Summit Metro Parks

Summer Nature Tales
2026-08-21 10:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Pride in the Parks: Sunset Kayak
2026-08-21 18:30 - 20:30 | 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 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. 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 7/1.

Nature Trivia Hike
2026-08-21 19:00 - 20:30 | SR/Old Portage Area, 1300 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join a naturalist for a 1.5-mile trivia-filled hike! We’ll test you on all sorts of summer facts from wildlife to the Olympics! So, bring your competitive spirit. But as long as we’re outside, isn’t everybody a winner?

Bees for Beginners
2026-08-22 10:00 - 11:00 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Would you bee-lieve how amazing bees can be? Explore the world of bees and discover our most common species in this program for bee beginners.

Nature Saunter
2026-08-22 11:00 - 13:00 | LP/Pond Brook Conservation Area, 3973 E. Aurora Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Appreciate the outdoors at a leisurely pace on a stroll along the 1.6-mile Buttonbush Trail to observe end of summer nature.

Hiking Spree Kick-Off
2026-08-23 09:00 - 14:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Get a head start on the 2026 Fall Hiking Spree! Join guided hikes of the 1.8-mile Parcours Trail at 9:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. or hike it anytime on your own this day to earn spree credit. Staff will be available to provide hiking forms and answer questions. Fall Hiking Spree t-shirts will be available for sale, along with other items from Maple Leaf Gifts. To receive your hiking staff and/or shield, all other hikes must be completed between September 1 and November 30.

Fall Hiking Spree Kick-Off
2026-08-23 09:00 - 14:00 | GYH/Main Entrance, 2077 Newton St., Akron, OH, 44305, United States

Tent Camping Skills for Beginners
2026-08-23 12:00 - 14:00 | FASN/Seneca Deck, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Prepare for the fall camping season with an informational session on the basics of tent camping. We’ll learn about preparedness, gear and campfire cooking. Registration is required and begins 7/1.

Kinderealm: Skunks
2026-08-26 10:30 - 11:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Pee-yew! Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions can come learn all about the striped, smelly skunk though 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 7/1.

Intro to Stand-Up Paddleboarding
2026-08-26 16:00 - 18:00 | NR/Lot C6, 6194 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 7/1.

Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding
2026-08-26 18:30 - 20:30 | NR/Lot C6, 6194 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 7/1.

Meet Me in the Garden: Attracting Wildlife
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 of the Ohio Division of Wildlife as she discusses the benefits of attracting wildlife into your outdoor space and tactics to deter nuisance species.

Senior Cycling
2026-08-27 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 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'
2026-08-28 17:00 - 18:30 | FR/Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield, OH, 44286, United States
Welcome all ages to fishing! 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.

Getting to Know Grasses
2026-08-29 18:00 - 19:30 | SFB/Prairie Trail, 1400 Portage Line Rd., Springfield Twp., OH, 44312, United States
Often overlooked and under loved, grasses play an essential role in our communities. Join for a hike along the 1.6-mile Prairie Trail to explore the fantastic features that make grasses so fascinating.

Young Birders: Novel Nightjars
2026-08-29 19:00 - 20:00 | CV/Valley View Area, 1134 Cuyahoga St., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Kids ages 8 and up are invited to discover the novelties of nightjars through a short presentation and bird walk. An adult companion is required to remain for the entirety of the program.

Kayak & Canoe Open House
2026-08-30 10:00 - 14:00 | MF/Lake Area, 521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls, OH, 44262, United States
Stop by to learn basic paddling techniques and take a short self-guided paddle on the lake under the guidance of certified instructors. Minimum age to kayak is 13; ages 13 to 17 must be with an adult participant. Canoes available for families with younger children. 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; kayaks and canoes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Location subject to change based on water conditions.

Submit Photos for Amateur Photography Exhibit
2026-09-01 00:00 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Beginning September 1 through November 15, visitors may submit two entries for our Annual Amateur Photography Exhibit. Selected entries will be displayed at the Nature Realm. Only two printed photographs will be accepted, and all images must be taken in areas managed by Summit Metro Parks. Where possible, please do not share contact information with other entrants. Entries should not be matted, framed or include watermarks, and should be one of the following sizes: 5″x7″, 8″x10″ or 11″x14″ and printed on photo paper. You may drop off entries at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm (1828 Smith Rd., Akron) or mail them to 975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron OH 44313, Attn: Amateur Photography Exhibit. A completed entry form is required. Find the form at summitmetroparks.org.

Quarry Hike
2026-09-01 17:00 - 18:30 | DLQ/Quarry Trail, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH, 44264, United States
Join a naturalist on the first day of the Fall Hiking Spree for a guided walk to discover the unique beauty and fascinating history of Deep Lock Quarry.

Nature Drawing for Adults
2026-09-02 10:00 - 12:00 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, 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.

Virtual: Nature Drawing for Adults
2026-09-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Join our interpretive artist online for this entertaining virtual lesson in nature drawing. No experience is necessary; all you need are pencils, paper and a sense of humor. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. Registration is required and begins on 8/1.

Spree 2-for-1
2026-09-02 18:00 - 20:00 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join a naturalist to knock out two spree trails in one evening. We’ll be hiking about 4.5 miles on rugged terrain on Seneca and Nuthatch Trails. Bring sturdy hiking boots and a water bottle.

Nature Drawing for Adults
2026-09-03 10:00 - 12:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, 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 on 8/1.

Senior Cycling
2026-09-03 10:00 - 13:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, 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. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in.

Kids in the Garden
2026-09-03 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! Each month we’ll have a game or craft, garden activity and 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.

Kids in the Garden
2026-09-03 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! Each month 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 indoors.

Good Garden Talks: Season Extension & Seed Collection
2026-09-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Akron Urban League, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, OH, 44307, United States
Join us in collaboration with Let’s Grow Akron and OSU Extension for a hands-on hoop bending demonstration and a talk on season extension using hoop houses and low tunnels. Participants are welcome to bring up to six 10-foot pieces of ½” electrical metallic tubing to bend for making a low tunnel at home. Master Gardeners will be available to help participants collect seeds from native flowers.

Lil' Sprouts
2026-09-05 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.

Bird Nerds: Barred Owl
2026-09-05 10:00 - 11:30 | FASN/Nature Realm, 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.

Meet Bob....He's a Cool Cat!
2026-09-05 13:00 - 14:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist as we delve into the hidden world of bobcats. Bobcats are medium-sized wild cats native to North America and Liberty Park, known for their short tails, spotted coats and secretive behavior. Learn why they play an important role in maintaining ecological balance within the park.
