Summit Metro Parks We're Your Back Yard

Programs & Events

Program & Events Calendar

To join a virtual program, visit www.zoom.com and enter the Zoom meeting ID.

Summit Metro Parks staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. Please make the request at the time of registration and/or at least 72 hours prior to the program. Contact us at 330-865-8065.

On the rare occasion of a program cancelation or change, please visit us on social media to see the latest information.

AprilMayJune

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 01, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

SPRING BIRD WALK


New and experienced birdwatchers can join a naturalist for this informative bird walk. Binoculars are recommended. DLQ

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 01, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

NATURE HIKE


Come enjoy spring and learn about some early May plants and animals along the trail. MF/Tallmadge Meadows

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 02, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

KINDEREALM: WHO'S NEW NATURE WALK


Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will go on a spring nature walk to learn about who's new in nature. Come dressed for the weather, as most of the program will be outside. Please make arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/20: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 02, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

KINDEREALM: WHO'S NEW NATURE WALK


Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will go on a spring nature walk to learn about who's new in nature. Come dressed for the weather, as most of the program will be outside. Please make arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/20: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 02, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

WINTER IS COMING


Learn some facts behind the fantasy in celebration of the final season of HBO's Game of Thrones. Dire wolves, lions and mammoths once flourished in our realm of Ohio. No oaths of fealty needed to join! GYH/Lodge

Leaf Icon Friday, May 03, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: NUMBERS IN NATURE


Homeschoolers, ages 7 to 10: Did you know that math can be found all throughout nature? Learn about the famous Fibonacci sequence and how this "golden ratio" appears in nature. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/19: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Friday, May 03, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: NUMBERS IN NATURE


Homeschoolers, ages 7 to 10: Did you know that math can be found all throughout nature? Learn about the famous Fibonacci sequence and how this "golden ratio" appears in nature. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/19: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Friday, May 03, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

BIRDS & BLOOMS


Hike the trails in search of wildflowers and songbirds. Binoculars and field guides are recommended. Some will be provided. LP/Twinsburg Ledges

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 04, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

WILDFLOWER HIKE


Join a naturalist in search of woodland wildflowers along parts of Dogwood Trail. Portions of this hike are strenuous due to hilly terrain. Meet at the Shadowfield Area. SR/Wadsworth

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 04, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

FREE FISHING DAYS


Are you a resident of Ohio? Then you can fish! All ages and experience levels are welcome. No license is required, and equipment/bait will be provided while supplies last. Learn to clean your catch and get some native fish recipes. SC/Boathouse

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 04, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

HERON OPEN HOUSE


Celebrate the return of great blue herons while viewing them through spotting scopes and binoculars. Meet at the Bath Road Heronry on Bath Road, between Riverview and Akron-Peninsula roads in Akron. Bath Road Heronry: , OH

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 05, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

GARLIC MUSTARD PULL


Growing, growing, gone! Learn about invasive garlic mustard and why native plants need our help, then hit the trail to start pulling. Please dress for off-trail work. Gloves are recommended, bags will be provided. Meet in the parking lot. FASN

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 05, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

FREE FISHING DAYS


Are you a resident of Ohio? Then you can fish! All ages and experience levels are welcome. No license is required, and equipment/bait will be provided while supplies last. Learn to clean your catch and get some native fish recipes. SC/Boathouse

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 05, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

KIDS YOGA


Kids ages 7 to 12 and their adult companions can join a certified yoga instructor for this program focused on connecting with nature. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel and drinking water. Some mats provided (while supplies last). FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 05, 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM

ASTRONOMY NIGHT


Join us as we look for spiral galaxies, double stars, Mars, the Moon and several constellations. We might even see a shooting star! Telescopes will be available for viewing. Fingers crossed that the clouds stay away. Bath Nature Preserve: 4160 Ira Rd Akron, OH, OH 44333

