Summit Metro Parks

Homeschoolers: Spring Sings & Other Things
2026-03-19 10:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Homeschoolers ages 7 to 12: Join us to learn what’s singing this spring and why there are so many things to see. We’ll explore topics like bird migration, insect emergence, spring ephemerals and more through a presentation, activities and a short hike. Dress for the weather. Registration is required and begins on 2/1.

Young Birders: Timberdoodles
2026-03-20 19:00 - 20:00 | F/Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Kids ages 8 and up are invited to learn about the elusive timberdoodle, better known as the American woodcock, through a short presentation and woodcock walk. An adult companion is required to remain for the entirety of the program.

Maple Mania
2026-03-21 12:00 - 16:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Everyone loves real maple syrup! Stop in to discover the ins and outs of maple sugaring. See how the trees are tapped, how sap is collected and how it’s boiled down to that sweet amber syrup. Did you know Hudson, Ohio, was the birthplace of modern maple syrup production? Enjoy the festivities and — the best part — you can satisfy your sweet tooth by sampling our fresh, local Liberty Park syrup!

Maple Mania
2026-03-22 12:00 - 16:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Everyone loves real maple syrup! Stop in to discover the ins and outs of maple sugaring. See how the trees are tapped, how sap is collected and how it’s boiled down to that sweet amber syrup. Did you know that Hudson, Ohio, was the birthplace of modern maple syrup production? Enjoy the festivities and — the best part — you can satisfy your sweet tooth by sampling our fresh, local Liberty Park syrup!

Self-Guided Trail: Migratory Birds
2026-03-25 08:00 - 2026-04-08 17:00 | F/Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Hit the 1.1-mile Redwing Trail to discover fun facts about bird migration and identification while experiencing the beauty of peak migration season through April 8.

Powering Tomorrow Sustainably
2026-04-04 13:00 - 14:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist in this new monthly series to explore how emerging energy technologies and evolving policies are shaping our daily lives — and paving the way toward a sustainable future. We’ll discover how communities, industries and individuals are coming together to cut carbon emissions, adopt renewable technologies and rethink the way we power our world.
Each month focuses on a key theme, such as:

Renewable energy in action. Learn how solar, wind, and other clean sources are transforming how we power our lives.
Building the future. Explore the infrastructure and technology behind modern energy systems.
Responding to climate change. Learn strategies for both reducing emissions and adapting to a changing climate.
Innovation and entrepreneurship. Meet the people and ideas driving green technology forward.
Policy and investment. Discover how governments and financial systems are shaping the path to sustainability.
Community impact. Hear inspiring stories of individuals, organizations and industries making a difference.

Look forward to future programs in this series that bring together science, innovation and community action to deepen your understanding of energy and inspire a more sustainable world for generations to come.

Self-Guided: Awaiting Warblers
2026-04-09 00:00 - 2026-04-23 23:59 | WH/Downy Loop Trail, 2121 Barlow Rd., Hudson, OH, 44236, United States
Hike a portion of the 1.2-mile Downy Loop Trail to discover the world of warblers as we await these marvelous migrants. This experience is available through April 23.

Kinderealm: Marvelous Migration
2026-04-15 10:30 - 11:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
We invite children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions to join us to learn about the marvels of bird migration! We’ll embark on a journey of our own through activities, a story and a short hike. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins on 3/1.

Good Garden Talks: Creating Soft Landings
2026-04-16 18:00 - 19:30 | GYH/Goodyear Heights Lodge, 2077 Newton St., Akron, OH, 44305, United States
Discover how native plantings under native trees provide critical shelter and habitat for one or more life cycle stages of moths, butterflies and beneficial insects whose numbers are in decline.

Conservation in Action: Bats of Ohio
2026-04-16 18:30 - 20:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join us for the first Conservation in Action Series presentation. Park Biologist Marlo Perdicas will summarize two decades of bat research and discuss the future of these unique and imperiled species.

