Summit Metro Parks

Drawing Outdoors
2026-06-24 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Bring your drawing pad and pencils for an outdoor lesson in drawing. Beginners are welcome. Portable chairs and drinking water are recommended. The program will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.

Kinderealm: Clever Crows
2026-06-24 10:30 - 11:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Children ages 3 to 6 with their adult companions will learn all about crows — considered to be among the most intelligent of all birds because of their tool use, problem solving skills, ability to plan tasks and more! Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins 5/1.

Meet Me in the Garden: Crafting Gorgeous Gifts and Home Decor
2026-06-24 19:00 - 20:30 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Your garden is brimming with luxurious gifts for you and your friends! Join internationally recognized floral and garden designer Luke Simon to discover the beauty at your gardening fingertips. You will learn how to design a wreath, vase and planter from easily found garden materials.

Senior Cycling
2026-06-25 10:00 - 13:00 | BHT/Brandywine Falls, 8176 Brandywine Rd., Sagamore Hills, OH, 44067, United States
Join like-minded senior Summit Metro Parks supporters as we ride and explore various trails. We will gather to socialize and determine the route, distance and pace before rolling out. 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. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in.

Gone Fishin'
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:30 | LP/Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 Aurora Hudson Rd., Streetsboro, OH, 44241, United States
Welcome to fishing for all ages! Youth ages 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line and see what they can catch! Some rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. Adults must supervise their children and must have a current Ohio fishing license if they want to fish.

Fishing Friday
2026-06-26 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-10 13:00 - 15:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Come try your hand at fishing. We’ll provide the rods and bait, so all you have to do is show up! Anyone over the age of 16 will need a valid Ohio fishing license.

Young Birders: Brilliant Blackbirds
2026-06-27 10:00 - 11:00 | SR/Big Bend Area, 1337 Merriman Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Kids ages 8 and up are invited to learn about family Icteridae’s brilliance in color and cleverness through a short presentation and bird walk. An adult companion is required to remain for the entirety of the program.

Fabulous Fireflies
2026-06-27 20:30 - 22:00 | WH/Downy Loop Trail, 2121 Barlow Rd., Hudson, OH, 44236, United States
Join a naturalist for nature’s nightly fireworks, presented by the family Lampyridae: fireflies! Learn about the life cycle of these fascinating beetles and discover how you can help protect them so future generations can enjoy this amazing display. Jars will be available for brief, up-close observations.

History Hike: Deep Lock Quarry
2026-06-28 10:00 - 12:00 | DLQ/Quarry Trail, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH, 44264, United States
Take a trip back in time to the 1800s to discover over a century of hidden history along the 1.4-mile Quarry Trail. Learn where this stone came from, how it was quarried and where it ended up through stories and images.

Tree Trek
2026-06-28 15:00 - 16:00 | CV/Oxbow Area, 1135 Cuyahoga St., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Take a hike along the 1.2-mile Oxbow Trail as we learn about the surrounding trees and critters and how the trees can tell us about the history of the park.

Drawing Outdoors
2026-07-01 09:00 - 11:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Bring your drawing pad and pencils for an outdoor lesson in drawing. Beginners are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. Portable chairs and drinking water are recommended. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be canceled.

Summit Lake 5th Anniversary Celebration
2026-07-01 16:00 - 20:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Join us to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Summit Lake Nature Center with family-friendly activities, music, food and more!
Ongoing Activities:

Crafts
Sensory-friendly room available, inside the nature center
Yard games
Refreshments

Scheduled Activities:
4-6 p.m. Hoverball archery (Age 8+)
4-6 p.m. Play time with Akron Children’s Museum
4-7 p.m. Music in the garden (DJ)
5-7 p.m. Fishing fun — rods and bait available, ages 16 and over need a fishing license
7- 8 p.m. Summit Lake Hike — Explore the nature, history and community of Summit Lake with Naturalist Jason

Senior Cycling
2026-07-02 10:00 - 13:00 | TT/Big Bend Trailhead, 1337 Merriman Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join like-minded senior Summit Metro Parks supporters as we ride and explore various trails. We will gather to socialize and determine the route, distance and pace. 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. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in.

Kids in the Garden
2026-07-02 15:30 - 16:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Join us in collaboration with Let’s Grow Akron for hands-on gardening activities for children of all ages. Seed, sow, water, harvest . . . and enjoy! We’ll have a game or craft, garden activity and a snack themed around what is growing and ready to harvest in the garden. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held indoors.

