Summit Metro Parks

Cycling FRIENDS Preview
2025-07-07 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | TT/Big Bend Trailhead, 1337 Merriman Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join Summit Metro Parks, South Street Ministries and local cycling enthusiasts for a unique opportunity to preview the Cycling FRIENDS program. Youth and an accompanying adult are invited to join us for a 2-mile ride while we learn about this exciting opportunity through interactive demonstrations. Please bring your helmet and bicycle. Helmets are required to participate.

Intro to Mountain Biking
2025-07-12 10:00 - 12:30 | HH/Mountain Bike Area, 2092 Theiss Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Are you curious about mountain biking but nervous to try the trails by yourself? Then this program is for you! Join us in collaboration with South Street Ministries to review mountain biking safety and trail tips, followed by a ride on the beginner and moderate mountain biking loops. Please bring your own helmet and bicycle. Helmets are required to participate. Advance registration is required and begins (7/3).

Intro to Mountain Biking
2025-07-12 13:30 - 16:00 | HH/Mountain Bike Area, 2092 Theiss Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Are you curious about mountain biking but nervous to try the trails by yourself? Then this program is for you! Join us in collaboration with South Street Ministries to go over mountain biking safety and trail tips, followed by a ride on the beginner and moderate mountain biking loops. Please bring your own helmet and bicycle. Helmets are required to participate. Advance registration is required and begins (7/3).

Guided Forest Therapy
2025-07-12 14:00 - 16:00 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Feeling ready to slow down and reconnect to the present moment? Do you feel most grounded and nurtured when spending time with nature? During this immersive experience, participants will be guided through a series of invitations that allow us to deepen our connection to our senses, awareness and interconnectedness with the forest. Registration is required and begins July 3.

Senior Cycling: Hand-Off Ride
2025-07-18 18:00 - 21:00 | TT/Mustill Store Trailhead, 57 W. North St., Akron, OH, 44304, United States
Join us in collaboration with South Street Ministries for a ride on the Towpath Trail to Canal Place to meet up and participate with the Akron Bike Party. Expect to ride at least 10 to 12 miles at a casual (10-12 mph) pace with hills and occasionally cycling on public roads. All riders are responsible for obeying traffic laws and watching for traffic. Please bring your own helmet and bicycle. Helmets and bike lights are required to participate.

National Ice Cream Day Cycle
2025-07-20 14:00 - 16:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Join us in collaboration with South Street Ministries for a bike ride to Skoops Ice Cream to celebrate National Ice Cream Day! Expect to ride at least 10 to 12 miles, at a casual (10-12 mph) pace. Please bring your own helmet, bicycle and money. Helmets are required to participate.

Sunsets & Swallows
2025-07-25 19:00 - 20:30 | CV/Valley View Area, 1134 Cuyahoga St., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Soak up the summer sunset and watch the swallows above the Cuyahoga River as we walk the 1.1-mile Missing Link Trail.

Senior Cycling: Pedal into the Past
2025-08-08 10:00 - 13:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Join us for a bike ride in collaboration with South Street Ministries to celebrate Akron’s bicentennial! Explore the historical, cultural and economic significance of the Kenmore and Summit Lake neighborhoods. The bike ride will feature landmarks like a Jewish cemetery, renovated pump house, the canal and more. Expect to ride at least 10 to 12 miles at a casual (10-12 mph) pace. Please bring your own bicycle and helmet. Helmets are required to participate.

Pedal into the Past: Youth Empowerment
2025-08-09 10:00 - 13:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Join us for a bike ride in collaboration with South Street Ministries to celebrate Akron’s bicentennial! Explore the historical, cultural and economic significance of the Kenmore & Summit Lake neighborhoods. Help us envision a more vibrant and interconnected Summit Lake and Kenmore. Expect to ride at least 10 to 12 miles at a casual (10-12 mph) pace. Please bring your own helmet and bicycle. Helmets are required to participate.

Sturgeon Full Moon Hike
2025-08-09 20:30 - 21:30 | MF/Tallmadge Meadows Area, 1088 North Ave., Tallmadge, OH, 44278, United States
See and learn about the full Sturgeon Moon during a hike along the 0.35-mile Meadow Loop Trail. Bring a flashlight along!

BMX for Beginners
2025-08-16 13:00 - 16:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Join us in collaboration with South Street Ministries for an introduction to the sport of BMX. For ages 12 to 25, we will focus on foundational skills such as bike handling, balance, braking and basic maneuvers. BMX style bikes and helmets will be provided for use during this program.

Summer Saunter
2025-08-23 09:00 - 10:00 | FR/Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield, OH, 44286, United States
Take a leisurely hike on the 1.3-mile Rock Creek Trail to enjoy the summer morning and talk about seasonal changes.

Bike Ride & Picnic
2025-08-31 14:00 - 16:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Join us in collaboration with South Street Ministries to celebrate “National Eat Outside Day” with a bike ride and picnic. This will be a casual pace (10-12 mph), 10-12-mile ride to downtown Akron and back. Upon return, join us for some meaningful conversation and a picnic. Light refreshments will be provided.

