Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System

Earth Day Cleanup Hike
2023-04-24 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Join the naturalist for an Earth Day cleanup hike! Meet by the flagpole.

Learn the Ropes
2023-04-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Join Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure and Scioto Audubon Metro Park for a Learn the Ropes program at the climbing wall.
Open to all ages, instruction and equipment are provided. Tennis shoes are the recommended footwear for beginners.

Tree Planting Palooza
2023-04-29 13:00 - 16:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Drop by anytime between 1-4pm to celebrate Earth Day and help us plant baby trees in the park. You can even decorate a small flag to mark your tree, so you can find it each time you visit!

Not Too Scary Night Hike
2023-04-29 20:00 - 21:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Bring along your favorite stuffy, wear your jammies, and stay up late to experience the night forest. We will read a story while we have a cookie and juice, then go for a walk. You might discover nighttime isn’t so scary after all! Program designed for kids age 3-8, but all are welcome.

Geocaching Kickoff
2023-04-30 16:00 - 17:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
This event kicks off the 2023 Metro Parks Geocache Trail. Learn about geocaching and this year’s theme. Meet at the Natural Play Area Shelter.

COSI BioBlitz- Be a Citizen Scientist!
2023-05-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
In collaboration with COSI, join us for a fun and interactive citizen science program! Using iNaturalist, we’ll observe Glacier Ridge’s biodiversity on a guided hike.

25th Annual Birding and Breakfast
2023-05-06 08:00 - 10:00 | Three Creeks, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH, 43125, United States
Join us for a potluck breakfast at the picnic shelter then go bird watching after. Beginners to experts are welcome to participate and we’ll have some loaner binoculars available. If you are able, please bring a breakfast dish to share with the group. If you’ve never done birding and breakfast before, it’s great fun!
Meets at the Three Creeks Confluence Area picnic shelter, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport

Central Ohio Folk Festival
2023-05-06 10:30 - 17:30 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
A two day family-friendly festival featuring multiple performing stages presenting an array of upbeat folk/roots/Americana music, kids’ & youth programming, and 30+ music workshops (all levels).
Saturday, May 6 – 10:30am-5:30pm Festival
The 7pm Saturday night headliner is New-York based progressive folk/Americana band, Nefesh Mountain, a band hailed as one of today’s leading bands in pushing the boundaries of American roots music. They have recorded and shared the stage with Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Noam Pikelny (Punch Brothers) and Mark Schatz (Nickel Creek) to name just a few. They have played to sold-out audiences from Chicago to New York City and many places in between.
Other offerings include two drum circles (one each day); a Festival Store, Beer garden offering Nocterra craft beer. Food trucks on site. (Note: you are not permitted to bring your own alcohol onto Metro Park grounds).
NEW this year are 4 ongoing jam tents, each with a different style: folk-mix, bluegrass, old-time and a tent dedicated to serving the very beginner jammer.
More than 30 workshops on songwriting, the history of folk music, joining a jam group, important musical figures, and how to play guitar, fiddle, ukulele, tin whistle, and other instruments. Some workshops will be for beginning players, and others will be for more advanced musicians.
Whether scratching an itch to get outside and enjoy nature — at the same time listening to and/or playing music, learning something new, or just chilling in the awesome, green outdoors, you’ll find the cure for what ails you at the Central Ohio Folk Festival.
No fixed fees. Your generous $$ support makes all of this possible. Donation tents will be at entrance to the grounds. For donations of $20 or more, you get some free fun stuff.
Pre-event donation recommended if you want to be assured of inside tent seating for the Saturday nite headliner. The tent holds 200, otherwise seating is on the lawn.
Donate pre-event at: https://centralohiofolkfestival2023donate.eventbrite.com
More info at: www.columbusfolkmusicsociety.org/festival.html
The festival is produced by the Columbus Folk Music Society in cooperation with The Metro Parks and is co-sponsored by WCBE Radio 90.5 FM and Metro Parks.
Meeting location notes: Big Meadows Picnic Area is at the back of the park. After you enter the park, take the main road down the hill. At the bottom of the hill, take the road on the left. Park in the lot with a playground. Meet near restrooms.

