Events are subject to change. Follow our Facebook page for updates and announcements.
Staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. Please tell us your needs at the time of registration, but no later than 72 business hours prior to the program. For additional information or questions, please contact Metroparks staff by calling 419-407-9700 or by using the 'contact us' form at MetroparksToledo.com.
School’s Off, Parks On Mini Camp: Nature Play Palooza
Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge
Friday, January 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $35 [REGISTER]
The breeze is brisk, the trees are bare, and there’s winter wonder in the air. So bundle up, get outside, and explore this exciting time of year with Metroparks Mini-camps. Each camp day is a unique adventure with nature-based winter activities, including nature strolls, outdoor skills, arts & crafts, games, and more. Daily snack included. It’s all fun and games at this mini-camp! Build a fort, play animal-inspired games, and craft a nature toy. Hike through the Oak Openings forest and make your own campfire pie snack. This is a drop-off program, bring a reusable water bottle filled with water and a packed lunch. A snack will be provided.
Nature’s School House at the Oak Grove School (All Ages)
Wildwood Preserve, Oak Grove Schoolhouse (East Entrance)
Sunday, January 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
No Reservations Required, FREE
Visit the Oak Grove School at Wildwood Preserve Metropark for turn-of-the-century nature studies. Hone your observation skills and catch up with the newest insights into the natural world! Celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day (on January 21) by learning all about our native squirrels. Stop in at the school house any time between 11am-2pm to discover more about these furry critters.
Try it! Atlatls (Adults and 8+)
Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center
Sunday, January 11, 1 to 2 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $4 [REGISTER]
Spanning over 30,000 years, these throwing darts were long the choice of Native American's for hunting. They could reach targets across the length of a football field! Learn about the atlatl's history and have a blast together trying to hunt your own targets.
Star Struck: Planetary Parade (Adults and 8+)
Howard Marsh, parking lot
Tuesday, January 13, 7 to 8 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE [REGISTER]
Escape from the light pollution of the city and experience the wonder of dark, starry night skies. Explore the solar system as we look at the moon and planets through a telescope with amateur astronomers John Starr and Jim Gasser, and discover the science of our closest celestial neighbors. Bring a camp chair (optional), and dress for the weather in layers.
Uncork & Unwind (Ages 21+)
Secor, Secor Center
Wednesday, January 14, 6 to 8 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $25 [REGISTER]
Celebrate winter with a glass of wine during this guided painting class. No experience is necessary for these nature-inspired paintings! We'll provide step-by-step instruction, plenty of time to be creative, and a relaxing glass of wine. A non-alcoholic beverage option will also be provided. Bring a friend and your comfiest painting clothes. All other materials will be provided. This will be the same painting as the Paint & Sip program on 1/7/26.
Behind the Scenes at Stranleigh (All Ages, Families)
Wildwood Preserve, Manor House
Various Dates and Times
Reservations Required, Fee: $15 [DETAILS]
Have you ever wondered about daily life in a mansion? Join us for this unique opportunity to see all four floors of the Manor House and discover what life was like on the Stranahan Estate.
Cold Water Immersion & Mindfulness (Adults)
Wiregrass Lake, parking lot
Saturday, January 17, 1 to 2 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $15 [REGISTER]
Experience the invigorating benefits of nature and cold water immersion, designed to enhance physical recovery, boost mental resilience, and promote overall well-being. Alissa Caple, certified cold water therapy coach, will guide participants through the art of cold exposure, incorporating scientific principles, practical techniques, and mindfulness.
Family Fun on the Trail (Families)
Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center parking lot, map kiosk
Sunday, January 18, 1 to 3 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $5 [REGISTER]
Hit the trails as a family at this program designed for young hikers. We’ll explore the winter woods, play in nature, and warm up with fireside s’mores. All participants ages 2 and up must be registered, including adults accompanying children. Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Birds & Board Games (Adults and 12+)
Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center
Monday, January 26, 6 to 9 p.m.
Reservations Preferred by not Required, FREE [REGISTER]
Drop in for a cozy evening of open play board games and learn more about the birds in our area. Choose from Wingspan, Photosynthesis, Parks, or other nature-themed board games or bring your own favorite board or card game from home to share. Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Try It! Knife Skills (Ages 8 and up)
Secor, Secor Center
Tuesday, January 27, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $5 [REGISTER]
Discover the many uses of knives beyond the kitchen! Explore different types of outdoor knives and their uses while learning how to handle them safely. Hone your skills by creating a unique soap carving to take home. All tools and equipment provided. All participants must be registered, including adults accompanying children.
Ohio Mammals: Past & Present (All Ages)
Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall
Wednesday, January 28, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $3 [REGISTER]
Discover the variety of mammals that live in Northwest Ohio today and what lived here long ago by examining furs and skulls of Northwest Ohio’s most common warm-blooded animals.
Inclusive Archery (Ages 8 and up)
Ability Center of Greater Toledo
Thursday, January 29, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $6 [REGISTER]
Metroparks and the Ability Center of Greater Toledo are partnering to bring you these beginner-friendly and inclusive programs that are for everyone! Shake off the winter blues with a fun evening of indoor archery! Try out archery for the first time, or the first time in a long time, with the instruction and guidance of Metroparks staff. All equipment provided. Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. This is an indoor program.
Campfire Cooking: Desserts Beyond S'mores (All Ages)
Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge
Friday, January 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $10 [REGISTER]
Level up your camping trips with some fun and fresh campfire meals and treats! Learn new recipes and tips that will make your campfire cooking a highlight of your adventures. Metroparks staff will guide participants in making their own banana boat and baked apple over an open fire.
Park in a Day: Side Cut and Fallen Timbers (Ages 16 and up)
Side Cut, Silver Lake parking lot/map kiosk
Saturday, January 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $15 [REGISTER]
Bundle up for a winter wonderland hike at Side Cut and Fallen Timbers! Our 10-mile trek will take us through floodplains, mature wetwoods, the Fallen Timbers Battlefield, and remnants of the Miami-Erie canal. Warm up with a hot chili lunch to keep you fueled for the journey. Trail Challenge participants will earn the Side Cut and Fallen Timbers Battlefield stickers for hiking all of the trails in those parks. The program end time is approximate and may vary depending on the pace of the group.
UPDATED: 12/17/2025