Summit Metro Parks

Intro To Kayaking
2024-08-22 15:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | NR/Lot C6, 6194 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 will be provided. Location subject to change based on water conditions. Cost: $15/person. Registration is required and begins 8/15.

Kids In The Garden
2024-08-22 15:30 - 16:30 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
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.

Storytime In The Park: Stone Soup
2024-08-22 13:00 - 14:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Sharing really is caring. Bring your little ones to Summit Lake Nature Center for a classic story and cooking activity! Registration is required and begins 8/14.

Lil' Sprouts
2024-08-22 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. 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. Registration is required and begins 8/1.

Shrunken Tuscarawas
2024-08-21 10:30 - 11:30 | F/Warner Road Area, 200 E. Warner Rd., Akron, OH, 44319, United States
Once as wide as 600 feet, the Tuscarawas River has been instrumental in the development of Ohio. Hike along the 1.6-mile Willow Trail and portions of the Walking Course to experience the gentle Tuscarawas as it is today and learn what the landscape was like in centuries past.

Summit Lake Cycle & Tour
2024-08-20 16:00 - 19:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Browse a variety of fresh produce and sweets at the Summit Lake Neighborhood Farmer’s Market before the ride. As we ride, we will make stops to discuss the neighborhood’s history and evolution. This is a casually paced, 6- to 8-mile ride. Please bring your own helmet and bicycle. Helmets are required.

Self-Guided: Wild Wonder
2024-08-20 00:00 - 2024-08-31 23:59 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Does nature fill you with whimsy? Do you experience bouts of childlike wonder? Let loose and explore the natural world from a new perspective as you hike along the 1-mile Fernwood Trail. This experience is available through August 31.

Woodland Mushrooms
2024-08-18 13:00 - 15:00 | OH
A walk in the woods can reveal otherwise overlooked wonders of nature. Hike with a naturalist to discover the beauty, variety and ecology of mushrooms. Sturdy shoes, bug spray and drinking water are recommended.

Caterpillars Count!
2024-08-18 12:30 - 14:00 | OH
Discover the beauty of these soft-bodied arthropods, the important role they play in our native food webs and what they tell us about our world in the face of climate change. Enjoy a presentation followed by a short hike in search of caterpillars.

Dragons & Damsels
2024-08-17 13:00 - 15:00 | OH
Join a naturalist to learn basic identification tips and why dragonflies and damselflies are so important to the ecosystem. We’ll search the area around Seven Ponds Trail to see how many species we can find.

Marvelous Moths Of Deep Lock Quarry
2024-08-16 21:30 - 23:00 | OH
Join a naturalist to attract moths using special lights and sheets as we observe these insects’ beautiful colors, shapes and patterns up close. We will hope for the big silk moths to join us! Bring a flashlight and bug spray.

Celebrating Bees
2024-08-16 14:00 - 15:00 | OH
Join us for a presentation about Ohio’s native bees and identifying them. “Bee” prepared for a short hike to see what species we can discover!

Summer Nature Tales
2024-08-16 10:30 - 11:00 | OH
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.

Bat Night
2024-08-15 20:30 - 22:00 | OH
Bats are some of the most fascinating and beneficial creatures of the night! Join SMP staff in conjunction with The University of Akron Field Station to learn about these amazing mammals as we attempt to catch live bats with nets for observation and data collection. Follow the parkway until it ends at the field station. Registration is required and begins 8/8.

Good Garden Talks: Composting
2024-08-15 18:00 - 19:30 | OH
Join us in collaboration with Let’s Grow Akron and OSU Extension to learn the basics of composting and soil health in the vegetable garden. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held indoors.

Kids In The Garden
2024-08-15 15:30 - 16:30 | OH

Virtual: Nature Collage
2024-08-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Let’s make a beautiful nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist for this easy, fun lesson. A list of materials and a Zoom invite will be emailed after registering. Registration is required and begins 8/7.

Nature Collage
2024-08-15 10:00 - 12:00 | OH
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. Registration is required and begins 8/7.

Senior Cycling
2024-08-15 10:00 - 12:00 | OH
Join like-minded senior SMP 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. Arrive 15 minutes early to check in.

Kinderealm: Sandhill Cranes
2024-08-14 10:30 | OH
Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn about sandhill cranes, unique birds dating back to prehistoric times that dance, yell, build floating nests and are celebrated as a symbol of good fortune. Children will enjoy a craft, educational activities, a game and music. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers.

Drawing Outdoors
2024-08-14 09:00 | OH
Bring your drawing pad and pencils for an outdoor lesson in drawing. Beginners are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. Portable chairs and drinking water are recommended. Program will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.

Music By The Lake
2024-08-13 19:00 | OH
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. Music by the Lake is presented by Wayside Furniture.

Gone Fishin'
2024-08-13 17:30 | OH
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 wish to fish.

Virtual: Purple Martins Take Flight
2024-08-12 18:30 | Virtual
It’s a bird cyclone! Join us online to discover the magical and mysterious story of the charismatic purple martin that mesmerizes paddlers at Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park and throughout the world. Meeting ID: 861 3928 6682

After Work Bird Walk
2024-08-12 17:30 | OH
Less work, more warblers. Escape the office and enjoy a relaxed bird walk on the 1.4-mile Alder Trail.

Rain Barrel Workshop
2024-08-11 14:00 | OH
Learn how to conserve water in your outdoor spaces. Registration cost includes a rain barrel kit, 55-gallon food grade plastic drum and instruction on assembly and upkeep. Option available to assemble on-site or take kit home. Bring a handheld power drill, gloves and eye protection if you have them. Cost: $60/kit.

What'S The Deal With Beaver Food?
2024-08-11 09:00 | OH
Why do beavers do what they do? Join a naturalist to learn about the American beaver and why they’re always knockin’ down trees.

Roots & Rhythm: African Drumming Workshop With Berhane Okantah
2024-08-10 14:30 | OH
Join us for an interactive workshop for all ages to explore nature through African drumming and artistic expression. Participants will enhance their hand-eye coordination and listening skills while building confidence and community. This interactive experience is presented in partnership with Akron Black Artist Guild. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 8/1: 330-865-8065.

Tent Camping For Families
2024-08-10 13:00 | OH
Families with children under 14 are invited to join naturalists for a fun and relaxing overnight tent camping experience! Activities include guided nature activities, a campfire, s'mores and games. Please bring your own camping equipment, including food, sleeping gear, toiletries and chairs. No gear? No problem! Request a free camping kit with essentials during registration, available while supplies last.

Road Cycling Primer
2024-08-10 13:00 | OH
Ever wanted to try road cycling, but did not know how to get started? We will discuss equipment, clothing and more! Then, we will practice communicating, passing and other techniques on the roadways within the park. Please bring your own bicycle and helmet. Helmets are required.