Central Ohio Folk Festival
2023-05-07 10:30 - 17:30 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Last day of the two day family-friendly festival featuring multiple performing stages presenting an array of upbeat folk/roots/Americana music.
Activities include drum circle, kid programming, music workshops, a Festival Store, Beer garden offering Nocterra craft beer. Food trucks on site. (Note: you are not permitted to bring your own alcohol onto Metro Park grounds).
NEW this year are 4 ongoing jam tents, each with a different style: folk-mix, bluegrass, old-time and a tent dedicated to serving the very beginner jammer.
Sunday opens with an 11 am “Songs of the Spirit” session with the audience participating with chants, rounds, and songs.
NEW this year, the “YouthFolk Tent” serving kids and youth with performances and workshops. Youth workshop offerings include making a drum out of wooden box frames. Plus, an “instrument petting zoo” to let children handle folk instruments. Plus, hands-on arts and crafts. Also, festival mascot Darby Duck will be on hand for the young and young-at-heart.
More than 30 workshops on songwriting, the history of folk music, joining a jam group, important musical figures, and how to play guitar, fiddle, ukulele, tin whistle, and other instruments. Some workshops will be for beginning players, and others will be for more advanced musicians.
Whether scratching an itch to get outside and enjoy nature — at the same time listening to and/or playing music, learning something new, or just chilling in the awesome, green outdoors, you’ll find the cure for what ails you at the Central Ohio Folk Festival.
No fixed fees. Your generous $$ support makes all of this possible. Donation tents will be at entrance to the grounds. For donations of $20 or more, you get some free fun stuff.
More info at: www.columbusfolkmusicsociety.org/festival.html
Donate pre-event at: https://centralohiofolkfestival2023donate.eventbrite.com
The festival is produced by the Columbus Folk Music Society in cooperation with The Metro Parks and is co-sponsored by WCBE Radio 90.5 FM and Metro Parks.
The festival is produced by the Columbus Folk Music Society in collaboration with the Metro Parks and is co-sponsored by WCBE 90.5FM.
More info at: www.columbusfolkmusicsociety.org.
Meeting location notes: Big Meadows Picnic Area is at the back of the park. After you enter the park, take the main road down the hill. At the bottom of the hill, take the road on the left. Park in the lot with a playground. Meet near restrooms.

Wildflower Walk
2023-05-07 14:30 - 15:30 | Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join us for a stroll on our half-mile Boardwalk Trail as we learn to identify spring wildflowers.

May Photography: Birds and Blooms
2023-05-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Join photographers of all skill levels as we share tips and photograph spring wildflowers and migrating birds.

Sunset Bike Ride
2023-05-10 19:30 - 20:30 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Enjoy the sunset at beautiful Glacier Ridge Metro Park on this approx. 6-mile bike ride! No equipment will be provided, please bring your own bike and helmet. We will meet at the shelter house at the main entrance to the park. Free and Fun!

Yoga in the Park
2023-05-11 18:00 - 18:45 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Join us for 45 min of relaxing outdoor yoga. All levels of experience welcome! Bring a yoga mat, towel, and a block if you have one. Meet behind the ranger station. Signs will direct you to the nature center if weather is uncooperative.

Late Nights at the Climbing Wall
2023-05-12 18:00 - 23:30 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Enjoy Late Nights at the Climbing Wall at Scioto Audubon Metro Park! On the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month, the climbing wall lights will stay on until midnight for open climb. Please bring your own gear.

Adults: Off-trail Wetland Sunset Hike
2023-05-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Take a 3-mile guided off-trail hike at the wetland to explore this part of the park that is usually closed to visitors. Please bring binoculars if you own them. Trail conditions are crushed gravel and unimproved with moderate hills. Expect off-trail conditions to include mud, possible standing water (puddle-like) and uneven conditions in the wetland. Off-trail conditions near a wetland are unpredictable in the spring. Long pants, hiking boots, walking stick and tick repellant are encouraged. Please bring a flashlight for the return hike.
Meeting Location notes: Oak Coves Picnic Area After entering the park, Oak Coves Picnic area is first ROAD on the LEFT. Turn LEFT into the Oak Coves picnic area. Continue on the road to 3rd PARKING LOT. Naturalist will meet group near big playground.

