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. Summer Camp registration opens 9 a.m. on March 1.
For camp registration assistance call 419-407-9789.
For additional information call 419-461-6617.
Summer Camps
General Information:
In the event of a cancellation, refunds are issued as follows. If the cancellation is received more than 31 days prior to the start of the camp session, a full refund will be issued. If the cancellation is received 15-30 days prior to the camp session, a 50 percent of the payment price will be refunded. If the notification is received 14 days or less in advance, no refund will be issued.
Camp will be held daily, with rainy day program options if necessary. A daily snack is provided.
Registration opened Wednesday, March 1 at 9 a.m.
Outdoor Explorers Camp (Ages 5 to 7)
Are you an enthusiastic explorer seeking your next exciting excursion? Metroparks is searching for curious, courageous kids to embark on a week-long journey to Discover the Wild Side! Prepare to climb to conservation as we venture deep into wild and unique northwest Ohio habitats. Our Adventure entails immersive nature-based activities, including nature strolls, wildlife viewing, hands-on experiments, crafts, games, outdoor skills, and more! Fee: $180
Session 1
Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall
Monday through Friday, June 5 to 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
Session 2
Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall
Monday through Friday, June 12 to 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Session 3
Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall
Monday through Friday, June 26 to 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Session 4
Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge
Monday through Friday, July 17 to 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Session 5
Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall
Monday through Friday, July 24 to 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Session 6
Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall
Monday through Friday, July 31 to August 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ARCHERY CAMP (Ages 8 to 12)
Westwinds, Turkey Foot Shelter
Monday through Friday, June 5 to 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Give Archery a shot this summer at Westwinds Metropark. Metroparks experts will transform participants from "campers" into "archers" over five days of basic archery instruction. Sling arrows at life-sized, 3-dimensional animal targets on the 3D archery course and hone your sharpshooting skills on the static archery range. Archery camp content is designed for the skills and abilities of 8 to 12 year old campers and is not appropriate for younger children. No experience necessary and all equipment is provided. Fee: $195
OUTDOOR SKILLS ACADEMY (Ages 8 to 12)
Can't choose just one outdoor skill to hone for the summer? This sampler camp will immerse campers in a new outdoor skill every day. From learning new paddle strokes to sharpening your wilderness survival skills, taking your tree climbing skills to new heights, or giving archery a shot this camp has it all! Outdoor Skills Academy camp content is designed for the skills and abilities of campers aged 8 to 12 and is not appropriate for younger children. Fee: $225
Session 1
Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center
Monday through Friday, June 12 to 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Session 2
Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center
Monday through Friday, July 31 to August 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
NATURE CAMP (Ages 8 to 12)
Discover the Wild Side with Metroparks Nature Camp! Courageous conservationists will embark on an exciting journey pursuing preservation practices as they explore the wilderness within the parks. Our week-long adventure calls for hands-on activities, games, crafts, nature strolls, and outdoor skills like archery, canoeing, and tree climbing. Fee: $200
Session 1
Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall
Monday through Friday, June 19 to 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Session 2
Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge
Monday through Friday, July 10 to 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
TREE CLIMBING CAMP (Ages 11 to 14)
Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center
Monday to Friday, June 19 to 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join us for Tree Climbing Camp! During this week of adventure in the treetops, we will be expanding the tree climbing skills of all participants. Learn more about the trees and how to safely and properly climb them, as well as the science behind it all! Get up close and personal with our majestic walnut tree, named Old Faithful, at Oak Openings Preserve and see everything from a new point of view. Campers will learn how to assess trees, work with all the gear and equipment, tie climbing knots, and fully set up a tree for climbing (under supervision). Fee: $250
SURVIVAL CAMP (Ages 8 to 12)
Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center
Monday through Friday, June 26 to 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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! Survival Camp content is designed for the skills and abilities of 8-12 year old campers and is not appropriate for younger children. Fee: $210
PADDLING CAMP (Ages 8 to 12)
Blue Creek, Nona France Quarry
Monday through Friday, July 10 to 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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. Fee: $210
ART OF NATURE CAMP (Ages 8 to 12)
Brookwood, Brookwood Center
Monday through Friday, July 17 to 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Are you ready for an artistic adventure? Wild about watercolor? Art of Nature camp provides campers with new creative opportunities and experiences in our northwest Ohio region. Campers will enjoy age-appropriate eco-friendly art activities exploring Metroparks' habitats through upcycled crafts, nature journaling, painting, drawing, music, and more! All materials provided. Fee: $220
MOUNTAIN BIKING CAMP (Ages 11 to 14)
Oak Openings Preserve, Beach Ridge Area
Monday through Friday, July 24 to 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Further your mountain biking skills and your love for adventure at this unique Metroparks summer camp experience. Campers will learn bike maintenance, mountain biking essentials, and the fundamental skills required to safely conquer the trail. Mountain biking camp content is designed for the skills and abilities of campers aged 11 to 14 and is not appropriate for younger children. All campers must be able to ride their bikes, use the brakes, and shift gears. This camp is suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. All campers will need to supply their own bike and helmet. There will be a mandatory Bike and Helmet inspection scheduled prior to camp for each camper. If a camper's bike and/or helmet does not pass inspection for any reason, participants will be responsible for getting it fixed by a professional, renting one, or purchasing a new bike and/or helmet prior to the first day of camp. Fee: $225
OAK OPENINGS FAMILY CAMP-OUT (Ages 4 and Up)
Oak Openings Preserve, White Oak Campground
Saturday, July 8, 4 p.m. to Sunday, July 9, 10 a.m.
You have the skills, we provide the destination. Our overnight experiences feature backpacking, paddling, biking, tree climbing or a combination of skills. Designed for beginner to advanced skill levels, some are held locally in our parks and others will take you to destinations around the country. Come gather around the campfire and enjoy the beautiful Oak Openings Preserve Metropark with the ones you love. Bring the family for a fun outdoor experience including nature games, campfire cooking and a night hike. Metroparks memories guaranteed!
Fee: $22 per person. Tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads available to borrow. Please indicate your interest 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. No camping experience necessary. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Please feel free to reach out to your trip leader with any additional questions. Alissa Caple at 419-280-9235 or Alissa.Caple@MetroparksToledo.com
WAKE UP WITH WIGWAMS! CANOES, CRAFTS AND CAMPING (Ages 4 and up)
Oak Openings, Buehner Center parking lot
Friday, August 18 at 4 p.m. through Saturday, August 19 at 10 a.m.
We’ve all been camping before, but how many people can say they’ve spent the night in a wigwam, a Native American-style dwelling. Bring your family to Oak Openings for a unique overnight experience that includes building your very own conical wigwam to spend the night in, a sunset canoe on Mallard Lake, atlatls, crafts and stories by the campfire.
Program fee includes a wigwam for your family that will sleep up to 2 adults and 4 children, campfire dinner and a light breakfast. Please pack additional snacks and food items if needed. All participants will need to bring their own sleeping gear. Sleeping bags and sleeping pads available to borrow. Please indicate your interest in the reservation system. No camping experience necessary. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $28
Please feel free to reach out to your trip leader with any additional questions. Patrick Bronson at Patrick.bronson@metroparkstoledo.com or 419-280-9236.