Amphibian Adventure
Get an up-close experience searching for amphibians and other water-loving creatures. We'll learn what makes them slimy, small and special. Be prepared to get wet. Closed-toe water shoes required.
35 events found.
Beginning January 2026, all program registration will be online. Registration will now open at 8:30 a.m. on the first day of the month prior to the program. Please register for the individuals in your household only. If you have questions regarding this new process, please call Nature Realm Visitors Center at 330-865-8065 (Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 – 5 p.m.).
Programs & Events
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1 event,Virtual: BalloflexGet fit while you sit! Enjoy an online exercise session with a certified BalloFlex instructor. BalloFlex is a seated workout that incorporates the elements of dance and fitness together in a safe, low impact and fun system. It is designed for all ages and abilities! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 |
1 event,Warbler Warm UpJoin a naturalist as we get ready for warbler season and the Biggest Week in American Birding! We will review the basics of warbler identification and other important tidbits about our feathered friends. There will be several specimens preserved by taxidermy to provide a bird's eye view of the many species that will be migrating […] |
2 events,Virtual: Biggest Week BirdsJoin us online to discover the amazing avian journeys that are occurring now, right in our own back yards! We'll meet some migratory bird species, talk hot spots and share our love for these special groups of songbirds. Zoom meeting ID: 485 730 2450 Peep Peep Peep HikeBring a flashlight, wear insect repellent and hike with a naturalist along the 1.6-mile Celebration Trail to listen for one of the first, best signs of spring: the male spring peeper's mating call! |
5 events,Eye Spy: Hard ModeSMP's hit trail hunt is back! Hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail any time through May 15 for a challenge in the woods. Remember, this is not your nana's eye spy! Senior CyclingJoin 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 […] Lil’ SproutsThis biweekly program is designed to engage young children and accompanying adults in the wonderful world of gardening. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest! Adults are asked to actively participate with children during the program. |
0 events,
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2 events,Spring Bird StrollFor some folks, spring means birds. We are those folks! Join a naturalist on a guided hike to see which bird species are passing through during the migration. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you've got 'em! May the Fourth Bike RideBring the family to celebrate May the Fourth with a Star Wars themed bike ride. Explore 6 to 12 miles of Freedom Trail while wearing your best cycling-safe Star Wars costume. Please bring your own helmet and bicycle. Helmets are required to ride. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in. |
7 events,Self-Guided Storybook Trail: The Garden Next DoorEnjoy some exercise and fun while following a self-guided story trail based on the book, “The Garden Next Door.” This experience will be available along the .25-mile Maple Loop Trail through May 26. Peak Migration Bird WalkHappy Biggest Week in American Birding! Hike the 1.6-mile Celebration Trail with a naturalist to spot neotropical migrants on their journeys north. Along the way, discover how bird lovers can better support our avian friends at home. Please bring binoculars and a bird guide. Smartphone BirdingSo often our phones take us away from nature, but that doesn't have to be the case! Come for a high-tech bird walk on the 1.4-mile Alder Trail and explore how you can enhance your birding experience with technology. |
1 event,Virtual: BalloflexGet fit while you sit! Enjoy an online exercise session with a certified BalloFlex instructor. BalloFlex is a seated workout that incorporates the elements of dance and fitness together in a safe, low impact and fun system. It is designed for all ages and abilities! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 |
1 event,Wandering for Warblers Day TripJoin park naturalists for an all-day exploration of the Warbler Capital of the World during the Biggest Week in American Birding. The tour bus will depart F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm at 6 a.m. for the famed Magee Marsh and other birding hotspots, returning at 6 p.m. Be prepared for extensive walking on boardwalks and trails. […] |
2 events,Nature Drawing for AdultsJoin our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. Virtual: Nature Drawing for AdultsJoin 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. |
4 events,Nature Drawing for AdultsJoin our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. Kids in the GardenJoin us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden. Spring Ephemeral Seed Harvest WorkshopJoin a naturalist to learn the art of spring ephemeral seed identification, collection and preservation, then get hands-on as we collect native seeds as a group. You will go home with some of your bounty! |
3 events,Spring Nature TalesYoung children and their adult companions can celebrate spring with an interactive, spring-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the nature play area after the program. Campfire Cooking: What’s for Dinner?Dutch oven cooking over a campfire can be as simple or complex as you choose. We'll demonstrate techniques and share recipes to create delicious and easy entrees! Help us cook, then taste the results (while supplies last). Friday Night FrogsVenture out on a night hike in search of frogs and discover the important roles amphibians play in our world. Please bring a headlamp or flashlight and come prepared to step off-trail in wet conditions.
