Upcoming Programs and Events Page
Events are subject to change. Follow our Facebook page for updates and announcements.
May Programs
Riverwalk Tours (Ages 16 and up)
Glass City, Glass City Enrichment Center
Various Dates and Times
Reservations Required, Free - REGISTER
Put on your walking shoes and join our knowledgeable Metroparks staff for a fun and informative walking tour along the Maumee River. Venture into Glass City Metropark, the cornerstone of Riverwalk, where you will view what has been accomplished, what is currently under construction, and where we are going next. Take a peek at this transformational project. Well underway, Riverwalk is the talk of the town.
Blue Week: Rain Garden Workshop (Ages 12 and up)
Blue Creek, Blue Creek Native Nursery
May 3, 10 a.m. to Noon
Reservations Required, Fee: $5 [REGISTER]
Celebrate Blue Week by learning the basics of planting a Rain Garden. During this workshop you will learn about gardening with native plants and how to use them to manage storm water runoff from your home.
Celebrate Blue Week! Explorer Trolley Park Tour, supported by Otterbein SeniorLife (All Ages)
Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
May 3, 3 to 4 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $5 [REGISTER]
Celebrate Blue Week and explore Oak Openings Preserve Metropark from the comfort of the open-air Explorer Trolley. A naturalist will take you on an hour-long ride highlighting the blue plants and animals that help make this globally rare region so unique. Explorer Trolley Park Tours are supported by Otterbein SeniorLife. The Explorer Trolley can accommodate two wheelchairs. All other participants must be able to climb two steps.
Star Struck: Moon Viewing (Ages 12 and up)
Pearson, Johlin Cabin parking lot
May 4, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Free [REGISTER]
Peer through a telescope to see the moon in a whole new light. Amateur astronomers John Starr and Jim Gasser will guide a telescope tour of moon features while we learn about the science and lore surrounding our closest celestial neighbor. Bring a camp chair and dress for the weather. Dress for the weather and minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Birding Walk (Ages 12 and up)
Side Cut, Silver Lake parking lot
May 4, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $5 [REGISTER]
Beat the rush of Biggest Week and start your birding early! The Maumee River offers a vital migration corridor for numerous birds as they make their way north. Come see the immense variety of wildlife available at Side Cut Metropark. This program runs rain or shine, dress for the weather, wear comfortable footwear and minors must be accompanied by and adult for the duration of the program. Some binoculars are available to borrow, but participants are welcome to bring their own.
Wildwood Preserve Wildflower Walk (Ages 12 and up)
Wildwood Preserve, Metz Stables
May 4, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $3 [REGISTER]
Blue Week celebrates the wonderful blooms of our native flowers in early May. Join a naturalist-led walk through Wildwood not only to see the blooms but also our resident and migrating birds. This program runs rains or shine, dress for the weather, wear comfortable footwear and minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
3 Mile Hike, Celebrate Blue Week (Adults and 16+)
Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake parking lot
May 5, 6 to 8 p.m.
Reservations Required, Free [REGISTER]
Celebrate Blue Week and take a walk around Oak Openings Preserve Metropark and enjoy some signs of spring on this social fitness hike. The focus of these hikes will be exercise, but we'll make occasional nature stops.
Blue Week: Hands-On Seed Nursery Tour (Ages 12 and up)
Blue Creek, Blue Creek Native Nursery
May 6, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Free [REGISTER]
Come and celebrate Blue Week by learning more about Metroparks Toledo’s Seed Nursery. During this program, you will tour the beautifully blooming propagation fields while learning about the various plants that will become part of the curated native seed mix. After the tour you will then assist seed nursery staff in transplanting seedlings into larger pots. This program runs rain or shine, dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear and minor must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Toddler Trails (Ages 0-3)
Wildwood Preserve, Metz Stables
May 7, 10 to 11 a.m.
Reservations Required, Free [REGISTER]
This outdoor, multi-sensory nature play and exploration introduces your toddlers up to three years of age to the natural world and promotes its preservation. Adult companions accompany and assist in their child's experience at the program. Register toddlers only.
