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 Saturday, May 01, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

SELF GUIDED: EYE SPY


Hit the trail any time during the month of May for a nature-themed game of Eye Spy! Begin by downloading or printing this month’s Eye Spy list from our "Publications & Downloads" page, then enjoy a stroll along Spring Hollow Trail in search of wildflowers, animals and more along the way. You can also complete your search using the May 1 Instagram post (@summitmetroparks). Bring a camera to document your finds. HH/Main Entrance

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 01, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

DANCING DARTERS AND REGAL RAINBOWS


Join a naturalist as we look for the amazing variety of stream fish in Rock Creek. We will be electroshocking (no harm to the fish) to see if we can find the beautiful rainbow darter. Participants may get in the creek to net fish for identification. Bring water shoes and don't forget bug spray! Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/26: 330-865-8065. FR/Brushwood

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 01, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

NATIONAL BIKE MONTH CELEBRATION


Join a naturalist on this casually paced bike ride to kick off the celebration of National Bike Month. We will be traveling 10.8 miles roundtrip along the Bike and Hike Trail with a turnaround point at Brandywine Falls. Helmets are required! Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/22: 330-865-8065. BHT/Barlow

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 01, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

TRY IT: DISC GOLF


Looking to get outside and try something new? Disc golf might be for you! Join us at the Silver Creek Disc Golf Course where we'll have discs to loan and tips for a successful outing on the green. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/23: 330-865-8065. SC/Cross Country

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 01, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

NATIONAL BIKE MONTH CELEBRATION


Join a naturalist on this casually paced bike ride to kick off the celebration of National Bike Month. We will be traveling 10.8 miles roundtrip along the Bike and Hike Trail with a turnaround point at Brandywine Falls. Helmets are required! Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/22: 330-865-8065. BHT/Barlow

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 02, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

INTRODUCTION TO BIRDWATCHING


Learn how to spot and identify birds while exploring beautiful Summit Lake. Please bring binoculars if able. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/27: 330-865-8065. SLNC

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 02, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

WHY NATIVE PLANTS?


Join a naturalist to discover how native plants benefit birds, insects and mammals, as well as what to look for when purchasing them from a supplier. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/24: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Monday, May 03, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! Enjoy an online 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! Zoom meeting ID: 825 8535 2154 Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 05, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS


Join our interpretive artist for this entertaining virtual lesson in nature drawing. No experience is necessary; all you need are pencils, paper and a sense of humor. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/20: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 05, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS


Join our interpretive artist for this entertaining virtual lesson in nature drawing. No experience is necessary; all you need are pencils, paper and a sense of humor. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/20: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 05, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

VIRTUAL: THE BIGGEST WEEK IN BIRDING


Join us online to discover the story of amazing avian journeys that are occurring now, right in our own back yards! We'll meet some migratory bird species, talk hot spots and share our love for these special groups of songbirds. Zoom meeting ID: 836 1339 7221 Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 06, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! Enjoy an 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 06, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

VIRTUAL: SPRING BLOOMS FOR KIDS


Children ages 7 to 14 are invited to join us online to find out why spring wildflowers are so special and to learn about some of the beautiful wildflowers that pop up in our Metro Parks. Zoom meeting ID: 874 1268 5001 Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 06, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

VIRTUAL: SPRING BLOOMS FOR ADULTS


Join us online for a fascinating look at woodland wildflowers. We will discuss the unique nature of these delicate beauties, origins of some odd flower names, and where you can observe spring wildflowers throughout our parks. Zoom meeting ID: 831 0752 7571 Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Friday, May 07, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

SELF-GUIDED: MIGRATORY BIRD DISCOVERY


Hit the trail to learn fun facts about bird migration and identification while experiencing the beauty of peak migration season. This self-guided activity will be available on Willow Trail from May 7 through May 16. F/Tuscarawas Meadows

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 08, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

DISTANCE HIKE


Hike more than four miles to discover the scenic landscape and wildlife of the maple-beech forest. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/30: 330-865-8065. MF/Tallmadge Meadows

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 08, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR TEENS


Do you have a creative spirit? Teens ages 13 to 17 are invited to join our interpretive artist for a virtual lesson in nature drawing. All you need is a pencil and paper. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/25: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 08, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

TALLMADGE MEADOWS: A UNIQUE HISTORY


Stop in anytime between 1 and 2:30 p.m. to chat with a park naturalist at Meadowview Shelter for additional information to guide your exploration of Meadow Trail — a path that travels on land that was once the former Summit County Home Farm and Potter’s Field. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others.  MF/Tallmadge Meadows