Munroe Falls Metro Park
|
3 events,Gone Fishin’Anglers ages 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line and see what they 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. Summit Lake Bike RideEnjoy spring along the Towpath Trail with a leisurely paced, 15-mile bike ride to Wolf Creek Trailhead and back. Participants must bring their own bikes and helmets are required. Minors must be accompanied by adults. Marvelous Moths of Riding Run Conservation AreaJoin a naturalist to attract moths using special lights and sheets as we observe these insects' amazingly beautiful colors, shapes and patterns up close. We will hope for the big silk moth to make an appearance! Bring a flashlight, camera and bug spray. Meet in the parking lot. |
3 events,13th Annual Mother’s Day 5KRun, jog or walk to celebrate mom along this stroller-friendly course. This chip-timed race travels twice around the scenic Munroe Falls Lake. Proceeds benefit the Summit Metro Parks Foundation. Learn more and register: bit.ly/smpMD5K Rocks and Minerals of SMP and OhioJoin a naturalist as we delve into the geology of Summit Metro Parks and Ohio. Discover the different types of rocks and minerals that contribute millions of dollars to Ohio's economy. Learn how these mineral deposits were formed and the mining techniques involved in their extraction. We will have hands-on examples to examine. Guerilla GardeningNeglected, abandoned and unmaintained public spaces can burden any community, but there’s potential for change. Learn how to ethically and responsibly revitalize these overlooked public spaces with guerrilla gardening practices. |
0 events,
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1 event,Nature Drawing for AdultsJoin our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. |
2 events,Kinderealm: LadybugsChildren ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will enjoy a game, craft, story and song centered around a much-loved critter that some cultures believe brings good luck: the ladybug! A short walk will be included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. National Ride of SilenceJoin us to participate in the national Ride of Silence to honor the lives of cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Following the ride, we will conduct skills and cycling safety training and helmet fittings. Please bring your own bicycle and helmet. Helmets are required to ride. Following check […] |
7 events,Senior CyclingJoin 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 […] Nature CollageLet's make a beautiful, nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist for this easy, fun lesson. All materials will be provided. Homeschoolers: Animal AmbassadorsHomeschoolers ages 7 to 12: Join a naturalist and the animal ambassadors of Summit Metro Parks to get up close and personal with some of the reptiles and amphibians that call our parks home. We'll also explore a trail and learn why wildlife conservation is important in the face of climate change. |
2 events,Senior SaunterWhether you're a senior by age or just want to appreciate the outdoors at a leisurely pace, join us for a short walk to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature in spring. Bring a mug and enjoy a beverage and more nature conversation afterward. Fireside HistoryTall tales over a campfire are an age-old tradition, but sometimes fact is even stranger than fiction! Join a naturalist to cook s’mores over a fire and hear some surprising true stories about Ohio history. |
7 events,Let’s Move Summit CountyLet’s Move Summit County is an initiative encouraging children and families to lead active, healthy lifestyles. Move with us as we ride a 6-mile, out-and-back route along the Towpath Trail. Please bring your own bicycle and helmet. Helmets are required to ride. Please arrive 20 minutes early to register. 3rd Annual Native Plant FestivalKick off summer by welcoming wildlife into your yard with beautiful, beneficial native plants! Join Summit Metro Parks staff and local native plant nurseries to learn more about the vital role of native plants in our ecosystem. Browse a wide variety of plants available for purchase or attend an educational session to better understand how […] Inviting Biodiversity to Your Back YardWhat do butterflies, birds, fireflies and even salamanders have in common? They all need food, water, shelter and space to thrive. We'll discuss best practices to turn your back yard of any size into a well-rounded wildlife oasis for a variety of beloved native animals using a combination of native plants and wildlife-friendly features. |
2 events,Bug Hunt for KidsCome explore the insect world up close and personal! Remember to bring your own curiosity, but bug jars, sweep nets and other items will be provided. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Storytime in the Parks: Silly GeeseStay silly this spring! You and your 2 to 5 year olds will enjoy a goose-themed story, craft, games and short hike. |
1 event,Virtual: BalloflexGet fit while you sit! Enjoy an online exercise session with a certified BalloFlex instructor. BalloFlex is a seated workout that incorporates the elements of dance and fitness together in a safe, low impact and fun system. It is designed for all ages and abilities! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 |
1 event,Music In The ParkCelebrate the beginning of concert season with a performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble. Please bring your own chairs and blankets, and a picnic if you prefer. The concert will be moved indoors if it rains.
