Summit Metro Parks
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.).
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1 event,
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Fabulous FungiJoin a naturalist as we explore the hidden world of mushrooms, highlighting their ecological importance, their many possible uses and vast underground networks. Learn simple identification techniques and some species commonly seen in our parks.
Liberty Park
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0 events,
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0 events,
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1 event,
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Kinderealm: Fox & CoyoteThrough fun activities, children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will explore these two clever and unique wild canines found in our area. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins on 10/1. |
0 events,
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1 event,
–
Winter Citizen ScienceReady to be a scientist? Join us for an overview of community science programs available during the winter months and discover how you can contribute to local scientific studies. This event will include demonstrations on how to participate in several of the highlighted programs.
Towpath Trail
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2 events,
–
Bird Nerds: Wild TurkeyBird enthusiasts of all kinds are welcome to join us for a deep dive into one of Ohio’s most recognizable species each month. You see them. You love them. But how well do you really know them? After our indoor presentation, those interested can join for a guided birding walk.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
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Spree With Me: Reading the Forested LandscapeEarn spree credit on the 1.8-mile Parcours Trail while exploring what our current landscape tells us about the past.
Goodyear Heights Metro Park
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2 events,
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Eye Spy & CampfirePick up a scavenger hunt list and hit the 1.3-mile Rock Creek Trail in search of animals, plants, fungi and more. Afterward, stop by the campfire ring to enjoy s’mores and return your completed list for a prize, while supplies last.
Furnace Run Metro Park
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Nature Journaling 101Join a naturalist to learn the basics of nature journaling. Using a journal in the field can enhance observation skills and help foster a deeper understanding of the world around us. Materials to make journals will be provided.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
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0 events,
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0 events,
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2 events,
–
Kinderealm: Fox & CoyoteThrough fun activities, children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will explore these two clever and unique wild canines found in our area. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins on 10/1.
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Family Flashlight WalkFamilies with young children: Enjoy an after-dinner stroll along the 1.3-mile Firefly Loop Trail to explore the nocturnal world. A naturalist will greet you at the trailhead, then direct you down the trail to spot wildlife using eyeshine. Please bring a flashlight and sense of adventure!
Munroe Falls Metro Park
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1 event,
–
Homegrown Habitat: Milk Jug Seed StartersCalling all people with yards or green spaces big and small: Join us for this monthly series and learn how to rewild your home landscape. This month we’ll discuss native seed starting, then start some seeds of our own. Please bring clean and dry milk jugs for your own planting. Some milk jugs will be […]
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
|
2 events,
–
Nature TalesYoung children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive nature 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
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Creatures of the NightBrave the night on Friday the 13th to explore Bath Nature Preserve for creatures that howl and things that prowl. We’ll start with an indoor presentation and activities to learn about the incredible adaptations of nocturnal animals before heading out on the trail to look and listen for some “creepy” creatures. Please bring a flashlight […] |
4 events,
–
Young Birders: Clever CorvidsKids ages 8 and up are invited to discover the cleverness of family Corvidae and what they’re up to this season through a short presentation and bird walk. An adult companion is required to remain for the entirety of the program.
Goodyear Heights Metro Park
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Feed the ChickadeesDrop by during Shield Assistance for a hands-on encounter with some of Ohio’s winter birds. Dress warm and bring a camera. Seeds will be provided for the birds and s’mores for the rest of us!
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
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Geology of the LedgesJoin 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 […]
Liberty Park
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1 event,
–
Spree With Me: Firestone History HikeCross 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.
Firestone Metro Park
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0 events,
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0 events,
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1 event,
–
Kinderealm: Fox & CoyoteThrough fun activities, children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will explore these clever and unique wild canines found in our area. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins on 10/1.
Liberty Park
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1 event,
–
Homeschoolers: Park CareersHomeschoolers aged 7-12: Do you have what it takes to be a naturalist, park police officer or park technician? We’ll take a deep dive into careers in parks and recreation, from field biologist to customer service, through a variety of hands-on activities. Registration is required and begins on 10/1.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
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1 event,
–
Nature Trivia NightSo, you think you know nature? Grab your crew of 2 to 4 adults and compete against other teams to prove yourselves at the return of SMP’s nature-themed trivia night. From bees to trees and rocks to hawks, our topics will test your knowledge on everything natural about Ohio. Refreshments will be available all night, […]
Firestone Metro Park
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2 events,
–
Waterfowl in the FallJoin a naturalist for a walk at Summit Lake to search for waterfowl as they undergo their fall migration. Binoculars available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Leave the Leaves HikeExplore the 1.3-mile Seneca Trail to discover who’s hiding in the leaf litter this season and why you should leave your leaves.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
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2 events,
–
Back Yards Gone Wild: Berries for BirdsJoin a naturalist to wrap up our year-long series of welcoming nature into our yards. This month, we will learn about native berry producing trees, shrubs and vines to attract birds to your yard and feed them through winter. If weather allows, all are invited on a short walk after the presentation to see some […]
Liberty Park
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Spree With Me: The Gift of OaksEarn spree credit hiking the 2-mile Chippewa Trail and learn about the generous role of oaks in our ecosystems. We will cover the ecological and cultural significance of oaks along the way and finish with a visit to an ancient oak tree that calls Silver Creek Metro Park home.