Self-Guided: Spring Wildflower Walk
2026-04-17 00:00 - 2026-05-03 23:59 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Welcome, spring! Hike the 1.1-mile Ledges Trail through May 3 to discover delicate spring blooms of all shapes, sizes and colors. Interpretive signs will be posted along the way to point out these beauties and guide your learning experience.

Dancing Conversation: Creative Process in Nature
2026-04-17 15:30 - 17:00 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
NCCAkron Executive/Artistic Director Christy Bolingbroke will facilitate a discussion with four artists around incorporating nature as a part of their creative process. Akron-based artists will include Choreographer Dominic Moore-Dunson and his work Black by Nature, Saxophonist Chris Coles and Wildlife Specialist Monika ‘Bell’ Bowman and their project AVIMANCY. Dancing Conversations highlight how dance and the arts touch everyday life.

Earth Fest Open House
2026-04-18 10:30 - 14:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Get an early start on celebrating Earth Day 2026 and enjoy games, a craft and music. You’ll learn the history of Earth Day, plus easy ways you can live greener and adopt sustainable practices.

Take Home Terrariums
2026-04-19 14:00 - 15:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Learn how to make a simple terrarium to house rolly pollies! Participants will go home with a large glass jar fully furnished for their backyard friends. Afterward, take a short stroll along part of the paved Maple Loop Trail in search of life under logs — it’s bound to be a flippin’ good time! Registration is required and begins on 3/1.

Kinderealm: Marvelous Migration
2026-04-22 10:30 - 11:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
We invite children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions to join us to learn about the marvels of bird migration! We’ll embark on a journey of our own through activities, a story and a short hike. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins 3/1.

Young Birders: Warblin' Warblers
2026-04-25 10:00 - 11:00 | FASN/Seneca Deck, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Kids ages 8 and up are invited to join us and learn about the commotion in the tree canopy through a short presentation and warbler walk. An adult companion is required to remain for the entirety of the program.

Birds and Blooms
2026-04-26 09:30 - 11:00 | DLQ/Quarry Trail, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH, 44264, United States
New and experienced birdwatchers are invited to stroll the 1.4-mile Quarry Trail in search of songbirds and wildflowers painting the forest with a long-awaited splash of color. Binoculars are recommended; some will be available to borrow.

Animal Ambassador Meet n' Greet
2026-04-26 12:30 - 13:30 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Get up-close with the animal ambassadors that call the visitors center home! We’ll learn about each critter, enjoy tabletop activities and learn about how you can be a local wildlife hero right in your own back yard! Meet in the auditorium.

Migration Madness
2026-04-26 13:00 - 14:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist as we get ready for spring migration, warbler season and the Biggest Week in American Birding! We will review the basics of warbler identification, along with other spring migrants. There will be several specimens preserved by taxidermy to provide a bird’s eye view of the many species that will be migrating through in the coming weeks. This program is designed for all levels of birding experience.

Free the Falls Progress Report
2026-04-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Akron-Summit County Public Library – Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron, 44326, United States
Members of the public are invited to attend a community update on the process to remove a 420-foot-wide, 60-foot-tall dam within Gorge Metro Park. The dam is one of the largest unresolved impediments to restoring the water quality of the Cuyahoga River and its removal will improve river ecology, create recreational opportunities and drive economic benefits within the local community.
On Tuesday, April 28 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Akron-Summit County Public Library – Main Library (60 S. High St., Akron), partners will present a progress report. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Before the meeting, enjoy refreshments and browse Free the Falls t-shirts for sale.
Parking is available at the garage at 40 S. High St. or the surface lot at 71 S. High St. Parking in the High and Market Deck is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays, with one free hour available through validation at the library welcome desk. Additional parking information can be found online.
ASL interpretation (English to ASL) will be provided during the meeting. The meeting will also be live-streamed and available for later viewing at youtube.com/summitmetroparks.
Now in its tenth year, the dam removal project is managed by a group of partners that includes the City of Akron, City of Cuyahoga Falls, FirstEnergy, County of Summit, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Summit County Council, Summit Metro Parks, The University of Akron, Ohio EPA, Ohio Lake Erie Commission and U.S. EPA.
Learn more about the effort to remove the Gorge Dam and sign up for email updates at bitl.ly/freethefalls.