Goodyear Heights Metro Park
|
3 events,Self-Guided: ReptilesCome learn all about what reptiles might be right around the corner as you hike the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail through May 31. From ponds full of turtles to snakes under logs, explore what makes these scaly creatures so unique. Kinderealm: LadybugsChildren ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will enjoy a game, craft, story and song centered around a much-loved critter that some cultures believe brings good luck: the ladybug! A short walk will be included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Meet Me in the Garden: Gardening as We AgeJoin Laura Akgerman, disability services coordinator at Ohio AgrAbility and OSU Extension for this month's session. Learn about good body mechanics, ergonomic gardening tools, safe lifting, sun safety, universal design and ideas for adapting your current work habits. We will review tools and structures that will help you continue gardening productively and safely as your […] |
2 events,Lil’ SproutsThis biweekly program is designed to engage young children and accompanying adults in the wonderful world of gardening. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest! Adults are asked to actively participate with children during the program. Kids in the GardenJoin us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden. |
2 events,Spring Nature TalesYoung children and their adult companions can celebrate spring in an interactive, spring-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the nature play area after the program. Tent Camping for WomenLadies 14 and older are invited to join naturalists for a fun and relaxing overnight tent camping experience. We’ll be hiking, cooking, crafting and fishing as a group. Please bring your own camping equipment, including sleeping gear, toiletries, snacks and a chair. No gear? No problem! Request a free camping kit with essentials during registration, […] |
2 events,Gone Fishin’Anglers ages 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line and see what they 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. Swallow SwarmHave you ever seen a bird dig? Bank swallows do! Join a naturalist to learn about their behaviors and see them as they return to their nests above the Cuyahoga. |
2 events,Kayak Open HouseStop by to learn basic kayak 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 […] Insect SafariGo on safari to sweep for beautiful and bizarre insects in the tall grasses alongside the trail. |
0 events,
|
1 event,Bert Szabo Legacy Address with Jim McCormacJoin the Greater Akron Audubon Society to celebrate biodiversity and beyond with photographer and naturalist-extraordinaire Jim McCormac. Honoring the legacy of Bert Szabo, the park district's first naturalist, with the idea that "the more of us who care, the more likely that our natural world will survive," Jim will inspire us to protect and enhance […] |
1 event,Kinderealm: LadybugsChildren ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will enjoy a game, craft, story and song centered around a much-loved critter that some cultures believe brings good luck: the ladybug! A short walk will be included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. |
4 events,Senior CyclingJoin 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 […] Wetland Wildflowers WalkHike the rich wetlands of Firestone's 1.1-mile Redwing Trail to learn about and enjoy spring's early blooming flowers. Kids in the GardenJoin us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden. |
1 event,Color Hunt HikeJoin a naturalist on a short hike while we search for all the colors of the rainbow! Along the way, we'll chat about the science behind colors in nature |
3 events,Intro to Mountain BikingAre you mountain bike curious but nervous to hit the trail by yourself? Then this program is for you! Join us to go over mountain biking safety and trail tips, followed by a ride on the beginner and moderate mountain biking loops. Please bring your own helmet and bicycle. Helmets are required to participate. Intro to ArcheryParticipants will learn international-style target archery and test their marksmanship at an outdoor range. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 9 years old and 50 inches or taller. Cost: $10/person. Registration required. Intro to ArcheryParticipants will learn international-style target archery and test their marksmanship at an outdoor range. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 9 years old and 50 inches or taller. Cost: $10/person. Registration required. |
Amphibian Adventure
Get an up-close experience searching for amphibians and other water-loving creatures. We'll learn what makes them slimy, small and special. Be prepared to get wet. Closed-toe water shoes required.
