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 Sunday, March 01, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

COFFEE WITH THE BIRDS


Join us for a peaceful discussion at the wildlife viewing area. We will find out why this area is a favorite of our winter residents. Coffee is provided, but please bring a mug. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Wednesday, March 04, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

WEEKDAY WALKERS


Learn about the nature and history of Indian Spring Trail as we relax and stroll. MF/Lake Area

Leaf Icon Wednesday, March 04, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

AFTERNOON STROLL


Join a naturalist for this leisurely afternoon stroll along Pheasant Run Trail to see what's out and about. SC/Pheasant Run

Leaf Icon Saturday, March 07, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

SPOT ON


Come out for a walk on Alder Trail to learn about animals with spots – and how these animals are less likely to be spotted by you. GYH/Pioneer

Leaf Icon Sunday, March 08, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

KINDEREALM: AMPHIBIANS NATURE WALK


Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will go on a nature walk to look for amphibians along the trail, then come inside to make a craft. Be prepared to be outside for most of the program. Please make arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/18: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, March 08, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

KINDEREALM: AMPHIBIANS NATURE WALK


Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will go on a nature walk to look for amphibians along the trail, then come inside to make a craft. Be prepared to be outside for most of the program. Please make arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/18: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, March 08, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

HISTORY OF JULIETTE GORDON LOW


Juliette Gordon Low was the founder of one of the world’s largest organizations for girls: Girls Scouts of the USA. This Women's History Month, come learn how Juliette Gordon Low's efforts to teach young girls about the environment had a local impact on Summit Metro Parks. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, March 08, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

SUNSET PRAIRIE HIKE


Relish the extra hour of sunlight by taking an evening prairie hike with a naturalist. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot birds and other critters. Please dress appropriately for the weather. SFB

Leaf Icon Monday, March 09, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

SUPERMOON WALK


Take a leisurely evening walk to see a beautiful sunset and moonrise. Learn what makes this moon “super” during a brief presentation before our walk and stick around afterward to view the moon through a telescope. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Tuesday, March 10, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

WOMEN OF SUMMIT METRO PARKS


Celebrate Women's History Month by learning the history, stories and impact the women of Summit Metro Parks make at work and in their communities. Join us for a short presentation followed by a panel discussion. Bring your questions and positivity! FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Wednesday, March 11, 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 2/25: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Wednesday, March 11, 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 2/25: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Wednesday, March 11, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

WEEKDAY WALKERS


Enjoy this leisurely stroll along Indian Spring Trail, with frequent stops to discover signs of spring along the way. Meet at the trailhead. Binoculars are recommended. MF/Lake Area

Leaf Icon Wednesday, March 11, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

WEEKDAY WALKERS


Enjoy this leisurely stroll with frequent stops to discover signs of spring along the way. Binoculars are recommended. FASN

Leaf Icon Thursday, March 12, 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM

GIRL SCOUT OPEN HOUSE


Calling all Girl Scouts! Celebrate National Girl Scout Day with outdoor games, a campfire, nature center exploration, self-guided hiking and more to learn how your troop can get involved in the Metro Parks. We’ll give you the tools needed to earn a badge while you’re at it! LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Friday, March 13, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: THE SECRET LIFE OF TREES


Homeschoolers, ages 7 to 10: They may stand tall and silent, but many animals could not survive without them and some can even save your life! Discover the amazing trees found in Ohio and learn the fascinating ways in which they benefit wildlife and people. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/29: 330-865-8065. FASN

Leaf Icon Friday, March 13, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: THE SECRET LIFE OF TREES


Homeschoolers, ages 7 to 10: They may stand tall and silent, but many animals could not survive without them and some can even save your life! Discover the amazing trees found in Ohio and learn the fascinating ways in which they benefit wildlife and people. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/29: 330-865-8065. FASN

Leaf Icon Friday, March 13, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

HOOK, LINE & THINKER


Are you thinking about how the "big one" got away because you didn't have the right equipment? Curious about what is new and improved in the world of fishing? Discover the latest tackle, fish finders, rods and reels for the upcoming season. Industry reps will talk about their new products and answer questions. As part of the program, we will serve a catfish dinner. Space is limited; register early to secure your spot! Cost: $20/person. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 2/27: Register here. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Friday, March 13, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