Leaf Icon Monday, May 06, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

SPRING BIRD WALK


New and experienced birdwatchers can join a naturalist for a bird walk. Part of the walk will take us through wet grass. Binoculars are recommended. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Monday, May 06, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

WILDFLOWER WALK


Hike through the forest to enjoy the delicate beauty of spring wildflowers. HH/Main Entrance

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 08, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

WEEKDAY WALKERS


Join a naturalist to hike Oxbow Trail, with stops along the way to discover nature and history. CV/Oxbow

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 08, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS


Join our interpretive artist for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/27: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 08, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS


Join our interpretive artist for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/27: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 08, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

KINDEREALM: WHO'S NEW NATURE WALK


Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will go on a spring nature walk to learn about who's new in nature. Come dressed for the weather as most of the program will be outside. Please make arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/20: 330-865-8065. F/Coventry Oaks

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 08, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

WALK & TALK: SUSTAINABILITY


Enjoy a walk along the trail while talking about how we can all be a little more environmentally conscious in our daily lives. Bring ideas to share! SFB

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 09, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

KINDEREALM: WHO'S NEW NATURE WALK


Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will go on a spring nature walk to learn about who's new in nature. Come dressed for the weather as most of the program will be outside. Please make arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/20: 330-865-8065. GYH/Pioneer

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 09, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

COMPOSTING 101


Join a naturalist to learn basic techniques for starting and maintaining a compost pile or barrel at home. We’ll conclude the evening with a short tour of our on-site compost bins. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Friday, May 10, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

BEGINNER BIRD WALK


Calling all beginners! Walk along the race to catch glimpses of spring migrants and learn identification tips and tricks. Binoculars and a field guide are recommended. F/Tuscarawas Meadows

Leaf Icon Friday, May 10, 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

NATURE STORIES


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 4/30: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Friday, May 10, 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

NATURE STORIES


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 4/30: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Friday, May 10, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

FISHING FRIDAY


Join us for a fun afternoon of fishing! Each month a native Ohio fish found in the Metro Parks will be highlighted. Poles and bait will be provided while supplies last. Participants 16 and older must have a fishing license. FR/Brushwood

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 11, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

DANCING DARTERS AND REGAL RAINBOWS


Join a naturalist as we look for the amazing variety of stream fish in Rock Creek. Participants will get in the creek to net fish for identification. Bring water shoes and don't forget bug spray! FR/Brushwood

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 12, 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

MOTHER'S DAY 5K


Run, jog or walk to celebrate Mom at this annual 5K to benefit the Summit Metro Parks Foundation! Jogging strollers are welcome on race day. Pet spectators are welcome, but not allowed on the course. Runners 14 and younger are free, but they must be registered in advance. For ages 15 and older, registration is $30/person through March 31. After, registration is $35/per person through May 12. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 1/1: Register here. MF/Lake Area

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 12, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

NATURE FOR FAMILIES: WILDFLOWERS


Join this hands-on nature exploration series for the whole family. This month we'll explore the wildflowers of Ledges Trail. We will be outside for most the program. Strollers are not recommended for this trail, but they can be secured in the nature center while we're out. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 12, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

STROLL WITH MOM


Enjoy a relaxing afternoon hike with the mother figure in your life. We’ll search for birds, deer and other creatures who become mothers in spring and learn how animal moms take care of their young. CV/Oxbow

Leaf Icon Monday, May 13, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

CREATIVE CANVAS


Everything is a canvas! Join our interpretive artist to create amazing works of art using nature as our inspiration and re-purposed materials as our medium. The only requirements are a sense of humor and a great attitude. Cost: $10/person. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 5/1: Register here. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Monday, May 13, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

DISTANCE HIKE


Hike 7-plus miles at a continuous pace on trails that are difficult or primitive. There will be few, if any, rest stops. Please wear footwear appropriate for potentially muddy conditions. Drinking water is recommended. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Tuesday, May 14, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