Virtual: Balloflex
Get fit while you sit! Enjoy an online exercise session with a certified BalloFlex instructor. BalloFlex is a seated workout that incorporates the elements of dance and fitness together in a safe, low impact and fun system. It is designed for all ages and abilities! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634
Warbler Warm Up
Join a naturalist as we get ready for warbler season and the Biggest Week in American Birding! We will review the basics of warbler identification and other important tidbits about our feathered friends. There will be several specimens preserved by taxidermy to provide a bird's eye view of the many species that will be migrating through in the coming weeks.…
Virtual: Biggest Week Birds
Join us online to discover the amazing avian journeys that are occurring now, right in our own back yards! We'll meet some migratory bird species, talk hot spots and share our love for these special groups of songbirds. Zoom meeting ID: 485 730 2450
Peep Peep Peep Hike
Bring a flashlight, wear insect repellent and hike with a naturalist along the 1.6-mile Celebration Trail to listen for one of the first, best signs of spring: the male spring peeper's mating call!
Eye Spy: Hard Mode
SMP's hit trail hunt is back! Hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail any time through May 15 for a challenge in the woods. Remember, this is not your nana's eye spy!
Senior Cycling
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…
Lil’ Sprouts
This biweekly program is designed to engage young children and accompanying adults in the wonderful world of gardening. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest! Adults are asked to actively participate with children during the program.
Spring Bird Stroll
For some folks, spring means birds. We are those folks! Join a naturalist on a guided hike to see which bird species are passing through during the migration. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you've got 'em!
May the Fourth Bike Ride
Bring the family to celebrate May the Fourth with a Star Wars themed bike ride. Explore 6 to 12 miles of Freedom Trail while wearing your best cycling-safe Star Wars costume. Please bring your own helmet and bicycle. Helmets are required to ride. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in.
Self-Guided Storybook Trail: The Garden Next Door
Enjoy some exercise and fun while following a self-guided story trail based on the book, “The Garden Next Door.” This experience will be available along the .25-mile Maple Loop Trail through May 26.
Peak Migration Bird Walk
Happy Biggest Week in American Birding! Hike the 1.6-mile Celebration Trail with a naturalist to spot neotropical migrants on their journeys north. Along the way, discover how bird lovers can better support our avian friends at home. Please bring binoculars and a bird guide.
Smartphone Birding
So often our phones take us away from nature, but that doesn't have to be the case! Come for a high-tech bird walk on the 1.4-mile Alder Trail and explore how you can enhance your birding experience with technology.
Virtual: Balloflex
Get fit while you sit! Enjoy an online exercise session with a certified BalloFlex instructor. BalloFlex is a seated workout that incorporates the elements of dance and fitness together in a safe, low impact and fun system. It is designed for all ages and abilities! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634
Wandering for Warblers Day Trip
Join park naturalists for an all-day exploration of the Warbler Capital of the World during the Biggest Week in American Birding. The tour bus will depart F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm at 6 a.m. for the famed Magee Marsh and other birding hotspots, returning at 6 p.m. Be prepared for extensive walking on boardwalks and trails. Dress for variable weather conditions.…
Nature Drawing for Adults
Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome.
Virtual: Nature Drawing for Adults
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.
Nature Drawing for Adults
Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome.
Kids in the Garden
Join us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden.
Spring Ephemeral Seed Harvest Workshop
Join a naturalist to learn the art of spring ephemeral seed identification, collection and preservation, then get hands-on as we collect native seeds as a group. You will go home with some of your bounty!
Spring Nature Tales
Young children and their adult companions can celebrate spring with an interactive, spring-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the nature play area after the program.
Campfire Cooking: What’s for Dinner?
