Summit Metro Parks

Geology of the Ledges
2025-11-16 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist as we walk back into time 250 million years ago…long before the dinosaurs! Explore how the ledges in this area were formed and then exposed by the last ice age. Learn why this unique ecosystem is so important. Boots are highly recommended as we will be hiking off-trail.

Better Than Sleepy Hollow Hike
2025-11-16 14:00 - 15:30 | HH/Main Entrance, 2925 Akron Peninsula Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Surely Ichabod Crane would prefer this glacially formed, scenic 1.9-mile Spring Hollow Trail in Adam Run Valley! Wear hiking boots as the trail crosses several seasonal streams.

Spree With Me: After Work Owl Prowl
2025-11-17 17:30 - 19:30 | F/Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Less work, more birding. Escape the office and enjoy a relaxed night hike on the 1.1-mile Redwing Trail for spree credit.

Kinderealm: Woodpeckers
2025-11-19 10:30 - 11:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companion will learn about the incredible lives of woodpeckers through a story, craft and outdoor activity. Please make arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats and strollers. Registration is required and begins 10/29.

Nature Drawing for Adults
2025-11-20 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 10/30.

Good Garden Talks: Plant Native Trees
2025-11-20 18:00 - 19:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Learn how and why adding native trees to your home landscape can transform it into a more welcoming, biodiverse and healthy green refuge benefiting you, your family and wildlife.

Subterranean Secrets of Silver Creek
2025-11-21 10:00 - 12:00 | SC/Big Oak Area, 5199 Medina Line Rd., Norton, OH, 44230, United States
Hike the 2.0-mile Chippewa Trail and learn about the secrets below our feet including soils, animals, abandoned coal mines and more.

Beyond the Summit: Lake Erie Water Quality
2025-11-22 11:00 - 12:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Beyond the Summit is a speaker series featuring environmental professionals discussing topics related to water in northeast Ohio. From watershed health to fishing best practices, each talk offers community members the chance to learn from experts shaping the future of our water resources. This month’s guest joins us from Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve to talk about Lake Erie water quality.

An Old Field in Fall
2025-11-22 13:00 - 14:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Over 40% of Ohio wildlife depend on “old field” habitats! Learn a little about these special places and then hike the 0.6-mile Bluebird Trail to observe life in the field during late fall.

Hiking Spree Shield Assistance
2025-11-22 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-29 13:00 - 15:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Is attaching the hiking spree shield more challenging than actually hiking the eight trails? Summit Metro Parks volunteers will gladly attach it for you at no charge.

Date at the Lake
2025-11-22 18:00 - 19:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Bring a date and join us for a night of great views and memorable fun. Dress for the weather — we’re campfire cooking! No babysitter? No problem! Drop them off downstairs for a simultaneous kids camping program for ages 5 to 13. Registration is required and begins 11/13.

Fall Bird Walk
2025-11-23 08:00 - 09:30 | F/Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Join a naturalist to bird along the 1.6-mile Willow Trail. Whether you’re a birding beginner or an avian expert, we will discuss which species will overwinter in Ohio and tips for identifying them. Several extra pairs of binoculars will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Back Yards Gone Wild: Woodpecker Feeder Workshop
2025-11-23 14:00 - 15:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist to learn about the fascinating lives of woodpeckers and how to attract them to your yard. After a short presentation, we’ll bring out the hammers and nails to create a suet feeder to take home. Cost: $10/kit. Registration is required and begins 11/12.

Deep Lock Walk
2025-11-29 09:00 - 11:00 | DLQ/Quarry Trail, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH, 44264, United States
On the last weekend of the Fall Hiking Spree, join a naturalist for a walk at Deep Lock Quarry as we discuss birds, plants and more!

Campfire S'mores
2025-11-29 13:00 - 14:30 | FASN/Seneca Deck, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join a naturalist for a campfire to stay warm. We will enjoy delicious s’mores (while supplies last).

Ghosts from the North
2025-11-30 13:00 - 14:30 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist to uncover the secrets of a mysterious winter visitor from the north: the snowy owl. Learn how this fierce predator survives subzero temperatures, raises young and lives in the barren Arctic wilderness. Discover what an “irruption” is, why it happens, and which other owls and raptors migrate to Northeast Ohio for the winter.

Last Hike
2025-11-30 15:00 - 16:30 | FASN/Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
It’s your last chance to finish the Fall Hiking Spree! Join a naturalist on a guided hike on the 0.9-mile Fernwood Loop in search of wildlife, then turn in your form at the visitors center to receive your reward!

Kinderealm: Squirrels
2025-12-03 10:30 - 11:30 | OH
Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn about squirrels, the back yard critters we all know because of their playful antics, curiosity and bird feeder raids! A craft, game and story time are part of the program. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins on 10/29.

Virtual: Nature Drawing for Adults
2025-12-03 13:00 - 14:00 | OH
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 11/26.

Self-Guided: Winter Birds Discovery
2025-12-04 06:00 - 2025-12-18 23:00 | F/Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Learn about resident and visiting winter birds at your own pace with this self-guided hike along the 1.6-mile Willow Trail. This experience is available through December 18.

Nature Drawing for Adults
2025-12-04 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 11/26.

Good Garden Talks: Winter Sowing
2025-12-04 18:00 - 19:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Some call it the lazy way to start your seeds — we call this method smart and fun! Join us in collaboration with Let’s Grow Akron and OSU Extension to learn winter sowing. Grow your seedlings by planting seeds outdoors in vented containers to foster the naturally timed germination of climate-tolerant varieties.

Homegrown Habitat: Woody Plant Propagation
2025-12-04 18:30 - 20:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Calling all people with yards or green spaces big and small: Join us for this monthly series and learn how to re-wild your home landscape. This month we’ll learn the art of woody plant propagation, then get hands-on and prune to start trimmings. Please bring your own garden gloves and we’ll supply the rest!

Autumn Nature Tales
2025-12-05 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 late autumn-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the Nature Play area after the program.

Words of the Season: Winter
2025-12-05 18:00 - 19:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join a writer-turned-naturalist for a seminar on winter and flowery literature. It will make this frigid season more inviting!

Holiday Wreath Making
2025-12-06 10:00 - 12:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist to make holiday wreaths! Learn which evergreens make the best decor and which of those are native to Ohio. You’ll also learn how to use other native plant materials such as winterberry, dried grasses and vines to add accents to your wreath. Each person will take home one wreath for the holiday season. Cost: $35/person. Registration is required and begins 11/19.

Drop In: Butter Making
2025-12-06 13:30 - 15:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Still a household staple, butter has played a crucial role in preserving dairy throughout human history. Drop in to carry on the tradition and make your own tasty butter, while supplies last.

Holiday Wreath Making
2025-12-06 14:00 - 16:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Join a naturalist to make holiday wreaths! Learn which evergreens are best to use and which of those are native to Ohio. You’ll also learn how to use other native plant materials such as winterberry, dried grasses and vines to add accents to your wreath. Each person will take home one wreath for the holiday season. Cost: $35/person. Registration is required and begins 11/19.

Self-Guided Story Trail: Time to Sleep
2025-12-07 06:00 - 2025-12-28 23:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Enjoy some crisp winter air while following a self-guided story trail based on the book “Time to Sleep.” Look for it along the 2.1-mile Black Bear Trail through December 28.