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 09, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS


Join our interpretive artist online for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to12. All you need are a pencil and paper. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/3: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 09, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

FAMILY HIKE: SPRING BLOOMS


Gather the family and join us on Ledges Trail where you can discover and enjoy spring wildflowers! Chat with park naturalists at the shelter before you begin for additional information to guide your way as you follow signs along the trail to learn about the amazing plants that bloom here. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 09, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS


Join our interpretive artist online for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to12. All you need are a pencil and paper. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/3: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 12, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

VIRTUAL: NATURE JOURNALING


Join our interpretive artist for an inspiring lesson in nature journaling as a technique for practicing mindfulness. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/4: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 12, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! Enjoy an online 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! Zoom meeting ID: 742 857 8939 Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 12, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE JOURNALING


Join our interpretive artist online for an inspiring lesson in nature journaling as a technique for practicing mindfulness. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/4: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 12, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

VIRTUAL: TALKIN' TURTLES


All ages can join us online to celebrate our shelled reptilian neighbors: turtles! Discover why they are special and how we can help protect them. Meeting ID: 846 9425 4661 Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 13, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! Enjoy an online 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 13, 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

NATURE STORIES WITH MOTHER NATURE


Mother Nature is calling all young ones for a nature themed story time! Gather around as we hear a tale told by none other than the mother of nature herself.  ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/7: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 13, 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

NATURE STORIES WITH MOTHER NATURE


Mother Nature is calling all young ones for a nature themed story time! Gather around to hear a tale told by none other than the mother of nature herself. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/7: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 15, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

LET'S GO TO THE FISHING HOLE!


Kids ages 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line in Tinkers Creek Lake. Some rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. Adults must be there to supervise their children and if they want to fish, must have a current Ohio fishing license.Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/8: 330-865-8065. LP/Tinkers Creek

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 15, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

OWL PROWL


Whooo is awake in the forest after the sun goes down? Explore the park after dark with a naturalist to search for owls. Participants must wear a mask to and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/10: 330-865-8065. GYH/Pioneer

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

KIDS YOGA


Kids ages 7 and up are invited to join certified yoga instructor Lisa Meranti for a program focused on connecting with nature. This class will take place outside with distancing and simultaneously via Zoom for those who would like to participate from the comfort of their own homes. In case of inclement weather, class will be moved into the shelter. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel and drinking water. Guardians are encouraged to participate or asked to bring a lawn chair to distance behind the class. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. Zoom meeting ID: 851 8799 8090. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/11: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 16, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

LICHEN THOSE MOSSY LEDGES


Join a naturalist to discover what makes up the "living skin" covering the rocks along the ledges. Learn how a mushroom and algae took a "lichen" to one another, all while we learn about the geology of the ledges.Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/11: 330-865-8065. LP/Twinsburg Ledges

Leaf Icon Monday, May 17, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

SELF-GUIDED: DAFFODILS & HISTORY


Celebrate 100 years of Summit Metro Parks with a stroll along Daffodil Trail. Enjoy spring blooms and learn about the history of this area by following this self-guided trail program, available May 17 through 31. FR/Daffodil

Leaf Icon Tuesday, May 18, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

FACEBOOK LIVE: WORLD TURTLE DAY


Join us online to celebrate our shelled-friends, the turtles! Get to know the species found in our parks with the help of some live turtle ambassadors and learn why turtles need our help. Bring any questions you may have to this live broadcast. Facebook: , OH

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 20, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! Enjoy an 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 20, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

GOOD GARDENS: PLANT SWAP


Join us to swap some plants! These can be cuttings from plants in your yard or freshly grown from seed. Plants should be labeled with name and contained in pots. Vegetables and herbs are preferred, but all plants are welcome! All are encouraged to attend, even without plants to share. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/1: 330-865-8065. GYH/Lodge

Leaf Icon Friday, May 21, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

SOUNDS OF SPRING


Spring is in full bloom and the woods are awake and bustling with activity. Enjoy a sunset hike as the air fills with the sounds of spring. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/14: 330-865-8065. MF/Tallmadge Meadows

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 22, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

MOUNTAIN BIKING FOR BEGINNERS


New to mountain biking? Then this program is for you! Join us at the Hampton Hill Mountain Bike Trails for a small (socially distanced) group ride along the beginner's loop. Participants are required to bring a bike and wear a helmet. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/16: 330-865-8065. HH/Mountain Bike

