Insect Safari
Go on safari to sweep for beautiful and bizarre insects in the tall grasses alongside the trail.
42 events found.
Nature Education
Beginning January 2026, all program registration will be online. Registration will now open at 8:30 a.m. on the first day of the month prior to the program. Please register for the individuals in your household only. If you have questions regarding this new process, please call Nature Realm Visitors Center at 330-865-8065 (Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 – 5 p.m.).
Programs & Events
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1 event,Bert Szabo Legacy Address with Jim McCormacJoin the Greater Akron Audubon Society to celebrate biodiversity and beyond with photographer and naturalist-extraordinaire Jim McCormac. Honoring the legacy of Bert Szabo, the park district's first naturalist, with the idea that "the more of us who care, the more likely that our natural world will survive," Jim will inspire us to protect and enhance […] |
1 event,Kinderealm: LadybugsChildren ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will enjoy a game, craft, story and song centered around a much-loved critter that some cultures believe brings good luck: the ladybug! A short walk will be included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. |
2 events,Wetland Wildflowers WalkHike the rich wetlands of Firestone's 1.1-mile Redwing Trail to learn about and enjoy spring's early blooming flowers. Kids in the GardenJoin us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden. |
1 event,Color Hunt HikeJoin a naturalist on a short hike while we search for all the colors of the rainbow! Along the way, we'll chat about the science behind colors in nature |
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2 events,Self-Guided Storybook Trail: Some BugsEnjoy some fun and exploration while following a self-guided story trail based on the book, “Some Bugs.” This experience will be available along the 1.2-mile Downy Loop Trail through June 30. Teddy Bear PicnicFamilies with young children can bring a favorite teddy bear, blankets, and picnic lunches to enjoy a fun afternoon as we learn all about bears native to Ohio and complete fun bear-related activities. A prize will be awarded to the best pre-decorated bear! In the event of inclement weather, this program will be moved indoors. |
1 event,Fun Facts for KidsHow do frogs survive frigid winters? Can toads give you warts? Which Ohio mammal has the most teeth? Join a naturalist on a 1.2-mile scavenger hunt along Downy Loop Trail for the answers to these questions and more! |
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2 events,Halcyon Days of SummerJoin a bird walk along the waters of the Tuscarawas in search of the enigmatic belted kingfisher. Together we will discover the oddities and eccentricities of how this bird behaves, and how its bizarre behavior inspired myths and sayings from ancient Greece to the Americas. Kinderealm: TreesChildren 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn all about trees and the beautiful lives they live. A craft and short walk are included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. |
2 events,Kids in the GardenJoin us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden. Good Garden Talks: Weed & Water Management in the Vegetable GardenJoin us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron and OSU Extension to learn weed management and proper watering techniques for your vegetable garden. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held indoors. |
1 event,Early Morning HikeRise and shine! Get an early start to the day with a hike along the Cuyahoga River. We'll chat along the way about the early birds, bugs and other wildlife that might be awake. |
3 events,O’Nature Goods of O’Neil WoodsHike the beautiful yet challenging Deer Run Trail with a naturalist to learn about the natural and historical goods these two hilly miles have to offer. Tent Camping for FamiliesFamilies with children under 14 are invited to join naturalists for a fun and relaxing overnight tent camping experience. Activities include guided nature activities, a campfire, s'mores and games. Please bring your own camping equipment, including food, sleeping gear, toiletries and chairs. No gear? No problem! Request a free camping kit with essentials during registration, […] Night Creatures HikeBring a flashlight to hike along the 2.2-mile Indian Spring Trail during sunset to help us see what creatures may be out and about as darkness settles in around us! |
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2 events,Kinderealm: TreesChildren 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn all about trees and the beautiful lives they live. A craft and short walk are included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Build Your Own BirdLearn about the vibrant songs and colors of the birds who brighten our skies, then fold and decorate your own origami birds. Recommended for ages 8 and up. |
1 event,Kids in the GardenJoin us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden. |
