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.

JulyAugustSeptember

Leaf Icon Saturday, January 06, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

HIKE UP TO CALM DOWN


Join a naturalist as we hike the challenging 2-mile Deer Run Trail. We will take breaks to talk about how being in nature naturally reduces stress and how to bring more calmness into our daily lives. ONW/Trail Lot

Leaf Icon Saturday, January 06, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

COFFEE WITH THE BIRDS


Join a naturalist to see which birds visit our viewing area. Bring a mug and your bird questions — we'll provide warm beverages and birding insights. Make it a "bird-iful" day: Hand feed the chickadees or stay to help count birds for Project Feeder Watch. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, January 06, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

BIRD FEEDERS 101


It's National Bird Day! Well, almost. Join a naturalist to learn about the types of bird food and feeders you can use in your Wild Back Yard, and the birds they might attract. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 07, 8:30 AM

BEGINNER BIRD WALK


Winter is the perfect time to get familiar with your native birds! Join a naturalist for a laid back, no judgment hike along Redwing Trail. Find familiar flying friends and learn skills that will help you grow in your personal birding journey. F/Tuscarawas Meadows

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 07, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT OPEN HOUSE


Join us to celebrate the opening of the Annual Amateur Photography Exhibit, featuring a variety of wildlife and landscape photos captured across the park district by community photographers and curated by SMP staff. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 07, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

CAMPFIRE AND S'MORES


Stop by to enjoy a warm campfire and make s’mores with a naturalist, while supplies last. FASN/Campfire Area

Leaf Icon Monday, January 08, 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 Tuesday, January 09, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS


Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/4: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Wednesday, January 10, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

KINDEREALM: SNOWFLAKES


Winter can be "snow" much fun! Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn all about snow through a story, a short lesson, and a craft. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/3: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Thursday, January 11, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS


Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/4: 330-865-8065. SLNC

Leaf Icon Thursday, January 11, 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, January 11, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

WINTERTIME HIKE & FIRE


Families with young children: bundle up and enjoy a winter walk through the woods. We'll learn about how wildlife stay warm in winter and share a story around a warm campfire. Hot cocoa will be available, while supplies last. FASN/Campfire Area

Leaf Icon Friday, January 12, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

SENIOR SAUNTER


Whether you're a senior by age or just want to enjoy nature in a leisurely way, join us for nature conversation with a warm beverage by the fire. Weather permitting, we will take a short walk to enjoy nature in winter. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Friday, January 12, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

OWLS & HOWLS


Join a naturalist and Dr. Lara Roketenetz from The University of Akron after dark to search for some of the park’s most elusive residents. After a presentation in the shelter, we will take a quiet hike to call these creatures with hopes they will respond with hoots and howls. Bring your patience, curiosity and a small flashlight if you wish. Enter the park off Ira Road and follow the parkway until it ends at the field station. Bath Nature Preserve: 4160 Ira Road Akron, OH 44333

Leaf Icon Saturday, January 13, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

COFFEE WITH THE BIRDS


Join a naturalist to see which birds visit our viewing area. Bring a mug and your bird questions — we’ll provide warm beverages and birding insights. Make it a total “bird-iful” day: Hand feed the chickadees or stay to help count birds for Project Feeder Watch. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, January 13, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

BIRD NERDS: DIVERSITY


Newbies and experts alike are welcome to join us in this lively series for a fun, approachable discussion on a new bird topic each month. This month, we'll explore all the different types of birds a bird can be with a presentation on avian diversity! FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, January 13, 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. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, January 13, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

MUSHROOMS 101


What do dead man's fingers, stinky squid, weeping widow and tree ear all have in common? They are all mushrooms! Join a naturalist to learn about the different shapes, sizes, colors and families of mushrooms to prepare you for the upcoming mushroom season. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, January 13, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

KITCHEN COMPOSTING


Want to get into composting but you’re concerned about space or investing in a large composter? Don't be! Bring an old plastic container with a lid to upcycle it into a mini composter that will make rich soil in any size space. SLNC