MINDFULNESS IN NATURE: AWARENESS


Enjoy a peaceful morning in nature, sharpening your awareness of the world around you. We will spend the morning outside, so dress for the weather! LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Tuesday, May 14, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

NATURE CRAFTING FOR ADULTS: ODDS & ENDS BASKETS


Weave a basket with your own creative flair! Make your own design or choose from a few simple patterns. Materials fee: $10. Please bring a flathead screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, towel and 2-gallon bucket, if you can. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 4/30: Register here. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Tuesday, May 14, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

KIDS' FISHING


Kids 15 and younger will learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line in Alder Pond. A few rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. Adults must supervise their children but are not permitted to fish.  GYH/Pioneer

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 15, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

HIKE FOR THE HEALTH OF IT


Join a naturalist for healthy outdoor exercise by hiking Deer Run Trail twice at a vigorous pace. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. Drinking water is recommended. ONW/Trail Lot

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 15, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

SCALY & SLIMY STORYTIME


Families with beginner readers of all ages: grab your favorite book and enjoy an interactive story time with our live animals. We'll read some stories together and meet a critter, then read your favorite book with your family. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/3: 330-865-8065. GYH/Lodge

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 15, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

SCALY & SLIMY STORYTIME


Families with beginner readers of all ages: grab your favorite book and enjoy an interactive story time with our live animals. We'll read some stories together and meet a critter, then read your favorite book with your family. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/3: 330-865-8065. GYH/Lodge

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 16, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

PRESCHOOL EXPLORERS


Get outside and enjoy nature through this monthly series for children ages 3 to 5. Each month we will explore a seasonal topic that will engage the senses and encourage self-exploration. Program will be outside, so please dress for the weather. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 16, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

GOOD GARDENS: SUCCESS FROM THE SOIL UP


The key to healthy plants is healthy soil. Join us to learn how to grow a bountiful garden from the ground up! GYH/Lodge

Leaf Icon Friday, May 17, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: NUMBERS IN NATURE


Homeschoolers, ages 11 to 14: Did you know that math can be found all throughout nature? Learn about the famous Fibonacci sequence and how this "golden ratio" appears in nature. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/19: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Friday, May 17, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

SPRING BLOOMS


Hike Chippewa Trail in search of spring wildflowers. Learn how to identify these beauties and their past uses. SC/Pheasant Run

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 18, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

NATURE ART FOR TEENS


Do you have a creative spirit? Teens ages 13 to 17 can join our interpretive artist for lessons in nature-inspired art. This is a drop-off program. Please dress for a mess. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/7: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 18, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

CREATE A LIVING LANDSCAPE


It doesn't matter where you live or what type of yard you have - you can still attract hundreds of species to your home by following a few simple steps! Participants will see two case studies that demonstrate the benefits of welcoming wildlife into your yard. Experts will be on hand to answer your questions, and there will be an optional hike afterwards. This program is presented jointly with Summit Soil and Water Conservation District and Davey Resource Group. SR/Mingo

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 18, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

FULL MOON HIKE & FIRE


Join us for an easy hike as the sun sets. Afterward, we'll gather around a fire to enjoy stories by the light of the moon and roast marshmallows, while supplies last. LP/Twinsburg Ledges

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 19, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

HIKE FOR THE HEALTH OF IT


Hike 3 miles of hilly terrain at a vigorous pace with few, if any, rest stops. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. Drinking water is recommended. Be prepared for several stream crossings. HH/Main Entrance

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 19, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS


Ages 6 to 12 can join our interpretive artist for this lesson in nature drawing. Paper and pencils will be provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/4: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 19, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS


Ages 6 to 12 can join our interpretive artist for this lesson in nature drawing. Paper and pencils will be provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/4: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Monday, May 20, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

KINDEREALM: WHO'S NEW NATURE WALK


Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will go on a spring nature walk to learn about who's new in nature. Come dressed for the weather, as most of the program will be outside. Please make arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/20: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Monday, May 20, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

