Summit Metro Parks

Archery Open House
2026-07-09 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Fishing Friday
2026-07-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-24 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.

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.

Cycling FRIENDS! Preview
2026-07-11 13:00 - 16:00 | TT/Big Bend Trailhead, 1337 Merriman Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join Summit Metro Parks, South Street Ministries, and local cyclists Brian Bortz and Lilly Usner for a preview of Cycling FRIENDS! — an eight-week program focusing on cycling and friendship delivered through fun and interactive activities. The program is open to kids in second through sixth grade who know how to ride a bike. Come for a relaxed 2-mile ride (6–8 mph) with us and learn about this exciting opportunity. Please bring your own bicycle and helmet. Helmets are required to participate.

Tent Camping Open House
2026-07-12 11:00 - 13:00 | MF/Lake Area, 521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls, OH, 44262, United States
Families are invited to join naturalists for a fun-filled tent camping experience! Try your hand at canoeing, s’more-making, tent-pitching and other camping activities. All necessary equipment is provided. Optional: Pack a lunch or snacks and folding chairs to relax in between activities. Meet at Maple Shelter.

Back Yards Gone Wild: Just Add Water
2026-07-12 14:00 - 15:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist to learn how to help backyard wildlife beat the heat by adding water to your landscape! We’ll cover everything from bird baths and bubblers to misters and small ponds with tips and tricks about how to get started.

Music by the Lake
2026-07-14 19:00 - 20:00 | SC/Sherman Shelter, 5000 S. Hametown Rd., Norton, OH, 44203, 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. The concert will be canceled if it rains; call 330-865-8060 if wet weather is in the forecast.

Kinderealm: Butterflies
2026-07-15 10:30 - 11:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions can learn all about some 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.

Homegrown Habitat: Butterfly Blooms
2026-07-16 18:30 - 20:00 | FASN/Nature Realm, 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, butterflies are front and center. We’ll discuss host plants, nectar plants and best practices for attracting the adult stage of these charismatic gems.

Magnificent Moths
2026-07-17 21:30 - 23:30 | DLQ/Quarry Trail, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH, 44264, United States
Join a naturalist as we delve into the world of moths. These amazing insects come in many different shapes, colors and sizes. From the pink and yellow rosy maple moth to the camouflaged pandorus sphinx moth, come and see what flies in. Bring bug spray and your camera.

Intro to Kayaking
2026-07-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-18 13:00 - 15:00 | NR/Lot C4, 5550 Christman Rd., Green, OH, 44319, United States
Learn how to kayak 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 6/1. All sales are final.

Cycling Tour: Cuyahoga Falls
2026-07-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Glens Parking Lot, 1659 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH, 44221, United States
Join us as we embark on an exploration of the historical, cultural and economic significance of downtown Cuyahoga Falls. Please bring your own bicycle and helmet. Helmets are required to participate. Expect to ride approximately 10 miles, at a casual (10-12 mph) pace on trails and roadways.

Dragonfly Quest
2026-07-18 12:00 - 13:30 | SR/Big Bend Area, 1337 Merriman Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
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.

Stand-Up Paddleboard Open House
2026-07-19 10:00 - 13:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Stop by to learn basic paddleboard techniques and take a short self-guided paddle on the lake under the guidance of certified instructors. 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. Space is limited; paddleboards are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Location subject to change based on water conditions.

Cycle & Celebrate: National Ice Cream Day
2026-07-19 10:00 - 13:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Join us in collaboration with South Street Ministries as we celebrate National Ice Cream Day! We’ll ride south from Summit Lake Nature Center, stopping at Skoops Ice Cream for a sweet treat before returning. Please bring your own bicycle, helmet and money. Helmets are required to participate. Expect to ride approximately 12 miles, at a casual (10-12 mph) pace on trails.

Powering Tomorrow Sustainably
2026-07-19 13:00 - 14:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist in this monthly series to explore how emerging energy technologies and evolving policies are shaping our daily lives and paving the way toward a more sustainable future. This month, we’ll take a look at the local, state, national and global policies driving green energy and funding sustainable development.

For Kids: The Wonders of Flight
2026-07-20 10:30 - 12:00 | WH/Downy Loop Trail, 2121 Barlow Rd., Hudson, OH, 44236, United States
Kids and their adult companions: Join a naturalist to learn about birds, flying squirrels, butterflies and other creatures that float, fly and glide through the air! We’ll start in the shelter for an introduction and simple craft, then take a short walk in search of animals in the sky before trying our hands at flying kites. Some will be available to borrow, or feel free to bring a kite from home.

Music in the Park
2026-07-21 19:00 - 20:00 | SR/Treaty Line Area, 995 Treaty Line Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Enjoy a performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble! Please bring your own chairs and blankets, and a picnic if you prefer. The concert will be canceled if it rains; call 330-865-8060 if wet weather is in the forecast.

Kinderealm: Butterflies
2026-07-22 10:30 - 11:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States

Meet Me In The Garden: Creating a Cottage Garden
2026-07-22 19:00 - 20:30 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join Brian Gregory from Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens and learn how to design and maintain a small-space garden, brimming with flowers, fruit, fragrance and loads of charm!

Senior Cycling
2026-07-23 10:00 - 13:00 | FT/Middlebury Trailhead, 1324 Middlebury Rd., Kent, OH, 44240, 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.

Intro to Stand-Up Paddleboarding
2026-07-23 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
2026-07-23 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 during daylight, or 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.

Young Birders: Swoopin' Swallows
2026-07-24 20:00 - 21:00 | NR/Lot C4, 5550 Christman Rd., Green, OH, 44319, United States
Kids ages 8 and up are invited to learn about swallows and martins through a short presentation, then watch as these birds prepare for a long journey south. An adult companion is required to remain for the entirety of the program.

Bees and Blooms
2026-07-25 10:00 - 11:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join naturalists to look for midsummer bees and blooms as we discuss the dynamics of the dog days of summer and its effect on pollinators.
