Children, families and communities around the world will rediscover the joys of life beyond the screen May 2-8. Unplug from digital entertainment and spend your free time playing, reading, daydreaming, creating, exploring, and connecting with family and friends.

Metroparks is participating in Screen Free Week, sponsored locally by Mercy Children’s Hospital.

Get away from the screen and get outdoors at programs such as a Science Night, after-dark hikes, canal boat rides, beginning birders tips, lessons in a one-room school and more -- there's something to do every day.

Click on the links below for information and to sign up online. Some programs have fees.

Monday, May 2

Animal Poses
Oak Openings Preserve, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to Create
Side Cut Metropark, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The Nature of Learning
Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

You’ve Got to Move It, Move It
Swan Creek Preserve Metropark, 5 to 6 p.m.

Beginners Birding
Swan Creek Preserve Metropark, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Night Sky Watch
Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 9 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday, May 4

Wildflower Walk
Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 6 to 7 p.m.

Back to the Future
Wildwood Preserve  Metropark, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, May 5

Unleash the Artist in the Garden
Wildwood Manor House Garden, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Metroparks Science Night
Hands-on science projects for the whole family
Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Friday, May 6

Family Bike Night
Side Cut Metropark, 6 to 8 p.m.

A Night in the Swamp
Pearson Metropark, Johlin Cabin, 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Park After Dark: New Moon Walk
Westwinds Metropark, 8:30-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 7

Homesteading: Planting Time
Pearson Metropark, Johlin Cabin, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Awesome Aves
Pearson Metropark, 11 a.m. to noon

Nature Study: Then & Now
Wildwood Preserve, Oak Grove School, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 8

Pastries and Painting
Providence Metropark, Dam Area, 10 a.m. to noon

Mother’s Day Cruise: Mom’s Ride Free
Providence Metropark, noon to 4 p.m.

Nature Play: Play Dates (Ages 2-12)
Side Cut Metropark, 2 to 4 p.m.