Upcoming Programs and Events Page
Events are subject to change. Follow our Facebook page for updates and announcements.
April Programs
Celebrating 50 Years of Citizen Support (Ages 16 and up)
Wildwood Preserve, Manor House
April 15, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE - [REGISTER]
Join Dr. Ted Ligibel, Art Weber, Steve Pollick and Jim Kimble as they relate the historic events that transpired to save Stranleigh, and turn it into the peoples' park now known as Wildwood. Light refreshments will be followed by an engaging panel discussion from the folks who helped lead the charge to save over 490 acres in the globally rare Oak Openings Region.
1 Hour Fitness Hike (Adults and 16+)
Fallen Timbers Battlefield, parking lot
April 2, 6 to 7 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE
Take a walk through Fallen Timbers Battlefield 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. This program runs rain or shine, dress for the weather, wear good hiking boots/shoes and bring a reusable water bottle filled with water. These hikes are brought to you by Metroparks volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Hike Leader, please contact Hannah Gillen at Hannah.Gillen@MetroparksToledo.com or 419-205-7715.
Try it! Archery (Ages 8 and up)
Side Cut, Sledding Hill
April 3, 7 to 8 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $6 - SOLD OUT
Nock, draw, loose! 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. This program runs rain or shine, dress for the weather and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
5 Mile Hike (Adults and 16+, Dog Friendly)
Wildwood Preserve, Ward Pavilion parking lot
April 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE - REGISTER
Look for spring flowers and hear the birds sing while taking a step toward your fitness goals. The focus of these hikes will be exercise, but we will make occasional nature stops. This program is dog friendly for friendly dogs. All dogs must stay on trail and on a 6ft leash for the duration of the program.
Science Saturday (All Ages)
Providence, Heritage Center
April 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
No Reservations Required, FREE
Rise and shine! Hibernating animals are waking up and starting their spring activities. What have they been up to all winter? What do they do when they wake up? How do we impact their sleep schedule? Discover all this and more at April Awakenings.
Try it! Tree Dancing (Ages 8 and up)
Secor, Walnut Grove parking lot
April 6, 10 a.m. to Noon
Reservations Required, Fee: $40 - REGISTER
Join us to defy gravity and dance among the leaves in this Tree Climbing Dance program. Combine your love for nature and dance with our fun and safe tree climbing program. This program is ideal for anyone eager to explore the treetops and should feel comfortable with the idea of going upside down. All equipment provided, dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes.
Tree Climbing Volunteer Training (Ages 18 and up)
Secor, Walnut Grove parking lot
April 6, 1 to 4 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE - REGISTER
Calling all volunteers. Climbing offers a great way to connect to nature while being active in the parks. Help Metroparks staff introduce new climbers to the activity while providing a safe, enjoyable experience in our trees. Volunteer Tree Climbing Specialists help Metroparks staff set up for programs, assist climbers during programs, and help clean up equipment post-program. This training begins with a standard tree climb where you will experience tree climbing as a participant, followed by additional instruction on climbing safety and assisting climbers. This program runs rain or shine, dress for the weather, wear closed toe shoes and bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.
Art Among the Trees (Ages 18 and up)
Secor, Lone Oak Shelter
April 8, 5:30 to 7 p.m. or April 20, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $6 – SOLD OUT (April 8) SOLD OUT (April 20)
Tune into the sights and sounds of beautiful Secor Metropark to find nature inspiration for an art creation. Enjoy a guided walk in the woods, then create a Zentangle drawing. All materials are provided. No prior drawing experience is required. This program takes place outdoors, dress for the weather.
Toddler Trails (Ages 0-3)
Wildwood Preserve, Metz Stables
April 9, 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. These hikes are brought to you by Metroparks volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Hike Leader, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Hannah Gillen at Hannah.Gillen@MetroparksToledo.com or by phone at 419.407.9840.
Volunteer Hike Leader Training (Ages 18 and up)
Swan Creek Preserve, Yager Center
April 10, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE - REGISTER
Help connect people to our beautiful Metroparks through hiking! This training will cover the basics of leading a hike, as well as, the processes and procedures behind the programs. This training will empower volunteers to facilitate hikes with confidence and knowledge. If you have questions about becoming a Volunteer Hike Leader, please contact Alissa Caple at Alissa.Caple@MetroparksToledo.com or 419-280-9235. This program runs rain or shine, dress for the weather and bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.
