If you have followed along for a while, you probably know we are no strangers to our Metro Parks and LOVE their events. They do a fabulous job, and the girls seem to enjoy them. Did you know that the events are FREE? Even better, if your kids attend at least five, they earn a metro park badge. They have many events for all ages each month, but I focused this blog post on events for ages 3-5.
With over 28,400 acres of land in seven Central Ohio counties and 20 outstanding natural area parks with more than 230 miles of trails and playgrounds galore, any day is a good day to visit our metro parks!
Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center
The Nature Center is a great place to visit whether or not they have an event going or not. At the heart of the building is a 53-feet long living stream, which reproduces the riparian habitats found within the park, and other interactive exhibits encouraging engagement by visitors with the natural world around them.
- 11/5 National Bison Day – 40352001
- Celebrate our National Mammal! Enjoy crafts, games and snacks in the Nature Center. All ages welcome! Learn all about our national mammal and meet the herd on a Bison Program with a Naturalist on the hours of 1pm, 2pm, or 3pm.
- An hour long movie about Bison will also be played in the Nature Center at 2pm.
- 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Blacklick Woods
- 11/16 Preschoolers: Talkin’ Turkeys – 40111905
- Learn about Wild Turkeys through a story and a craft.
- 10:00 am -11:00 am
- 11/20 Turkey Crafts – 40150402
- Visit the Nature Center to make Thanksgiving-themed crafts.
- 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
- 11/30 Tots on Trails – 40110900
- Take a slow-paced half-mile hike with your toddler and a naturalist.
- 10:00 am -11:00 am
Blendon Woods
They have a new playground that is pretty great.
- 11/11 Storytime – 40211925
- Have fun with early literacy in the park! These 30-40min programs are aimed at kids 2-5yrs. Children and their grownups will enjoy books, rhymes, songs and fun while arousing curiosity about the natural world.
- 10:00 am -10:30 am
- 11/15 Preschool: Pumpkin Jack – 40211926
- Find out what happens to your Halloween pumpkin after the holiday is over with a story, songs and craft
- 10:00 am -11:00 am
Highbanks
They have a nice nature center that the girls enjoy. Off the back is a lookout deck with beautiful views and a storybook trail.
- 11/7 Preschoolers: Turkey Hide and Seekย –ย 40411905
- Learn about turkeys through story, hands-on activities and a hike. Program is indoor/outdoor, make sure to dress for the weather.
- 11:00 amย -12:00 pm, 1:00 pmย –ย 2:00 pm
- 11/21 Drop By: Nature Scavenger Huntsย –ย 40450206
- Drop by the nature center any time between 11-3 to pick up a nature scavenger hunt to use to explore the trails at Highbanks on your own. What will you discover?
Inniswood Metro Gardens
- 11/2 Preschool in the Gardens: Winters Nap – 40811931
- Listen to a story then take a hike to learn how the animals of Inniswood prepare for winter.
- 10:00 am -11:00 am, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Sharon Woods
- 11/19 Tricky Turkey Treasure Huntย –ย 40552205
- To escape Thanksgiving, our tricky turkeys have dressed up and hidden themselves around the picnic area. If you can outsmart these turkeys and spot them all, you’ll win some turkey treasure! Meet at the Natural Play Area.
- 1:00 pmย –ย 4:00 pm
Sharon Woods Spring Hollow
- 11/22 Preschoolers: Talkin’ Turkey – 40511908
- Let’s talk turkey and learn all about these feathered friends through a game, craft and other activities. Ages 3-5. Meet at Spring Hollow Lodge.
- Please note: Spring Hollow Lodge is not accessible via the main park entrance. Please use this address to get to the Lodge: 1069 W. Main St.
- 9:30 am -10:30 am, 11:00 am -12:00 pm
Scioto Audubon
The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is one of our favorite places to visit.
- Check out adventure and discovery backpacks for free. They offer a variety of nature-themed backpacks geared toward school-aged children and preschoolers.
- Visit their Animal Ambassadors. Our animal room is currently home to 3 turtles and a hissing cockroach. Stop in to view and learn more about their reptile friends!
- Check out binoculars and activities like field guides, nature play blocks, chalk, games, and more at the front desk.
- Looking for indoor play? Look no further than their indoor Forest Playroom; this space features a two story climbing structure, a puppet show/discovery tunnel, and puppets and toys for our little nature explorers to use.
Slate Run Farm
- 11/17 Homeschoolers on the Farm: Thanksgiving Traditions – 41221117
- Learn some history about Thanksgiving foods and traditions.
- 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Three Creeks
- 11/15 Preschoolers: Hibernation Time – 41411910
- Enjoy fun activities while learning how wild animals get ready for winter. Three Creeks Metro Park Confluence Area picnic shelter, 3860 Bixby Rd, Grovpeort
- 10:00 am -11:00 am
Nature Centers are back OPEN at Columbus Metro Parks this June
Homestead Metro Park in Hilliard
Glacier Ridge Metro Park
Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm | Canal Winchester
Inniswood Metro Park
New Playground at Blendon Woods
Happy Exploring!