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 14, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

WINTER WALK


Serenity isn't just for summertime. Come enjoy nature's beauty and discuss the winter season on this morning stroll. Remember to dress for the weather! CV/Valley View

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 14, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS


Join our interpretive artist for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to 12. All materials will be provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/11: 330-865-8065. FASN

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 14, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

TRACKING: THE ART OF SEEING


Join a naturalist to discover what is making tracks in the snow, nibbling the twigs and leaving other clues behind. Learn the tips and tricks of tracking to "see" what is really going on in the lives of animals in winter. LP/Pond Brook

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 14, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS


Join our interpretive artist online for this entertaining virtual lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to12. All you need is a pencil and paper. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registration. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/11: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Monday, January 15, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

SCHOOL'S OUT: TRACKS & SCAT


Calling all kids: Become #1 at identifying #2 and learn about tracks along the way! Discover our wild neighbors by the clues they leave behind. Dress for the weather. FASN/Seneca Deck

Leaf Icon Monday, January 15, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE & EQUITY


Join us for a discussion on environmental justice and how the movement impacts our people, green spaces and policies in Northeast Ohio and beyond. GYH/Lodge

Leaf Icon Tuesday, January 16, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

TRAVELING IN ICELAND


Journey to Iceland for the evening to see its beauty, learn about its history and culture and discover the surprising similarities it has with our state of Ohio! Enjoy Icelandic cod prepared using an Icelandic recipe, while supplies last. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Wednesday, January 17, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS


Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/4: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Wednesday, January 17, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS


Join our interpretive artist online 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 1/4: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Thursday, January 18, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NATURE COLLAGE


Let's make a beautiful, nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist for this easy, fun lesson. All materials will be provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/12: 330-865-8065. FASN

Leaf Icon Thursday, January 18, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: BIRDS OF PREY


Homeschoolers ages 7 to 12: Explore the lives of owls, hawks, eagles and falcons to discover what makes these powerful birds unique. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/10: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Thursday, January 18, 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, January 18, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE COLLAGE


Let's make a beautiful, nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist online for this easy, fun lesson. A list of materials and a Zoom invite will be emailed after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/12: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

Leaf Icon Thursday, January 18, 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: BIRDS OF PREY


Homeschoolers, ages 7 to 12, will explore the lives of owls, hawks, eagles and falcons to discover what makes these powerful birds unique. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/10: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Thursday, January 18, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

INTRO TO ARCHERY


Participants will learn international-style target archery and test their marksmanship at our temporary indoor range. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 9 years old and 50 inches or taller. Cost: $10/person. Registration is required. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 1/10: Register here. F/Coventry Oaks

Leaf Icon Thursday, January 18, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

INTRO TO ARCHERY


Participants will learn international-style target archery and test their marksmanship at our temporary indoor range. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 9 years old and 50 inches or taller. Cost: $10/person.  ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 1/10: Register here. F/Coventry Oaks

Leaf Icon Friday, January 19, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

WINTER NATURE TALES


Young children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive, winter-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park after the program. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, January 20, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

NORTH COUNTRY WAKE UP HIKE


Begin your Saturday with an invigorating walk along the 2.1-mile Black Bear Trail. Afterward we'll warm up with some hot chocolate! LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, January 20, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

COFFEE WITH THE BIRDS


Join a naturalist to see which birds visit our viewing area. Bring a mug and your bird questions — we’ll provide warm beverages and birding insights. Make it a total “bird-iful” day: Hand feed the chickadees or stay to help count birds for Project Feeder Watch. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 21, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

WINTER BIRD WALK


Venture through the field and forest to catch glimpses of resident and migratory winter birds and learn how you can support our feathered friends this season. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. MF/Tallmadge Meadows

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 21, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

SNOWY STORY TIME


Warm up by the campfire as we read a winter-themed story for little ones and enjoy hot cocoa. Dress for the weather. FASN/Campfire Area

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 21, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