Caretaker & Me Animal Yoga (Ages 3 to 5)
Glass City, Glass City Enrichment Center
April 11, 10 to 11 a.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $3 - REGISTER
This fun and engaging Caretaker and Me Animal Yoga class where little ones can explore yoga movements inspired by the way animals move. Through story time, playful stretches, and lively music, children will jump like kangaroos, slither like snakes, and roar like lions, all while building strength, balance, and flexibility. This interactive class is a great way for kids and their caretakers to bond while moving and grooving together.
Youth Fishing Event: Trout Release (Ages 17 & Under)
Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake and Pearson Lake
April 12, 9 a.m. to Noon
No Reservations Required, FREE
Reel in Metroparks memories and catch tonight’s dinner all at one event. Oak Openings Mallard Lake and Pearson Lake will be stocked with rainbow trout and we need you to fish them out! You are welcome to bring your own equipment, but we will also have fishing poles and bait available on a first come, first served basis. If you want to take your trout home to cook, please bring a cooler of ice. Help protect the balance of this ecosystem by taking all of your live bait home and dumping nothing into the water or onto land! Bon Appetite!
5 Mile Hike (Adults and 16+)
Secor, Secor Center parking lot
April 12, 1 to 4 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE - REGISTER
Look for spring flowers and hear the birds sing while taking a step toward your fitness goals. The focus of these hikes will be exercise, but we'll 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. This hike is brought to you by Metroparks volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Hike Leader, please contact Hannah Gillen at Hannah.Gillen@MetroparksToledo.com or 419-205-7715.
Archery Equipment Rentals (Ages 5 and up)
Westwinds, Static Archery Range
April 12, 10 a.m. to Noon or 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Registration Required, Fee: 8 – REGISTER (10 a.m. to Noon) or REGISTER (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
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. If you have rented or attended a program in the past, instruction might not be necessary, but you still need to show staff that you can complete the safety checklist before taking equipment on the 3D course.
Pearson Wildflower Walk (Ages 12 and up)
Pearson, Packer-Hammersmith patio
April 13, 2 to 3:30 p.m.; April 20, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $3 – REGISTER (April 13) or REGISTER (April 20)
Discover the beautiful and fleeting spring ephemerals and early summer wildflowers that carpet Pearson Metropark trails as the season progresses. This program runs rain or shine, dress for the weather, wear good hiking boots/shoes and Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
1 Hour Fitness Hike (Adults and 16+, Dog Friendly)
Wildwood Preserve, Manor House
April 15, 7 to 8 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE - REGISTER
Celebrate 50 years of Wildwood Preserve Metropark as we hike through the beautiful heabitats and look for spring flowers and hear the birds sing. The focus of these hikes will be exercise, but we will make occasional nature stops. This program is dog friendly for friendly dogs. This program is brought to you by Metroparks volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Hike Leader, please contact Hannah Gillen at Hannah.Gillen@MetroparksToledo.com or 419-205-7715.
3 Mile Hike (Adults and 16+, Dog Friendly)
Swan Creek, Glendale parking lot
April 16, 6 to 8 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE - REGISTER
Look for spring flowers and hear the birds sing while taking a step toward your fitness goals. The focus of these hikes will be exercise, but we will make occasional nature stops. This program is dog friendly for friendly dogs. This hike is brought to you by Metroparks volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Hike Leader, please contact Hannah Gillen at Hannah.Gillen@MetroparksToledo.com or 419-205-7715.
Campfire Cooking: Foil Dinners (All Ages)
Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge
April 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $10 - REGISTER
Level up your camping trips with some fun and fresh campfire meals. Learn new recipes and tips for making foil dinners that will make your campfire cooking a highlight of your adventures. Make your personalized packet of chicken or plant based chick'n, potatoes, carrots and/or onions over an open fire. Served with warm rolls and melty s'mores burritos for dessert. Register each individual and inform staff of allergies or dietary needs during registration. Minors must be accompanied by an adult and dress for the weather.
