Summit Metro Parks

Sturgeon Open House
2026-09-05 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Drop in to Summit Lake Nature Center and learn about lake sturgeon and their incredible recovery through crafts, games and other interactive activities.

Sturgeon Open House
2026-09-05 13:00 - 17:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Drop in to Summit Lake Nature Center to celebrate the reintroduction of Ohio’s living fossil, the lake sturgeon. Explore the lake sturgeon’s life, past and possible future. Stick around for a sturgeon-themed game and make your own paper sturgeon to take home.

Self-Guided Story Trail: Berry Song
2026-09-06 06:00 - 2026-09-27 23:00 | FR/Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield, OH, 44286, United States
Enjoy a walk along the 1.3-mile Rock Creek Trail while following a self-guided story trail based on the book, “Berry Song.” Available through September 27.

Self-Guided Trail: Bird Humor
2026-09-06 06:00 - 2026-09-27 23:00 | DLQ/Quarry Trail, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH, 44264, United States
Lighten up while hiking the 1.4-mile Quarry Trail with some jokes that aren’t just for the birds. Available through September 27.

Intro to Stand-Up Paddleboarding
2026-09-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-06 13:00 - 15:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, 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. Wear clothes that can get wet and bring a water bottle. 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.

Nature Drawing for Adults
2026-09-08 13:00 - 15:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. Registration is required and begins 8/1.

Metro Parks Ensemble Season Finale
2026-09-08 19:00 - 20:00 | CV/Himelright Lodge, 1212 Cuyahoga St., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join us to celebrate the Ensemble’s 25th year of music in the parks! The finale concert will be held indoors with doors open to the patio. If preferred, please bring chairs or blankets to sit outside. Light refreshments provided. Enjoy on-site shopping with Maple Leaf Gifts (credit cards only).

Forest Bathing for Beginners
2026-09-09 10:00 - 12:00 | SR/Shady Hollow Lodge, 1750 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join us for a session of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Learn the history and benefits of this restorative practice to improve mental and physical well-being. Bring water, snacks a yoga mat or towel and an open mind. We will be spending at least an hour outdoors no matter the weather, so please dress appropriately. This is not a hike. Registration is required and begins 8/1.

Kinderealm: Fabulous Flowers
2026-09-09 10:30 - 11:30 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will discover the fabulous lives of flowers through activities, a story and short hike. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins 8/1.

Nature Collage
2026-09-10 10:00 - 12:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Let’s make a beautiful nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist for this easy, fun lesson. All materials will be provided. Registration is required and begins 8/1.

Virtual: Nature Collage
2026-09-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Let’s make a beautiful nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist for this easy, fun lesson. A list of materials and a Zoom invite will be emailed after registering. Registration is required and begins 8/1.

Homegrown Habitat: Fall Garden Care
2026-09-10 18:30 - 20:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Calling all people with yards or green spaces big and small: Join us and learn how to rewild your home landscape. This month, we’ll learn the dos and don’ts of fall garden care. See your yard as a safe overwintering spot through the eyes of common backyard critters before fall cleanup begins!

Nature Tales
2026-09-11 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 nature-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the Nature Play area after the program.

Get to Know Coyotes
2026-09-11 19:00 - 20:30 | FASN/Seneca Deck, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join a naturalist on Seneca Deck to explore one of Ohio’s most beautiful and misunderstood creatures: the coyote. We’ll chat for a bit, then take a 0.9-mile hike on Fernwood Loop to listen for their exciting calls. Please bring a flashlight.

Canal Paddle
2026-09-12 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 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.

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.

Sturgeon Spotlight
2026-09-13 12:00 - 17:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Celebrate the return of one of Ohio’s most remarkable native fish! Stop by this drop-in program to learn about the massive lake sturgeon — ancient fish that once thrived in our waterways and are now making a comeback. Chat with a naturalist and enjoy books, crafts, coloring pages and hands-on activities to build an appreciation for these gentle giants as we get ready for the upcoming sturgeon release.

Concert at Liberty Park: Western Reserve Community Band
2026-09-13 16:30 - 17:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of instrumental music by the Western Reserve Community Band, made up of musicians from around Summit County. Tap your toes along with the drums, trumpets, flutes and more! Popcorn and lemonade will be provided. Rain date is 9/20.

Eco-printing
2026-09-14 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-14 13:00 - 15:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
In this art for adults program, we’ll explore printing with natural materials to create beautiful fall-inspired patterns on fabric and paper. Dress for a mess and be prepared to be outdoors! Fee covers supplies and instruction. Cost: $5. Registration is required and begins 8/1. All sales are final.

Spree With Me: After Work Bird Walk
2026-09-14 17:30 - 19:00 | F/Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Don’t let your 9 to 5 get in the way of completing the Fall Hiking Spree. Bird along the 1.6-mile Willow Trail and check a spree trail off your list.

Meet the Artist: Black by Nature
2026-09-15 18:00 - 19:00 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join the artists performing Black by Nature, an immersive dance-theatre experience along the trails of Summit Metro Parks in this world premiere commissioned by DANCECleveland. Local artists will discuss their inspiration and familial ties to nature as an African American. Don’t miss this event.

Kinderealm: Fabulous Flowers
2026-09-16 10:30 - 11:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will discover the fabulous lives of flowers through activities, a story and short hike. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins 8/01.

Conquering the January 100
2026-09-16 19:00 - 20:30 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
3, 2, 1 … Happy New Year (of Birding)! 100 species by January 31. Easy enough, right? Now try doing that by January 2! Join the Greater Akron Audubon Society alongside Cleveland Metroparks Naturalist Tyler McClain as he takes us on his 48-hour journey to see 100 species of birds in Ohio.

Lil' Sprouts
2026-09-17 10:00 - 11:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
This biweekly program is designed to engage young children and accompanying adults in the wonderful world of gardening and nature. Each class will be centered on what’s happening in nature and what’s growing and ready to harvest! Adults are asked to actively participate with children during the program. Registration is required and begins 8/1.

Homeschoolers: Soils
2026-09-17 10:30 - 12:30 | F/Coventry Oaks Lodge, 40 Axline Ave., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Homeschoolers ages 7 to 12: Join a naturalist for some hands-on exploration of the life supporting soils beneath our feet. Registration is required and begins 8/1.

Campfire Cooking: Food For a Day!
2026-09-17 17:30 - 19:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Cooking over a campfire is fun, delicious and nutritious! We’ll demonstrate techniques and share recipes to create delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert items. Help us cook, then taste the results (while supplies last).

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.