1 event,Spring Nature TalesThe end of spring is near! Young children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive story time focused on the changing seasons. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the nature play area after the program. |
1 event,Bird Nerds: NestingNewbies 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 what raising kids looks like for our feathered friends. |
1 event,Father’s Day Drop-InDrop by the nature center to learn about amazing animal dads! Go on a scavenger hunt around the nature center, roast a marshmallow over a campfire and make a simple craft to gift to the father figure in your life. |
1 event,Nature at Night: Springfield BogBeat the heat and explore the bog as the lights get low. Well take a twilight stroll on the 1.6-mile Prairie Trail and soak in the hip-hop stylings of our froggy friends from the overlooks |
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1 event,Kids Creek WalkJoin a naturalist to explore what life is living in our local streams — it's more than you may think! We will hike half of Rock Creek Trail, then walk in the creek on our return. Closed-toe water shoes are required. |
4 events,Summer Solstice HikeCelebrate the longest day of the year with a distance hike of about 3.1 miles through the forest. We'll experience multiple habitats as we walk along portions of the Parcours, Piney Woods and Alder trails. Kids in the GardenJoin us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden. Good Garden Talks: Weed & Water Management in the Vegetable GardenJoin us in collaboration with Let’s Grow Akron and OSU Extension to learn weed management and proper watering techniques for your vegetable garden. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held indoors. |
2 events,Senior SaunterWhether you're a senior by age or just want to appreciate the outdoors at a leisurely pace, join us for a short walk as we observe nature on the first full day of summer. Bring a mug and enjoy a beverage and more nature conversation afterward. Moths of Many ColorsJoin a naturalist to explore the variety and beauty of our local moths. Bring a flashlight and camera if you'd like to take photos. Enjoy the many colors, sizes and shapes that make up this group of lepidopterans. Learn the difference between pug, slug, dagger, silk and sphinx moths. You'll also learn what a moth […] |
2 events,Meet the MammalsYou're never too young to meet the mammals! Bring the kids to learn about some of the animals that live in our own back yards. Participants will have the opportunity to feel the furs of some of Ohio's favorite and most misunderstood critters before hiking a short portion of Pheasant Run Trail to look and […] Rock & RollDiscovering geologic history doesn't have to take place at a geologic pace. Take a brisk 8.5-mile bicycle ride with planned stops to discover the geologic features along the trail. Participants must supply their own bikes. Helmets are required. |
3 events,Self-Guided: Dragons & DamselsTake a self-guided hike along the 1.6-mile Celebration Trail to explore the beautiful dragonflies and damselflies flitting overhead. Learn all about these beautiful insects through informational signage highlighting their diversity, anatomy and more. This experience is available through June 30. Salamanders of SMPJoin a naturalist to discover the diversity of salamanders found in Summit Metro Parks. Liberty Park is home to 10 different salamander species, and we will have some to see up close. Following the program, we will explore Ledges Trail to see how many we can find! Crayfish Creek AdventureSlip into your water shoes and get ready to get wet as we explore the waters of the Tuscarawas River. Nets and buckets will be provided. Closed-toe shoes are required for hiking and technical creek walking at varied water levels. |
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1 event,Family Nature Photography with Brad ImhoffJoin the Greater Akron Audubon Society to explore photography as a family hobby with photographer and mental health professor Dr. Brad Imhoff. Through his greatest passion of nature photography, with a special focus on birds, Brad will share his photographs and the many benefits of photography as a multigenerational hobby. |
2 events,Kinderealm: TreesChildren 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn all about trees and the beautiful lives they live. A craft and short walk are included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Meet Me in the Garden: Grow a Great Cutting GardenLearn about some of Stan Hywet's favorite flowers from Brian Gregory, senior horticulturalist. You will discover beautiful blooms and plants grown for floral arranging, as well as tips and techniques for growing your own productive and beautiful cut flower garden. |
2 events,Kids in the GardenJoin us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden. The Art of Plant PressingDried plants can become wonderful art pieces, important records for science and, if you're careful, both! Learn the tricks of the trade for mounting and preserving plant specimens and get the opportunity to try it yourself. Plants and supplies will be provided. |