Finding Frogs (All Ages)
Secor, Secor Center parking lot
April 17, 8 to 9:15 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $3 - REGISTER
Enjoy a froggy chorus as we listen for the calls of the Western Chorus Frog and Spring Peeper. Not much larger than a quarter, these tiny amphibians are headliners in the concert of spring. For this program, we'll keep our ears open as we hike through prime frog habitat at dusk.
Volunteer Orientation (Ages 12 and up)
Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge
April 17, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Registration Required, FREE - REGISTER
Come learn about Metroparks Toledo’s Volunteer Program. Our Volunteer Orientation are not mandatory, but strongly encouraged for new volunteers or people interested in becoming a volunteer with Metroparks Toledo. It is designed to introduce you to our organization, our mission, and the impactful role you’ll play in helping us achieve our goals. During the orientation, you’ll learn about our core values, key programs, and the community we serve. We’ll also provide you with information about various program responsibilities, the expectations we have for volunteers, and the resources available to support you.
School’s Off, Parks On Mini-Camp: Spring Sprouts
Pearson, Pearson Packer-Hammersmith Center
Monday, April 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $35 - REGISTER
School may be closed for the day, but the parks are open! What better way to spend your day off than with fun, age-appropriate camp activities at the park? Activities include story time, crafts, experiments, nature walks, and games. Winter is on its way out, and spring has sprung! It may be time for a break from school, but we can still have a fun-filled day of learning in the park. Spring in the new season with a day of games, crafts, experiments, and nature strolls all themed around wildflowers, wildlife, weather, and all the fantastic features of this time of year.
Towpath Series: 5 Mile Hike (Adults and 16+)
Farnsworth, Roche de Bout parking lot
April 23, 6 to 8 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE - REGISTER
This is the first 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. This hike is brought to you by Metroparks volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Hike Leader, please contact Hannah Gillen at Hannah.Gillen@MetroparksToledo.com or 419-205-7715.
3 Mile Hike (Adults and 16+)
Pearson, Pearson North parking lot
April 24, 6 to 8 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE - REGISTER
Take a walk around the lovely restored wetlands of Pearson 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. This program runs rain or shine, dress for the weather, wear good hiking boots/shoes and bring a reusable water bottle filled with water. This hike is brought to you by Metroparks volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Hike Leader, please contact Hannah Gillen at Hannah.Gillen@MetroparksToledo.com or 419-205-7715.
Star Struck: Deep Sky Objects (Adults and 12+)
Bend View, parking lot
April 25, 10 to 11 p.m.
Register, FREE - REGISTER
Escape from the light pollution of the city and experience the wonder of dark, starry night skies. Discover the stories in the stars as we constellation hop around the night sky with Metroparks naturalists, and get up close with planets, galaxies and distant objects with amateur astronomers John Starr and Jim Gasser and their telescopes. Bring a camp chair (optional), and dress for the weather in layers.
Backpacking 101: Towpath Trek (15 Miles, Ages 18 and up)
Bend View, Bend View parking lot
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to Sunday, April 27, 3 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $65 - REGISTER
Follow the footsteps of history as you backpack 15 miles over two days on the Towpath Trail along the banks of the mighty Maumee River. Trek through Bend View and Providence Metroparks before enjoying exclusive camping access next to the Providence Dam Shelter. Along the way, we’ll be treated to scenic river views, colorful signs of spring, and watch for wildlife, such as eagles, turtles, and herons. Please feel free to reach out to your trip leader with any additional questions. Caitlin Brandesky: 419-764-2442, Caitlin.Brandesky@MetroparksToledo.com
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.
BRAVE Explorer Club for Girls (Ages 5 to 10)
Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake parking lot
Wednesday, April 30, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $65 - REGISTER
BRAVE is a girls’ adventure club that will focus on nature, camaraderie, confidence-building, and FUN. BRAVE stands for Bold, Resilient, Adventurous, Vibrant, Empowered—qualities that we strive to foster and reinforce in women and everyone to implement across our lives. BRAVE is a division of MiSCA, a youth mountain bike organization.