Drive-In Astronomy Night
2026-04-30 20:30 - 22:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist for a drive-in style program on the science and history of our night sky. Learn what a lightyear is, why stars twinkle and how to navigate the night sky by looking for planets, constellations and other objects. You will be in your car just like the old drive-in movies, enjoying popcorn while listening through your car radio. Arrive early to get a good parking spot! Weather permitting, we will scan the sky to see what might be visible after the presentation.

May Migration Bird Walk
2026-05-03 07:30 - 09:30 | BHT/SR 91 Lot, 130 N. Main St., Munroe Falls, OH, 44262, United States
As we near The Biggest Week in American Birding, let’s hike a section of the Bike & Hike Trail with a naturalist to spot neotropical migrants on their journeys north. Along the way, discover how bird lovers can better support our avian friends at home. Please bring binoculars and a bird guide.

Wild About Wildflowers Hike
2026-05-03 12:00 - 13:30 | HH/Main Entrance, 2925 Akron Peninsula Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
We’ll look for the beautiful mix of early spring flowers that briefly brighten our local woodlands. Join us for happy hunting on the 1.9-mile Spring Hollow Trail.

Sunset Wildflower Walk
2026-05-06 18:30 - 20:00 | SR/Wadsworth Area, 1400 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron, OH, 44333, United States
Join a naturalist along a section of the 2.8-mile Valley Link Trail as we explore the forest in search of spring ephemerals at sunset. We’ll learn some identification tips and the cultural history of these small but mighty plants.

Good Garden Talks: Plant Swap
2026-05-07 18:00 - 19:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Join us in collaboration with Let’s Grow Akron to swap some plants! These can be cuttings from plants in your yard or freshly grown from seed. Plants should be labeled by name and contained in pots. Vegetables, herbs and native plants are preferred, but all plants are welcome! All are encouraged to attend, even without plants to share. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held indoors.

Wildflower Walk
2026-05-09 13:00 - 14:00 | GYH/Pioneer Area, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron, OH, 44305, United States
Spring is here and it’s time to look for wildflowers! Join a naturalist to explore this beautiful wetland area as nature begins to bloom.

Back Yards Gone Wild: Gardening on a Budget
2026-05-10 14:00 - 15:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Native plant gardening doesn’t have to be expensive! Join fellow gardeners for a discussion of how to get the best bang for your buck — learn about local sales, how to start plants successfully from seed or cuttings and how to split mature plants through hands-on demonstrations. We’ll end with a plant swap, so bring any cuttings, starts or seeds from your yard, labeled in containers, to share.

Moon Gardening for Nocturnal Creatures
2026-05-16 10:30 - 11:30 | MF/Lake Area, 521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls, OH, 44262, United States
From flickering fireflies to dancing bats and marvelous moths (butterflies of the night) — how can you use native plants to make your back yard more inviting to our nocturnal neighbors? We’ll talk night-blooming flowers, habitat features, firefly-friendly yards and more.
This program takes place during the Native Plant Festival.

Gardening in the Shade: Natives That Will Thrive
2026-05-16 11:30 - 12:30 | MF/Lake Area, 521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls, OH, 44262, United States
Join a naturalist as we discuss planning a shade garden using native plants that naturally thrive in low-light environments such as under trees, along buildings and in wooded settings. We will also discuss different types of shade, plant selection, soil preparation, water requirements and basic planting techniques.
This program takes place during the Native Plant Festival.

Wildlife Trek
2026-05-17 15:30 - 17:00 | F/Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Spring has sprung and summer is on the way! Join a naturalist as we take a hike along the canal and around the pond to see what critters might be stirring.