Guided Forest Therapy
2025-08-31 14:00 - 16:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Feeling ready to slow down and reconnect to the present moment? Do you feel most grounded and nurtured when spending time with nature? During this immersive experience, participants will be guided through a series of invitations that allow us to deepen our connection to our senses, awareness and interconnectedness with the forest. Registration is required and begins 8/20.

Sunset Spree Hike
2025-09-05 18:00 - 20:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Learn about this year’s Fall Hiking Spree sustainability theme and enjoy the setting sun with a 2.8-mile round trip from Summit Lake Nature Center to the Wilbeth Trailhead and back.

Kayak Open House
2025-09-06 16:00 - 19:00 | SC/Lake House Area, 5000 S. Hametown Rd., Norton, OH, 44203, United States
Stop by to learn basic kayak techniques and take a short self-guided paddle on the lake under the guidance of certified instructors. Minimum age is 13; ages 13 to 17 must be with an adult participant. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and be able to swim. Wear clothes that can get wet and bring a water bottle. All equipment, including life jackets, will be provided. Space is limited and kayaks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Location subject to change based on water conditions.

Fernwood Stroll
2025-09-07 13:00 - 14:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join a naturalist for a hike along the 0.9-mile Fernwood Loop. We’ll be on the lookout for who’s around and any seasonal happenings as summer begins to wind down.

Guided Forest Therapy
2025-09-07 14:00 - 16:00 | F/Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Feeling ready to slow down and reconnect to the present moment? Do you feel most grounded and nurtured when spending time with nature? During this immersive experience, participants will be guided through a series of invitations that allow us to deepen our connection to our senses, our awareness and the interconnectedness with the world around us. Registration is required and begins 8/20.

Tent Camping Workshop
2025-09-13 10:00 - 13:00 | SC/Lake House Area, 5000 S. Hametown Rd., Norton, OH, 44203, United States
Families are invited to a fun introductory camping experience led by naturalists. We will offer fishing, hiking, upcycled crafting, simple campfire cooking, a nature color-coded search for children, time in a tent and relaxing forest bathing.

Guided Forest Therapy
2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Feeling ready to slow down and reconnect to the present moment? Do you feel most grounded and nurtured when spending time with nature? During this immersive experience, participants will be guided through a series of invitations that allow us to deepen our connection to our senses, our awareness, and the interconnectedness with the world around us. Registration is required and begins 10/15.

Fine in the Pines Hike
2025-11-01 10:00 - 12:00 | GYH/Pioneer Area, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron, OH, 44305, United States
Learn about the value of pines and several other tree species found along the 2-mile Piney Woods Trail. We’ll also talk about wildlife typically found here and highlights of this park’s history.

Better Than Sleepy Hollow Hike
2025-11-16 14:00 - 15:30 | HH/Main Entrance, 2925 Akron Peninsula Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Surely Ichabod Crane would prefer this glacially formed, scenic 1.9-mile Spring Hollow Trail in Adam Run Valley! Wear hiking boots as the trail crosses several seasonal streams.

Good Garden Talks: Plant Native Trees
2025-11-20 18:00 - 19:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Learn how and why adding native trees to your home landscape can transform it into a more welcoming, biodiverse and healthy green refuge benefiting you, your family and wildlife.

Winter is Alive
2025-12-07 14:00 - 15:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Enjoy a wintry hike on the 2.1-mile Black Bear Trail to learn how wildlife survives and thrives in colder temperatures, then enjoy a cup of hot cocoa afterward!

Silent Solstice Hike
2025-12-21 17:30 - 19:00 | SFB/Prairie Trail, 1400 Portage Line Rd., Springfield Twp., OH, 44312, United States
Reflect on the passage of another year and take in the peace of the year’s longest night with a silent hike on the 1.6-mile Prairie Trail.

Winter Weather Hike
2025-12-28 14:00 - 15:00 | F/Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Have a relaxing walk on the 1.6-mile Willow Trail. Take time to listen to the absence or abundance of sound that is found during this season. Make sure to dress warm and, above all, enjoy the serenity of the outdoors.

Winter Senses Walk
2026-01-18 10:00 - 11:00 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join us for a relaxing walk on the 1.4-mile Seneca Trail. Take some time to listen to the absence or abundance of sound that is found in winter. Make sure to dress for the weather and, above all, enjoy the serenity of the outdoors.

Winter Poetry Hike
2026-01-24 11:00 - 12:30 | BHT/ SR 82 Lot, 685 W. Aurora Rd., Northfield, OH, 44067, United States
Get moving, enjoy wintry scenery and bring your favorite short poems that celebrate this season as we walk along! Enjoy hot chocolate at the end of the hike.

Cozy Up with Chamomile and Bergamot Teas
2026-02-07 18:00 - 19:30 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Learn all about comforting chamomile and wild bergamot, a native plant that supports human health as well as gardening benefits for pollinators. Enjoy samples of both teas.

Black Bear Ramble
2026-02-21 13:00 - 14:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Enjoy a hike in the wintry woods as we look for signs of our largest mammal, the black bear. Children are invited to bring their favorite teddy bear for the hike. Enjoy “beary” good cookies and milk afterward.