1 event,Dragonfly QuestFerocious hunters prowl our lands during the summer. Adventure out with a naturalist to get up-close looks at amazing dragonflies. Insect nets will be provided for those who dare to try capturing these elusive predators. |
3 events,Kids FishingWhether your child is an expert angler or has never seen a fish before, drop in for a morning of fishing and fun. Bait and rods will be provided. Tent Camping for FamiliesFamilies with children under 14 are invited to join naturalists for a fun and relaxing overnight tent camping experience! Activities include guided nature activities, a campfire, s'mores and games. Please bring your own camping equipment, including food, sleeping gear, toiletries and chairs. No gear? No problem! Request a free camping kit with essentials during registration, […] Good and Bad Bugs of the GardenJoin a naturalist as we look at the many different bugs in your garden: lady, potato, flea and cucumber beetles, assassin bugs and lace wings, just to name a few! Learn which ones are beneficial and which ones you want to minimize through earth-friendly ways. |
1 event,Summit Lake Birthday BashIt’s a birthday party and you’re invited! Come to the Summit Lake Nature Center to celebrate the anniversary of the center’s opening. |
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1 event,Fantastic FirefliesWhat’s better than fireworks? Fireflies! Enjoy basking in the glow of nature’s light show as we hike the 1.6-mile Prairie Trail looking for the many firefly species that call Summit County home. |
2 events,A “R-Eagle” CelebrationJoin us on Independence Day to celebrate the eagle, a raptor revered by many cultures as the regal "king of the sky." Enjoy hands-on activities inside, take a self-guided hike and make your own s'more over a campfire (while supplies last).
Liberty Park
Firefly FireworksEnjoy nature's bioluminescent fireworks this holiday! Learn about this charismatic insect through engaging activities, then catch some fireflies of your own. Please bring your own flashlight and bug jar. Enjoy sparklers, while supplies last.
Munroe Falls Metro Park
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3 events,Wildflower WalkSummer is in full bloom! Take a walk among the wildflowers through portions of Seneca Trail, the Rock & Herb Garden and the Arboretum as we discuss and identify Ohio's native wildflowers.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
Summer Nature TalesYoung children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive summer-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the Nature Play area after the program.
Liberty Park
Moths Of Liberty ParkDid you know moths outnumber butterflies by about 20 to one? Join a naturalist to learn how to use black lights to attract these amazing creatures and observe their beautiful colors, shapes and patterns up close. Bring a flashlight and camera if you'd like to take photos. Bug spray is highly recommended.
Liberty Park
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0 events,
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Insect Safari
Go on safari to sweep for beautiful and bizarre insects in the tall grasses alongside the trail.
Bert Szabo Legacy Address with Jim McCormac
Join the Greater Akron Audubon Society to celebrate biodiversity and beyond with photographer and naturalist-extraordinaire Jim McCormac. Honoring the legacy of Bert Szabo, the park district's first naturalist, with the idea that "the more of us who care, the more likely that our natural world will survive," Jim will inspire us to protect and enhance Ohio birds and biodiversity. Come…
Kinderealm: Ladybugs
Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will enjoy a game, craft, story and song centered around a much-loved critter that some cultures believe brings good luck: the ladybug! A short walk will be included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers.
Wetland Wildflowers Walk
Hike the rich wetlands of Firestone's 1.1-mile Redwing Trail to learn about and enjoy spring's early blooming flowers.
Kids in the Garden
Join us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden.
Color Hunt Hike
Join a naturalist on a short hike while we search for all the colors of the rainbow! Along the way, we'll chat about the science behind colors in nature
Self-Guided Storybook Trail: Some Bugs
Enjoy some fun and exploration while following a self-guided story trail based on the book, “Some Bugs.” This experience will be available along the 1.2-mile Downy Loop Trail through June 30.
Teddy Bear Picnic
Families with young children can bring a favorite teddy bear, blankets, and picnic lunches to enjoy a fun afternoon as we learn all about bears native to Ohio and complete fun bear-related activities. A prize will be awarded to the best pre-decorated bear! In the event of inclement weather, this program will be moved indoors.
Fun Facts for Kids
How do frogs survive frigid winters? Can toads give you warts? Which Ohio mammal has the most teeth? Join a naturalist on a 1.2-mile scavenger hunt along Downy Loop Trail for the answers to these questions and more!
