First Friday Fitness Hike
2024-09-06 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Hike 2 or 4 mi. on grave and natural surface trails. Moderate pace. Stairs and hills.

Try It! Kayaking
2024-09-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Come out anytime during the listed times and enjoy kayaking on the lake at Quarry Trails Metro Park, 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.

Forest Bathing
2024-09-06 16:00 - 17:00 | 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 quarter-mile hike and practice some quiet, stress-relieving techniques surrounded by trees. Meet at the Ranger Station, best for ages 12+.

Fall Migration Bird Hike
2024-09-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Join a naturalist and search the forest for migrating songbirds like warblers, vireos, tanagers and more on this 1.25-mile hike.

Grandparents/Grandkids on the Farm: Meet the Animals
2024-09-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH, 43110, United States
Program begins at 11am
Meet in front of the farmhouse
Join us for an opportunity for grandparents and grandkids to explore the farm together and meet the animals. ( Nieces/nephews and borrowed grandchildren will work too)

Winnowing Rock Hike
2024-09-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Clear Creek, 185 Clear Creek Road, Lancaster, OH, 43130, United States
Take a guided 5-mile backcountry hike to Winnowing Rock. Terrain at Clear Creek is rugged and steep, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Meet at the Park Office, 185 Clear Creek Road in Lancaster.

Signs of Fall: Scavenger Hunt
2024-09-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Enjoy the signs of Fall while you walk any of the trails in the park. Pick-up a Scavenger Hunt sheet before you start and use it to record the signs of fall that you see. Return the sheet to the Naturalist before 7:00 pm and win a prize.

For Adults: Fungi Walk-n-Talk
2024-09-07 13:00 - 14:00 | 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.

River Walk to the Giant Sycamore (off-trail)
2024-09-07 13:00 - 14:30 | 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 rugged 1.5 mile hike with varying water depth (water will be higher than rain boots). 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.
IMPORTANT: River Bluff area does NOT have restrooms or water fountains. Please bring a water bottle. Apply insect repellant before coming to the program.
***This program is contingent on Olentangy water levels and would be postponed in the event of high water levels. Tis 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)
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 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.

Butterfly Release
2024-09-07 14:00 - 14:30 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Learn about the epic migration undertaken by monarch butterflies, the perils the face along the way, what you can do you help them on their journey, and watch as we tag and release any that are ready to migrate.

Cicadian Rhythm
2024-09-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Buzz around on a 1-mile accessible hike along the Hawthorn Loop learning about cicadas and how they sing! Meet at the Ranger Station.

Fungi Crafts
2024-09-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Celebrate National Mushroom Month by stopping by the Nature Center and making some mushroom-themed crafts

Outdoor Inclusive Adventures
2024-09-08 11:00 - 15:00 | Prairie Oaks, 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH, 43162, United States
We’re teaming up with Central Ohio YMCA to bring you a day packed with fun and inclusive activities for everyone! Whether you’re a child, teen, or young adult, all abilities are welcome to join us at Prairie Oaks Metro Park (Darby Bend Lake) on September 8th from 11 am-3 pm for outdoor adventures, exciting physical activities, and the chance to connect with new friends.

Don’t miss out—Register here: https://OIA2024.eventbrite.com

Location: Darby Bend Lakes at Prairie Oaks Metro Park
2755 Amity Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026

I-Spy Trail
2024-09-08 12:00 - 14:00 | Blendon Woods, 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, 43081, United States
Test you observation skills along the paved lake trail! See if you can spot all of the critters hidden in the woods.

Nature Tram
2024-09-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Hop on the tram and enjoy a guided tour of the park.

Loose Leaf Tea
2024-09-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Quarry Trails, 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH, 43228, United States
Meet in the Kingfisher Shelter. Use address 2319 Quarry Trails Drive Columbus Oh 43228. Come and make some loose leaf tea to take home. All supplies provided.

Meet the Animals of Glacier Ridge
2024-09-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Glacier Ridge, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH, 43064, United States
Come meet the ambassador animals that live at Glacier Ridge! We will learn everything about these Ohio animals from what they eat to how they outsmart the other animals that call Ohio home.
This program is geared for all ages. Meet at the shelter house, rain or shine!

Backpacking Series: Week 3- Fire, Fuel & Food
2024-09-08 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 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 Food, Fuel and Fire. From camp cooking, to starting a fire and everything in between. We will provide some easy recipes and trail snack ideas, as well as going through all the fire equipment needed to get you through the trip, it may sound like a lot 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!

Homeschoolers: Trees and Leaves
2024-09-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Learn about trees and their leaves while making a tree identification guide.

Try It! Climbing
2024-09-09 16:30 - 18:00, 2024-09-13 17:00 - 20:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Join us for a late night climb! Outdoor Adventure will be down at the Scioto Audubon Climbing Wall from 10-11pm with equipment and climbing instruction. Try out the climbing wall under the lights at night! Closed toes shoes recommended, no flip flops. Free and Fun!

Backpacking Series: Week 4- Clothing & Foot Care
2024-09-09 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 everything clothing and footwear! From layers to the best types of fabric to wear, as well as blister prevention. Please come with any questions you have about trail clothing gear
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!

Bugs and Blooms
2024-09-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Join a naturalist on a 1-mile hike to search the fields for blooming flowers and the bugs that visit them.

Relaxation Yoga
2024-09-10 18:30 - 19:00 | Scioto Grove, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123, United States
Enjoy a relaxing yoga session on the deck of The Grove Lodge at Scioto Grove Metro Park. Bring your own mat. Instruction provided.

Preschoolers: Riding and Wading
2024-09-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Blacklick Woods, 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068, United States
Take a tram ride down to Blacklick Creek and then hop off to wade in the water in search of fish, crayfish and bugs.

Busy Bees - Meet the Beekeeper
2024-09-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43081, United States
Join Buzzy the local Beekeeper to learn about a year in the life of honeybees and about the beehives here at Sharon Woods. Bring a chair for this educational talk as our beekeeper answers questions, talks about bees, and offers samples of honey (while supplies last).

Amazing Animal Adaptations
2024-09-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Learn about different Ohio animals and their adaptations that help protect them in the wild. Great for ages 5+.

Preschool: Bats
2024-09-13 09:30 - 22:30, 2024-09-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Battelle Darby Creek, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, 43119, United States
Learn about bats through stories, activities and a craft. Ages 3-5.

Scioto Fest
2024-09-13 17:00 - 2024-09-14 17:00 | Scioto Audubon, 400 West Whittier St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Scioto Fest will be bigger and better than ever this year. All the fun begins at Scioto Audubon Metro Park at 5pm on Friday, September 13, 2024 with Yappy Hour, Try It! climbing wall programs, river floats, food trucks, Nocterra beer, plus a DJ and live bands. Find the full schedule of events here.
