1.25-mile hike.

Try It! Kayaking
2024-08-22 15:00 - 17:00 | 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 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.

Composting for Beginners
2024-08-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Homestead, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026, United States
What is composting? What can you compost? How do you start? These are all wonderful questions that we will cover at our composting program! Come join us for a group information session about composting where we will discuss and answer some of your questions and teach you the basics to get started. We will also be able to provide some material to help you get started! Please bring a bag and your questions to get ready to have a fun night of composting with us!
This program is geared towards ages 12 and up. Meet at the lakeside pavilion (beside 4th parking lot). This building is covered so weather will not affect the program.

Forest Bathing
2024-08-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Join a naturalist in some good ol’ nature therapy! Feel free to bring something to sit on that’s easy to carry as we take a short hike and practice some quiet, stress-relieving techniques surrounded by greenery. Ages 7+. Meet at the Ranger Station, 1775 Darby Creek Dr.