Halcyon Days of Summer
Join a bird walk along the waters of the Tuscarawas in search of the enigmatic belted kingfisher. Together we will discover the oddities and eccentricities of how this bird behaves, and how its bizarre behavior inspired myths and sayings from ancient Greece to the Americas.
Kinderealm: Trees
Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn all about trees and the beautiful lives they live. A craft and short walk are included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers.
Kids in the Garden
Join us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden.
Good Garden Talks: Weed & Water Management in the Vegetable Garden
Join us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron and OSU Extension to learn weed management and proper watering techniques for your vegetable garden. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held indoors.
Early Morning Hike
Rise and shine! Get an early start to the day with a hike along the Cuyahoga River. We'll chat along the way about the early birds, bugs and other wildlife that might be awake.
O’Nature Goods of O’Neil Woods
Hike the beautiful yet challenging Deer Run Trail with a naturalist to learn about the natural and historical goods these two hilly miles have to offer.
Tent Camping for Families
Families with children under 14 are invited to join naturalists for a fun and relaxing overnight tent camping experience. Activities include guided nature activities, a campfire, s'mores and games. Please bring your own camping equipment, including food, sleeping gear, toiletries and chairs. No gear? No problem! Request a free camping kit with essentials during registration, available while supplies last.
Night Creatures Hike
Bring a flashlight to hike along the 2.2-mile Indian Spring Trail during sunset to help us see what creatures may be out and about as darkness settles in around us!
Kinderealm: Trees
Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn all about trees and the beautiful lives they live. A craft and short walk are included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers.
Build Your Own Bird
Learn about the vibrant songs and colors of the birds who brighten our skies, then fold and decorate your own origami birds. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Kids in the Garden
Join us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden.
Spring Nature Tales
The end of spring is near! Young children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive story time focused on the changing seasons. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the nature play area after the program.
Bird Nerds: Nesting
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 what raising kids looks like for our feathered friends.
Father’s Day Drop-In
Drop by the nature center to learn about amazing animal dads! Go on a scavenger hunt around the nature center, roast a marshmallow over a campfire and make a simple craft to gift to the father figure in your life.
Nature at Night: Springfield Bog
Beat the heat and explore the bog as the lights get low. Well take a twilight stroll on the 1.6-mile Prairie Trail and soak in the hip-hop stylings of our froggy friends from the overlooks
Kids Creek Walk
Join a naturalist to explore what life is living in our local streams — it's more than you may think! We will hike half of Rock Creek Trail, then walk in the creek on our return. Closed-toe water shoes are required.
Summer Solstice Hike
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a distance hike of about 3.1 miles through the forest. We'll experience multiple habitats as we walk along portions of the Parcours, Piney Woods and Alder trails.
Kids in the Garden
Join us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden.
Good Garden Talks: Weed & Water Management in the Vegetable Garden
Join us in collaboration with Let’s Grow Akron and OSU Extension to learn weed management and proper watering techniques for your vegetable garden. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held indoors.
Senior Saunter
Whether you're a senior by age or just want to appreciate the outdoors at a leisurely pace, join us for a short walk as we observe nature on the first full day of summer. Bring a mug and enjoy a beverage and more nature conversation afterward.
Moths of Many Colors
Join a naturalist to explore the variety and beauty of our local moths. Bring a flashlight and camera if you'd like to take photos. Enjoy the many colors, sizes and shapes that make up this group of lepidopterans. Learn the difference between pug, slug, dagger, silk and sphinx moths. You'll also learn what a moth garden is and why it…
Meet the Mammals
You're never too young to meet the mammals! Bring the kids to learn about some of the animals that live in our own back yards. Participants will have the opportunity to feel the furs of some of Ohio's favorite and most misunderstood critters before hiking a short portion of Pheasant Run Trail to look and listen for signs animals in…
Rock & Roll
Discovering geologic history doesn't have to take place at a geologic pace. Take a brisk 8.5-mile bicycle ride with planned stops to discover the geologic features along the trail. Participants must supply their own bikes. Helmets are required.
