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AprilMayJune
Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions join a naturalist to learn about the many colors of nature. Program includes a short hike and craft. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 6/14: 330-865-8065. FASN
Enjoy the honky-tonk country music of Shooter Sharp & The Shootouts, featuring Ryan Humbert, at this free concert, presented by the City of Akron. GYH/Main Entrance
Have you seen any mushrooms popping up these days? Join Naturalist Dave Brumfield on a leisurely hike in search of these interesting "fun guys." Edibles are not a part of the program. FR/Brushwood
Archery is one of the oldest arts still practiced today, and it's more accessible than ever. Children 9 to 15 join us to learn international-style target archery at our traveling outdoor range. Program good for beginning and practiced archers. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 50 inches or taller. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 6/24: 330-865-8065. SC/Archery Range
Archery is one of the oldest arts still practiced today, and it's more accessible than ever. Adults 16 and older can learn international-style target archery and test their marksmanship at our traveling outdoor range. Program good for beginning and practiced archers. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 6/24: 330-865-8065. SC/Archery Range
LP/Nature Center
Join us in celebrating the art exhibit of Craig Griffin. We are showcasing acrylic paintings and prints inspired by wildlife and landscape portraiture through December 2016. FASN
Join Naturalist Pat Rydquist to discover beautiful butterflies celebrating their independence. Nets and jars will be available for you to net, observe and then release the butterflies. Wear sun protection and dress for possible poison ivy. FASN
Enjoy free lake swimming from 3 to 7 p.m. and a one-hour concert by the Metro Parks Ensemble near Maple Beach Shelter at 6:30 p.m. Concert cancelled if it rains. Call 330-865-8060 if wet weather is in the forecast. MF/Lake Area
Join staff from the Akron Marathon for our third group run of the Running Spree. Runners will have 20 minutes to run "out," and then have 20 minutes to get back. Runners who finish before the 40-minute mark will be entered into a prize drawing. TT/Memorial Pkwy
Learn nature's numbers while searching the park for all things countable! Recommended for children ages 3 to 7. MF/Lake Area
Mysterious and often misunderstood, bats are one of the most fascinating creatures of the night. Join staff to learn about these flying mammals. Nets will be set up to try to catch live bats for observation and data collection. GYH/Pioneer
Young children and their adult companions will enjoy this interactive, nature-inspired story time intended for ages 18 months to 3 years. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 6/21: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center
All ages join Interpretive artist Danette Rushboldt for nature-crafting fun. Each week this month a new craft will be presented. Please dress for a mess. FASN/Seneca Deck
Shop 'til you drop ... at garage sales. Discuss upcycling and how to make the most of trash day. Bring a notebook and a head full of ideas. LP/Nature Center
Enjoy a gentle yoga practice on Seneca Deck with a certified instructor. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 6/28: 330-865-8065. FASN/Seneca Deck
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 6/25: 330-865-8065. FASN/Seneca Deck
Enjoy oldies from the 1950s by Twist at this free concert, presented by the City of Akron. GYH/Main Entrance
Look for nocturnal wildlife on a short hike, then gather around the campfire and roast marshmallows, while supplies last. FASN/Campfire Area
Ages 7 to 11 will explore the field and forest to learn about insects. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 6/28: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center
Paddle on the 50-acre lake with an ACA-certified instructor and a naturalist to learn paddle strokes, safety and see wildlife around the water. Minimum age is 13; ages 13 to 17 must be with an adult. Space is limited. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 7/1: 330-865-8065. SC/Boathouse
Paddle the 50-acre lake with an ACA-certified instructor and a naturalist to learn paddle strokes, safety and see wildlife around the water. Minimum age is 13; ages 13 to 17 must be with an adult. Space is limited. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 7/1: 330-865-8065. SC/Boathouse
We'll hike Ledges Trail each month this year, taking a photographic record of the seasonal changes that happen. In December we'll come in from the cold and review the year in pictures. You can take your own pictures or just enjoy the hikes. This trail is not recommended for strollers. LP/Twinsburg Ledges
Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy this free concert by Victoria Parks, a songwriter known for her funny songs, folk rock and Celtic-influenced music. If it rains, the concert will be moved to the shelter. LP/Twinsburg Ledges
Learn how these amazing "bugs" light up the summer sky. After a short presentation, we'll take a walk to look for fireflies and other creatures of the night. Bring a bug jar, flashlight and insect repellent. GYH/Pioneer
National Moth Week is later this month. Join a Summit Metro Parks naturalist for a preview of the beautiful colors, shapes and patterns of these amazing creatures. Dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight and camera. For information, call 330-865-8065. Adell Durbin Park: 3300 Darrow Road Stow, OH 44224
Paddle the Cuyahoga River at the Gorge to see towering rock ledges and breathtaking scenery from your kayak. Led by an ACA-certified instructor and a naturalist. Minimum age is 13; ages 13 to 17 must be with an adult. Bring binoculars, drinking water and sunscreen, and dress to get wet. Space is limited. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 7/2: 330-865-8065. G/Main Entrance
Learn how to make nature-inspired paper mosaics from the smallest bits of paper that are usually thrown away. Bring some photos for inspiration. Space is limited. FASN/Visitors Center
Paul Wischt from the Cuyahoga Valley Archeology Society will demonstrate the ancient skill of flint knapping and share the different spear points used by early American Indians. FASN/Seneca Deck
Enjoy this leisurely stroll along Alder Trail with frequent stops to discover nature along the way. GYH/Pioneer
Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions join a naturalist to learn about the many colors of nature. Program includes a short hike and craft. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 6/14: 330-865-8065. GYH/Lodge
Kids 5 and 6 can register for this exciting three-day drop-off camp. We will explore the exciting world of camouflage with fun, hands-on experiences in the outdoors. Cost is $50/child. Must have completed kindergarten. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/5: 330-865-8065. FR/Brushwood
Join Summit Metro Parks and the Summit County Historical Society take a behind-the-scenes tour of Canal Park along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. Meet at Lock 3. Participants will receive a sticker to put on their parking stub for free parking. Lock 3: 200 South Main Street Akron, OH 44308
Enjoy free lake swimming from 3 to 7 p.m. and a one-hour concert by the Metro Parks Ensemble at 6:30 p.m. Concert cancelled if it rains. Call 330-865-8060 if wet weather is in the forecast. SC/Lake House
This month we will explore beneficial garden insects. FASN/Visitors Center
Enjoy high energy 1970s horn music from Funkology at this free concert, presented by the City of Akron. GYH/Main Entrance
Here's your chance to practice your archery skills. Register for a half-hour time slot to improve your shot. Participants must have already taken our Intro to Archery and Archery Games programs. All equipment provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 7/3: 330-865-8065. SC/Archery Range
FASN/Seneca Deck
MF/Lake Area
Ohio has 20 different oak species. Join the quest to discover the legends and importance surrounding the many types of oaks that live in the park, including the Indian Signal Tree. CV/Chuckery
Who needs salsa from a jar? Watch and learn as our cooking volunteers whip up some tasty homemade salsas using only the freshest ingredients. Samples, tips and recipes will be available, while supplies last. FASN/Seneca Deck
Enjoy an active yoga practice in the beautiful Rock & Herb Garden with a certified instructor. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 6/28: 330-865-8065. FASN
Join a naturalist in the gardens and fields of Crown Point Ecology Center to explore the world of pollinators. Some nets and jars will be provided for catching and releasing bugs. Adults must accompany their children. Crown Point: 3220 Ira Rd. Bath, OH 44210
Join staff from the Akron Marathon for our fourth group run of the Running Spree. This time we'll enjoy yoga before our trail run. Overflow parking is at the Warner Road lot. F/Tuscarawas Meadows
Weather permitting, the all-volunteer Metro Parks Ensemble will perform an hour of traditional marches, big band standards and oldies. Concert cancelled if it rains. If wet weather is in the forecast, call 330-865-8060 after 4 p.m. for status. LP/Twinsburg Ledges
Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions join a naturalist to learn about the many colors of nature. Program includes a short hike and craft. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 6/14: 330-865-8065. F/Coventry Oaks
Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions join a naturalist to learn about the many colors of nature. Program includes a short hike and craft. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 6/14: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center
Enjoy stories from the park district's first naturalist, Bert Szabo. From the first Fall Hiking Spree, to the animals that used to live at the Nature Realm, Bert will share some of his most memorable experiences. FASN/Visitors Center
Join Naturalist Joe Malmisur as we walk in the Cuyahoga River and explore under rocks, in riffles, and under logs for crayfish, insect larvae and other water bugs. Wear your water shoes! Learn what macro-invertebrates are all about. BHT/SR 91
Try stand-up paddleboarding, the fastest growing water sport, to get a workout and enjoy nature. An ACA-certified instructor and a naturalist will guide you. No experience needed. Minimum age is 13; ages 13 to 17 must be with an adult. Participants must be comfortable treading water in a life jacket. Space is limited. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 7/8: 330-865-8065. NR/Lot C6
Join Naturalist Dave Brumfield to learn about some of Ohio's native ferns, and discover how to identify them by their structure and habitat. CV/Oxbow
Paddle a portion of Nimisila Reservoir with an ACA-certified instructor and a naturalist to learn paddle strokes, safety and see wildlife around the water. Minimum age is 13; ages 13 to 17 must be with an adult. Space is limited. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 7/9: 330-865-8065. NR/Lot C6
Join a naturalist for this month's lively discussion of "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson. Drinks are provided. Please bring a mug. FASN/Visitors Center
Kids 7 and 8 can register for this exciting three-day drop-off camp. Investigate nature's clues using the five senses with fun, hands-on experiences in the outdoors. Cost is $50/child. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/5: 330-865-8065. FR/Brushwood
Join the Master Gardeners of Summit County to learn how rain gardens can beautify your yard, support wildlife and help prevent flooding. Presented by Michelle Studer, director of facilities and grounds at the Akron Zoo. FASN/Visitors Center
Shop 'til you drop ... at garage sales. Discuss upcycling and how to make the most of trash day. Bring a notebook and a head full of ideas. FASN/Seneca Deck
Avast, me hearties! Wear your pirate gear for a treasure hunt and good buccaneer fun for the family! F/Little Turtle Pond
Learn how to spice up your outdoor cooking. Participants will see and taste a new spin on utilizing pie irons and Dutch ovens. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 7/10: 330-865-8065. FASN/Campfire Area
Enjoy zydeco music by the Zydeco Kings at this free concert, presented by the City of Akron. GYH/Main Entrance
Families: Join us for a morning of outdoor skills including fire-starting, land navigation and shelter-building. Please prepare for the weather. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 7/15: 330-865-8065. FR/Brushwood
FASN/Visitors Center
Caterpillars are one of most important creatures in nature. Naturalist Joe Malmisur will be discussing the amazing adaptations that enable these creatures to hide from predators, and then transform into moths and butterflies. FASN
Herbs are an easy, healthy way to add flavor to your meals. Enjoy an afternoon in the Rock & Herb Garden sampling herbal culinary creations. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 7/12: 330-865-8065. FASN