Towpath Series: 5 Mile Hike (Ages 16 and up)
Bend View, parking lot
May 7, 6 to 8 p.m.
Reservations Required, Free [REGISTER]
This is the third hike of a four part series on the Towpath. Each week will cover a different section of this scenic and historic trail along the mighty Maumee River. Please register for each hike individually if you plan to attend. The focus of these hikes will be exercise, but we will make occasional nature stops. This program runs rain or shine, dress for the weather, wear good hiking boots/shoes and bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.
Blue Week: Secor Expansion Tour (Ages 12 and up)
Secor, Walnut Grove parking lot
May 8, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $5 [REGISTER]
Celebrate Blue Week with a behind-the-scenes tour of the recently restored Oak Openings habitats at the Secor Metropark expansion. Metroparks acquired over 200 acres of a former golf course, restoring that land into prairies, savannahs, and forested wetlands. Enjoy a naturalist-guided tour of the newly restored habitats while learning about the ecologic importance of the project. The expansion property is not open to the public outside of guided tours at this time while the restoration areas are growing and establishing. Dress for the weather, wear shoes for muddy conditions and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Spring Awakening Forest Therapy (Ages 18 and up)
Pearson, Packer-Hammersmith Center patio
May 10, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Reservations Required, FREE [REGISTER]
Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth. Join us in Spring Awakening Forest Therapy, presented by Mercy Health, for a full mind, body and wellness experience. Awaken with the land as you immerse yourself in the healing elements of Pearson Metropark and reconnect with your untamed roots through invitations, sharing circles, and a tea gathering led by an Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT)-certified guide. Learn more about Forest Therapy at https://anft.earth/. Healthy snacks will follow. Bring an optional sit-upon or lightweight stool, dress for outdoor experiences, and plan for leisurely strolling under 1 mile. This program runs rain, snow or shine. Dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes and bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.
Secor Metropark Wildflower Walk (Ages 12 and up)
Secor, Secor Center parking lot
May 10, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $3 [REGISTER]
Blue Week celebrates the wonderful blooms of our native flowers in early May. Join a naturalist-led walk through Secor Metropark not only to see the blooms but also our resident and migrating birds. Dress for the weather, wear shoes for muddy conditions and minor must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Birding Hike on Accessible Trails, TARTA Flex Available (Ages 18 and up)
Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center parking lot
May 11, 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $5 [REGISTER]
Start your Biggest Week with warblers, woodpeckers, and more migrating birds at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. Metroparks Toledo is working with TARTA and the Ability Center of Greater Toledo to arrange for optional accessible transportation from the Ability Center to the park for a birding excursion on accessible trails. Join a naturalist-led hike through a globally-rare habitat to see an impressive variety of birds. Optional TARTA Transportation Meeting Location: Meet at the Ability Center of Greater Toledo Parking Lot (7:00 AM)
Towpath Series: 5 Mile Hike (Ages 16 and up)
Providence, Dam parking lot
May 14, 6 to 8 p.m.
Reservations Required, Free [REGISTER]
This is the last hike of a four part series on the Towpath. Each week will cover a different section of this scenic and historic trail along the mighty Maumee River. Please register for each hike individually if you plan to attend. The focus of these hikes will be exercise, but we will make occasional nature stops. This program runs rain or shine, dress for the weather, wear good hiking boots/shoes and bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.
Paddle Specialist Volunteer Training (Ages 18+)
Blue Creek, Nona France Quarry Pond boat launch
May 22, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Reservations Required, Free [REGISTER]
Calling all volunteers! Paddling offers a great way to connect to nature while being active in the parks. Help Metroparks staff introduce new paddlers to the sport while providing a safe, enjoyable experience on the water. Volunteer Paddle Specialists help Metroparks staff set up for programs, assist with safety during paddling programs, and help clean up equipment post program. This training covers paddling safety for both you and the participant and program equipment for kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding (SUPs). Additionally, learn necessary paddling skills such as safety considerations, fitting personal floatation devices, and basic strokes. This training is held on land and in water.