Good Garden Talks: Pest Management & Beneficial Insects
2026-07-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Let’s Grow Akron Headquarters, 467 Harvey Ave., Akron, OH, 44314, United States
Join us in collaboration with Let’s Grow Akron and OSU Extension to learn how to encourage beneficial insects and manage pests in the vegetable garden.

Intro to Stand-Up Paddleboarding
2026-07-03 16:00 - 18:00 | NR/Lot C4, 5550 Christman Rd., Green, OH, 44319, United States
Learn how to paddleboard and take a guided tour around the lake with a certified instructor. 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 6/1. All sales are final.

Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding
2026-07-03 19:00 - 21:00 | NR/Lot C4, 5550 Christman Rd., Green, OH, 44319, United States
Learn how to paddleboard and take a guided tour around the lake with a certified instructor in the evening to view a beautiful sunset. 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 6/1. All sales are final.

Booming Blooms
2026-07-04 09:00 - 10:30 | SFB/Prairie Trail, 1400 Portage Line Rd., Springfield Twp., OH, 44312, United States
Discover nature’s fireworks in the form of beautiful blooms as we celebrate and discuss all the land has to offer.

Snakes of Summit Metro Parks
2026-07-04 13:00 - 15:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist as we discover the world of snakes. Did you know there are no venomous snakes in Summit County? Learn why these misunderstood creatures play a vital role in the health of our parks. We may even have some slither in for an up-close encounter!

Self-Guided Trail: Banquet for Biodiversity
2026-07-05 06:00 - 2026-07-26 23:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Walk the 0.25-mile Maple Loop Trail through July 26 to discover how native plants support biodiversity, particularly pollinators! Informative signs will guide your learning experience.

Self-Guided Story Trail: Some Bugs
2026-07-05 06:00 - 2026-07-26 23:00 | FR/Daffodil Trail, 3100 Brush Rd., Richfield, OH, 44286, United States
Enjoy fun and exploration while following a self-guided story trail based on the book, “Some Bugs.” This experience will be available along the 0.8-mile Daffodil Trail through July 26.

Snakes for Kids
2026-07-06 10:30 - 12:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Kids and their adult companions: Join a naturalist to learn about the fascinating slithering creatures found in our parks. We’ll start in the shelter for activities and to meet an animal ambassador before walking along the paved 0.25-mile Maple Loop Trail in search of snakes in their natural habitat.

Music by the Lake
2026-07-07 19:00 - 20:00 | MF/Lake Area, 521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls, OH, 44262, United States
Enjoy a performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble presented by Wayside Furniture! Please bring your own chairs and blankets, and a picnic if you prefer.
Cycling Without Age trishaw bikes will be available from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. to carry riders with limited mobility on a bench seat for an unobstructed view of nature and the feeling of riding a bike outdoors. Cycling Without Age is available with the support of The Andrea Rose Teodosio Memorial Foundation.
The concert will be canceled if it rains; call 330-865-8060 if wet weather is in the forecast.

Kinderealm: Butterflies
2026-07-08 10:30 - 11:30 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions can learn all about amazingly beautiful butterflies and their mesmerizing metamorphosis through a story, craft and short hike. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins 6/1.

Archery Open House
2026-07-09 17:00 - 20:00 | HH/Archery Range, 1940 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, OH, 44223, United States
Join us for a free, hands-on opportunity to try international-style target archery! Time slots, equipment and instruction provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must be 9 years old and 50 inches or taller. Children must have a parent or guardian present.

Summer Nature Tales
2026-07-10 10:30 - 11:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
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.

Summit Lake Float
2026-07-11 08:00 - 16:00 | Summit Lake NorthShore Park, 540 W. South St., Akron, OH, 44311, United States
Apply sunscreen and join us on Summit Lake! Presented by the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and Summit Metro Parks, Summit Lake Float offers a morning of free kayaking and canoeing, followed by afternoon pontoon boat rides. That’s not all the floating we’ll do — root beer floats will be available while supplies last. Advance registration is required and begins 6/1.

Bird Nerds: Belted Kingfisher
2026-07-11 10:00 - 12:30 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
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.

Nature Saunter
2026-07-11 11:00 - 13:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Appreciate the outdoors at a leisurely pace on a meander to observe ferns and other summer flora and fauna along the 1.1-mile Ledges Trail.