NATURE AT NIGHT


Explore nature after nightfall and learn about the benefits of darkness. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and your curiosity! CV/Schumacher Valley

Leaf Icon Saturday, March 14, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

HIKE FOR THE HEALTH OF IT


Hike about five miles at a vigorous pace on a hilly, challenging surface. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. Drinking water is recommended. SR/Wadsworth

Leaf Icon Saturday, March 14, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

FEEDING TIME OPEN HOUSE


Lettuce, worms, tomatoes, roaches...yum! Stop in to the animal room and get up-close to our exhibit animals as they eat lunch. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, March 14, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

NATURE ART FOR TEENS


Do you have a creative spirit? Teens ages 13 to 17 are invited to 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 2/28: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, March 14, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

SUNSET HIKE


Join a naturalist for a relaxing evening hike on Meadow Trail, and hopefully we'll enjoy a beautiful sunset along the way. MF/Tallmadge Meadows

Leaf Icon Sunday, March 15, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS


Join our interpretive artist for this hands-on lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to 12. Paper and pencils will be provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 3/3: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, March 15, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS


Join our interpretive artist for this hands-on lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to 12. Paper and pencils will be provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 3/3: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, March 15, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

WONDERFUL WETLANDS AND WATERWAYS


Northeast Ohio is full of wonderful waterways to enjoy and discover. Take a hike along the Tuscarawas River and through surrounding wetlands to learn about these critically important habitats and the critters that call them home. Please dress appropriately for the weather. F/Tuscarawas Meadows

Leaf Icon Monday, March 16, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

KINDEREALM: AMPHIBIANS NATURE WALK


Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will go on a nature walk to look for amphibians along the trail, then come inside to make a craft. Be prepared to be outside for most of the program. Please make arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/18: 330-865-8065. F/Coventry Oaks

Leaf Icon Tuesday, March 17, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

NATURE JOURNALING: EMERGENT SPRING


Learn basic journaling techniques to record your nature observations. This month will be all about the emergence of spring. We will be outside for part of the program. Taking photos is optional. A one-time registration fee for the monthly series includes a journal, pen and pencil. Cost: $20/person. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 2/24: Register here. SR/Shady Hollow

Leaf Icon Wednesday, March 18, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

DISTANCE HIKE


Join a naturalist to hike approximately 5.5 miles on the Towpath and Summit Lake Loop trails. TT/Wilbeth

Leaf Icon Wednesday, March 18, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

NATIVE PLANTS 101


Save water, save time and support native food webs. Learn the benefits of native planting and how to turn your yard into a native plant oasis. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Thursday, March 19, 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 the natural curiosity to explore. Program will be outside, so please dress for the weather. FASN/Seneca Deck

Leaf Icon Friday, March 20, 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

BALLOFLEX FOR BEGINNERS


Enjoy an evening exercise session with a certified BalloFlex instructor. BalloFlex is a seated workout that incorporates the elements of dance and fitness together in a safe, low-impact and fun system. It is designed for all ages and abilities! SR/Mingo

Leaf Icon Friday, March 20, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

SPRINGTIME HIKE & FIRE


Enjoy the sights and sounds of a spring evening while we hike. Afterward, gather around a campfire to roast marshmallows (while supplies last). LP/Twinsburg Ledges

Leaf Icon Saturday, March 21, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

SPRING IS HERE


Spring is in the air! Join a naturalist for a refreshing hike along Redwing Trail to look and listen for signs of spring. F/Tuscarawas Meadows

Leaf Icon Sunday, March 22, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

ARCHERY GAMES FOR FAMILIES


Families with children age 9 and older will play different games to build archery skills together in a fun and exciting way. Participants must have already taken one of our Intro to Archery programs. All equipment and hands-on instruction is provided. Participants must be 50 inches or taller. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 3/10: 330-865-8065. F/Coventry Oaks

