Verdant Wonders Celebration
2026-06-13 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
All are welcome to join us and celebrate literature, nature and the unveiling of the second edition of our literary journal, “Verdant Wonders.”

Intro to Kayaking
2026-06-13 13:00 - 15:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, 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 5/1. All sales are final.

Bank Swallow Stroll
2026-06-14 10:00 - 11:00 | CV/Overlook Area, 354 Sackett Ave., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Everyone is invited to join a naturalist and Open Trail Collective to learn all about bank swallows! This accessible, 0.5-mile trail will allow for a glimpse of their annual nesting colony, providing an up-close opportunity to experience the beauty of nature, flight and new life.

Let's Get Crafty: Nature Embroidery
2026-06-14 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-14 14:00 - 16:00 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Start an embroidery project with park staff while learning about the wildlife in your creation, then finish the project at your own pace. Guidance and supplies are included in the registration fee. For crafty people ages 16 and older. Cost: $10/person. Registration begins 5/1. All sales are final.

Powering Tomorrow Sustainably
2026-06-14 13:00 - 14:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist for this monthly series exploring how emerging energy technologies and evolving policies are shaping our daily lives — and paving the way toward a more sustainable future. This month’s program highlights innovation and entrepreneurship, focusing on the people and ideas driving green technology forward.

Fly vs. Fly
2026-06-14 20:00 - 21:30 | SFB/Prairie Trail, 1400 Portage Line Rd., Springfield Twp., OH, 44312, United States
Discover the world of insect subterfuge. Plenty of insects engage in mimicry, but none quite like the firefly. Join a naturalist on a catch and release mission along the 1.6-mile Prairie Trail to crack the code of these cunning insects.

Music in the Park
2026-06-16 19:00 - 20:00 | F/Coventry Oaks Lodge, 40 Axline Ave., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Enjoy a performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble! Please bring your own chairs and blankets, and a picnic if you prefer. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors.

Kinderealm: Clever Crows
2026-06-17 10:30 - 11:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, 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.

Intro to Stand-Up Paddleboarding
2026-06-17 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-06-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-21 13:00 - 15:00 | 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 5/1. All sales are final.

Conservation In Action: Migratory Songbirds of Cuyahoga Valley
2026-06-17 18:30 - 20:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Biologists Mariamar Gutierrez and Daniel Toth will discuss the ongoing migratory bird monitoring efforts conducted jointly by Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Summit Metro Parks.

Conservation in Action: Migratory Songbirds of the Cuyahoga Valley
2026-06-17 18:30 - 20:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join us for a presentation with biologists Mariamar Gutierrez and Dan Toth. They will discuss the ongoing migratory bird monitoring efforts conducted jointly by Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Summit Metro Parks.

Photographing Nature's Palette
2026-06-17 19:00 - 20:30 | The University of Akron Field Station (Bath Nature Preserve), 4240 Ira Rd., Akron, OH, 44333, United States
Join the Greater Akron Audubon Society to welcome Photographer Roni Leatherman in her quest to capture a beautiful and tranquil moment in time. Her goal is to photograph those moments and bring people closer to see the detail, color and essence of nature and all it has to offer.

Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding
2026-06-17 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 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 5/1. All sales are final.

Lil' Sprouts
2026-06-18 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 as well as what’s growing and ready to harvest! Adults are asked to actively participate with children during the program. Registration is required and begins 5/1.

Homegrown Habitat: Butterfly Blooms
2026-06-18 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 these charismatic gems from egg to adult.

Summer Nature Tales
2026-06-19 10:30 - 11:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Summer is a few days away! Young children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive story time focused on nature in the new season. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the Nature Play area after the program.

Intro to Kayaking
2026-06-19 16:00 - 18:00 | 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. All equipment, including life jackets, will be provided. Location subject to change based on water conditions. Cost: $15/person. Registration is required and begins 5/1. All sales are final.

Gone Fishin'
2026-06-19 17:30 - 19:00 | FR/Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield, OH, 44286, 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.

Sunset Kayaking
2026-06-19 19:00 - 21:00 | NR/Lot C4, 5550 Christman Rd., Green, OH, 44319, United States

Kids’ Fishing Derby
2026-06-20 09:00 - 14:00 | F/Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Join Summit Metro Parks for the Kids’ Fishing Derby, presented by Wayside Furniture! Held the day before Father’s Day, this fun tradition invites anglers ages 15 and younger to cast a line into Little Turtle Pond. Kids who catch a tagged fish will receive a $1 prize, and trophies will be awarded for the three largest native fish catches of the day, along with a few fun surprise categories. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public. Please bring your own fishing gear; however, a limited number of rods and reels will be available to borrow, and bait will be provided. Visitors are welcome to bring lunch if they plan to fish all day. Note: Adults are not permitted to fish.

Bird Nerds: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
2026-06-20 10:00 - 11:30 | 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.

Cycling Tour: Clinton & Canal Fulton
2026-06-20 10:00 - 13:00 | TT/Clinton Trailhead, 2749 North St., Clinton, OH, 44216, United States
Explore the historical, cultural and economic significance of the Village of Clinton and the Canal Fulton neighborhoods. The Rhoads-Harter House, the Underground Railroad, the Ohio & Eire Canal, Ohio Veterans Memorial Park and much more await the curious traveler. 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.

Archaeology in Action
2026-06-20 10:00 - 14:00 | CV/Valley View Area, 1134 Cuyahoga St., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Discover how archaeology uncovers hidden stories from the past. Join Summit Metro Parks cultural resources staff to observe and learn about ongoing excavations at the former Wheelock Cuyahoga Acres (WCA), a once vibrant, racially integrated community in Cascade Valley Metro Park.
Drop by anytime to observe cultural resources staff at work, or join guided talks by our archaeologists at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the people who once called WCA home and the ongoing efforts to preserve and share their legacy.
Since 2017, archaeologists have been investigating the remains of this mid-20th century neighborhood, focusing on sites like the former homes of the Prather and Johnson families (two Black-owned properties). Through excavation, research and collaboration with descendants and partners like The University of Akron’s Anthropology Department, staff have uncovered foundations, artifacts and personal histories that paint a vivid picture of life along Honeywell Drive. Learn more.

Drop In: Father's Day Fishing
2026-06-21 13:00 - 15:00 | SC/Lake House Area, 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton, OH, 44203, United States
Cast a line with dad during the Ohio Department of Natural Resources free fishing weekend. Rods and bait will be provided; adults must supervise children.

Pop-Up Nature Center: Furnace Run
2026-06-22 11:00 - 15:00 | FR/Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield, OH, 44286, United States
Our nature centers are hitting the road! Join us as Brushwood Lodge transforms into a nature center for a day, complete with activities for all ages including education stations, a storybook trail, fishing and an opportunity to shop our pop-up Maple Leaf Gifts. Bring any nature or history questions for our naturalists and cool off with lemonade and watermelon, while supplies last!

Special Needs Fishing Derby
2026-06-23 10:00 - 14:00 | F/Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Adults and children with special needs are invited to cast a line into Little Turtle Pond for a fun and welcoming day of fishing, presented by Wayside Furniture! Trophies will be awarded for the three largest native fish caught. This free, inclusive event is open to the public. Please bring your own fishing gear; however, a limited number of rods and reels will be available to borrow, and bait will be provided. Visitors are encouraged to bring lunch if they plan to fish throughout the day.

Drawing Outdoors
2026-06-24 09:00 - 11:00 | 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.