Dutch oven cooking over a campfire can be as simple or complex as you choose. We'll demonstrate techniques and share recipes to create delicious and easy entrees! Help us cook, then taste the results (while supplies last).
Friday Night Frogs
Venture out on a night hike in search of frogs and discover the important roles amphibians play in our world. Please bring a headlamp or flashlight and come prepared to step off-trail in wet conditions.
Munroe Falls Metro Park
Gone Fishin’
Anglers ages 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line and see what they 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.
Summit Lake Bike Ride
Enjoy spring along the Towpath Trail with a leisurely paced, 15-mile bike ride to Wolf Creek Trailhead and back. Participants must bring their own bikes and helmets are required. Minors must be accompanied by adults.
Marvelous Moths of Riding Run Conservation Area
Join a naturalist to attract moths using special lights and sheets as we observe these insects' amazingly beautiful colors, shapes and patterns up close. We will hope for the big silk moth to make an appearance! Bring a flashlight, camera and bug spray. Meet in the parking lot.
13th Annual Mother’s Day 5K
Run, jog or walk to celebrate mom along this stroller-friendly course. This chip-timed race travels twice around the scenic Munroe Falls Lake. Proceeds benefit the Summit Metro Parks Foundation. Learn more and register: bit.ly/smpMD5K
Rocks and Minerals of SMP and Ohio
Join a naturalist as we delve into the geology of Summit Metro Parks and Ohio. Discover the different types of rocks and minerals that contribute millions of dollars to Ohio's economy. Learn how these mineral deposits were formed and the mining techniques involved in their extraction. We will have hands-on examples to examine.
Guerilla Gardening
Neglected, abandoned and unmaintained public spaces can burden any community, but there’s potential for change. Learn how to ethically and responsibly revitalize these overlooked public spaces with guerrilla gardening practices.
Nature Drawing for Adults
Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome.
Kinderealm: Ladybugs
Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will enjoy a game, craft, story and song centered around a much-loved critter that some cultures believe brings good luck: the ladybug! A short walk will be included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers.
National Ride of Silence
Join us to participate in the national Ride of Silence to honor the lives of cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Following the ride, we will conduct skills and cycling safety training and helmet fittings. Please bring your own bicycle and helmet. Helmets are required to ride. Following check in, the ride will depart…
Senior Cycling
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…
Nature Collage
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.
Homeschoolers: Animal Ambassadors
Homeschoolers ages 7 to 12: Join a naturalist and the animal ambassadors of Summit Metro Parks to get up close and personal with some of the reptiles and amphibians that call our parks home. We'll also explore a trail and learn why wildlife conservation is important in the face of climate change.
Senior Saunter
Whether you're a senior by age or just want to appreciate the outdoors at a leisurely pace, join us for a short walk to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature in spring. Bring a mug and enjoy a beverage and more nature conversation afterward.
Fireside History
Tall tales over a campfire are an age-old tradition, but sometimes fact is even stranger than fiction! Join a naturalist to cook s’mores over a fire and hear some surprising true stories about Ohio history.
Let’s Move Summit County
Let’s Move Summit County is an initiative encouraging children and families to lead active, healthy lifestyles. Move with us as we ride a 6-mile, out-and-back route along the Towpath Trail. Please bring your own bicycle and helmet. Helmets are required to ride. Please arrive 20 minutes early to register.
3rd Annual Native Plant Festival
Kick off summer by welcoming wildlife into your yard with beautiful, beneficial native plants! Join Summit Metro Parks staff and local native plant nurseries to learn more about the vital role of native plants in our ecosystem. Browse a wide variety of plants available for purchase or attend an educational session to better understand how to incorporate native plants into…
Inviting Biodiversity to Your Back Yard
What do butterflies, birds, fireflies and even salamanders have in common? They all need food, water, shelter and space to thrive. We'll discuss best practices to turn your back yard of any size into a well-rounded wildlife oasis for a variety of beloved native animals using a combination of native plants and wildlife-friendly features.