Archery Equipment Rentals (Ages 5 and up)
Westwinds, Static Archery Range
May 24, 10 a.m. to Noon or 10:30 am to 12:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $8 [ 10 A.M. TO NOON - REGISTER] OR [10:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M. REGISTER]
Rent archery equipment to shoot the 3D course. Each participant will need to show proficiency, safety and range etiquette before entering the 3D course. Instruction will take approximately 20 minutes and you can use the equipment for up to 2 hours.
Maumee River Kayak Eco-tour-14.6 Miles (Ages 18 and up)
Providence, Kuhlman’s Landing
May 26, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $85 [REGISTER]
Paddle 14.6 river miles on our very own Maumee River, a State Scenic River, by paddling from Providence Metropark to Side Cut Metropark on the Maumee River Water Trail with a naturalist. Learn about the wildlife that make the Maumee River and floodplain their home and the parks that protect this crucial natural resource along the way. Lunch provided--stop midway for wraps with vegetarian options available. This paddle involves multiple rapids and strenuous paddling. This is not for beginner paddlers.
Wildwood 50th: Wildwood Night Hike (All Ages)
Wildwood Preserve, Metz Stables parking lot
May 30, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $3 [REGISTER]
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to visit the park after hours and join a naturalist for a night hike. Learn about nocturnal animals, the moon, and the night sky. Enjoy activities that heighten your senses and fool your brain. This program runs rain or shine, dress for the weather, bring a reusable water bottle filled with water and minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
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. All other participants must be able to climb two steps. Program runs rain or shine, dress for the weather and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Supported by Otterbein SeniorLife
Celebrate Blue Week! Explorer Trolley Park Tour (All Ages)
Oak Openings Preserve, parking lot
May 3, 3 to 4 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $5 ; [REGISTER]
Celebrate Blue Week and explore Oak Openings Preserve Metropark from the comfort of the open-air Explorer Trolley. A naturalist will take you on an hour-long ride highlighting the blue plants and animals that help make this globally rare region so unique.
Explorer Trolley Picnic & Park Tour (All Ages)
Howard Marsh, parking lot
June 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $ [REGISTER]
Explore Howard Marsh Metropark from the comfort of the open-air Explorer Trolley. Experience the peace of the marsh and search for birds and other wildlife as you ride through this restored wetland with a naturalist. The hour-long tour will pause for a 30-minute picnic in a scenic park location.
Explorer Trolley Picnic & Park Tour (All Ages)
Side Cut, Riverview parking lot
July 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $5 [REGISTER]
Explore Side Cut Metropark from the comfort of the open-air Explorer Trolley. A naturalist will take you on an hour-long ride highlighting plants and animals that make their home along the mighty Maumee River. The tour will pause for a 30-minute picnic in a scenic park location.
Explorer Trolley Picnic & Park Tour (All Ages)
Glass City, Market Hall
August 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $ [REGISTER]
Explore Glass City Metropark from the comfort of the open-air Explorer Trolley. A naturalist will take you on an hour-long ride highlighting some of the historical components of Glass City. The hour-long tour will pause for a 30-minute picnic in a scenic park location.
Explorer Trolley Night Ride (All Ages)
Pearson, Macomber Lodge parking lot
September 9, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $ [REGISTER]
Explore Pearson Metropark after dark from the comfort of the open-air Explorer Trolley. A naturalist will take you on an hour-long ride highlighting nocturnal animals and nighttime nature in the Great Black Swamp.
Fall Color Explorer Trolley Picnic & Park Tour (All Ages)
Secor, Secor Center parking lot
October 29, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $5 [REGISTER]
Explore Secor Metropark from the cozy fall comfort of the open-air Explorer Trolley. A naturalist will take you on an hour-long ride highlighting the colorful sights, sounds, and smells of the fall season. The hour-long tour will pause for a 30-minute picnic in a scenic park location.