BACK YARDS GONE WILD: BIRD FEEDER WORKSHOP


Join a naturalist for this bimonthly series on welcoming nature into our outdoor spaces. This month, we will learn how to feed winter birds and thwart those sneaky squirrels! After a short presentation of tips and tricks, make a wooden hanging tray feeder to take home (one kit per family). All are welcome to attend the informational session. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/18: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Monday, January 22, 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 Wednesday, January 24, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

KINDEREALM: SNOWFLAKES


Winter can be "snow" much fun! Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn all about snow through a story, a short lesson, and a craft. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/3: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Wednesday, January 24, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

SENIOR SAUNTER


Whether you're a senior by age or just want to enjoy nature at a leisurely pace, join us as we stroll the 0.5-mile Overlook Trail. This paved loop is perfect for either a short walk or multiple trips around. Reach the overlook for a breathtaking view of the Cuyahoga River. CV/Overlook

Leaf Icon Wednesday, January 24, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

MEET ME IN THE GARDEN: THE SECRETS OF WILDFLOWERS


Some wildflowers just keep things to themselves, while others are pretty darn secretive and may never share much. Join Jeanne Poremski, a Stark/Summit County Master Gardener to grow your observation skills. FASN

Leaf Icon Thursday, January 25, 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, January 25, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

MINDFUL MOVEMENT YOGA


Join a certified yoga instructor and naturalist for a mindful, nature infused yoga class. This class is suitable for all levels of yoga experience and will be slow to moderately paced. Please wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat and/or towel and drinking water. The class will be held indoors. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/11: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Friday, January 26, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

HOT CHOCOLATE HIKE


Bring your own favorite hot beverage or help yourself to some of our hot chocolate before we hike the 1.4-mile Seneca Trail together on a lovely winter morning. Dress for the weather. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, January 27, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

COFFEE WITH THE BIRDS


Join a naturalist to see which birds visit our viewing area. Bring a mug and your bird questions — we’ll provide warm beverages and birding insights. Make it a total “bird-iful” day: Hand feed the chickadees or stay to help count birds for Project Feeder Watch. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Saturday, January 27, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

GEOLOGY OF THE LEDGES


Join a naturalist to learn how the ledges were formed 250 million years ago and later exposed by the last glacier. We will be hiking off-trail, so boots are recommended. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 28, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

SNOW MUCH FUN OPEN HOUSE


Snow or not, there's bound to be fun at Liberty Park! Toast a s'more over a fire, try your hand at feeding the chickadees and hit the trail for a self-guided winter hike. Afterward, stop inside the nature center to warm up at our hot cocoa bar and create a simple winter craft. Weather permitting, snowshoes will be available for loan. LP/Nature Center

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 28, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

PINECONE SNOWMAN CRAFT


Create adorable, festive snowmen using pinecones to brighten your home until spring arrives! All supplies will be provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/19: 330-865-8065. SLNC

Leaf Icon Sunday, January 28, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

FANTASTIC FOXES


Join a naturalist to learn all about foxes and the skills that make them keen hunters and hiders. Afterward, we will hike to search for signs of their activity. FASN/Visitors Center

Leaf Icon Monday, January 29, 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 Monday, January 29, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

CIRCUMPOLAR EXPRESS


The night sky is so vast that it can be hard to know where to begin, but it doesn't have to be that way. We will navigate like the sailors of yesteryear, starting with the only star that never moves and use it to help us navigate on our hike to view our year-round constellations. SFB

Leaf Icon Wednesday, January 31, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

KINDEREALM: SNOWFLAKES


Winter can be "snow" much fun! Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn all about snow through a story, a short lesson, and a craft. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 1/3: 330-865-8065. SLNC

Leaf Icon Wednesday, January 31, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

VIRTUAL: HISTORY OF THE GORGE


From streetcars and hidden caves to dance halls and roller coasters, the Gorge has had a remarkable past. Take a virtual stroll through time as we discover over 200 years of history through stories and images. Zoom meeting ID: 817 8094 2169 Zoom: , OH