Leaf Icon Sunday, March 22, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

SPRING STINKS


One uses smell to repel, the other to attract. Join a naturalist to discover the wonderful, smelly world of skunks and skunk cabbage. GYH/Pioneer

Leaf Icon Sunday, March 22, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

ARCHERY GAMES FOR ADULTS


Ages 16 and older will play games to build archery skills in a fun and exciting way. Participants must have already taken one of our Intro to Archery programs. All equipment and hands-on instruction is provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 3/10: 330-865-8065. F/Coventry Oaks

Leaf Icon Monday, March 23, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

S'MORE FUN TIME


Come out to enjoy a few kid-friendly outdoor activities and s'mores around a fire. F/Tuscarawas Meadows

Leaf Icon Wednesday, March 25, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

CHECK IN TO THE SALAMANDER & FROG HOTEL


Join a naturalist to see what has checked in for a spring vacation in a five-star vernal pool. We will look for wood frogs, spring peepers, fairy shrimp, salamanders, horsehair worms, leeches and other mysterious creatures. Boots and bug spray are recommended. LP/Pond Brook

Leaf Icon Wednesday, March 25, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

MINDFULNESS IN NATURE: MINDFUL WALKING


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! CV/Chuckery

Leaf Icon Thursday, March 26, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

CHICKADEE FEEDING & CAMPFIRE


Come learn about the amazing chickadees living in Summit Metro Parks. Participants will have an opportunity to try to feed the birds from their hands, then warm up around a fire and roast marshmallows (while supplies last). F/Tuscarawas Meadows

Leaf Icon Thursday, March 26, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

WHAT'S THE BUZZ ABOUT BUZZARDS?


Stop by this entertaining and educational open house to discover the world of buzzards (a.k.a. turkey vultures). Why do they return to the Liberty Park ledges each spring? What essential role do they play in helping to maintain a healthy environment? LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Friday, March 27, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

WATERFOWL WATCH


New and experienced birdwatchers can view ducks, geese and other water birds during spring migration. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. TT/Summit Lake

Leaf Icon Friday, March 27, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: THE SECRET LIFE OF TREES


Homeschoolers, ages 11 to 14: They may stand tall and silent, but many animals could not survive without them and some can even save your life! Discover the amazing trees found in Ohio and learn the fascinating ways in which they benefit wildlife and people. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/29: 330-865-8065. FASN

Leaf Icon Friday, March 27, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

HOOK, LINE & THINKER


Interested in learning the new fishing regulations for 2020? ODNR Division of Wildlife officials will talk about the new rules and regulations and will answer questions. As part of the program, we will serve a perch dinner. Space is limited; register early to secure your spot! Cost: $20/person. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 3/5: Register here. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, March 28, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

WATERFOWL WATCH


Spring is a great time to view ducks, geese and other water birds. New and experienced birdwatchers can join a naturalist for a chance to view these birds during spring migration. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. LP/Tinkers Creek

Leaf Icon Saturday, March 28, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

HIKING SPREE SHIELD ASSISTANCE


Is attaching the hiking spree shield more challenging than actually hiking the eight trails? Summit Metro Parks volunteers will gladly attach it for you at no charge. Remember, March 31 is the last day to collect Fall Hiking Spree rewards! FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, March 29, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE...NOPE, A BIRD


Summit Lake is home to a gorgeous array of birds. Some stay year-round, while others only make a pit stop along a migratory journey. Join a naturalist to check out some of the bird species present while taking a hike around the lake. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring binoculars, if able. TT/SLNC

Leaf Icon Sunday, March 29, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

OTTER OPEN HOUSE


Celebrate the return of otters to our waters! Learn about these playful creatures, where to find them and why they call this park home through interactive displays and activities. A naturalist will lead short walks every 30 minutes in search of otters. LP/Pond Brook

Leaf Icon Monday, March 30, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

BALLOFLEX FOR BEGINNERS


Enjoy a morning exercise session with a certified BalloFlex instructor. BalloFlex is a seated workout that incorporates the elements of dance and fitness together in a safe, low impact and fun system. It is designed for all ages and abilities! F/Coventry Oaks