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 22, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

KIDS FISHING


Kids ages 7 to 15: Let’s go fishing! We will provide the poles and bait. After a short lesson on fishing safety, how to cast and how to bait a hook, kids will be able to test their skills for about an hour. Parents must stay with their children and Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/15: 330-865-8065. SC/Boathouse

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 22, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

MOUNTAIN BIKING FOR BEGINNERS


New to mountain biking? Then this program is for you! Join us at the Hampton Hills Mountain Bike Area for a small (socially distanced) group ride along the Beginner Trail. Participants are required to bring a bike and wear a helmet. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/16: 330-865-8065. HH/Mountain Bike

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 22, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

MOUNTAIN BIKING: INTERMEDIATE TRAILS


Join us at the Hampton Hills Mountain Bike Area to ride the intermediate trails in a small group (socially distanced) to learn the lay of the land. This ride will be a no drop (no rider left behind) that is roughly 5.5 miles long. The intermediate trails require some technical mountain biking skills and can be challenging. There will be a few breaks along the way, but please be mindful of your riding abilities before registering. Participants are required to bring a bike and wear a helmet. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/16: 330-865-8065. HH/Mountain Bike

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 22, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

MOUNTAIN BIKING: INTERMEDIATE TRAILS


Join us at the Hampton Hills Mountain Bike Area to ride the intermediate trails in a small group (socially distanced) to learn the lay of the land. This ride will be a no drop (no rider left behind) that is roughly 5.5 miles long. The intermediate trails require some technical mountain biking skills and can be challenging. There will be a few breaks along the way, but please be mindful of your riding abilities before registering. Participants are required to bring a bike and wear a helmet. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/16: 330-865-8065. HH/Mountain Bike

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 23, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

TRY IT: ARCHERY


Participants ages 9 and older can sign up for a 45-minute time slot to try archery. Beginning and practiced archers are welcome. All equipment is provided, and participants must be 50 inches or taller. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/17: 330-865-8065. HH/Archery Range

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 23, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

TRY IT: ARCHERY


Participants ages 9 and older can sign up for a 45-minute time slot to try archery. Beginning and practiced archers are welcome. All equipment is provided, and participants must be 50 inches or taller. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/17: 330-865-8065. HH/Archery Range

Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 26, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! Enjoy an online 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! Zoom meeting ID: 742 857 8939 Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 27, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! Enjoy an online 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Thursday, May 27, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

KIDS YOGA


Kids ages 7 and up are invited to join certified yoga instructor Lisa Meranti for a program focused on connecting with nature. This class will take place outside with distancing and via Zoom for those who would like to participate from the comfort of their own homes. In case of inclement weather, class will be moved into shelter. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel and drinking water. Guardians are encouraged to participate or asked to bring a lawn chair to distance behind the class. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. Zoom meeting ID: 837 1956 3375 ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/11: 330-865-8065. F/Coventry Oaks

Leaf Icon Friday, May 28, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

THE DIVIDE IN AKRON


Did you know a divide runs through Summit County? It's the Continental Divide and it runs straight through Springfield Bog Metro Park! Discover what this means for our watersheds and learn about the history of the park property. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/18: 330-865-8065. SFB

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 29, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

VIRTUAL: LEARN TO COMPOST DAY


Join us online and learn how to create garden gold! On "Learn to Compost Day," join friends to discover the benefits of composting food and yard waste, how to do it and problem-solve existing piles. Bring questions and lessons to share. Zoom meeting ID: 839 4835 5970 Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Saturday, May 29, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

MEMORIAL FAMILY BIKE RIDE


Enjoy a family bike ride while showing off your red, white and blue! Dazzle up your bike and we’ll parade down the Towpath Trail. After the program, participants are encouraged to check out the beautifully designed Ohio Veterans’ Park less than a mile away from the trailhead. Directions will be provided. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/21: 330-865-8065. TT/Clinton

Leaf Icon Sunday, May 30, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

MARVELOUS MOTHS OF WETMORE


Join a naturalist to attract moths to a white sheet using special lights, and observe these insects' amazingly beautiful colors, shapes and patterns up close. Bring a flashlight and camera. Meet in the parking lot of the Wetmore Conservation Area trailhead. Participants must wear a mask and be prepared to maintain social distance from others. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/22: 330-865-8065. Wetmore Conservation Area: 4637 Wetmore Road Peninsula, OH 44223