Winter Hike Series: Hot Cocoa & Twinkling Lights
Warm up inside the holiday-decorated Nature Center with hot cocoa and enjoy fun activities for kids including a holiday themed scavenger hunt. Then, hike on your own along the 1/4 …Read More
Search Results for: highbanks
For Adults: Guided Conifer Hike
Join a naturalist for a 1-mile hike learning about conifers and their cones. Trail is crushed limestone with some hills. This program counts as part of the winter hike series. …Read More
For Kids: Wildlife Wander
Explore the forest in search of wildlife signs while learning about wildlife survival strategies with a naturalist. Explorations will include an approximately 1/4 mile hike on crushed limestone trails and …Read More
For Adults: Off-trail Hike to Big Sycamores (Nature Preserve )
Join a naturalist for a rugged 3-mile off-trail hike to the nature preserve to see some of the 300-year old Giant Sycamore trees. Expect slippery and wet conditions. Hiking stick …Read More
For Families: Turkey Trek
Meet at the nature center for a 1-mile round trip hike to learn about our festive, feathered, Thanksgiving friends! Trail is crushed limestone and includes some hills. Meeting Location Notes: …Read More
The Regulars Speak
ANDY MILLER Assistant Park Manager, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park Humans, as one saying goes, are creatures of habit. Some habits are bad, some habits are good, and some habits are …Read More
Howl-o-ween Dog hike
Dress your pup up in their favorite Halloween costume and take a hike on the trail with a naturalist. Halloween themed treats provided, Bring your own water. Dogs must be …Read More
Twilight Discovery Hike
Explore the evening woods after dark and look for creatures that come out at night. Bring your own flashlight. All Ages. Limited parking at the nature center. Meeting Location Notes: …Read More
Adult Date Night: Fall Evening Hike
Join a naturalist for sunset hike to enjoy fall color in the forest at Highbanks and learn about the science behind it. Hike will be approximately 2 miles on crushed …Read More
Make It: Leaf rubbing bookmarks
Drop in to make a colorful leaf rubbing bookmark while learning about different leaf shapes. All ages. Limited parking at nature center. Meeting Location Notes: Highbanks Nature Center is the …Read More
Day Trips in the Metro Parks
MACY TALLARICO Outdoor Adventure Programmer Some may find it surprising to know that the Metro Parks are home to 230 miles of trails to explore! Whether you are on the …Read More
Solar Eclipse 2024 : What, When, & How To See The 4/8/2024 Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, North America will experience its second total solar eclipse in 7 years and, yes, the path of totality will be moving right through Ohio. After that, …Read More
Olentangy Scenic River 50th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate the Olentangy River’s 50th Anniversary of Scenic designation with Ohio Division of Natural Areas & Preserves and various community partners. Learn about the unique attributes of the river and …Read More
Old-Growth Forests
CATON WILLIAMSON Blacklick Woods Seasonal Naturalist Old-growth forests are ecosystems at their best. I have found that a walk through one of these forests is always a worthwhile experience. From …Read More
Summer Fun — there’s still time!
JILL SNYDER Visitor Engagement Manager Despite all the back to school ads, summer doesn’t officially end until September 22, so there is still plenty of time to get outside and ...Read More
My Perfect Day… pack!
CAROLINE WAGNER Outdoor Adventure Supervisor Do you have big plans to hit the trails and go hiking this summer in your favorite Metro Park? There are a few things you’re …Read More
Kenny’s 10 Metro Parks Adventure on “Big Woody”
KENNY GOETTKE Guest Contributor I recently purchased a new SE bike called “The Big Woody.” It’s a one-speed bike great for cruising the Greenways. I live in between Glacier Ridge, …Read More
Summer Dog Hike
Join the naturalist on a 1.5-mile summer hike along river and field with your canine friend. Treats and water breaks provided. All ages. Meeting location notes:Highbanks Metro Park. Meet in …Read More
Preschool Storytime: Animals at Night
Join us for a storytime about animals in the day and night, meet some of our nighttime educational animals at Highbanks, and take a short exploration walk with a naturalist …Read More
Storytime: Lorax
Listen to a reading of The Lorax and then create a Lorax-themed craft! Ages 2-5. Meeting Location Notes: Highbanks Nature Center is the first right after entering the park. There …Read More