Summit Metro Parks

Homegrown Habitat: Butterfly Blooms
2026-06-18 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

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 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.

Intro to Stand-Up Paddleboarding
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.

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.

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

Fishing Friday
2026-06-26 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.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding Open House
2026-06-27 12:00 - 15:00 | SC/Lake House Area, 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton, OH, 44203, 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. All equipment, including life jackets, will be provided. Paddleboards are available on a first come, first served basis. Location subject to change based on water conditions.

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.

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.

Music by the Lake
2026-07-14 19:00 - 20:00 | SC/Sherman Shelter, 5000 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.

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.

Touch-a-Truck
2026-08-01 10:00 - 14:00 | MF/Lake Area, 521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls, OH, 44262, United States
Join us for Touch-a-Truck, presented by Wayside Furniture! People of all ages can sit in and explore more than a dozen Summit Metro Parks and local emergency response vehicles. A special autism- and sensory-friendly hour, free of horns, music and flashing lights, will be held 10 to 11 a.m. (view the Touch-a-Truck Social Story). The fun will continue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Please note: The presence of emergency response vehicles, including Akron Children’s Hospital’s Air Bear, is subject to availability.

Meet Me in the Garden: Benefits of Attracting Wildlife to Your Outdoor Spaces
2026-08-26 19:00 - 20:30 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join Wildlife Communications Specialist Monika Bowman Bell as she discusses the benefits of attracting wildlife into your outdoor space and tactics to deter nuisance species.
