LIZ CHRISTIAN
Marketing and Social Media Specialist
#OptOutside was started by REI in 2015 as a day to close their stores on Black Friday and give their employees and customers a day to get outside. They partnered with organizations like the National Park Service and other outdoor recreation organizations to help others connect with nature, and it’s since spread to a national day, where parks districts and outdoor enthusiasts plan events and encourage others to #OptOutside.
How do you #OptOutside? It’s easy – just walk out of your door! Believe it or not, walking around your neighborhood, playing a game in the backyard, taking a bike ride, or even sitting on your porch all count as going outside.
This year, Metro Parks invites you to #OptOutside on Friday, November 24, 2023. Bring your friends, family and pets to spend time in nature, and maybe see or learn something new!
If you’re looking for a fun event to help you get outside, many Metro Parks have programs on November 24 to help you #OptOutside and enjoy nature:
- #OptOutside Hike: Blendon Woods, 1pm. Why go shopping INside when you can go hiking OUTside? Hike 2 miles on natural and gravel surfaces.
- Gobble Hobble: Blacklick Woods, 10am. Join a naturalist on a 6-mile hike of all the trails at Blacklick Woods to burn off that Thanksgiving meal. Meet at the Trading Post in the Ash Grove Picnic Area.
- Lantern Hike: Blacklick Woods, 6:30pm. Take a 1.5-mile hike through the Walter Tucker Nature Preserve lighting your path with lanterns, while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa.
- For Adults 50+, Walk Off The Turkey: Chestnut Ridge, 2pm. Ascend 150 feet through the woods to the top of the ridge on a 1.5 mile moderate to difficult hike.
- Day Off School, Warm for Winter: Inniswood, 10am and 1pm. Learn the awesome adaptations our wildlife have to be able to spend their winter months outside. Best for ages 5-10.
- Toddler Hike: Scioto Grove, 10am. Join Outdoor Adventure and enjoy a slow-paced hike at Scioto Grove with your toddler! Meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Area.
- Gobble Hobble: Battelle Darby Creek, 10am. Trot off some of the Thanksgiving Day calories on this 4-mile hike. Meet at the Ranger Station at 1775 Darby Creek Drive.
- Thanksgiving Traditions: Slate Run Farm, 11am to 3pm. Learn about the history of Thanksgiving foods and traditions.
- #OptOutside Off-Trail Hike: Sharon Woods, 9am. Join the naturalist for a rugged 2.5-mile hike off-trail in the park. We’ll cross ravines and small streams, and explore a state nature preserve all while learning about the history of the park. This program is not recommended for below age 5. Please no strollers, child backpack carriers or dogs. Bring water and wear boots and jeans or other sturdy long pants (nothing that can snag easily). Meet at the Apple Ridge Bulletin Board.
Find a list of all events and details here. Of course, don’t forget to tag @cbusmetroparks in all of your fun adventures!