Self-Guided: Dragons & Damsels
Take a self-guided hike along the 1.6-mile Celebration Trail to explore the beautiful dragonflies and damselflies flitting overhead. Learn all about these beautiful insects through informational signage highlighting their diversity, anatomy and more. This experience is available through June 30.
Salamanders of SMP
Join a naturalist to discover the diversity of salamanders found in Summit Metro Parks. Liberty Park is home to 10 different salamander species, and we will have some to see up close. Following the program, we will explore Ledges Trail to see how many we can find!
Crayfish Creek Adventure
Slip into your water shoes and get ready to get wet as we explore the waters of the Tuscarawas River. Nets and buckets will be provided. Closed-toe shoes are required for hiking and technical creek walking at varied water levels.
Family Nature Photography with Brad Imhoff
Join the Greater Akron Audubon Society to explore photography as a family hobby with photographer and mental health professor Dr. Brad Imhoff. Through his greatest passion of nature photography, with a special focus on birds, Brad will share his photographs and the many benefits of photography as a multigenerational hobby.
Kinderealm: Trees
Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn all about trees and the beautiful lives they live. A craft and short walk are included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers.
Meet Me in the Garden: Grow a Great Cutting Garden
Learn about some of Stan Hywet's favorite flowers from Brian Gregory, senior horticulturalist. You will discover beautiful blooms and plants grown for floral arranging, as well as tips and techniques for growing your own productive and beautiful cut flower garden.
Kids in the Garden
Join us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden.
The Art of Plant Pressing
Dried plants can become wonderful art pieces, important records for science and, if you're careful, both! Learn the tricks of the trade for mounting and preserving plant specimens and get the opportunity to try it yourself. Plants and supplies will be provided.
Dragonfly Quest
Ferocious hunters prowl our lands during the summer. Adventure out with a naturalist to get up-close looks at amazing dragonflies. Insect nets will be provided for those who dare to try capturing these elusive predators.
Kids Fishing
Whether your child is an expert angler or has never seen a fish before, drop in for a morning of fishing and fun. Bait and rods will be provided.
Tent Camping for Families
Families with children under 14 are invited to join naturalists for a fun and relaxing overnight tent camping experience! Activities include guided nature activities, a campfire, s'mores and games. Please bring your own camping equipment, including food, sleeping gear, toiletries and chairs. No gear? No problem! Request a free camping kit with essentials during registration, available while supplies last.
Good and Bad Bugs of the Garden
Join a naturalist as we look at the many different bugs in your garden: lady, potato, flea and cucumber beetles, assassin bugs and lace wings, just to name a few! Learn which ones are beneficial and which ones you want to minimize through earth-friendly ways.
Summit Lake Birthday Bash
It’s a birthday party and you’re invited! Come to the Summit Lake Nature Center to celebrate the anniversary of the center’s opening.
Fantastic Fireflies
What’s better than fireworks? Fireflies! Enjoy basking in the glow of nature’s light show as we hike the 1.6-mile Prairie Trail looking for the many firefly species that call Summit County home.
A “R-Eagle” Celebration
Join us on Independence Day to celebrate the eagle, a raptor revered by many cultures as the regal "king of the sky." Enjoy hands-on activities inside, take a self-guided hike and make your own s'more over a campfire (while supplies last).
Liberty Park
Firefly Fireworks
Enjoy nature's bioluminescent fireworks this holiday! Learn about this charismatic insect through engaging activities, then catch some fireflies of your own. Please bring your own flashlight and bug jar. Enjoy sparklers, while supplies last.
Munroe Falls Metro Park
Wildflower Walk
Summer is in full bloom! Take a walk among the wildflowers through portions of Seneca Trail, the Rock & Herb Garden and the Arboretum as we discuss and identify Ohio's native wildflowers.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
Summer Nature Tales
Young children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive summer-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the Nature Play area after the program.
Liberty Park
Moths Of Liberty Park
Did you know moths outnumber butterflies by about 20 to one? Join a naturalist to learn how to use black lights to attract these amazing creatures and observe their beautiful colors, shapes and patterns up close. Bring a flashlight and camera if you'd like to take photos. Bug spray is highly recommended.
Liberty Park