Silver Creek Metro Park
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0 events,
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1 event,
–
Full Beaver Supermoon HikeBundle up for an evening hike to admire the Beaver Supermoon and learn about the history of the animal that inspired its name.
Springfield Bog Metro Park
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1 event,
Self-Guided Trail: Winter Bird DiscoveryThrough December 8, enjoy a self-guided hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail and learn all about our resident birds that tough it out through the winter. |
2 events,
–
Moonlight PaintingsJoin us for a night painting under the moon and around a campfire! Learn about our moon, then only using white on a black canvas, paint what inspires you in the night from the moonlight glow.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
|
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2 events,
–
Spree With Me: Last Chance HikeIt’s your last chance for a guided Fall Hiking Spree hike. Explore the canal to see nature at work in the built environment and turn in your spree form along the way at the nature center.
Towpath Trail
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2 events,
–
Owl ProwlJoin a naturalist for a quiet evening hike along the 1.2-mile Downy Loop Trail in search of owls. We’ll begin in the shelter for a short presentation to learn some common owl calls, how they are adapted to nighttime life and how to safely spot them. Bring a small flashlight if you wish.
Liberty Park
|
2 events,
–
Nature TalesYoung children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive nature 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
|
4 events,
–
Holiday Wreath MakingMake a beautiful and festive holiday wreath out of mostly native plant materials. After a short presentation on native evergreen trees, participants will create their own holiday wreath with provided greenery and decor. Space is limited. Cost: $35/per person. Registration is required and begins 11/1.
Liberty Park
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Bird Nerds: Pileated WoodpeckerBird enthusiasts of all kinds are welcome to join us for a deep dive into one of Ohio’s most recognizable species each month. You see them. You love them. But how well do you really know them? After our indoor presentation, those interested can join for a guided birding walk.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
–
Holiday Wreath MakingMake a beautiful and festive holiday wreath out of mostly native plant materials! After a short presentation on native evergreen trees, participants will create their own holiday wreath with provided greenery and decor. Space is limited. Cost: $35/per person. Registration is required and begins 11/1.
Liberty Park
|
Join a naturalist as we explore the hidden world of mushrooms, highlighting their ecological importance, their many possible uses and vast underground networks. Learn simple identification techniques and some species commonly seen in our parks.
Through fun activities, children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will explore these two clever and unique wild canines found in our area. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins on 10/1.
Ready to be a scientist? Join us for an overview of community science programs available during the winter months and discover how you can contribute to local scientific studies. This event will include demonstrations on how to participate in several of the highlighted programs.
Bird enthusiasts of all kinds are welcome to join us for a deep dive into one of Ohio’s most recognizable species each month. You see them. You love them. But how well do you really know them? After our indoor presentation, those interested can join for a guided birding walk.
Earn spree credit on the 1.8-mile Parcours Trail while exploring what our current landscape tells us about the past.
Pick up a scavenger hunt list and hit the 1.3-mile Rock Creek Trail in search of animals, plants, fungi and more. Afterward, stop by the campfire ring to enjoy s’mores and return your completed list for a prize, while supplies last.
Join a naturalist to learn the basics of nature journaling. Using a journal in the field can enhance observation skills and help foster a deeper understanding of the world around us. Materials to make journals will be provided.
Through fun activities, children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will explore these two clever and unique wild canines found in our area. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins on 10/1.
Families with young children: Enjoy an after-dinner stroll along the 1.3-mile Firefly Loop Trail to explore the nocturnal world. A naturalist will greet you at the trailhead, then direct you down the trail to spot wildlife using eyeshine. Please bring a flashlight and sense of adventure!
Calling all people with yards or green spaces big and small: Join us for this monthly series and learn how to rewild your home landscape. This month we’ll discuss native seed starting, then start some seeds of our own. Please bring clean and dry milk jugs for your own planting. Some milk jugs will be available, while supplies last.