KINDEREALM: WHO'S NEW NATURE WALK


Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will go on a spring nature walk to learn about who's new in nature. Come dressed for the weather, as most of the program will be outside. Please make arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/20: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Monday, May 20, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

SOMETHING'S IN THE WATER


Join a naturalist on a hike to learn about Ohio's native fish, past and present, and learn about the issues that face Ohio's freshwater systems today. F/Tuscarawas Meadows

Leaf Icon Tuesday, May 21, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

NATURE JOURNALING: WILDFLOWERS


Learn basic journaling techniques to record your nature observations. This month we'll hike the trail to learn about wildflowers of the Ledges Area, then come inside to polish our journal entries. Taking photos is optional. A one-time registration fee for the monthly series includes a journal, journal pen and pencil. Cost: $20/person. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 5/10: Register here. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Tuesday, May 21, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

RANDOM ACT OF MUSIC


The all-volunteer Metro Parks Ensemble will perform an hour of traditional marches, big band standards and oldies. This indoor concert will be held rain or shine. GYH/Lodge

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 22, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

GORGE HISTORY HIKE


Learn about past hidden treasures of the Gorge and discover some that are still here today. G/Main Entrance

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 23, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

WORLD TURTLE DAY HIKE & FIRE


It's World Turtle Day! Celebrate by searching for and learning about turtles at Little Turtle Pond, then cozy up to a campfire and listen to turtle legends. Program will move to the shelter if it rains. F/Tuscarawas Meadows

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 25, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

YOGA: VINYASA


Enjoy an active vinyasa yoga practice with a certified instructor. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/11: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 25, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

GEOLOGY OF THE GORGE


Walk the Glens Trail to learn how the Gorge was formed, including the different types of rock layers found there. G/Main Entrance

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 25, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

LATE BLOOMERS


Hike portions of Chuckery Trail in search of Miami mist and large-flowered bellwort wildflowers. Other wildflowers will be a bonus. Parts of this hike are hilly and strenuous. Meet at the second lot closest to the river. CV/Chuckery

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 25, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

HOLIDAY HIKE & FIRE


Kick off the holiday weekend with a hike on Cherry Lane Trail to discover nature. Afterward, gather around a campfire to roast marshmallows (while supplies last). FASN/Campfire Area

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 26, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

TURTLE OPEN HOUSE


Let's celebrate World Turtle Day! Meet the turtle species found in our parks, play games, make a craft and learn why turtles need our help. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 26, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

AFTERNOON STROLL


We'll take our time on this naturalist-led hike to learn about the natural and cultural history along the trail. DLQ

Leaf Icon Monday, May 27, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

PICNIC IN THE PARK


Pack your picnic basket and head to the lake! Enjoy family time outdoors with fun nature games and activities for all generations. TT/Summit Lake

Leaf Icon Tuesday, May 28, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

HIKE FOR THE HEALTH OF IT


Hike about five miles at a vigorous pace on a flat paved surface. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. Drinking water is recommended. BHT/SR 303

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 29, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

WEEKDAY WALKERS


Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the trail with frequent stops to discover nature along the way. HH/Main Entrance

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 30, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

GARDENING THROUGH THE YEAR


Learn about pests and diseases that can affect garden plants. Identification and treatment options will be discussed. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Friday, May 31, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

GRASSLAND BIRDS: BOBOLINKS & MORE


Join a naturalist and Lara Roketenetz from The University of Akron Field Station as we look for and listen to bobolinks and meadowlarks. Other birds will be a bonus. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope. Some binoculars will be provided. Meet at the Field Station, past the main parking lot off Ira Road and down the lane to the second house. Bath Nature Preserve: 4240 Ira Rd Bath, OH 44333

Leaf Icon Friday, May 31, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

KIDS' FISHING


Kids 15 and younger will learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line in Little Turtle Pond. A few rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. Adults must supervise their children but are not permitted to fish. F/Little Turtle Pond