Big Day Bird Hike
2023-05-13 08:00 - 10:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Take a 2-mile hike to look for warblers, orioles, tanagers, and other colorful birds. Learn how to use eBird to keep a list of what birds you see and hear. No experience required. Limited supply of binoculars available to borrow. Trail is unimproved with moderate hills. Ages 18+
Meet at Indian Ridge Area.

Fast Paced 3 Mile Hike
2023-05-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
Come out for a Free and Fun Fast Paced 3 mile hike at Prairie Oaks Metro Park! Meet at Prairie View Picnic Area at the Main Entrance, 3225 Plain City – Georgesville Rd., West Jefferson, OH

Mother's Day Craft and Plant
2023-05-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Innis House, 940 S Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Stop by the Gardens to make a gift for a special person in your life.

Try it! Climbing
2023-05-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Whether you’re new to climbing, or have tried it before, join us at Try it! Rock Climbing for a fun and free program! All equipment and instruction provided. Tennis shoes are recommended. Meet at the Scioto Audubon Climbing wall.

Metro Parks Hiking Club
2023-05-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Join other like minded adults on a fast paced hike through the park. Choose to hike 2 or 4 miles.

Campfire Corral
2023-05-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Join us for an evening around the campfire filled with sticky, fun campfire desserts and good conversation between staff and visitors alike! Meet at the Ranger Station 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, Ohio 43119.

Pawpaws: From Seed to Fruit
2023-05-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Spring Hollow at Sharon Woods, 1069 W Main St, Westerville, OH, 43081, United States
Join Valerie Libbey with the North American Pawpaw Growers Association for an in-depth session focusing on germinating seeds, hand pollinating flowers, and other resources (where to get trees!) This program begins at 6pm and lasts approximately 2 hours, with an optional hike at the end.
Meeting Location: Spring Hollow Lodge, 1069 W. Main St. Westerville. Please note: Spring Hollow is NOT accessible from the main park entrance on Cleveland Ave.

Adults: Bird Walk @ River Bluff
2023-05-20 09:00 - 10:30 | Highbanks River Bluff, 8400 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH, 43235, United States
Join a naturalist for a mile hike around riverbluff to listen and look for birds. Terrain will be moderate, but probably muddy. This hike will go on rain or shine, so dress for conditions, and prepare for mud. Tick repellant encouraged. Hike will be approx 1.5 hours. Bring binoculars. River Bluff Area does NOT have restrooms, trash cans or water fountains. Please plan accordingly.
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

Mud & Madness
2023-05-20 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-05-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Navigate several muddy obstacles on a 1.5-mile adventure. Obstacles are a little challenging and a lotta mud but a whole lot more FUN than RUN. Perfect for mud-loving children, adults & families. We will help you hose down afterwards so don’t forget to bring towels! Please refrain from bringing your strollers and pets to this event. Carpooling is encouraged! Please register in advance here: https://tinyurl.com/mr3n67mc

Spring Creeking
2023-05-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Hike about .5 mil to the creek to look for critters under the rocks. Wear shoes that can get wet.

For Adults: Wildflower Stroll
2023-05-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Highbanks, 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH, 43035, United States
Join a naturalist for a relaxing evening stroll on the Scenic River Trail to observe and learn about our May blooming wildflowers. Meet in Big Meadows picnic area next to restrooms. Hike will be approximately 1 mile in total, along some paved surface as well as unimproved dirt trail. For ages 16+. Meet in the Big Meadows picnic area by the restrooms; orange Metro Parks program signs will guide towards the meeting location.
Meeting location notes: Big Meadows Picnic Area Big Meadows picnic area is at the back of the park. After you enter the park, take the main road down the hill. At the bottom of the hill, take the ROAD on the LEFT. Park in the lot with a playground. Meet near restrooms.

Try It! Kayaking
2023-05-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out to the new Quarry Trails 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. Equipment and instruction provided. First come first served.
2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Columbus, OH has the closest parking lot to the water. This is a newly opened entrance, please follow signage and be on the lookout for construction traffic.

For Adults: Off-Trail Hike to Hidden Wetlands
2023-05-26 10:00 - 23:00 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Join the naturalist for an off-trail hike! Meet by the shelter house, located by the restrooms and flagpole.

Spring Fungi
2023-05-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Search the trails and learn about fungi and how to identify them on this 1.5-mile hike.