Bug Hunt for Kids
Come explore the insect world up close and personal! Remember to bring your own curiosity, but bug jars, sweep nets and other items will be provided. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Storytime in the Parks: Silly Geese
Stay silly this spring! You and your 2 to 5 year olds will enjoy a goose-themed story, craft, games and short hike.
Virtual: Balloflex
Get fit while you sit! Enjoy an online exercise session with a certified BalloFlex instructor. BalloFlex is a seated workout that incorporates the elements of dance and fitness together in a safe, low impact and fun system. It is designed for all ages and abilities! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634
Music In The Park
Celebrate the beginning of concert season with a performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble. Please bring your own chairs and blankets, and a picnic if you prefer. The concert will be moved indoors if it rains.
Goodyear Heights Metro Park
Self-Guided: Reptiles
Come learn all about what reptiles might be right around the corner as you hike the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail through May 31. From ponds full of turtles to snakes under logs, explore what makes these scaly creatures so unique.
Kinderealm: Ladybugs
Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will enjoy a game, craft, story and song centered around a much-loved critter that some cultures believe brings good luck: the ladybug! A short walk will be included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers.
Meet Me in the Garden: Gardening as We Age
Join Laura Akgerman, disability services coordinator at Ohio AgrAbility and OSU Extension for this month's session. Learn about good body mechanics, ergonomic gardening tools, safe lifting, sun safety, universal design and ideas for adapting your current work habits. We will review tools and structures that will help you continue gardening productively and safely as your abilities change.
Lil’ Sprouts
This biweekly program is designed to engage young children and accompanying adults in the wonderful world of gardening. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest! Adults are asked to actively participate with children during the program.
Kids in the Garden
Join us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden.
Spring Nature Tales
Young children and their adult companions can celebrate spring in an interactive, spring-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the nature play area after the program.
Tent Camping for Women
Ladies 14 and older are invited to join naturalists for a fun and relaxing overnight tent camping experience. We’ll be hiking, cooking, crafting and fishing as a group. Please bring your own camping equipment, including sleeping gear, toiletries, snacks and a chair. No gear? No problem! Request a free camping kit with essentials during registration, available while supplies last. Minors…
Gone Fishin’
Anglers ages 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line and see what they 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.
Swallow Swarm
Have you ever seen a bird dig? Bank swallows do! Join a naturalist to learn about their behaviors and see them as they return to their nests above the Cuyahoga.
Kayak Open House
Stop by to learn basic kayak 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…
Insect Safari
Go on safari to sweep for beautiful and bizarre insects in the tall grasses alongside the trail.
Bert Szabo Legacy Address with Jim McCormac
Join the Greater Akron Audubon Society to celebrate biodiversity and beyond with photographer and naturalist-extraordinaire Jim McCormac. Honoring the legacy of Bert Szabo, the park district's first naturalist, with the idea that "the more of us who care, the more likely that our natural world will survive," Jim will inspire us to protect and enhance Ohio birds and biodiversity. Come…
Kinderealm: Ladybugs
Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will enjoy a game, craft, story and song centered around a much-loved critter that some cultures believe brings good luck: the ladybug! A short walk will be included. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers.
Senior Cycling
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…
Wetland Wildflowers Walk
Hike the rich wetlands of Firestone's 1.1-mile Redwing Trail to learn about and enjoy spring's early blooming flowers.
Kids in the Garden
Join us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron for this weekly gardening program for children of all ages. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what's growing and ready to harvest in the garden.
Color Hunt Hike
Join a naturalist on a short hike while we search for all the colors of the rainbow! Along the way, we'll chat about the science behind colors in nature
Intro to Mountain Biking
Are you mountain bike curious but nervous to hit the trail by yourself? Then this program is for you! Join us to go over mountain biking safety and trail tips, followed by a ride on the beginner and moderate mountain biking loops. Please bring your own helmet and bicycle. Helmets are required to participate.
Intro to Archery
Participants will learn international-style target archery and test their marksmanship at an outdoor range. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 9 years old and 50 inches or taller. Cost: $10/person. Registration required.
Intro to Archery
Participants will learn international-style target archery and test their marksmanship at an outdoor range. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 9 years old and 50 inches or taller. Cost: $10/person. Registration required.