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.
Evening Hiking Group (Ages 16 and up, Dog Friendly)
Swan Creek, parking lot
Monday, January 12, 6 to 7 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE CANCELLED - due to high winds
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+)
Swan Creek Preserve, Yager 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 [CANCELLED]
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.
Evening Hiking Group (Ages 16 and up, Dog Friendly)
Swan Creek, parking lot
Monday, January 19, 6 to 7 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE [REGISTER]
Evening Hiking Group (Ages 16 and up, Dog Friendly)
Swan Creek, parking lot
Monday, January 26, 6 to 7 p.m.
Reservations 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.
Groundhog Day Celebration (Families)
Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall
Monday, February 2, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $3 [REGISTER]
Step right up! Step right up! The great wonder, Wildwood Willie, is here to impress with his weather-predicting powers. Will he wow the crowd with an early spring or shock the show with six more weeks of winter? Join us at Wildwood Preserve Metroparks to find out! Be entertained by the lore and legend of Groundhog Day and explore the nature and science of this wild real-world creature through stories, songs, crafts, games, and a walk to find Willie. Families--please register each person attending including adults accompanying children. Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. This program runs rain, snow or shine. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
Evening Hiking Group (Adults and 16+, Dog Friendly)
Swan Creek Preserve, Yager Center parking lot
Monday, February 2, 6 to 7 p.m. [REGISTER]
Monday, February 9, 6 to 7 p.m. [REGISTER]
Monday, February 16, 6 to 7 p.m. [REGISTER]
Monday, February 23, 6 to 7 p.m. [REGISTER]
Reservations Required, FREE
Start your year off on the right foot! Take a step toward your fitness goals while enjoying the winter scenery throughout Swan Creek Preserve Metropark. The focus of these hikes will be exercise, but we will make occasional nature stops. This weekly hiking group started January 5 and continues through February 23. Sign up for each week you plan to attend.
Toddler Trails (Ages 0-3)
Wildwood Preserve, Metz Stables
Wednesday, February 4, 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.
5 Mile Hike (Ages 16 and up, Dog Friendly)
Wildwood Preserve, Metz Stables
Saturday, February 7, 1 to 5 p.m.
Reservations Required, FREE [REGISTER]
Cupid Shoot (Adults and 8+)
Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge
Friday, February 13, 5:30 to 7 p.m. [REGISTER] or 7:30 to 9 p.m. [REGISTER]
Reservations Required, Fee: $10
Join us for this special holiday-themed archery shoot. Hone your archery skills while playing Valentine’s Day themed games inside the Oak Openings Lodge. Take a break from archery to enjoy some sweet treats, then shoot some more! Archery-safe holiday themed costumes are welcome and encouraged. All archery equipment and instruction provided by Metroparks.
Park in a Day: Secor (Ages 16 and up)
Secor, Secor Center
Saturday, February 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $15 [REGISTER]
Bundle up for a winter wonderland hike at Secor Metropark! Our 9-mile trek will take us through old-growth forest, prairies, and wet woods. Warm up with a fireside hot chili lunch to keep you fueled for the journey. Trail Challenge participants will earn the Secor sticker for hiking all of the trails in that park. The program end time is approximate and may vary depending on the pace of the group. This program runs rain, snow or shine, dress for the weather and bring a reusable water bottle.
Family Fun on the Trail (Families)
Side Cut, Silver Lake map kiosk
Sunday, February 15, 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. This program runs rain, snow or shine and dress for the weather.
School’s Off, Parks On Mini Camp: Lively Leadership
Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall
Monday, February 16, 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 strolls, and games. Daily snack included. School is off on Presidents’ Day, but that does not mean we cannot have a fun-filled day learning to be leaders in the park! Join us for a day of fun, age-appropriate camp activities themed around being leaders in protecting, conserving, and advocating for the environment. Activities include story time, games, crafts, and nature strolls focused on what it means to be a park-protecting superhero.
Birds & Board Games (Adults and 12+)
Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall
Monday, February 16, 6 to 9 p.m.
Reservations Preferred, but 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.
Star Struck: Orion and Deep Sky Objects (Adults and 12+)
Bend View, parking lot
Tuesday, February 17, 8 to 9 p.m.
Reservations Required, 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.
Paint & Sip (Adults and 8+)
Swan Creek Preserve, Yager Center
Wednesday, February 18, 6 to 8 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $15 [REGISTER]
Celebrate winter with our two-hour guided painting classes! No experience is necessary for this nature-inspired painting. We'll provide step-by-step instruction, plenty of time to be creative, and a cup of seasonal, non-alcoholic beverage. Bring a friend and your comfiest painting clothes. All other materials will be provided. This will be the same painting as the Uncork & Unwind program later in the month. Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Nature’s School House at the Oak Grove School (All Ages)
Wildwood Preserve, Oak Grove School House
Saturday, February 21, 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! In February, most plants and animals are hibernating, but some manage to cleverly eke out a life in the cold. Stop in at the school house any time between 11am-2pm to learn about our winter birds. Binoculars will be available to borrow if you wanted to take a self-guided walk to get to know these feathered friends. Location: Wildwood Preserve, Oak Grove School House (East entrance: 4830 W. Central Ave)
Oak Openings Winter Birding Walk (Adults and 8+)
Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake
Sunday, February 22, 9 to 10 a.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $3 [REGISTER]
Not all birds migrate! Many of our feathered friends will endure the colder months right here, thriving in the harsh conditions. Come see which birds are still hanging around Oak Openings and who is overwintering here from further north.
Try it! Atlatls (Adults and 8+)
Pearson, Sledding Hill
Sunday, February 22, 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.
Awesome Owl Barf (All Ages)
Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge
Tuesday, February 24, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $6 [REGISTER]
Owls swallow their food whole! They use their gizzard trash compactor to create a pellet that is filled with bones, fur, and feathers. Let's see what your owl was eating by dissecting their barf! Ew, but awesome! All tools and equipment provided.
Uncork & Unwind (Ages 21+)
Swan Creek Preserve, Yager Center
Wednesday, February 25, 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 earlier this month.
Inclusive Archery (Adults and 8+)
Ability Center of Greater Toledo
Thursday, February 26, 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: Foil Dinners (All Ages)
Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge
Friday, February 27, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $10 [REGISTER]
Level up your camping trips with some fun and fresh campfire meals. 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 personalized foil dinner packet of chicken or plant based chick'n, potatoes and veggies over an open fire. Also served with corn on the cob and s'mores tacos for dessert.
Cold Water Immersion & Mindfulness (Adults)
Wiregrass Lake, parking lot
Saturday, February 28, 1 to 2 p.m.[REGISTER] or 3 to 4 p.m. [REGISTER]
Reservations Required, Fee: $15
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.
Secrets of the Trees Nature Hike (Adults and 8+)
Wildwood Preserve, Metz Stables
Saturday, February 28, 1 to 3 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $3 [REGISTER]
You walk past them all the time, but do you really know the trees that call our parks home? Once they lose their leaves can you tell who is who? Embarks on a naturalist-led hike to discover the secret lives of trees that live in our parks, and learn tips for telling them apart in the winter, when many trees look the same. This program will take place on a primitive dirt trail that includes stairs.
Updated: January 16, 2026