Summit Metro Parks

Spree With Me: Wildlife Along the Canal
2026-09-04 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | TT/Wilbeth Road Trailhead, 392 W. Wilbeth Rd., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Cross a spree trail off your list with a 2.2-mile round-trip hike from Wilbeth to Summit Lake Nature Center and back. We’ll explore the impacts of the Ohio & Erie Canal on our landscape and the plants and animals that have weathered those changes.

Spree With Me: Rock Creek History
2026-09-12 14:00 - 15:00 | FR/Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield, OH, 44286, United States
We’ll be crossing off a hiking spree trail while learning about the rich history of Furnace Run and what great things can be found in the park.

Canal Paddle
2026-09-13 10:00 - 13:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Join a certified instructor on the Ohio & Erie Canal for a guided, round-trip paddle south from Summit Lake. Learn about the canal’s history and how it put Akron on the map. 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. All equipment, including life jackets, will be provided. Location subject to change based on water conditions. Cost: $15/person. Registration is required and begins 8/1. All sales are final.

Good Garden Talks: Cozy Up with Chamomile & Bergamot Teas
2026-09-17 18:00 - 19:30 | GYH/Goodyear Heights Lodge, 2077 Newton St., Akron, OH, 44305, United States
Join us in collaboration with Let’s Grow Akron and OSU Extension to learn all about comforting chamomile and wild bergamot, native plants that support human health and pollinators. Enjoy samples of both teas.

Spree With Me: Harvest Moon
2026-09-27 19:00 - 20:30 | SC/Big Oak Area, 5199 S. Medina Line Rd., Norton, OH, 44230, United States
Shine on harvest moon! Take a hike on the 2-mile Chippewa Trail and explore the agricultural history of Silver Creek Metro Park under the harvest moon, all while earning spree credit.

Pawpaw Appreciation Night
2026-09-29 19:00 - 20:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Discover Ohio’s state native fruit, the pawpaw! Learn the history of this fruit, its benefits and how to grow it. After a presentation, you’ll take home recipes and seeds (while supplies last) and sample its delicious banana-like flavor.

History of the Portage Path & Artist's Talk
2026-10-04 10:00 - 11:30 | TT/Big Bend Trailhead, 1337 Merriman Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join us for a walk from Big Bend to the northernmost point of the Portage Path. You’ll learn about the history of this vital link between North American waterways and about the statue of the portaging Indigenous person at the northern end of the portage. Artist Peter Jones (Seneca/Onondaga) created this statue and its twin to stand at both the northern and southern termini of the Portage Path.
This program is presented in coordination with the Portage Path Collaborative as part of a series of events in honor of North American First People’s Day. More information about events in the Akron area honoring North American First People’s Day can be found at https://walkportagepath.com.

Terrifying Titans: Megafauna
2026-10-11 14:00 - 15:00 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Halloween is known for monsters, so let’s talk about the behemoths that once roamed Ohio! Come learn about the megafauna that towered over all and how they were replaced by the fauna we have today. We will be hiking the grounds, so dress for the weather!

Book Club: A Passion for the Land
2026-10-14 18:00 - 19:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Whether a first-time visitor or a longtime book club member, all adults are invited to share in a lively discussion about the inspiring book, “A Passion for the Land: John F. Seiberling and the Environmental Movement,” by Daniel Nelson. Don’t forget to bring your mug — we’ll supply the beverages.

Self-Guided: History of the Realm
2026-11-03 00:00 - 2026-11-15 23:59 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Hike the 1.4-mile Seneca Trail through November 15 to explore the rich history of F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm and earn spree credit!

Geology of the Ledges
2026-11-14 13:00 - 15:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist as we stroll back in time 250 million years ago to understand how the ledges at Liberty Park were formed. Learn about their size, composition and the importance of what is called “Sharon conglomerate.” Learn why this is one of the most unique ecosystems in our park district, home to an incredible amount of biodiversity.

History of the American Forest
2026-11-15 13:00 - 14:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist as we explore the fascinating history of lumber in North America, from Indigenous uses of forests to the rise of the timber industry that helped build cities, railroads and economies. This program will examine how the industry has evolved while learning about the people who shaped it. We will discuss the formation of the Forest Service and examine how the industry changed after WWII into what it is today.

Spree With Me: Firestone History Hike
2026-11-15 14:00 - 15:30 | F/Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Cross this spree trail off your list as we walk along the 1.6-mile Willow Trail. We’ll look for wildlife that are hanging around this winter as we learn about the long history of this park and how it came to be.

Drop-In: Butter Making
2026-12-05 13:30 - 15:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Still a household staple, butter has played a crucial role in preserving dairy throughout human history. Carry on the tradition and make your own tasty butter, while supplies last.

History of the American Fur Trade
2026-12-13 13:00 - 14:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Discover the fascinating history of the early American fur trade and its lasting impact on North America. Explore the roles that Indigenous peoples, voyagers, mountain men and trading companies played in the industry, and how it shaped exploration, commerce and settlement. We’ll also examine the environmental and cultural impact of the fur trade, and how it continues to influence the world today.

Winter Solstice Stroll
2026-12-21 18:30 - 20:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist on the shortest day of the year — the winter solstice — as we stroll along the 0.25-mile Maple Loop Trail, beautifully lit by luminaries in the snow. We will hear the tale of “Mother Deer” and learn about the holiday songs and traditions that are based on facts and folklore about reindeer. After the stroll, we’ll enjoy hot chocolate and a warm fire in the nature center.

Cool Winters Hike
2026-12-27 13:00 - 14:30 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Take a hike along our 1.4-mile Seneca Trail as we enjoy the winter! We’ll be on the lookout for seasonal happenings, learning a bit about the history of Nature Realm and the benefits of being outdoors year-round.