Young children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive nature themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the Nature Play area after the program.
Brave the night on Friday the 13th to explore Bath Nature Preserve for creatures that howl and things that prowl. We’ll start with an indoor presentation and activities to learn about the incredible adaptations of nocturnal animals before heading out on the trail to look and listen for some “creepy” creatures. Please bring a flashlight if you have one. No…
Kids ages 8 and up are invited to discover the cleverness of family Corvidae and what they’re up to this season through a short presentation and bird walk. An adult companion is required to remain for the entirety of the program.
Drop by during Shield Assistance for a hands-on encounter with some of Ohio’s winter birds. Dress warm and bring a camera. Seeds will be provided for the birds and s’mores for the rest of us!
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.
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.
Through fun activities, children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will explore these clever and unique wild canines found in our area. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins on 10/1.
Homeschoolers aged 7-12: Do you have what it takes to be a naturalist, park police officer or park technician? We’ll take a deep dive into careers in parks and recreation, from field biologist to customer service, through a variety of hands-on activities. Registration is required and begins on 10/1.
So, you think you know nature? Grab your crew of 2 to 4 adults and compete against other teams to prove yourselves at the return of SMP’s nature-themed trivia night. From bees to trees and rocks to hawks, our topics will test your knowledge on everything natural about Ohio. Refreshments will be available all night, and prizes will be waiting…
Join a naturalist for a walk at Summit Lake to search for waterfowl as they undergo their fall migration. Binoculars available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
Explore the 1.3-mile Seneca Trail to discover who’s hiding in the leaf litter this season and why you should leave your leaves.
Join a naturalist to wrap up our year-long series of welcoming nature into our yards. This month, we will learn about native berry producing trees, shrubs and vines to attract birds to your yard and feed them through winter. If weather allows, all are invited on a short walk after the presentation to see some of these species growing wild.
Earn spree credit hiking the 2-mile Chippewa Trail and learn about the generous role of oaks in our ecosystems. We will cover the ecological and cultural significance of oaks along the way and finish with a visit to an ancient oak tree that calls Silver Creek Metro Park home.
Bundle up for an evening hike to admire the Beaver Supermoon and learn about the history of the animal that inspired its name.
Through December 8, enjoy a self-guided hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail and learn all about our resident birds that tough it out through the winter.
Through December 8, enjoy a self-guided hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail and learn all about our resident birds that tough it out through the winter.
Through December 8, enjoy a self-guided hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail and learn all about our resident birds that tough it out through the winter.
Through December 8, enjoy a self-guided hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail and learn all about our resident birds that tough it out through the winter.
Join us for a night painting under the moon and around a campfire! Learn about our moon, then only using white on a black canvas, paint what inspires you in the night from the moonlight glow.
Through December 8, enjoy a self-guided hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail and learn all about our resident birds that tough it out through the winter.
It’s your last chance for a guided Fall Hiking Spree hike. Explore the canal to see nature at work in the built environment and turn in your spree form along the way at the nature center.
Through December 8, enjoy a self-guided hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail and learn all about our resident birds that tough it out through the winter.
Through December 8, enjoy a self-guided hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail and learn all about our resident birds that tough it out through the winter.
Through December 8, enjoy a self-guided hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail and learn all about our resident birds that tough it out through the winter.
Join a naturalist for a quiet evening hike along the 1.2-mile Downy Loop Trail in search of owls. We’ll begin in the shelter for a short presentation to learn some common owl calls, how they are adapted to nighttime life and how to safely spot them. Bring a small flashlight if you wish.
Through December 8, enjoy a self-guided hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail and learn all about our resident birds that tough it out through the winter.
Through December 8, enjoy a self-guided hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail and learn all about our resident birds that tough it out through the winter.
Young children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive nature themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the Nature Play area after the program.
Through December 8, enjoy a self-guided hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail and learn all about our resident birds that tough it out through the winter.
Make a beautiful and festive holiday wreath out of mostly native plant materials. After a short presentation on native evergreen trees, participants will create their own holiday wreath with provided greenery and decor. Space is limited. Cost: $35/per person. Registration is required and begins 11/1.
Bird enthusiasts of all kinds are welcome to join us for a deep dive into one of Ohio’s most recognizable species each month. You see them. You love them. But how well do you really know them? After our indoor presentation, those interested can join for a guided birding walk.
Make a beautiful and festive holiday wreath out of mostly native plant materials! After a short presentation on native evergreen trees, participants will create their own holiday wreath with provided greenery and decor. Space is limited. Cost: $35/per person. Registration is required and begins 11/1.