Make the outdoors your new learning environment
Free education programs are offered throughout the year for children with varying interests and ability levels. Most programming takes place outdoors and allows students to experience nature by seeing a variety of plants and animals and exploring fields, forests, ponds and gardens. Metro Parks’ staff can also bring educational programs directly to your classroom or group free of charge.
Programs are designed with student academic achievement and environmental responsibility in mind, and may be adapted for a group’s special needs or interests.
Program Descriptions
Find the best program for your group
Programs help to reinforce Ohio’s science and social studies education standards and may be adapted for a group’s special needs or interests. Ages and date ranges indicated on the Program Topics Listing and Location chart are suggested for optimal learning experiences.
SCHEDULING A PARK FIELD TRIP
Metro Parks’ programs fill quickly. Please try to make your reservations at least one month in advance by calling the appropriate park. If you need further assistance or would like information about tram programs please call 614-891-0700.
Battelle Darby Creek – 614-878-7106
Blacklick Woods – 614-861-8759
Blendon Woods – 614-895-6221
Clear Creek – 740-969-9001
Glacier Ridge/Homestead – 614-971-5211
Highbanks – 614-846-9962
Inniswood – 614-895-6216
Sharon Woods – 614-865-4507
Three Creeks – 614-409-9914
Photo: Barbara Nye
Photo: Susan Boggs
What information do I need to schedule a program?
When scheduling a visit to your Metro Parks, please be prepared to provide the following information:
- Several preferred dates already cleared with your administration (including transportation provider).
- Multiple preferred options for program topics.
- Multiple preferred options for the park you would like to visit.
- Number of children and adults attending. We prefer groups with a minimum of 15 participants and can sometimes accommodate larger groups of up to 200 students with advance notice.
- School or group name and grade level (if applicable).
- Contact name, phone number, school address and email address.
Programs at your location
Let us bring nature to you
Metro Parks’ staff can bring educational programs directly to your classroom or group free of charge. When you contact us to schedule your program, the education staff will work with you to choose a topic that best meets your needs, and help you choose an appropriate time frame with consideration to subject matter and program location. The best time to schedule visits to your site is November-March. To schedule, contact the park nearest your site.
For a complete listing of programs, locations, dates offered and recommended participant age
News & Upcoming Education Programs
LEAH CONWAY Seasonal Naturalist – Blacklick Woods The monarch butterfly may be the most famous of invertebrates here in the US — followed closely by the black widow spider and …Read More
LEAH CONWAY Blacklick Woods Seasonal Naturalist Two-lined salamanders are a common sight in Ohio streams and woodlands, if you know where and when to look. Most activity occurs the first …Read More
MEGAN FLEISCHER, Inniswood Horticulturist Developing the next great garden theme for Inniswood’s seasonal displays is an on-going quest. I gather inspiration from obvious sources such as nursery catalogs and garden …Read More
Marvel at the bison grazing in their pastures, look for critters in the creek or listen to the water flow over the rocks. You can do it all at Battelle …Read More