Metroparks Camps
Any time of the year is prime time for adventure, building new skills, making memories and learning about the natural world around you. Whether it's kayaking at Blue Creek in the summer or exploring a winter wonderland at Oak Openings by snowshoe in winter, Metroparks offers opportunities for kids to connect with nature and get outside all year long.
For camp registration assistance call 419-407-9789.
For additional information call 419-407-9704.
Payment and Cancellation Policy for Metroparks Programs and Camps - Payment is expected in full at the time the reservation is made, unless otherwise stated. In the event of a cancellation or illness, refunds are issued as follows. If the cancellation is received more than 30 days prior to the start of the camp session or program, a full refund will be issued. If the cancellation is received 15-30 days prior to camp session or program, 50 percent of the payment price will be refunded. If the notification is received less than 15 days in advance, no refund will be issued.
OUTDOOR EXPLORERS CAMP (Ages 5 to 7)
Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall
Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $190
In this week-long immersive adventure, Outdoor Explorers will join hands across habitats as they traverse the many unique, diverse ecosystems of northwest Ohio. Campers will discover how everything is connected and learn where they fit into the puzzle of the natural world through hands-on, conservation-based hikes, nature play, wildlife viewing, crafts, games, archery, and canoeing. Camp will be held daily, with rainy-day program options if necessary. A daily snack is provided. *Please note that all weeks of Outdoor Explorers camp consist of the same activities and content.
Session 1 – June 9 through 13 ADD TO WAITING LIST
Session 2 – June 16 through 20 ADD TO WAITING LIST
Session 3 – July 7 through 11 ADD TO WAITING LIST
Session 4 – July 21 through 25 ADD TO WAITING LIST
Session 5 – July 28 through August 1 ADD TO WAITING LIST
Session 6 – August 4 through 8 ADD TO WAITING LIST
OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS (Ages 8 to 12)
Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge
Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $225
Learn and play the Metroparks way at Outdoor Adventurers Camp! Join us as we discover northwest Ohio’s rare habitats and try exciting outdoor skills, such as archery, stand-up paddleboarding, and tree climbing. Campers will get to know themselves, new friends, and the environment through immersive nature-based activities, including nature hikes, wildlife viewing, crafts, games, and more! Camp will be held daily, with rainy-day program options if necessary. A daily snack is provided. Please note the release and indemnity agreement that you will receive with your registration receipt. A signed release and indemnity agreement is required of each camper and can be returned to Metroparks electronically or by mail.
Session 1 – June 9 through 13 ADD TO WAITING LIST
Session 2 – June 23 through 27 ADD TO WAITING
Session 3 – July 14 through 18 ADD TO WAITING LIST
Session 4 – August 4 through 8 ADD TO WAITING LIST
SURVIVAL CAMP (Ages 8 to 12)
Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge
Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $210
Shelter, water, fire, food! Do you know the basics needed to survive in the out-of-doors? Campers will work with nature to practice techniques and sharpen survival skills to feel at home in the globally unique Oak Openings wilderness during this exciting and active camp! The camp will be held daily, with rainy-day program options if necessary. Campers should pack a lunch and water bottle for each day. A daily snack will be provided.
Session 1 – June 16 through 20 ADD TO WAITING LIST
Session 2 – July 7 through 11 ADD TO WAITING LIST
PADDLING CAMP (Ages 8 to 12)
Blue Creek, Nona France Quarry
Monday through Friday, July 21 through 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $210
Beat the heat and make a splash at this action-packed week-long camp! Build paddling techniques and teamwork skills as you learn the basics of canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in a safe and fun environment. Paddling Camp includes in-water activities so campers should be prepared to get wet. The camp will be held daily, with rainy day program options if necessary. A daily snack will be provided.
CAMPING 101: OAK OPENINGS FAMILY CAMP-OUT (AGES 4+)
Oak Openings Preserve, White Oak Campground Area
Friday, June 20, 4 p.m. through Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $30 REGISTER
Curious about camping? Join us for an overnight experience just for families at beautiful Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. Make dinner over the campfire, play nature-themed games, explore the park on a guided night hike, and sleep under the stars. Wake up to birdsong and enjoy a continental breakfast before leaving camp with new Metroparks memories. No camping experience necessary and all minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Available to borrow: Tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Please indicate which items you need to borrow in the reservation system. Program fees include all equipment, camping permits, campfire dinner, and a light breakfast. Please pack additional snacks and food items if needed.
For questions please reach out to the trip leader Jessica Schaefer by calling 419-270-0498 or email Jessica.Schaefer@MetroparksToledo.com
BACKPACKING 101: MOSELEY TRAIL FOR FAMILIES (6 MILES, AGES 4+)
Secor Metropark, Secor Center parking lot
Friday, July 11, 11 a.m. through Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $42 REGISTER
Backpack your way through dynamic habitats of Secor Metropark, connect to the Moseley Trail, and spend the night camping at the serene Wiregrass Lake. This is the perfect backpacking experience for young explorers and families. Top off your evening with a magical stand up paddleboarding experience on Wiregrass Lake.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Tuesday, July 8th, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Oak Openings Lodge). Families are encouraged to attend as we will have a staff member play games with the kids adjacent to the meeting. We will check and fit gear, talk about the trip, and answer any questions.
Available to borrow adult backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, pads, stove and cook sets. Please indicate your interest in the registration system. Metroparks staff can assist families with heavy items to be transported via Metroparks vehicle. All guests will be encouraged to carry their version of a backpacking pack. If families choose to do so, young explorers may carry their personal backpack with a water bottle and item(s) of their adult’s preference. Program fees include all equipment, camping permits, campfire dinner, and a light breakfast. Please pack additional snacks and food items if needed.
During this overnight program, families have the option to stand up paddleboard at Wiregrass Lake. Children must be 8 or older to paddle a stand up paddleboard by themselves. Children 4 or older can ride as a passenger but must be accompanied by an adult.
Most of hike will take place on a smooth gravel trail with short distances on primitive dirt trails that may include rocks and roots. No backpacking experience necessary. All minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
For questions please reach out to the trip leader Joe Andrews by calling 419-277-0107 or email Joe.Andrews@MetroparksToledo.com